Where to stay and when to go?

[Victoria J]

I have been to Disney World MANY times, but never DL. I started looking into places to stay and am at a loss! Part of the issue is that DS5 has a severe peanut allergy so our accomodations for the last 2 times have been at condos with a kitchen. IMO DW is the best place on earth to vacation for someone with food allergies (or even without!), and I'm assuming DL will be equally food allergy friendly, but it's nice to have some meals without having to scrutinize and check every single menu item.

SO, I am looking for a suite or similar with at least a microwave and fridge. Are there any places with full kitchens within a close drive? Does the DL area have any nearby condo type accomodations like DW? Is there are map or site that would show hotel distances from the park? It sounds like there are quite a few hotels that are within walking distance and I'm having a hard time determining what is where.

Also, when is the best time to go? Looking at weather and crowds?

Looking forward to any info and help (and to planning our next trip)!
Thanks!

 

[blackjackdelta]

We always stay at Residence Inn Maingate. They will grocery shop for you, full kitchens in most of the suites, less than 1/2 mile walk to the DLR entrance. Mid Sept-mid Oct the crowds have settled down. That would be my suggestion.

Jack

 

[avalon451]

Hi, Victoria, welcome to the left coast DIS!

First of all, I recommend that you read Hydroguy's Tips Compilation: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483 He has several threads devoted to the WDW vet doing DL for the first time. Plus there is lots of other great info about accomodations, among other things.

One of the ways WDW differs from DL is the availability of many offsite hotels in walking distance-- the ones on Harbor are mostly just as close as Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier, or not too much farther. There are suites with kitchenettes, or, more commonly, rooms with a microwave and mini-fridge. Here's a couple of maps that have links to nearby accommodations: http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap.html http://www.accommodationsneardisney.com/Disneyland/default.asp

I highly recommend staying at a hotel within walking distance (like Hydroguy says). It's not worth the fuss and time loss of driving and parking, or taking the ART system. Howard Johnson is a favorite on these boards.

Hope that helps!