Which hotel? Going without our kids!

[az4boys]

When we were first married I wanted to go to DL with my husband. He didn't really see the point. 14 years and 4 kids later... we are going alone for the first time. I think he understands now. I'm so excited!

A couple questions: I've read a lot of reviews/posts/threads on hotels. Finding a room for 2 (no kids) is totally different than finding a room for 6. I would love to stay onsite, but it would cost nearly $1000 more for 3 days. I just can't do that. I've narrowed it down to Candy Cane Inn and the Fairfield Inn. I can think of pros and cons for both. Anyone have any input to sway me? Is there a hotel/motel within walking distance that would be better? BWPPI is not available.

I read somewhere that the holiday fireworks (can't remember the official names) will not be shown this year but they will have the 60th fireworks nightly during the Christmas holiday time. Is that right?

Any idea if they will have both the holiday parade and the 60th parade (PTN) during Christmas time? We're planning on the week before Thanksgiving if that makes a difference. I did look at the superthread but saw mostly 2014 info. Maybe I missed something.

One last question - I've checked calendars and I don't see much going on that week. I know they tape some sort of TV special in November. Is that generally earlier in the month? I'd prefer to avoid that.

Thank you!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Look into the CCI premium rooms if your budget allows. Those rooms have some nice perks (e.g. bathrobes, amenities basket, breakfast delivered to your room, etc.). That might be a nice plus for a grown ups getaway. CCI offers various discounts (AP, AAA, return guest, etc.), so you can see if something applies for you. I believe there is confirmation in the Holiday Time Superthread that the Christmas Fantasy Parade will be showing along with PTN this year. The TV special usually tapes the first weekend in Nov. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[valiamo]

We have stayed at the Fairfield several times, and have liked the hotel, and are there again in December . It is not by any means luxury, and the rooms all face outwards, with the hallways open to the outside.

Pro's: It is a close walk to the park and the beds were clean and comfortable, the rates were reasonable. No need to splurge for a Disney Park view, as you can walk around to the front of the building on any floor and see the fireworks from there. There is a Macdonalds next door, and good eating establishments south of the hotel, in easy walking distance.

Cons: Once minor complaint last trip, was the sound from the hallway, we were near the central elevators and could hear families going back and forth during the early mornings, nothing says good morning like an overexcited 6 year old sqealling "Mickey Mouse" at your door several dozen times (there is a big Mickey Mouse on the car park roof, which was just below our room.).. Get a room down the hall from the elevators...
No real restaurant in the hotel (they have a quick service Pizza Hut)

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

The Fairfield Inn is fine, a close walk but is rather run down. You might want to consider the new Courtyard, which is opening next month:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/snadt-courtyard-anaheim-theme-park-entrance/

 

[Girimama33]

I have stayed at both and my vote would be for CCI. You get more for your $$ there. At FFI, you will have to pay parking. CCI offers free parking and a continental breakfast.
If you were interested in BWPPI due to location, check out Park Vue Inn. It is next to BWPPI, recently remodeled and also offers free parking, but a free hot breakfast. We stayed there the first time in late June and would definitely stay there again.

 

[goooof1]

Another vote for Candy Cane! We have stayed at both and Candy Cane wins out. Short walk to the entrance to the parks and if you want, free, reliable shuttle on the way back..... Mostly, great customer service.

 

[Sherry E]

As theluckyrabbit mentioned above, I announced it in the Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread when I learned that the Christmas Fantasy Parade would be returning (a few weeks ago). Stay tuned to that thread, as I will post whenever I get any inkling of holiday season events returning or disappearing, or if any concrete news (or rumors) leaks out. I don't know exactly how the Christmas Fantasy Parade will be presented -- in other words, if it will be a daily, daytime-specific event while Paint the Night is the nighttime parade, or if CFP might run on select days only, etc. I am assuming that CFP will only run in the daytime, and PtN will run every night.

On another site/discussion forum I read an unconfirmed-but-supposedly-fairly-credible report that A Christmas Fantasy Parade will run once daily during the week, and twice daily on the weekends, while Paint the Night will run once every night. We'll see.

Whatever the case, CFP is definitely coming back in some capacity, as auditions were already held for it.

The Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks will almost certainly not be happening this year (they didn't run during the 50th anniversary year either), with Disneyland Forever continuing on for the rest of the year.

 

[deetman]

I know you said you have narrowed it down--but have you considered a Fireworks view room at Howard Johnson's? Their service is GREAT, it's an easy walk for adults, and you can enjoy a balcony view of the park! Great for an intimate evening. Just be sure to tell them it's a special occasion.

 

[az4boys]

Thank you for all the replies! I posted this last night and was excited to come back and see responses. When considering breakfast & parking, I think CCI and FFI are about equal on cost. FFI would be cheaper if I book through Costco, but I don't like to be tied into vacation packages. However, the general impression I get is that CCI is a little nicer for a couples trip.

My reasoning against Howard Johnson was that it is a bit farther with no shuttle, and I heard their prices were higher. I'll look into it though. I have checked so many hotels I might as well check one more!

The new courtyard also looks great. I've spent a lot of time on their website (considered it for a family trip), but it is quite a bit more expensive.

Thanks again!

 

[deetman]

Azmyboys--yes...hojo's is a little farther...but little is very relative! Unless you have mobility issues, you can be from the hotel to the turnstiles in 10 min or less. It is closer than Paradise Pier.
I am staying at the new Courtyard in October, so I will be sure to post my impressions.