Which walking distance hotel?

[c&m]

We are fans of the Garden Grove hotels. Our typical routine is to drive and park at the Mickey & Friends lot or Timon lot and then hop on the tram. Easy peasy.

However...

On our August 2010 trip, when we stayed at the Sheraton Garden Grove, we were diverted to go into the Toy Story lot, after a 2-minute drive from our hotel parking lot. Then we paid $15 for Disney parking (on top of the $12 daily hotel parking fee). And then we waited in a long line-up to get on those buses for the 7-minute ride to the main gate.

I consider that bad planning on my part. We would've done things differently, either:
1. Stay at a hotel that's walking distance to the main gate to avoid the hassle of shuttles/trams altogether.
- or -
2. Stay at a hotel that's directly across from the Toy Story lot so we can avoid parking altogether and have the flexibility to just hop on one of those buses (should we need) or walk to the main gate.

Well, we're going again in March during spring break. I have decided that we're going to try out a walking-distance hotel. The 3 hotels I've narrowed it down to are:

1. Hojo
2. Marriott Fairfield Inn
3. Candy Cane Inn

Please help us choose one and let me know why! Thanks!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

All 3 have great reviews from other Dis-ers. We've only stayed at HOJOs. I think the real question is where is the best deal.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

HoJo for sure if you can get the ent rate ~ if not any of them *I'd go with the lowest rate.

 

[c&m]

The rates that I've found so far are:

1. Hojo - $101 (no Ent rate for March dates yet)
2. Marriott Fairfield Inn - $123 + $8 daily parking fee
3. Candy Cane Inn - $139

Other requirements for a good hotel is cleanliness, service, and the least wear/tear in the hotel room.

 

[AndyLL]

I've stayed at all 3 and would be happy in all 3 again.

That said we've stayed at the fairfield the last 3-4 times.

They also have another parking garage and if you park there I believe there is no fee. ( they have a shuttle to/from it )

 

[skiingfast]

I picked CCI, just because it has the free shuttle to get tired feet back from the park.

 

[amamax2]

We have stayed in both HOJOs and CCI - I like both, but chose Candy Cane Inn because I liked the free breakfast (not that the food was outstanding, but nice and convenient to have it right there) and I like the walk better than from HOJOs (while I think about the same distance, IMO it is quieter, prettier, and nice not to have to cross Harbor).

BUT, if you can get the AP rate or ET rate at HOJOs, I would pick it instead as it is a great rate, plus the rooms seemed bigger.

 

[GrandBob]

2. Stay at a hotel that's directly across from the Toy Story lot so we can avoid parking altogether and have the flexibility to just hop on one of those buses (should we need) or walk to the main gate.

I admit to having such thoughts myself, but haven't done it, since I usually manage good rates at HoJo (my vote).

But that brings up a question -- is the shuttle to/from Toy Story always in operation? Or do they only open up the lot (and hence the shuttle) when it's needed? If the latter is true, then it seems risky to stay nearby with the intent to hop the shuttle. I guess you can always take ART (I've never tried ART - scared by the stories of interminable waits).

-Bob

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I've stayed at both and would recommend both.

HOJOs doesn't offer breakfast but the rooms are slightly larger and you can get a view of the park.

Candy Cane has a nice free continental breakfast and an exclusive shuttle available to and from the park. It is also on the same side of Harbor as the park, so you don't have to cross Harbor.

You really can't go wrong with either.

 

[BoiseToDisneyland]

Does HoJo's charge for parking? What discounts are available for the 25th, 26th and 27th of March?

 

[c&m]

Boise, I posted on your thread just a minute ago. The dates for the March Ent rate aren't available yet.

The only discounts I could get are the Disboards discount rate ($101) or the AAA rate ($109). I booked using the Disboards discount using the LNDB promo code. I'm now stalking the hojoanaheim boards daily to check if they have released the March dates! I hear they go fast.

No, Hojo doesn't charge for parking.

 

[BoiseToDisneyland]

Thanks! I sincerely appreciate all of your help! Seems all the costs are going to add up for a spendy $$$ vacation and I'm trying to minimize the spending where possible. Between airfare, rental car, hotels and tickets to Disneyland and a yet to be determined fun things in San Diego (Legoland or Seaworld or Zoo), it's going to be spendy for this family of 5.

Boise, I posted on your thread just a minute ago. The dates for the March Ent rate aren't available yet.

The only discounts I could get are the Disboards discount rate ($101) or the AAA rate ($109). I booked using the Disboards discount using the LNDB promo code. I'm now stalking the hojoanaheim boards daily to check if they have released the March dates! I hear they go fast.

No, Hojo doesn't charge for parking.

 

[skiingfast]

I admit to having such thoughts myself, but haven't done it, since I usually manage good rates at HoJo (my vote).

But that brings up a question -- is the shuttle to/from Toy Story always in operation? Or do they only open up the lot (and hence the shuttle) when it's needed? If the latter is true, then it seems risky to stay nearby with the intent to hop the shuttle. I guess you can always take ART (I've never tried ART - scared by the stories of interminable waits).

-Bob

I have heard that Toy Story always is open and never noticed that traffic isn't being routed there by the signs on Katella and Disney Way. But I don't know that this strategy beats staying further up Harbor. Only the Clarion right across the street is near the TS entrance and depending on where cars are being parks the walk to the bus can add up to further than walking from the Hojo.

 

[c&m]

I have heard that Toy Story always is open and never noticed that traffic isn't being routed there by the signs on Katella and Disney Way. But I don't know that this strategy beats staying further up Harbor. Only the Clarion right across the street is near the TS entrance and depending on where cars are being parks the walk to the bus can add up to further than walking from the Hojo.

You've got a good point there. That's why we're opting to stay at a hotel that's walking distance rather than staying at a Toy Story parking area hotel. However, given that we're slaves to school vacations and go only during peak times, it's probably most likely that the Toy Story overflow parking lot would be open whenever we go.

 

[pixiewings71]

My first pick is always the HoJo, but if we can't get the Ent Rate (we do the $59 a night rooms) we try the CCI next. The CCI is really a great value, free breakfast (one of the better ones too) and a free dedicated shuttle, that means the shuttle doesn't go anywhere BUT the CCI and DL. That's it, and that's awesome after walking all day long.