I'm breaking ranks and going West

[DisneyDelirious]

I called this morning and cancelled our 14 day trip to WDW as well as our 15 ADR's. The wife and I stayed up late last night talking and came to a decision. We are headed to DLR. Our WDW trip was slotted for May 29-June 11. We are now looking at May 31-June 8 in Anaheim. It will be me, my wife, son (12), and daughter (10.) I was looking at Camelot Inn and Suites but it's reviews are not stellar. Thinking the Howard Johnson's may do. We always stay on-site at WDW but I don't know that we gain that much from staying on-site at DLR as the bubble is either less or non-existent compared to FL. We are thinking of avoiding the parks on Grad Nite days and spread our 5 day park hopper with Magic Morning out a little bit with some pool and beach time. I'm going to comb the forum for tips as this will be my first trip to Walt's park. Any hotel advice or trip advice in general is appreciated. I have been close to heading out west before but always gave in to my WDW bias. i just don't want to be a MM+ guinea pig while they work the kinks out, and don't feel my $ is going as far as they it once did at WDW. I'm really excited about this new trip.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Congratulations on making the decision. Hopefully the MM+ program will be fully worked out by the time you go back to WDW.

You most definitely should avoid the parks on Grad Nites. So many annoying and obnoxious teens.

In terms of hotels, what exactly are you looking for in a hotel?

 

[DisneyDelirious]

Thanks! As far as the hotel: clean, comfortable, nice pool for the kids, walking distance to DLR would be the biggies. We always stay at CBR at WDW which is a moderate.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Your welcome! What about price range?

 

[DisneyDelirious]

$200-$250 a night would probably be fine.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Okay. I've heard good reviews about the HoJo, as well as the Anabella. Here's a list of the offsite hotels:

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/hotels/good-neighbor/

 

[Malloriewillms]

Your right you don't need to stay on site for dl it isn't the same as wdw and dl hotels are way pricer. I have stayed at the cheaper hotels and the more pricer. Hilton and Marriott are right across street and both nice options they have shuttles over to disney if you don't wanna walk as dl closed the side entrance to get to parks. Fairfield inn by Marriott is also nice we are staying there in may also it's super close to Park, they also have disney themed rooms now. At hotel full price runs 134 about a night. But you can check deal sites and get cheaper we got around 92 a night. Have fun I love dland!

 

[BubbaQuest]

Even though it might be out of your price range, I'd recommend thinking about the Disneyland hotel only because you mentioned you are staying for an extended period of time. The DL Hotel has a great pool area and puts you close to the movie theaters and things like ESPN Zone. It is a long walk to the parks, although the monorail helps a bit.

Otherwise, I've heard good things about the Howard Johnsons for extended stays. I find the satellite view of Google Maps a big help when looking for hotels in the area. Many of the motel pools in the area are just a square in the middle of the parking lot.

Hope this helps and have a great trip!

 

[TP2000]

The HoJo is great for families, and you can probably stay there for the week at one third the cost of the Disneyland Hotel. The HoJo pool area is very fun, and Mimi's Café across the parking lot is a wonderful option for good meals at a good price (or at least cheaper than the Disneyland Hotel dining options). http://www.mimiscafe.com/

HoJo Anaheim Pool and Water Play Area

This is your sidewalk commute from the HoJo two blocks south to Disneyland. Notice DCA's Tower of Terror looming in the background. Monorail beam is above the sidewalk on the right side of Harbor Blvd, and Disneyland's "backstage" buildings painted green just behind. It's not exactly a Bay Lake view, but it's clean and safe and an easy walk to the parks. Vehicle traffic on Harbor Blvd. can be heavy at times, especially during rush hours or at park closing time.

Here's a view from an upper floor of the HoJo, on the Disneyland side of the building. That's a fun view of the Matterhorn, Thunder Mountain, Tomorrowland, zipping monorails, etc. Be advised though that the view on the opposite side of the building is of 16 lanes of Santa Ana Freeway and Orange County's more mundane suburbs.

And if you want to spend an evening at one of the Disney-owned hotels, it's an easy walk over there to stroll the grounds and soak up the atmosphere. Check out the rates at a few properties and stick with the HoJo if the savings are as big as I imagine them to be.

 

[KeithVH]

Check Mousesavers.com for a code for the HoJo. Pretty good deals to be had. Also, ask for the second floor of one of the side buildings instead of the tower. They have circular arched roofs and you wouldn't beliveve how roomy they feel. As noted, Mimi's is very handy for a decent meal.

You could also try the Candy Cane. That would be another good choice on par with HJ. It also wouldn't hurt to watch for deals at Paradise Pier (right now ~$300/night). Walk from there to the monorail and you'll be on the backside of the park in no time, especially at rope drop.

 

[Sassagoula-Rvr]

We stayed at one place not far from the parks the first night...It was expensive and was kind of a hole in the wall...the next night...we were in the Grand Californian...Figured we may not make it back out west again, and it was only a two day trip anyways....and one night wasn't going to bankrupt us...now that is a hotel!!

AMAZING experience...we were looking to book at Disneyland or Paradise Pier Hotel...but both were full...so...we ended up in luxury...saw how the other side lives....I would love to go back there.

Have fun though, have always heard good things about HoJo...but they were full at that time too. We loved disneyland...everything is tiny! But at the end of the day...we didn't feel totally worn out like we do at the World sometimes! But we won't be making any trips out there instead of Orlando...however whenever I make it back through LA...I'll stop in. Can't help it!

 

[Skippy's Pal]

Us, too. We were last at WDW in 2011, and our visit cycle was coming due. But in the face of "Magic Your Way," the Magic Bands, "FastPass+," the de facto rationing of E-ticket rides under the new system, the fact that navigating the new system tethers one to your smartphone in the park, the virtual dismembering of Park Hopper, numerous maintenance issues, well, heck, in the face of all these fun things, this Massachusetts family is headed to DL in a couple of weeks. So looking forward to it.

 

[Cosmic Commando]

Us, too. We were last at WDW in 2011, and our visit cycle was coming due. But in the face of "Magic Your Way," the Magic Bands, "FastPass+," the de facto rationing of E-ticket rides under the new system, the fact that navigating the new system tethers one to your smartphone in the park, the virtual dismembering of Park Hopper, numerous maintenance issues, well, heck, in the face of all these fun things, this Massachusetts family is headed to DL in a couple of weeks. So looking forward to it.

We'd love to answer your questions before you go, see your pics and read your thoughts when you get back!

 

[Skippy's Pal]

We'd love to answer your questions before you go, see your pics and read your thoughts when you get back!

Thanks! We've studied-up, have both Birnbaum's and the Unofficial Guide, and have subscribed to Touring Plans. All of that said, what I still don't fully understand is what I've seen referred to as the "wide right" technique for getting FastPasses for Radiator Springs Racers at rope drop in the morning. We're staying at the Grand Californian and I have also read that one DOESN'T want to use their special entrance if your goal is FP on RSR. Otherwise I think we're good. As WDW veterans will be happy to provide a full report on DLR when we get back!

 

[KeithVH]

Yeah, if you're not doing EMH thru the GC, the more direct route is thru the maingate. However, if you are on property, the GC gate can't be beat. Except you better be there early. It gets really long, really fast. But you can walk in, grab WoC FPs, and actually do both RSR and LFT before rope drop too. You just have to schedule your days appropriately.

 

[Cosmic Commando]

Thanks! We've studied-up, have both Birnbaum's and the Unofficial Guide, and have subscribed to Touring Plans. All of that said, what I still don't fully understand is what I've seen referred to as the "wide right" technique for getting FastPasses for Radiator Springs Racers at rope drop in the morning. We're staying at the Grand Californian and I have also read that one DOESN'T want to use their special entrance if your goal is FP on RSR. Otherwise I think we're good. As WDW veterans will be happy to provide a full report on DLR when we get back!

This has come up before! If I remember correctly, it's not to get Fastpasses, but rather if you want to get on the ride earliest at rope drop in the morning. If you want to get in the standby line for Racers at rope drop, you stay to the right of the surging river of people; with the way things are situated, it will be your best bet. The Fastpass line will be on your left-hand side when you enter the park.

 

[Figments Friend]

I called this morning and cancelled our 14 day trip to WDW as well as our 15 ADR's. The wife and I stayed up late last night talking and came to a decision. We are headed to DLR. Our WDW trip was slotted for May 29-June 11. We are now looking at May 31-June 8 in Anaheim. It will be me, my wife, son (12), and daughter (10.) I was looking at Camelot Inn and Suites but it's reviews are not stellar. Thinking the Howard Johnson's may do. We always stay on-site at WDW but I don't know that we gain that much from staying on-site at DLR as the bubble is either less or non-existent compared to FL. We are thinking of avoiding the parks on Grad Nite days and spread our 5 day park hopper with Magic Morning out a little bit with some pool and beach time. I'm going to comb the forum for tips as this will be my first trip to Walt's park. Any hotel advice or trip advice in general is appreciated. I have been close to heading out west before but always gave in to my WDW bias. i just don't want to be a MM+ guinea pig while they work the kinks out, and don't feel my $ is going as far as they it once did at WDW. I'm really excited about this new trip.

I applaud you for your decision to change your plans.
Not a easy thing to do, but i am sure in the end you will realize you made the right choice.
I think you will be pleasantly delighted by the different ( and in some opinion, vastly superior ) experiences that await you at Disneyland.

It really is a different experience when compared to what you are already familiar with at WDW.
It is a less hectic atmosphere for one thing, and much more relaxing in many respects too.
You will like the more laid back pace and there is less pressures involved in trying to *plan* so much in advance, which is pretty much a must now to visit WDW in any form of capacity.

So GO WEST, young DL fan....and savor the wonders.



P.s - Also planning on returning to DL this May. I need to research that month and avoid Grad Nites.

 

[DisneyDelirious]

I applaud you for your decision to change your plans.
I think you will be pleasantly delighted in the different ( and in some opinion, vastly superior ) experience that awaits you at Disneyland.
It really is a different world...and much less hectic and relaxing one at that. You will like the more laid back pace and less pressures involved in trying to *plan* so much in advance.

GO...and savor.



P.s - Also planning on returning to DL this May. I need to research that month and avoid Grad Nites.

Grad night dates are up on the DLR site. We are planning now, including avoiding these nights like the plague.

 

[Figments Friend]

Grad night dates are up on the DLR site. We are planning now, including avoiding these nights like the plague.

Thanks.
Yeah, Grad Nites are horrendous at WDW...and i have heard it can get fairly ugly at DL too during that time.

 

[jamesgf]

I called this morning and cancelled our 14 day trip to WDW as well as our 15 ADR's. The wife and I stayed up late last night talking and came to a decision. We are headed to DLR. Our WDW trip was slotted for May 29-June 11. We are now looking at May 31-June 8 in Anaheim. It will be me, my wife, son (12), and daughter (10.) I was looking at Camelot Inn and Suites but it's reviews are not stellar. Thinking the Howard Johnson's may do. We always stay on-site at WDW but I don't know that we gain that much from staying on-site at DLR as the bubble is either less or non-existent compared to FL. We are thinking of avoiding the parks on Grad Nite days and spread our 5 day park hopper with Magic Morning out a little bit with some pool and beach time. I'm going to comb the forum for tips as this will be my first trip to Walt's park. Any hotel advice or trip advice in general is appreciated. I have been close to heading out west before but always gave in to my WDW bias. i just don't want to be a MM+ guinea pig while they work the kinks out, and don't feel my $ is going as far as they it once did at WDW. I'm really excited about this new trip.

We are doing the same thing. Our trip last year to WDW was disappointing compared to our previous visits, and we really are not looking forward to the whole MM+ debacle , so we bailed on our next WDW trip and booked for DL for the last week in June. Really looking forward to it. Staying for a week, 3 days at DL, one at USH, and a few free days for beach/sight seeing. I've only been to DL once when I was 6 and my daughter (13) is really excited to head west.