Manifest Destiny: A Lifetime Walt Disney World Fan's First Trip To Disneyland

[TomP]

@Mike S that was a terrific TR. It looks and sounds like you had a great time. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures. Glad you're home safe.

 

[H2O_Mouse-Ears]

Hope you had enough In N Out to satisfy the cravings that are bound to occur!

 

[Zummi Gummi]

This seems like a good thread to ask this question. I'm trying to make a decision on where to stay and have a quick question...

We won't have a car, and I don't feel like dealing with shuttles, so ideally we'd like to choose a hotel within walking distance of the parks.

The Hilton Anaheim convention center always comes up as having great deals during our trip- rooms are around $150 a night. They advertise themselves as being "minutes" from the entrance, but looking at the map, that seems to be a bit of an exaggeration. Can you really walk from there? How long a walk, in reality, is it?

We were also looking at the Fairfield and Howard Johnson, both of which are more expensive than the Hilton, but seem closer to the parks.

How are the Best Western properties in the area? I've stayed at Best Westerns in other parts of the country and found that they really run the gamut in terms of quality.

Any thoughts on any of these properties? Thanks!

 

[Mike S]

This seems like a good thread to ask this question. I'm trying to make a decision on where to stay and have a quick question...

We won't have a car, and I don't feel like dealing with shuttles, so ideally we'd like to choose a hotel within walking distance of the parks.

The Hilton Anaheim convention center always comes up as having great deals during our trip- rooms are around $150 a night. They advertise themselves as being "minutes" from the entrance, but looking at the map, that seems to be a bit of an exaggeration. Can you really walk from there? How long a walk, in reality, is it?

We were also looking at the Fairfield and Howard Johnson, both of which are more expensive than the Hilton, but seem closer to the parks.

How are the Best Western properties in the area? I've stayed at Best Westerns in other parts of the country and found that they really run the gamut in terms of quality.

Any thoughts on any of these properties? Thanks!

I don't know about those properties but I stayed at the Motel 6 by Disneyland and it was pretty nice. Easy walk to the parks too.

 

[PacNWTigger]

This seems like a good thread to ask this question. I'm trying to make a decision on where to stay and have a quick question...

We won't have a car, and I don't feel like dealing with shuttles, so ideally we'd like to choose a hotel within walking distance of the parks.

The Hilton Anaheim convention center always comes up as having great deals during our trip- rooms are around $150 a night. They advertise themselves as being "minutes" from the entrance, but looking at the map, that seems to be a bit of an exaggeration. Can you really walk from there? How long a walk, in reality, is it?

We were also looking at the Fairfield and Howard Johnson, both of which are more expensive than the Hilton, but seem closer to the parks.

How are the Best Western properties in the area? I've stayed at Best Westerns in other parts of the country and found that they really run the gamut in terms of quality.

Any thoughts on any of these properties? Thanks!

The Anaheim Hilton would be quite a hike, but definitely doable if you're not allergic to walking. We tend to stay a bit closer on Katella at The Annabella, and we did a stent at the Eden Roc (which is being renovated) also. It's still a walk, but we go through Grand Californian to DD. It's a great morning walk cuz you're able to pick up your breakfast on the way to the park if the hotel doesn't offer it. The Annabella does have a restaurant on site (we got free breakfast the last time we stayed as well as a room upgrade), but you also have Tullys and Coco's on the corner.

 

[DznyGrlSD]

This seems like a good thread to ask this question. I'm trying to make a decision on where to stay and have a quick question...

We won't have a car, and I don't feel like dealing with shuttles, so ideally we'd like to choose a hotel within walking distance of the parks.

The Hilton Anaheim convention center always comes up as having great deals during our trip- rooms are around $150 a night. They advertise themselves as being "minutes" from the entrance, but looking at the map, that seems to be a bit of an exaggeration. Can you really walk from there? How long a walk, in reality, is it?

We were also looking at the Fairfield and Howard Johnson, both of which are more expensive than the Hilton, but seem closer to the parks.

How are the Best Western properties in the area? I've stayed at Best Westerns in other parts of the country and found that they really run the gamut in terms of quality.

Any thoughts on any of these properties? Thanks!

My $.02 - we stayed at the Fairfield in 2012 and will be staying there again in October. Easy walk to DL from the hotel and we could see the fireworks from the upper floors

 

[Kate Alan]

This seems like a good thread to ask this question. I'm trying to make a decision on where to stay and have a quick question...

We won't have a car, and I don't feel like dealing with shuttles, so ideally we'd like to choose a hotel within walking distance of the parks.

The Hilton Anaheim convention center always comes up as having great deals during our trip- rooms are around $150 a night. They advertise themselves as being "minutes" from the entrance, but looking at the map, that seems to be a bit of an exaggeration. Can you really walk from there? How long a walk, in reality, is it?

We were also looking at the Fairfield and Howard Johnson, both of which are more expensive than the Hilton, but seem closer to the parks.

How are the Best Western properties in the area? I've stayed at Best Westerns in other parts of the country and found that they really run the gamut in terms of quality.

Any thoughts on any of these properties? Thanks!

Best Western Park Place Inn & Mini Suites is directly across the street from the parks - very little walking. I personally love it. The rooms are clean, quiet, and gave more space than I thought they would based on price point. Pool is on the small side but does exist. This is usually my recommended choice to people for DLR - short of sleeping in the monorail, you can't get much closer, lol.

 

[flynnibus]

This seems like a good thread to ask this question. I'm trying to make a decision on where to stay and have a quick question...

We won't have a car, and I don't feel like dealing with shuttles, so ideally we'd like to choose a hotel within walking distance of the parks.

The Hilton Anaheim convention center always comes up as having great deals during our trip- rooms are around $150 a night. They advertise themselves as being "minutes" from the entrance, but looking at the map, that seems to be a bit of an exaggeration. Can you really walk from there? How long a walk, in reality, is it?

It's an easy walk.. about 15mins for those with energy. Just short of a mile. The shortest path is you go out between the hotel and the convention center, and then walk down katella to harbor and then up to the main gate. I wouldn't want to pay $150+ to be staying there though. For those kinds of rates you should be able to get the upgraded motels along harbor. I've stayed at the convention center frequently because it was priceline'd.. on the order of $70 or so. It's been awhile, but avoid paying full rate.

 

[TP2000]

My $.02 - we stayed at the Fairfield in 2012 and will be staying there again in October. Easy walk to DL from the hotel and we could see the fireworks from the upper floors

I vote for the Fairfield on Harbor too. I have family stay there, after being underwhelmed by the lackluster service at the Grand Californian for quadruple the nightly rates charged by the Fairfield.

The Howard Johnson's wins out if you have kids who want a fancy pool and water slides to play in.

The convention center Hilton is not much fun; it's a big, corporate hotel aimed at conventioneers on expense accounts instead of fun seekers. It's just on the verge of being too far to walk to the parks, and the walk home at the end of the night would probably be a killer. The shuttle system can be hectic and crowded during peak morning/evening commute times to the parks.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

The Hilton is not far at all. Can't you just go across the street to the Toy Story lot and take the bus?

 

[Zummi Gummi]

For what it's worth, we're going July 13-20, which is why rates seem a bit high. The Hilton is $159, Howard Johnson is $161, and the Fairfield is $185. Is the Fairfield worth the extra $24 a night or should we just go with the HoJo?

 

[Figments Friend]

If you have kids, of the two choices the HoJo and it's themed mini-water park will be something the kids will appreciate and enjoy.
The Fairfield sounds like a good choice otherwise as far as location goes.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

For what it's worth, we're going July 13-20, which is why rates seem a bit high. The Hilton is $159, Howard Johnson is $161, and the Fairfield is $185. Is the Fairfield worth the extra $24 a night or should we just go with the HoJo?

I'd pocket the $24/night and do the HoJo. They're right next to each other and the HoJo is perfectly nice.

 

[JillC LI]

Best Western Park Place Inn & Mini Suites is directly across the street from the parks - very little walking. I personally love it. The rooms are clean, quiet, and gave more space than I thought they would based on price point. Pool is on the small side but does exist. This is usually my recommended choice to people for DLR - short of sleeping in the monorail, you can't get much closer, lol.

Another vote for this place. It included a hot breakfast too, and you can't get any closer except the Disney California Hotel.

 

[dhall]

So I'm making a similar trip that you did -- 1st trip to DLR after a lifetime of WDW visits, although in my case, the lifetime is quite a bit longer (I remember WDW opening).

Was 2 days in the parks enough to see everything? Would you like to have stayed longer?

 

[Mike S]

So I'm making a similar trip that you did -- 1st trip to DLR after a lifetime of WDW visits, although in my case, the lifetime is quite a bit longer (I remember WDW opening).

Was 2 days in the parks enough to see everything? Would you like to have stayed longer?

I would've liked to stay longer but two days was enough to do all that I wanted. I didn't have time to do a lot of shows though, just Tiki Room and Aladdin. Also remember that it most likely only went so well for me because I went during a slower time. If you're going during a busier time you should definitely stay more than two days.

 

[dhall]

I would've liked to stay longer but two days was enough to do all that I wanted. I didn't have time to do a lot of shows though, just Tiki Room and Aladdin. Also remember that it most likely only went so well for me because I went during a slower time. If you're going during a busier time you should definitely stay more than two days.

I probably have 4-5 days to kill out there: it'll be in the early fall but kid's will be in school. I think I'm leaning toward 3 full days in the parks, then checking out other things in the area.

 

[PacNWTigger]

I probably have 4-5 days to kill out there: it'll be in the early fall but kid's will be in school. I think I'm leaning toward 3 full days in the parks, then checking out other things in the area.

3 days will be perfect...especially if you grab a hopper! You're going to LOVE it!!!

 

[Figments Friend]

My first visit to Disneyland was only two days, and for me it was not enough.
Sure,i was able to ride all the Attractions i had wanted, but i missed out on a lot of the entertainment offerings and *smaller* experiences.
I knew when i left that i needed more days to fully explore everything available that i wanted to at my own pace.
I like to immerse myself in the environments and savor the details instead of rushing from one Attraction to the next.
A *typical Guest* i am not!

When i returned on my own a few years later, i took five days to visit and had a much fuller experience.
Turned out those *smaller* offerings i missed previously became the more memorable and meaningful ones when the trip was over.

Disneyland is so much more then just riding *rides*. You can hit them all during a two or three day visit .
It*s all about ambiance, settings, and the experiences to enjoy in those themed places that make Disneyland the charming Park it is.
To be fully able to experience all it has to offer, four to five days or longer i would recommend.

 

[Mike S]

My first visit to Disneyland was only two days, and for me it was not enough.
Sure,i was able to ride all the Attractions i had wanted, but i missed out on a lot of the entertainment offerings and *smaller* experiences.
I knew when i left that i needed more days to fully explore everything available that i wanted to at my own pace.
I like to immerse myself in the environments and savor the details instead of rushing from one Attraction to the next.
A *typical Guest* i am not!

When i returned on my own a few years later, i took five days to visit and had a much fuller experience.
Turned out those *smaller* offerings i missed previously became the more memorable and meaningful ones when the trip was over.

Disneyland is so much more then just riding *rides*. You can hit them all during a two or three day visit .
It*s all about ambiance, settings, and the experiences to enjoy in those themed places that make Disneyland the charming Park it is.
To be fully able to experience all it has to offer, four to five days or longer i would recommend.

Sadly we didn't have a lot of time there. I got plenty of ambiance in Red Rock Canyon though so that's something