Originally Posted By mommyof5 HELP! We are planning our first Disneyland vacation in June 2008. We have 5 children 11,7,6,5 and 4. Our 11 year old son has autism; and we need to be able to provide enough TLC and attention to go around for everyone. I am overwhelmed looking at all of the hotels to stay, I need a room that accommodates all of us, and a close walking distance to the park. We can't piggy back them all at the end of the day and may need to retreat midday for some downtime for our son. We want to make this extra special, the kids deserve it, but we are on a student budget. Dad is graduating from medical school in June and it's been a loooooonnnng road for our family. Residency starts in July and who knows when we'll see him again! Thanks!!!
Originally Posted By MickeyMommy Hi Mommyof5! I have two boys with autism, ages 12 and 10. We just spent the weekend in Disneyland for my 10 year olds birthday, and had a wonderful time. My best advice would to get an Entertainment Card and book two rooms at the HoJo (Howard Johnson Anaheim) with the $59 special. That would come to $120 a night, but you would have a ton of room for everyone, and it is walking distance to the entrance of the parks. The pools at the HoJo are awesome, and swimming is a big draw for my boys. There are other hotels and motels that are closer, but they are more expensive, AND not as nice. I would say it is about a 10 minute walk from the HoJo to the front gates. And there is a shuttle available for a small fee, but we have never used it. We will be there in June with friends that also have two boys with autism. I was able to get the special rate then. Hopefully it is still available for your dates. It is by far the best deal around. Free parking, free internet, great pools, big rooms, beautiful grounds, and a very friendly staff. And taking breaks to relax and watch t.v. and swim is so important to all kids, but especially spectrum kids. Disneyland can be a sensory explosion. We always take long breaks from the park in the afternoon, and that helps everyone (parents included) from getting over-frazzled. Let me know what I can do to help. We have been dozens of times, so hopefully I can give you some good tips! Have a great trip!!!
Originally Posted By SuzieQ HoJo's has posted the rate code to use to check availability of the Entertainment Rate. It's sd50. That way, if you can book the rooms at the great $59 rate, you can buy the book afterward and not waste money if the rate is not available. I don't know of any hotels that allow 7 in a room. It's a fire code thing. You'd have to have a suite or connecting rooms. Be sure to use the term "connecting" and NOT "adjoining". They mean different things. Connecting means an interior door. Adjoining means next to each other. Best of luck with your booking! The link here on LP will take you to the right place to check rates. Also, be sure you stop by City Hall to get a special assistance pass. It will help make your days much more enjoyable Congratulations to your entire family on your husband's looming graduation! What a major accomplishment for the family.
