Originally Posted By officerminnie It's been over two years since I posted my last trip report, but I've been "lurking with envy" ever since. Lucky for me, my best friend is turning 50 in June and wants to be at the happiest place on earth for her big day. So my DS(14) and I are joining her, her DH, and twin DS & DD (14) for a visit from June 2-8. Our dilemna is where to stay, and we gotta get the most bang for our buck (on site is not an option for us in the $$ department, but we don't want anyplace crummy either). She is leaning toward Embassy Suites because she likes the idea of made-to-order breakfast and the free cocktails . But if we stay there, we will have to rely on the ART, and I don't know anything pro or con about that. Any thoughts? I am leaning toward my favorite, HoJo, but would also consider something even closer to the entrance to DL. Are any of those places clean and comfy? Any offer free breakfast? You were all a huge help to me in planning my last trip and I really appreciate any suggestions and advice you can offer. My trip countdown begins...I'll be at Disneyland just 5 months from tomorrow!!!!
Originally Posted By Lisann22 Welcome back officeminnie. I remember ya. Have you tried Best Western Park Place Inn? It is directly across the from the Harbor entrance at the crosswalk. They offer a free continental breakfast. Rooms have a larger than normal refrigerator, a microwave, iron, blow dryer, etc. It's very clean and the rooms are nice size. It's a no frills motel though. The pool is on the small side and the room doors face out into the parking lot on both sides. However, it's soooo convienant.
Originally Posted By 4Disnee Hello, We stayed at the Embassy Suite 2 years ago and the breakfast was really good. We were not fond of the ART. We ended up driving to the park everyday. We would always come back for the cocktails of course but it was so much easier to drive then wait and be stuffed in a buss with 50 people or more it was ugly. But the hotel was very nice along with a nice room. We have also stayed at the Candy Cane and that was a very nice place also. I would stay there again. Those are the only places that we have stayed besides the Disney propert.
Originally Posted By wendebird Hi officerminnie! I remember you too. Welcome back! I'm going to second Lisann22's advice. BWPPI is close, free breakfast, clean, nice sized rooms, helpful staff, etc. Just know it's not a resort. There are no pretty grounds. Just the parking lot & the hotel. I highly recommend it though. I haven't had a bad stay there, ever.
Originally Posted By officerminnie Thanks Lisann, 4Disnee, and wendebird. In your opinion, if the choice were between Candy Cane Inn and BWPPI, which has the nicer/cleaner rooms? And which has a better (probably meaning clean) pool? I know the kids will want to be in the pool whenever they aren't in the parks!
Originally Posted By goodgirl I'll chime in with the others and recommend the BWPPI. At the end of the day, it was a clean room with a bed. We didn't spend any time there. Having Disneyland right across the street was great. I've also stayed at HoJo's but the walk can be a long one when you've been on your feet all day in the parks. ART is okay but you usually have to wait 10 to 20 minutes at either end. Not usually a problem except on a really hot day.
Originally Posted By wendebird I've heard Candy Cane Inn has great/clean rooms, but I also heard they're on the smallish size. I've never stayed there, so I can't really compare the two. You would probably have to shuttle it though. It's quite a walk. (To the Candy Cane that is.)
Originally Posted By 4Disnee Wendebird, I was wondering for my self reguarding parking at the BWPPI. We have a really big truck with 4 tires in the back end and some times it is really hard to find a place that is big enough to park that is not compac. Do you know how there parking is? We may like to stay there on an up comming trip. You are right about the rooms at the Candy Cane they are a little small but very clean. The pool was a little small also but very clean. We had plenty of space to park our big truck there also. So parking info would be great on the BWPPI if anyone knows. Thanks
Originally Posted By wendebird Lisann22 may be able to answer that better. I have a car & had no trouble parking. I do remember the spots being tight when I parked between 2 Excursions, but that's not unusual.
Originally Posted By 4Disnee Thanks wendebird, That is good to know that the spots are not to tight. I know they are tight when my Saturn barely fits. lol
Originally Posted By MickeyMommy If a swimming pool is important to you, I would definetly consider the HoJo. The pools at the other places on Harbor are pretty small. There are two big pools at the HoJo, and they keep it a nice temperature. I would call and find out what type, if any, discounts are available with the entertainment card for your dates, you might get lucky and get one of those awesome rates.
Originally Posted By officerminnie Thanks everyone for all your input. We decided to just LOOK at the AAA rates for Paradise Pier and were pleasantly surprised. It's only a few dollars more than HoJo even with Willie's help. So I am 99% sure we will stay on site (something I haven't done since 1988!). I am so excited, but it's a looooooong way until June
Originally Posted By MickeyMommy I love the PPH, if at all possible, try to get a park view room. The views are incredible! And they have a nice pool and a water slide your kids will love. Have a great time!
Originally Posted By roberts1398 Hi Minnie! I remember you too! How exciting for you! My hubby and I are planning our first family trip (other than my LP trips) since August 2003. Have you checked out getawaytoday.com ? I found a great price there for combined hotel (Paradise Pier) and park hoppers.
Originally Posted By velo Hi Diane! I'm actually considering PPH in May (with my kids) for my Bday! The only thing I don't like about Getaway is that you have to pay up front. That's hard to do sometimes!
Originally Posted By officerminnie I am going to AAA on Friday (payday!) to book PPH for June 2-7 and put my deposit down. Yay!! I won't have to pay the balance until mid-May. I went to several travel sites online and decided this was the best route to take. I didn't find that prices varied too much between all of the various "discount" sites, so for convenience sake and the coveted Enhanced FP, I'm booking the whole package thru AAA. One stop shopping!
Originally Posted By roberts1398 Sounds like a plan, officer! Hi, Sarah! My hubby's due to get a sizeable bonus check around 3/1, and -- shock of all shocks -- HE actually suggested a family trip to DLR! We aren't firm on dates yet -- just looking for the best deal after that!
