[buzzsmommy]

I've heard that staying "on property" is not crucial in CA like in Orlando (would NEVER stay off property in FLA) because everything is close. Should we pay over $130 more a night for the Disneyland hotel or will we be just as happy in a three star Good Neighbor hotel across the street from the parks? ($190 DL vs. $70 non-Disney). Also, anyone ever gotten a Disney hotel in CA thru Priceline or Hot Wire?? Can it be done??

[mmouse67l]

I agree that it is not as important to stay on site at Disneyland. We are planning a trip next spring and will probably be staying at the Park Place INN. Right across the street from the shuttle pick-up area.

Never done the Priceline or Hotwire thing... sorry.

[mickey]

Park Place Inn and the Anaheim Inn, both Best Westerns, are in a great location, and are nice. They aren't the Disneyland Hotel, but still nice. If you can get a good deal on the Candy Cane Inn, it is the best option for a close by resort. It is actually in the parking lot of the resort, and a short walk to either park. The problem is that it is usually sold out, but it has been voted the nicest small hotel/motel in SoCal for the last three years.

Other than that, the new Marriott Suites or the Hilton Garden Inn are less than a block South, and they have shuttles. The Marriott has a free cook to order breakfast each morning included in the price.

Check out the prices at the Disneyland Hotel once the packages are released for 2004, you might be surprised.

[buzzsmommy]

Thanks Mickey. We're leaving in less than 3.5 WEEKS!!! So I'll have to pass on the 2004 package rates!!! I'm still playing the internate pricing game Disney vs. non-D. Everyday I check the various sites looking for the "ultimate" deal hoping that prices drop as we get this close. But, alas, so far the Disney properties are just way over priced compared to non-D. And we only need three nights so all the "stay 5-pay 3" deals do us noooo good.

Just to brag: I got us 6 nights at the Sheraton Harbor View in San Diego for $90/night on Hot Wire. Rack rate of $239 on the Sheraton web site!! I'm feeling good now!!!

Thanks for all the advice...

[ArielBelle]

I can't really comment on which is better, Buzzsmommy, but I do want to mention we stayed in the DisneyLand Hotel in 2001. We LOVED that we could walk everywhere. The pool was great...my DD has a blast! Aside form the Mickey Mouse shampoo and soaps, I would have hardly known we were on-site. No theme and nothing spectacular. Just a comfy hotel room.
We stayed in the Bonita Towers which was across the koi ponds. We had a view of a water show every evening ( I forget what it was called) which suprised me because I asked for a "quieter room".

My parents stayed off-site and had no problems getting to the parks. I actually thought the hotel they stayed in was nicer than ours...it was beautiful...and about $70 cheaper.

[mickey]

Off site, here are my suggestions:

Anaheim Marriott Suites: Brand New, cook to order breakfast included, two room suite: from $89 per night.

Hilton Garden Inn: Brand New, next to the Marriott, standard hotel room, very nice though: from $76.50 per night

Portofino Inn (www.portofino-inn.com): great kids suites, fun place to stay: from:$89.95 per night (great deal, normall about $150 per night)

Candy Cane Inn (www.candycaneinn.net): older motel style, recently updates, very nice, in the parking lot of the parks, constantly the top rated small hotel in CA: from $89

These rates were all directly through the hotel. You may find better rates through one of the online agencies. Let me know what you find out.

[buzzsmommy]

Well, here's what happened: Crossed my fingers on a Hot Wire deal for 3.5 stars at $64 night. Turned out to be the Anabella Hotel. Not my first choice but I don't think we'll be disappointed. We just wanted close and clean and I think this fits the bill. Thanks Mickey for your help!!

[inluvwithdisney]

I would never stay off site at DL again!!! I love the DL hotel!!! I think it is really an advantage to stay on site there because it is so close!!!!! Anyway you look at it, It is more magical to stay on BUT if $ holds that back I can see the reasoning in staying off site!!!

When we go to DL we always have a resort day because the resorts have so much to do too!!! If you are not going to spend much time there then maybe off site is a good choice too!!

Good Luck and have fun!!!! I :heart :heart :heart Disneyland!!!
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)