[WDWaddict]

We just got back from WDW less than a month ago and during our trip we found out the military is moving us back to Hawaii in June. DH's mother has a house in Indio and while we are visiting her on our way to Hawaii, DH said we could spend a couple days as Disneyland and DCA! Eeeee, we are so excited! We have never been to DCA and haven't been to DL in 4 years.

What is the best non-DIsney hotel to stay in? Neither of us want to pay the $258 a night to stay on property unless it is the best option.

I have seen Howard Johnson mentioned before and it is only going to be $69 a night for the time we want to go..is this a good, clean hotel in a decent area? Can we walk to DL or is there a shuttle or something to the parks?

Sorry I am so full of ?'s..we have always done a day trip to DL and never got to stay longer or do DCA.

I know we can do DL in one day b/c that is how we always have done it but is DCA going to take more than one day? Would a 2 day hopper do it or do I really need to get 3 day hoppers?

Last ? ..lol IF my MIL's husband is a CA resident, can he buy us tickets? They will be going with us but no one has a CA ID except him.

Thanks for all the info..I really appreciate it!

[Disneywife]

Originally Posted by WDWaddict

We just got back from WDW less than a month ago and during our trip we found out the military is moving us back to Hawaii in June. DH's mother has a house in Indio and while we are visiting her on our way to Hawaii, DH said we could spend a couple days as Disneyland and DCA! Eeeee, we are so excited! We have never been to DCA and haven't been to DL in 4 years.

What is the best non-DIsney hotel to stay in? Neither of us want to pay the $258 a night to stay on property unless it is the best option.

I have seen Howard Johnson mentioned before and it is only going to be $69 a night for the time we want to go..is this a good, clean hotel in a decent area? Can we walk to DL or is there a shuttle or something to the parks?

Sorry I am so full of ?'s..we have always done a day trip to DL and never got to stay longer or do DCA.

I know we can do DL in one day b/c that is how we always have done it but is DCA going to take more than one day? Would a 2 day hopper do it or do I really need to get 3 day hoppers?

Last ? ..lol IF my MIL's husband is a CA resident, can he buy us tickets? They will be going with us but no one has a CA ID except him.

Thanks for all the info..I really appreciate it!

I am not sure of the "best" non-Disney hotel, but check out the off-property forum. It seems that a lot of people like the Candy Cane Inn, but I'm not sure how much they run. All of the hotels are within walking distance and I'm sure that most of them have a shuttle to the main gate.

On property, any of the hotels are good, the Grand Californian is the best. It's actually inside California Adventure, and has it's own entrance.

I'd definitely get a 3-day park hopper if you can swing it. DCA is just as big as Disneyland, and has just as much to do. If you've already done DL, you can spend just one day there and 2 days at DCA and Downtown Disney.

I'm not sure if DL still gives discounts for CA residents, so you may want to call and ask. If so, then yes, anyone can buy you tickets.

[dznygrl]

I am one of the Candy Cane Inn fans...rooms there generally start at about $82 per night and go up from there. It's not the cheapest, but it is worth the money. The rooms are simply marvelous and they have a large pool, spa & continental breakfast...plus are within easy walking distance!

If you are looking for cheaper, the cheapest one I can recommend in the area is the Red Roof Inn on Disney Way. It's a little too far to walk (unless you enjoy a decent-size walk) but they are on the ART shuttle, which you can purchase multi-day passes for and it turns out to be a good deal. Rooms at Red Roof start at $49, and the rooms are large, bright and clean! They also have a large pool and spa.

DCA can be done in one day, but 2 days is definitely preferable. There are many areas to stop and savor, and if you go too fast you're liable to miss something.

If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask! I don't want to blab your ears off right away...LOL.

P.S. If you ride the Maliboomer or Orange Stinger at DCA, be extra nice to the CMs there, okay? They're my buddies. (Former co-workers.)

[anaheimboy]

I would have to say the Candy Cane Inn would be your best bet for a nice non-Disney hotel. The prices are great and the accomidations are wonderful! :-) :-) You can go here to get info on the hotel and you can take virtual tours of the hotel. enjoy! :-) http://www.candycaneinn.net/

[jodilt]

I can do DCA in one day, but DL takes 2 depending on the crowds. If you can afford the 3 day hopper I would do it. At least that way you wouldn't feel rushed to see everything in 2 days.

[Dana]

I have no idea at all about any of the questions posted. I just wanted to give you congrats on your upcoming trip!

[anaheimboy]

Originally Posted by jodilt

I can do DCA in one day, but DL takes 2 depending on the crowds. If you can afford the 3 day hopper I would do it. At least that way you wouldn't feel rushed to see everything in 2 days.

Yea, Ill have to agree. A three day park hopper is the best, you have enough time to do as much as you can without feeling rushed. But doing it in 2 days is good too.