Travelodge, with its sleepy bear mascot, is a low budget, low expectation type of family option for those looking to spend their money at Disneyland--where it’s not so cheap. As a motel, this is as base as it gets; beds and shower and a place to stash your luggage. If you drive to Anaheim, the parking there is free and seems to be plentiful. But to stay here, you need to have your ducks in a row or, like us, you will literally walk your heels right off the bone.
At the time we visited (during Rodeo Days in Tucson--especially sweet since the only people at Disney are wearing Wildcat gear), their little breakfast room was being rebuilt, but the offerings were enough to count as free breakfast. Cereal, store bought pastries, fresh fruit, juice, milk, coffee, tea will fuel you up quick. Here’s a nifty trick though, if you drive, pack in food. If you fly, take a taxi just once to Albertson’s which is a few miles towards Newport beach, and buy some simple things you can microwave. You’ll save lots of money there if you do. We bought a big bag full of Arby’s sandwiches, froze some water bottles, and stashed them in the lockers at Disney ($7.00 for a small that will hold enough food for lunch).
Back to the Travelodge--what was advertised when I looked was it’s proximity to the park. Yes, it is right across Ball Rd, all fifty acres of back lot. We had to hoof it uphill over a mile, around the whole back side, to the opposite corner where the entrance is. We envied the folks who had set up their lodging at the REAL across the street motels, let me tell you. Parking at the Disney garage is an option, for like $14.00 bucks a day. Thank goodness Travelodge’s Jacuzzi was in working order and hot, because every day we soaked our poor dogs in it until the tears went away.
A few perks to staying at this motel include; an AMPM gas station right next door if you need a quick fix on milk or beer or whatever, a grocery, Denny’s, and Cheesecake Factory within quick driving distance, and a hidden gem of a German restaurant that serves killer rotkraut. The beach is a quick drive too.
So word to the wise: if you stay there, it is ample good enough. Book a Disney shuttle in advance, and you can skip the garage or the grueling hike--you’re going to be walking plenty once you get inside. Take advantage of the freebies, the perks, and the simple little touches, like glowing stars capes in the ceiling when you turn out the lights, and free little toiletries, and the free parking. Plan well enough and you’ll not only enjoy your time at Disneyland, you might even feel that this little Lodge was a decent, clean place to hang your mouse ears.
Room Tip: Stay away from the rooms adjacent to the laundry, there's way too much worker traffic there.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC