Anaheim's EPIC Water Playground Hotel: Howard Johnson by Wyndham!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the splash zone of Anaheim’s Howard Johnson by Wyndham – the EPIC Water Playground Hotel! Forget those sterile, corporate hotel reviews; this is the raw, unfiltered truth. Let's get messy.
First off, let's address the elephant in the room, or rather, the splash pad in the pool. This place is, like, designed for kids. If you're expecting a serene, couples' getaway, you might as well turn tail and head back to your perfectly quiet apartment. The shrieks of joy (and the occasional toddler meltdown) are the soundtrack to your stay. But honestly? It's kinda charming in its own chaotic way.
Accessibility: Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I observed a pretty good setup. Wheelchair accessible ramps were readily available, and the staff seemed genuinely accommodating. A plus! Though, and I'm just spitballing here, maybe a few more accessible rooms with roll-in showers would be a game-changer. (I did note a few little things that felt like they could be improved without hurting anyone.)
Cleanliness and Safety - the Pandemic Shuffle: Okay, let's be real, everyone's a germaphobe now. I was hyper aware of the cleaning situation. They did go hard with the anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer stations were everywhere, and the staff, bless their souls, were masked up. My room? Seemed pretty damn clean when I got in there. I think I felt safe; it's hard to shake that constant low-level anxiety these days, isn't it? They offered room sanitization opt-out, which felt fair, and lots of individually-wrapped food options, so, solid there. Staff trained in safety protocols. That's a win!
Rooms and Amenities – A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Alright):
My room was, well, a room. Pretty standard stuff. Air conditioning blasted (blessedly). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!) and boy did it work well. The free bottled water was a nice touch after a long day at Disneyland. My bed? Surprisingly comfy. The blackout curtains were a godsend. Look, it wasn't the Ritz, but it was clean, functional, did the job. They had interconnecting rooms which would be amazing for a big-ass family, and I can get behind that!
But…and there's always a but, right? Some of the furnishings looked a little…tired. A little bit of wear and tear is fine, but I would love to see them invest in some new towels! I'm not gonna lie, I had to keep my shower brief or risk being chilly. The refrigerator was a lifesaver for keeping my Mickey Bars nice and frozen…and my beer cold! The desk was functional, if a little cramped. And the coffee/tea maker…well, let's just say it made coffee. Not good coffee. Coffee.
Swimming Pool and Water Park – The Reason You’re Here (and My Personal Saga):
Okay, let's TALK about the water park. This is the epic part of the "EPIC Water Playground Hotel," and it's the reason this place exists. It's a kaleidoscope of shrieking kids and sun-drenched smiles. The slides are… well, they're slides. They’re fast enough to provide a thrill to a slightly-jaded adult and safe enough for, well, most kids.
Here's where my personal saga kicks in: I went down one slide. Maybe two. Then, I decided I'd, you know, supervise from a safe distance. My inner child had died, clearly. (Don't judge. I'm a worrier). The pool was a decent size, the water was refreshingly cool, and the whole area was buzzing with energy. But honestly? It's a bit overwhelming if you're not in the splash zone. The pool with a view was beautiful, but from my vantage point, it was blocked – you know, by the giant water slide. The other pool? The one without the slides? Much more my speed. And there was a poolside bar! I definitely took full advantage.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Fun (and Maybe Some Disappointment):
The poolside bar was pure bliss. Cold drinks, easy access, the perfect antidote to the chaos. They also provided a snack bar which was absolutely PERFECT. But the restaurant situation? Mixed. I'd be lying if I said the food was Michelin-star quality. It was…serviceable. The breakfast buffet was, well, a breakfast buffet. The Asian dishes looked promising, yet I opted for something bland and safe. (I wasn't feeling adventurous, okay?) The coffee shop had a much better cup than the one in my room, thank God. The happy hour was a welcome touch, though the selection felt a tad limited. They offered room service [24-hour] which was clutch after a long day at the parks. It was a lifesaver for late-night cheese sticks.
Services and Conveniences – The Nitty-Gritty:
The front desk [24-hour] was a plus, especially when I needed help with my overly-complicated room key. Daily housekeeping kept things tidy, especially after I'd made a mess. Car park [free of charge]! Score! Cash withdrawal was handy. The concierge was friendly and helpful. The convenience store was a lifesaver for forgotten essentials (sunscreen, band-aids, etc). The luggage storage came in handy after check-out too.
Getting Around: This is Anaheim. You either use a car or take a ride-share. The hotel offers a car park [on-site] which is free, so, bonus points there. There’s a taxi service if you're desperate. Be warned: walking anywhere is not happening.
For the Kids – The Reigning Champions:
This place is a kid's paradise. Babysitting service? Check. Kids meal options? Check. Family/child friendly? Double check. They've thought of pretty much everything.
The Verdict:
Would I stay here again? Probably. It's not perfect, but it's functional, fun, and the water park is a huge draw. If you're looking for a quiet, luxurious getaway, run screaming. But if you're traveling with kids (or are just a big kid yourself), this might be your slice of Anaheim paradise. Just pack your earplugs and your sense of humor. And for the love of God, don't forget the sunscreen!
SEO and Metadata Stuff:
- Keywords: Howard Johnson, Anaheim, Water Park Hotel, Disneyland, Family Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Swimming Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Kids Activities, Anaheim Hotels, Water Playground, Family Vacation, Budget-Friendly
- Meta Description: Honest and humorous review of the Howard Johnson Anaheim, including details on accessibility, water park, dining, and overall experience. Perfect for families and those seeking an affordable and fun Anaheim hotel.
- Title: Raw Review: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim's EPIC Water Playground Hotel (Good, Bad & Splashy!)
- Alt Text (for images): (If I was including images, which I'm not, I'd have alt text like: "Howard Johnson water slides," "Accessible ramp at Howard Johnson," "Poolside bar at Anaheim Howard Johnson," etc.)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is my potential disaster-in-the-making, family-fun-or-implosion-guaranteed schedule for a stay at the Howard Johnson Anaheim, near Disneyland. Prepare for the ride - because I'm sure I'm not.
The "Magical Mishap" Itinerary: Howard Johnson Anaheim & Water Playground (Los Angeles, CA) - AKA, My Sanity's Potential Demise
Day 1: Arrival, Reality Bites, and the Perils of Plastic Pools
- 1:00 PM (ish) - Arrival & Immediate Dismay: Okay, touchdown! Assuming, of course, that the flight wasn't delayed because of some rogue flock of geese (it wouldn't surprise me). We arrive at the Howard Johnson. The pictures online always look so… pristine. Reality? Let’s just say the first thing I'm checking for is actual bedbugs. I'm probably already picturing myself sleeping in the car by the time the room is ready.
- Quirky Observation: The "Welcome to Anaheim!" sign at the entrance feels… optimistic. Like, "Welcome to the happiest place on Earth! And also, hope your luggage arrives!"
- 2:00 PM - Unpacking and Existential Dread: Unpack? More like frantically shove clothes into a drawer while simultaneously trying to wrangle the kids, who, I guarantee, will immediately start fighting over the remote. I am also checking for the promised water playground (fingers crossed). If the water is clean, maybe this won't be a complete and utter nightmare.
- Anecdote: Last family trip, I swear I spent an hour looking for my phone charger only to realize it was in the laundry basket. facepalm My organizational skills are… questionable.
- 3:00 PM - Water Playground: Expectations vs. Reality. Okay, here's where it gets REAL. The water playground. This is the make-or-break moment. Does it have enough slides? Is the water suspiciously green? Are there enough screaming children around? And more importantly, will my kids enjoy it, or will they become tiny, chlorinated dictators demanding more?
- Emotional Reaction: If the water's clean, I'll be ecstatic. If I find a rogue bandaid floating in the lazy river, I'll probably just cry in the corner of the room. This is my life now.
- Opinionated Language: Listen, a poorly maintained water park is an insult to humanity. It's a betrayal of childhood dreams and a breeding ground for germs. I'm hoping for pure, unadulterated fun.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Debacle: Let's see… Do we brave the hotel restaurant (potentially overpriced and crowded)? Or do we attempt to order pizza, which guarantees an argument over toppings and a half-eaten pie? The struggle is real, people. The REAL struggle.
- Messy Structure: Honestly, I might just order room service (if there is any) and hide in the bathroom with a bag of chips. Bliss.
- 7:30 PM - Bedtime Battles: This is where it always falls apart. "I'm not sleepy!" "I need a drink!" "I'm hungry again!" Then, after putting them in bed, I'd have to check the water playground.
- 9:00 PM - The Calm After the Storm: (Hopefully). Alone time. Maybe a glass of wine. Maybe a good book. Maybe I'll just fall asleep on the couch. Who am I kidding? I'll collapse.
Day 2: Disneyland, Diapers, and Definitely Not a Unicorn
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Bonanza (or, the "Hangry Monster" Apocalypse): The hotel breakfast. It's either a glorious buffet of sugary goodness or a sad collection of stale pastries. Either way, it's a necessary evil before the epic adventure. Remember the breakfast in the hotel is a good opportunity to survey the place.
- 9:00 AM - The Disneyland Dash: Head to the promised land, the kingdom of joy. We're probably taking the ART shuttle (fingers crossed it runs on time) because parking fees nearly gave me a heart attack. The goal: ride as many rides as possible before the inevitable meltdown.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: Disneyland is the dream, right? Magic. Wonder. But it's also crowds, lines, and the constant threat of losing a child in a sea of strollers. I'm choosing to be optimistic.
- 10:00 AM - Ride the rides: First ride: "It's a Small World". I'm sure the ride itself is amazing, but after the first time, I'm sure I'll be begging to get off.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch Mess: Where to eat? The options are endless, and also, expensive. We'll probably go for something fast (and probably unhealthy) to save time.
- 3:00 PM - "Is it nap time yet?" If we can get my youngest to nap that is.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner: We're probably going back to the hotel. If we can actually make it that long.
- 7:00 PM - Pool party: Yes!
Day 3: Departures, Deja Vu, and the Deepest Sigh Ever
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast Again. And the "Where's My Wallet?" Game: Remember to tip.
- 10:00 AM - Last Splash: One final dip in the pool (if time permits, and if my nerves can handle it). Trying to savor these last moments of (relatively) stress-free family time.
- 11:00 AM - Packing Up (Again): The art of packing: a whirlwind of dirty clothes, forgotten toys, and the lingering scent of sunscreen. I might also just leave the suitcase and run.
- 1:00 PM - The Farewell Sigh: We hit the road/airport. The car is a disaster zone. The children are chanting "Are we there yet?". I am both exhausted and grateful. This was a trip.
And that, my friends, is my totally-unrealistic-yet-somehow-still-a-little-bit-hopeful itinerary. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it. And maybe a lifetime supply of coffee.
Sonesta Essential Houston Westchase: Your Dream Houston Getaway Awaits!
Howard Johnson Anaheim & EPIC Water Playground: The Ultimate Anaheim Adventure? (Let's Be Real...)
Okay, spill. What's the deal with this "EPIC" water park? Is it actually, you know, *epic*?
Alright, look, "epic" is a strong word. My kids? They thought it was the best thing since sliced churros. Me? I've seen bigger. BUT – and this is a big but – for the price and for the location, right across from Disneyland? It's a solid win. Think smaller, more manageable, and with a killer pirate ship theme. My youngest, bless her heart, spent *hours* on that thing. She turned into a certified waterlogged buccaneer, yelling "Arrr!" at everyone. And the slides? They're fun! Not terrifying, not slow. Just… right. Would I call it Legoland Water Park epic? Nope. Would I say it made our vacation a thousand times better? Absolutely.
How's the Howard Johnson itself? Is it… clean? We've all heard the horror stories...
Okay, this is where things get… real. Let's just say it’s not the Four Seasons. I went in with low expectations, honestly. And the room… well, it wasn’t *immaculate*. But it was clean enough. The beds were comfy, which is HUGE after a day at Disneyland. And, and this is a crucial point: the AC worked. That Anaheim heat is no joke. We were sweating buckets just walking to the pool, so that AC was a lifesaver. I'd pack some Clorox wipes to give everything a quick once-over, just in case, but don't let it scare you off. It’s definitely not a luxury hotel, but it’s a solid, family-friendly base camp.
Is it truly walkable to Disneyland? Because "walkable" has been used *very* loosely, in my experience…
YES! This is the *best* part. It is *genuinely* walkable. And I mean, like, short-legged toddler walkable. It took about a 10-15 minute stroll, which, honestly, felt like a godsend compared to the parking/tram/walking marathon at some other hotels. Seriously, the proximity to Disneyland is gold. You could pop back to the hotel for a nap, a diaper change, or to escape a meltdown without having to spend half the day traveling. That alone makes this hotel worth it! My feet and my sanity both thank them! We even took a Disneyland break in the middle of the day, just to re-charge, you know? That was amazing!
What's the parking situation like? Disneyland parking is a NIGHTMARE.
Ah, parking. The bane of everyone's existence. At the Howard Johnson, expect to pay a fee (it's not the cheapest, but it's better than Disneyland's). Be prepared for things to be extremely busy, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended. And be careful of the parking lot, it's kinda tight! But hey, at least you're not battling Disneyland's parking lot from the other side of the world. It's a trade-off, really. You win some, you lose some. But the proximity to Disneyland *again* makes it the better option!
Food options? Besides the obvious – does it have *any* good ones?
Okay, let's get real about the food. The hotel itself has a few quick-service options and some restaurants. They are okay, nothing to write home about, but they'll fill your bellies. The real win? The *location*. You're surrounded by restaurants. Literally. Tucked up to the hotel are all of those casual dining options you could want. Plus, you can grab a bite before or after Disneyland which isn't a bad deal.
The Water Playground - Do I need to bring anything special? Towels? Floaties? My sanity?
Towels are provided! Praise be! Otherwise, bring whatever pool/beach-type stuff your heart desires. Sunscreen is crucial. A hat. Sunglasses. And maybe, just maybe, a waterproof phone case so you can document your kids' pure joy. And yes, you'll need your sanity. But honestly? It's worth it. Even if your kids spend all day splashing.
Any hidden gems or things I should know *before* I book?
Okay, here's the secret sauce: Don't go expecting five-star luxury. Embrace the chaos, the splashes, the slightly-less-than-pristine vibes. Book a room with a view of the water park. Trust me. That way, even if you're stuck inside because of a sunblock mishap, you can still *see* the fun. Also, plan your Disneyland days strategically. The hotel is crowded, so getting there early is worth it. Finally, breathe. You're going to Disneyland! It's going to be magical, even if it's also a little stressful and messy. And hey, if you're looking for a chilled-out experience, it's really not your cup of tea. Book it. Go. Have a blast. Bring the kids. You won't regret the Howard Johnson experience and its EPIC Water Playground.
Post a Comment for "Anaheim's EPIC Water Playground Hotel: Howard Johnson by Wyndham!"