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10 Top Budget-Friendly Disneyland Hotels for Frugal Families

By U.S. News & World Report

Dodge high rates by opting for a stay at these cost-effective properties.

Disneyland, and its neighboring sites, California Adventure and the Downtown Disney District, are popular destinations for cost-conscious families. And luckily, a stay in Anaheim, California, near the parks doesn’t have to break the bank. These affordable hotels near Southern California’s iconic Disney attractions offer kid-friendly amenities and fun for the whole group. From a property with an on-site indoor water park and evening pajama parties to a hotel with a rooftop pool and fresh cookies prepared daily, these low-cost retreats near Disneyland cater to family members of all ages and preferences.

Great Wolf Lodge, Garden Grove

The highlight of this hotel set in Garden Grove is the 105,000-square-foot indoor water park, which includes a treehouse, wave pool, water slides and more. But the perks of being a guest at Great Wolf Lodge don’t stop there. The hotel hosts complimentary kid’s programs, which include morning yoga classes, afternoon crafts and evening pajama parties and story time. Plus, this property is conveniently located near the heart of the action, approximately 2 miles south of Disneyland.

Candy Cane Inn

Situated in a prime location next to the Disneyland entrance on South Harbor Boulevard, the Candy Cane Inn first opened its doors in 1957. Though the hotel is within walking distance of the park, the Candy Cane Inn offers complimentary shuttle service to and from Disneyland, which is a great perk for families visiting with young children. Guests will also find free on-site parking at the hotel and a complimentary breakfast buffet. Plus, comfortable rooms and whimsical landscaping make this a great budget-friendly option for Disney-loving clans.

Grand Legacy At The Park

This recently renovated independent hotel is just a short walk from Disneyland’s main entrance. When it’s time to take a break from whizzing around roller coasters, kids can enjoy the hotel’s heated pool and splash zone. Plus, parents will appreciate the hotel’s free on-site amenities, such as complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi access. What’s more, Grand Legacy offers the use of their rollaway beds and cribs for no extra fee, a helpful perk for families traveling with multiple children.

Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground

Perhaps the most noteworthy amenity at this property is Castaway Cove, a pirate-themed water playground that features water slides, water cannons and other splash-worthy features, along with a toddler pool. Plus, the hotel is just a short walk to Disneyland and is located near a variety of family-friendly restaurants. Even better, the hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi access and free on-site parking, making it an affordable lodging choice for families traveling to Anaheim.

Residence Inn Anaheim Maingate

The Residence Inn Anaheim Maingate is conveniently located less than 1 mile southeast from Disneyland and less than 1 mile east of Disney California Adventure Park. The hotel is also located across the street from Anaheim GardenWalk, an entertainment complex that features numerous shopping and dining options. The Marriott retreat offers spacious rooms with full kitchens, making this a smart choice for families that want to save money by cooking their own meals. Other money-saving perks include free breakfast, free Wi-Fi access and complimentary parking.

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Anaheim Resort

Located just 1 mile south of the entrance to Disneyland, this DoubleTree outpost affords guests access to a rooftop pool and hot tub, an on-site gift shop and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies at check-in. Standard rooms are spacious, but those seeking even more space can opt for a suite. And though there is a fee for on-site parking, Wi-Fi access is free of charge — an added benefit for families looking to trim costs. Plus, the property offers a shuttle service to and from Disneyland, for a small fee.

Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort

Conveniently located less than 1 mile south of Disneyland on South Harbor Boulevard, the Sheraton Park Hotel offers travelers an outdoor heated pool and whirlpool, numerous on-site restaurants and a fitness center. In each guest room, you can count on floor-to-ceiling windows, a minifridge and an in-room safe, not to mention signature Sheraton amenities such as Bliss bath products and flat-screen TVs. What’s more, guests at the property have access to an on-site Disney Desk, where a representative can help reserve dinner reservations and theme park tickets.

Hyatt Regency Orange County

This family-approved property is situated less than 2 miles south of Disneyland, near Anaheim in Garden Grove. This Hyatt Regency branch offers guests a chance to relax in one of two on-site outdoor heated pools — the perfect way to cool off after a day at the park. Those seeking extra space or traveling with multiple kids can opt for one of the family suite accommodations, which feature a children’s room with bunk beds and an adjoining bedroom for parents. What’s more, the property offers shuttle service to the theme park, along with two sit-down dining establishments with kid-friendly menus.

Embassy Suites Anaheim South

Complimentary breakfast each morning — and complimentary cocktails, beverages and snacks at the hotel’s evening reception — help this Anaheim property stand out from the pack for budget-minded families. Located approximately 1.5 miles south of Disneyland, the hotel offers shuttle service to and from the park, for an additional fee, for those who want to save their energy for trekking around the theme park. Back on the resort grounds, you’ll find well-appointed, spacious two-room suites geared toward families with a separate master bedroom and living area, along with amenities such as refrigerators, microwaves, coffeemakers and dining tables.

Hyatt Place at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center

This hotel’s proximity to the park (it’s situated just 1 mile south), complimentary breakfast and spacious guest rooms with simple, modern decor make it a smart choice for families visiting Disneyland. All rooms feature a sleeper sofa, minifridge and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Family-friendly suite options designed with youngsters in mind are also available. Choose from a king suite, which features a king-sized bed and twin bunk beds for kids, or the queen category suite, which features two queen-sized beds and a sleeper sofa, along with a dining area with seating for four.

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10 Top Budget-Friendly Disneyland Hotels for Frugal Families originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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