Melody K

Kid-Friendly, Family Friendly, Autism-Friendly at the HOJO Anaheim * Plus Discount code

It was that time of year again; The Mommy Blogger Tribe meet-up at The Howard Johnson (HOJO) in Anaheim.

When the tribe announced the dates of The Mommy Blogger Tribe's take over the HOJO, I ensured my calendar was clear. I wouldn't have missed going for anything.

Meeting up with the most wonderful bloggers and their families is a blessing, but meeting up at the Howard Johnson Hotel Anaheim, now you have an unforgettable few days and memories that will last a lifetime.

From the moment you check in to leaving, you're in a magical place, from retro style to Mickeys on the wall to the beautiful grounds. With the kindness and friendliest of the staff, one feels very spoiled.

The room we stayed in was very spacious and had a balcony looking over the pool. It also overlooked Disney; we saw the monorail pass by several times.

Oh, did I mention it's only an eight-minute walk to Disneyland?

We also were able to watch Disneylands firework from our blacony.

It must have been a Disney magical spell and/ or positive juju; this hotel has, but my boys did great in the room. Shocker, I know, #autism. Every hotel we stay in seems like we always have to get a room with a separate room or a suite, but not at this Howard Johnsons. The boys did wonderfully in the room we stayed in.

This hotel has a pool and a waterpark; for the waterpark, reservations are required. You never have to leave to venture out for fun; even the local pizza place will deliver to your room. We parked our car, and it sat there for the days we stayed.

My little guy loved the pool this year and wanted to stay in the pool as long as he could. The pool area did not require reservations, though once the pool area reached a capacity of 60 people, you had to wait until someone came out before you went in.

He also loved running around to everything in the water park play area "the Cove". The water Cove was a blast, my older boy thinks he's a little too cool for this play area, but I found him laughing and smiling throughout our visit there. I thought for sure this would wear out the boys. All it did was wear me out, I am not in shape for waterpark chasing and playing.

On our second morning at the hotel, we were invited to check out the hotel's new retro room suite. This room is retro-modern, and I fell in love with it. It even has a blue tooth in the mirror. How cool is that? Now, this room is not open yet to book, but when it does open up, I want to be first in line to secure it.

One of the evenings, we walked over to California Adventure. Did I mention it's only an eight-minute walk?

My husband and I attended grand night together many moons ago. So we bought tickets for Disney's Grand Night.

I love the convenience of how close Disney park is. Also along that route are many restaurants, like Panera Bread and Mimi's, which we stopped at those places. There's also a McDonald's we stopped at too.

There is never a reason for you to drive your car, like I mentioned our vehicle just sat there. With the gas prices as high as they are, it was nice not to drive anywhere.

How can you tell you had an excellent time, it's like you blink, and it's time to check out.