Hilton Downtown VS. All Star Resorts

[garys12]

I am wondering if anyone can give an opinion on which is better. We are a family of 4 - kids 7 and 5, and looking for a hotel to spend the weekend at after coming off a 4-nite Wonder Cruise in May.

I am thinking the Hilton - it's on the Disney Grounds, but since its a Hilton, and I may be "Disney'ed out" after the Cruise, that may be best...

I would appreciate any thoughts.

GS

[Yzma and Kronk]

The Hilton is across the street from Downtown Disney - so I wouldn't exactly say it is on Disney Grounds. However, they do let their guests take part in the EMH's.

We enjoyed our stay there. There isn't much "Disney" on property - it's a Hilton. Very "corporate" like. Our kids enjoyed the pool - it's fairly large.

I haven't stayed at the AllStars - just the POP Century, which is similar. The rooms at the Hilton are a bit nicer, but it is a full service hotel.

IMO - I like staying on property much better, so if I had to choose I'd take AllStars. Transportation is the one big advantage - Disney buses! I'm sure Hilton has a shuttle - but if I remember correctly they do charge for it. And I think there is a "resort" fee?? (I could be wrong)

I think you kids would enjoy the AllStars much better. The Hilton, even though it is nice, is just another hotel.

I just can't imagine being "Disney'd out" ;)

[garys12]

Just got an email from the TA asking about our interest in POP Century. Are we better off here. So far, the best thing I see about it is the rates.LOL..

I saw some photos and the big bowling pin, and play dough can look cool!

[stemikger]

I love Pop Century. This August will be my 4th year in a row staying there. I stay for 10 nights and love every second.

I'm not sure if it is because I love pop culture or it reminds me of those road side motels I stayed at as a kid, but this place is just so magical to me.

Some people think it is too over-the-top, but that is what I like about it.

Walking into the lobby is such a nice feeling, I get that feeling like I'm on vacation. It really is hard to explain, but when I get there, I feel so happy.

There has been so many times, I went on vacation, and couldn't wait to get back, but when I'm at Pop, I don't want the vacation to end.

[HopperFan]

I just got back last night from a week at All Star Music.
I have stayed at POP Century for 5 days, 7 days and 10 days and have reservations for next September for 10 days.
I have stayed at Hilton twice for one night only each.

I love POP Century so much more than the All Stars. I will stay All Stars if I get another incredible rate, but would never be a choice over POP for many reasons.

Hilton is nice, especially if you are high enough Hilton Honors to enjoy the lounge at breakfast and the evenings. Pool is lovely and peaceful. Great to just cross the street and be in DTD. Beds are very comfortable. If you are looking to just relax, sleep well and have Disney access than Hilton is a good choice.

I don't think you can go wrong with POP but it is full blown Disneyana, great fun and for me......if you are at Disney World.....then I want to be in the middle of it ;)

Your kids will love the giant icons there too. Fun to walk all over and check it out. Mowgli & Baloo, Mr/Mrs Potato Head, Lady & Tramp, Mickey Mouse Phone, Big Wheel, Fooz Ball..........great way to end a Disney trip.

[aurora23]

I hve never been to the Hilton, but if you are deciding among the value resorts I would go with Pop Century over the All Stars. The transportation to the parks is much better than the All Stars. Pop Century also has some suprisingly tasty dining options in the food court.

[spiceycat]

the Hilton is probably better hotel than the values. but as pointed out it is not Disney.

would also pick Pop Century over all the All stars.

www.downtowndisneyhotels.com - for information on the hilton

[MaryC1965]

I'm on the 5/11 Wonder cruise and am doing the Country Inn & Suites in Lake Buena Vista (right by Downtown Disney) for 5 nights beforehand. We'd be Disney'd out if we did 10 days straight. This way we also get a fridge & microwave and it's costing us less than half what Pop would. A car is $25/day from Thrifty, so no shuttles from airports, ports, parks, etc. And we can eat offsite easily. I found a rate of $45/night through hotelopia.com, when I used a 15% code I found on this forum.

[garys12]

That is the cruise we are doing as well... 5/11 wonder... See you there.

[MaryC1965]

Cool! Is your 7 year old a girl? I have a 7 year old girl. I might put her in the 8-12 group, though, since she'll be a couple weeks from 8.

Did you find a good fare for the cruise? We did for a cat. 12 gty.

That hotel I'm using, their normal rate is like $120/night, so this is really a good deal. They have free continental breakfast and park shuttles, too. I did a LOT of hunting.

[garys12]

Yes, my oldest is a girl. Her brother is 5, so she is going to stay in the group with her brother. He likes knowing she's at least around..

We are flying in from Philly first thing Sunday AM, and doing the parks for 3 days after the cruise. We have 3 days remaining on never expiring tickets we bought on our last trip almost 3 years ago.

Gary

[garys12]

Also, I got about 3 different quotes on the cruise. This is our 2nd Disney Cruise and 3rd trip there as a family and we've been partial to a specific TA for all our Disney (and other cruise) bookings.

All the quotes were within $30 of each other, so I don't necessarily think I got a "good deal" but I certainly wasn't ripped off either.

We are in a Cat 9 on Deck 2. This will be our first cruise without a balcony. Hope I don't miss it too much.

Gary

[MaryC1965]

This will be my first cruise without a balcony, too. I think for 4 days it'll be fine. Bring some air freshener, and a lighted clock! :)

[kim_o]

I'm sure Hilton has a shuttle - but if I remember correctly they do charge for it. And I think there is a "resort" fee?? (I could be wrong)

Hilton does have a transportation system. It is free of charge and aslo, there isn't a resort fee. Pluses to the Hilton bus system for young families - you don't have to fold your stroller and carry it on - it just goes right underneath the bus.