Just back from 8 nights at Courtyard by Marriott DD [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

MelodyTime

08-19-2002, 02:13 PM

DH, DS and myself just returned from 8 nights at the Downtown Disney Courtyard. We had the $20.02 room rate for 5 of the nights. We were very pleased with the room. It was clean and just as large as the room we had last year at the Yacht Club. We had a king size bed with pullout sofa, balcony overlooking the pool area. We were in the wing section but could see Downtown Disney area from our room and were able to see the fireworks at Pleasure Island. We didn't feel far away from the magic here at all. The hotel employees were extremely helpful and friendly. Getting our tickets was an easy process and getting e-ride night tickets was simple also. We did not use the hotel transportation as we had our own vehicle. I would definitely consider staying here again. If anyone has any questions I'd be happy to answer them!

Melody:cool:

KAREN8130

08-19-2002, 05:54 PM

Hi Melody
Glad to hear you had a great time. Did you request a king size bed in advance? Iwould like to have a room with a king bed,since it will be just me and DH. Did you eat any meals at the hotel and if so how was it and what were the prices like?
Thanks

MelodyTime

08-19-2002, 07:32 PM

Hi Karen,

We did not request a king room in advance. In fact when I called to book the room they told me that it would be 2 doubles. We arrived a night early and I called a couple of hours before we got there and added an additional night. When we got to the hotel, they offered me a choice of two doubles or the king and pullout sofa. Both were the same price. We jumped on the opportunity to have a king! We didn't eat any meals at the hotel. We did walk around by the restaurant once but it was closed. The other days we ate at the parks. They had a small snack area inside with the Pizza Hut as part of it. Prices seemed a little high but I find that I kind of get numb to all the prices at Disney!! Hope you have a great vacation!!

Melody

paras4ri

08-19-2002, 09:56 PM

WOW - I didn't think you could participate in E-ride nights if you weren't in a resort "on the grounds" - that will definately put this in our possibilities!

:wave:

MelodyTime

08-20-2002, 07:27 AM

Yes, the Courtyard does participate in e-ride nights. This was very important to us too. E-ride nights were the only "perk" that we used at the Disney properties so we figured we might as well give the Courtyard a try. It was very easy to purchase the tickets in the gift shop of the hotel. Another interesting bit of info that we picked up was while standing in line for Space Mountain during one of the e-ride nights. The people in front of us were turned away because they didn't have wristbands but the CM told them that they could still purchase wristbands at the arcade if they were interested. Maybe you don't have to stay at any Disney property and still be able to attend e-ride nights if there are wristbands left??

Susanne

08-20-2002, 07:48 AM

Can you comment on the pool at the Marriott? Is there a kiddie pool/wading area? We're thinking of saving a few bucks by staying there for 2 nights before we head to the Polynesian. We have an almost 2 yr old, so any other kid-friendly things you noticed (such as a playground) would be nice to hear about.

Thanks,

Susanne

MelodyTime

08-20-2002, 08:07 AM

The pool was more like a pool complex! There were three small pools and a jacuzzi. They had a small circular wading pool, very shallow for small children. The second one was more of a shallow pool and the third was a deeper pool. The pools were all very cold when we were there. I don't believe that they were heated in any way and the weather hadn't been so hot so the water was a bit chilly. Even my DS who loves being in the pool almost as much as being at the parks, wasn't able to stay in very long. The jacuzzi was small but nice. Very warm. The only problem we had there was the sprinkler system automatically came on while we were in the jacuzzi so our bottom half was warm but our top half was being sprayed with really cold water!! Kind of an interesting sensation. The maintenance employee was very nice and tried to locate the turn off for the sprinkers but wasn't able to before we decided to get out! I'm sure it's not like that all the time though!! The pool was open 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM. I didn't notice a playground. They did have an exercise room and an arcade. The arcade was open 24 hours. I'm not sure the hours on the exercise room.

TJ_Canuck

08-20-2002, 10:38 AM

How did you get such a great rate!? My wife and I are going in late October and would love to get such a great rate. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Your Canadian friend,

MelodyTime

08-20-2002, 02:27 PM

I got the info on the great rate from reading the DIS Boards. When I saw how cheap it was we jumped right on it. I see now that they are offering $25.00 rate through Oct. 3. I'm not sure if they offer any deals after that though. Keep checking the Budget Board as well as the Orlando Hotel board. People are wonderful about posting deals as they come along. Good Luck!

Melody

lorilori

08-20-2002, 08:33 PM

TJ_Canuck: Hi. Just wanted to mention on the rate. Go to Webmaster Pete's $25 Marriott post on the first page of this Orlando board, click the link and enter your dates. I was able to pull up $29 for Mon-Thurs in mid October and then again in November. Good Luck!

eeyore0062

08-24-2002, 11:43 AM

Melody, we were there last week, when were you there? We were in the tower, and had a great view of the pool, and DTD! We didn't use the pools, as the times we got back to the hotel, it was raining. The pools did look very nice, and off to the side was a nice little playground area for the kids!

We enjoyed the Manager's happy hour most everyday, with the free beer, wine and munchies in the Tipsy Parrot Lounge, which is actually in the main lobby. The hotel managers actually served as the cocktail servers. It was alot of fun. There was a character there named "The Tipsy Parrot" who was alot of fun for the kids. My daughter absolutely feel in love, and the parrot really was great with the kids. The maid service was excellent, and the front desk staff was very friendly and efficient, even finding a discounted room for us, when we decided to stay and extra night!

The rooms were a good size, with 2 double beds, 2 sinks, a balcony, and even internet access.

We didn't use the bus transportation as we had our car, but heard no complaints about it.

The gift shop is actually Disney run, and you can get your theme park and e ticket night tickets right there. It also has all of the sundries you would expect of the hotel gift shop.

We wouldn't hesitate to recommend this hotel, or stay their again. The management really made you feel like family!

MelodyTime

08-24-2002, 11:57 AM

Hi eeyore! We were there from Aug 9 through the 17th. Glad you enjoyed your time too. We were pleasantly surprised with the hotel and wouln't hesitate to stay there again. We never made it to Happy Hour. Not at the hotel too much during the day. Question about the tower area: Were there more washers and dryers available there? We had one washer/dryer for two floors in the wing and it was always busy. Never did get a chance to do the laundry! Glad I overpacked as usual!

Melody

monte

08-24-2002, 02:06 PM

Did you have time to use the fitness room, if so is it a good size, what type of equiptment is available and what are the hours? Thanks.

MelodyTime

08-24-2002, 08:03 PM

We didn't use the fitness room. It looked big at first glance but DH says it was a mirrored room so it wasn't nearly as big as it looked. It had about 4-5 machines and was open 24 hours. We never saw more than a person or two in the room anytime we passed by.

susy

08-24-2002, 09:28 PM

When we were there last November the smaller pool was heated (and maybe the kiddie pool). We had the $25 rate and thought it was a great deal. No theming, but the amenities were definitely there. We also used our own car and thought it was very close to the aparks . We took breaks every day.

monte

08-25-2002, 09:12 AM

Do you know if the Marriott shuttle drops you off at the water parks?

Debbie

08-25-2002, 11:04 AM

We're just back from 11 days at the Courtyard. We had a blast.

We hit the Manager's Reception three/four nights, the kids swam in the pool, but didn't complain about it being cold, while I enjoyed the hottub. We took the bus to Downtown Disney and walked back. We had a vehicle, so basically didn't utilize the bus system, although we followed one back from Animal Kingdom one afternoon. The bus does go to the Water Parks, although not as frequently as the hourly schecule of the other parks, I believe.

I even made my PS Fantasmic dinner package from the hotel.

Everyone was very friendly-even the maintenance guys always checking to see if everything was going well.
In the tower, there are 2 washers and dryers on both floors 10 and 4. The cost is $2 to wash (33 minutes), and $2 to dry (60 minutes).

I didn't find the prices at the G2O (to go) , out of line at all. 75 cents for a doughnut, 80 for fruit... We only ate breakfast (all you can eat buffet) once, in the restaurant, and it was $7.95 for adults and $3.99 for kids. My girls loved the Mickey waffles! Again, the staff was accomodating and great!

11 days, $400. Not a bad go at all. We'd not hesitate to stay at the Courtyard again. Call the hotel directly and ask for the Hundred Years of Magic rate, or book through this site. We weren't planning on Disney this year, and, although the rooms are bland and colourless, who can beat that rate?

Oh, I almost forgot! We watched the fireworks from MK and the end of Fantasmic from our balcony! The magic is there when you look for it!

mousey

08-26-2002, 10:59 PM

We just got back after a 5 night stay. I wouldn't hesitate to stay at this hotel again. The staff is very helpful and I couldn't believe the great connecting rooms we got with great views for 20.02
With the money we saved we ate at a couple restaurants that normally are highter priced. You can't beat this hotel for a clean, comfortable place to sleep.

Belle1962

08-27-2002, 02:10 AM

monte: here's a link to the bus schedule (they do have service to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=254135

Claire4dpins

08-27-2002, 05:21 AM

It is good to read these reports about the Courtyard - we are just staying there for two nights at the start of our trip in September - I am so glad I saw the great rate on the Dis!!

What time is the Happy Hour & what drinks are included? Is it buy one get one free? Do you think it will still be on in September?

Thanks for any help!!

Claire:D :D :D :D :D

eeyore0062

08-27-2002, 05:27 AM

the Manager's Special is 4-6 pm, and includes draft beer, wine and munchies, such as nacho chips with salsa and cheese dip, and popcorn. All of this is for free, and we just tipped on the drinks, a dollar per drink. Not bad, considering most places the beers were at least $4.

eeyore0062

08-27-2002, 05:29 AM

MelodyTime, we never checked out the laundry facilities, so I can't help you with that! Sorry!

tmli

08-27-2002, 07:14 AM

I assume the transportation is Marriott not Disney??? Does it drop you off at the entrance to MK or the TTC? What about pick up and drop off for other parks? Thats a great rate, you've got me thinking.

tmli

08-27-2002, 07:14 AM

mousey

08-27-2002, 08:59 AM

Actually it is the Disney Village buses. They go to all the parks and water parks. They are quite large and can accomodate a lot of people sitting and standing. At the parks they drop you off at space #26 and this is where you pick them up when you want to return to the hotel.

monte

08-27-2002, 09:39 AM

Thanks for the bus schedule, that helps out alot. Do you know if they will transfer our luggage to the Yacht Club? We just received our vouchers, for the parade & firework viewings along with our luggage tags from the Disney Travel Co. I can't believe we're almost there!:bounce: :Pinkbounc

Peg

08-27-2002, 03:45 PM

just booked for the begining of December..can't beat that rate
Peg

Belle1962

08-27-2002, 05:55 PM

The front desk suggested that to transfer luggage to Y&BC you either call a taxi, drive yourself OR if you don't have a lot of luggage, catch their bus to TTC and then take another bus to the Y&BC from there.

singitalto

08-28-2002, 01:14 PM

Where is the manager's reception held??? Is it in the atrium lobby when you first walk in??(past the desk by the elevator)

Debbie

08-28-2002, 04:09 PM

singitalto, yes, the managers' reception is in the atrium. There is a bar set up for the nachos, and the managers serve you while you sit at the tables. They are so friendly! hth

sandalwood

08-29-2002, 11:28 AM

CPM

08-29-2002, 01:43 PM

I just returned from a two night stay at the CYM DD. I have to say the $25.00 deal is one of the best deals out there! The hotel is very nice and the rooms are very clean. Our room looked like it had new bedding & new carpet. My only suggestion is ask for a room away from the highway! The traffic kept me up all night, it never stops! we were on the 9th floor overlooking the highway. I would have asked to change but I didn't think it would be so loud. Other then that it was excellent! The manager's reception was great, the managers came around and talked to you. They had a parrot come around and play with the kids. All tips given to the managers are given to the bartenders. The way I looked at it, I really didn't pay anything to stay there since we took advantage of the reception! I used the bus service once, it was very efficient. They even have the drivers sign in and out to make sure they are on schedule.
All I can say is I hope they extend this offer! :)

Debbie

08-29-2002, 07:07 PM

Sandalwood, although the drinks come from the "bar", the area itself is not barlike at all. It is where one would eat their on the go continental breakfast. And there is a character (Tipsy the Parrot) who plays with the kids. A great time! I didn't find the traffic noises bad from the 11th floor, although, I did hear a bus every now and then.

CPM, I agree that the rooms, while older are well-kept, and the linens were clean and new. The only "suggestion" that I put on the card was to add colour to the rooms. I was in a similar room on the drive home, rose walls with a green/ivory border. It was very nice. That's what the Courtyard needs!

sandalwood

08-29-2002, 08:01 PM

CPM & Debbie thanks for the answers! :) That sounds great. We check in this Sunday and I am too excited! As long as the rooms are clean, I'm a happy camper wherever I stay. We went for a cheaper hotel so we could stay longer and it sounds like we hit the jackpot on the hotel. Thanks so much! I'm sure I'll take advantage of the managers special! :)

eeyore0062

08-30-2002, 01:42 AM

Is this in a bar setting? Hate to sound dumb, but we are booked there as of this Sunday for a week. Is this an area where the kids can sit with you or is it like a bar situation and no kids allowed where the alcohol is served? Thanks for any info

No, not at all... it is like the lobby of a hotel, with tables and chairs, a nice fountain, and a "character" bird to entertain the kids. The bar is in the far back. There is no smoking here, either. My DD had a blast dancing with the bird, while her DH and I had a beer. It was a great place to take a break, especially since that is usually when the thunderstorms were the worst. It was definitely a family friendly atmosphere. Believe me, we don't take our children into bars, and abhore smoke!

kenzie1226

08-30-2002, 10:19 PM

I can't wait I will be there in 3 days staying for 6. Thanks for everyone's reviews I was worried because we stay in disney hotels. This place sounds great and with that rate we should have stayed longer but we both have to go back to work. More money for collectibles and meals. YEAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

cottontail

09-04-2002, 02:36 PM

Hi Melody and Eeyore:

Can you tell me if this hotel is fresh and updated looking, in the guest room and washroom. Was it clean? How about the beds were they comfortable? Thanks,

Deb.

MelodyTime

09-05-2002, 06:12 AM

Hi Cottontail,

I would say that the washrooms and guestrooms were clean and pretty much your standard hotel room. No real frills. Nothing looked out of repair but I'm not sure that updated would necessarily apply. Definitely no problems with cleanliness though. We found the kingsize bed in our room to be extremely comfortible. The matress was very firm. My DS slept on the pullout sofa bed. That matress seemed a little soft but I think that's pretty standard for pullout sofa beds. He had no problem sleeping!!

Hope this helps.

Melody

LisaNJ25

09-05-2002, 07:01 AM

I am not sure is anyone posted this yet because I did not read through all the posts but the laundry rooms in the tower were located on the 4th and 10th Floors. I think it was 2 washers and 2 dryers in each.

sln88

09-05-2002, 06:03 PM

Do you think they have this $25 at mid- end of Oct? When I check the websites, it comes up as $100

Tarasmom

09-05-2002, 06:35 PM

I just booked another night for the 19th of Sept! Just a night at PI for us...but I wanted to let you know that the rep I talked to said that Nov. specials were possible but definitely none in October due to the MNSSHP and stuff like that going on.
Laura

Lou-Ann

09-08-2002, 02:13 PM

My hubby and I also give this a big thumbs up. We were made to feel like family as well. I loved the spa/whirlpool in the evening as well. We did breakfast in their restaurant on 4 of our days and loved the Mickey waffles and omlettes as well. This was a welcome bargain. We felt we had service every bit as well done as Disney themselves .

sandalwood

09-09-2002, 01:54 PM

I just have to say we just got back from Disney this weekend and our five days at the Courtyard were great. The staff is so very nice, the room was spotless and it is just a great place to stay. The shuttle seemed to run behind at times but it didn't have anything to do with the hotel. I would stay here again in a heartbeat. Clean rooms, clean pool, great staff. :)

eeyore0062

09-11-2002, 12:40 AM

There should be something at the top of the resorts board forum talking about the special at Courtyard Marriott at LBV. Check that out, and call for your ressies... it may be that it is a phone only special. Definitely worth a try. I believe they were advertising the rooms for $39 per night at that time, and it will depend on if they have filled their capacity for that special!

As for the rooms and bathrooms... spotless!

bobcat

09-13-2002, 07:20 PM

We stayed there one night and didn't want to leave. No one mentioned the cookies at check in and the feather pillows. My daughter got a good laugh out of me hugging the pillows. ;) I had forgotten my feather pillow at home and it was a great treat to find them on the bed. We will stay here again!

GOODFELLA

09-14-2002, 06:36 PM

this sounds great thanks everyone for your inputs i posted one 3 weeks ago and only 2 people replied.That managers special sounds awsome:Pinkbounc :bounce: We are already making plans to be there for happy hour everyday before we get dressed to go out to dinner,thank God for the shuttles!!! no DUI please!!how's the walking distance to DD,
To me this seems like a disney owned hotel,i knew disney would'nt let any hotel on there proberty :smooth: it seems like the courtyard has there stuff together!!!
I thought the same thing as other people said save some cash on the hotel and spend it other places like going out to fine restaurants every night:p we were'nt considering on going to disney this year but at that rate who could refuse!
a funny story goes w/ this i recieved a email from disboards it had been more than a year since i joined and i forgot about the site i usually dont open up mail if i dont know who it came from i then put 2 & 2 together & took a shot in the dark & wham when i opened it up it said $ 25 /per nite at courtyard, Thank God for believing in my instincts!!

PS
eeyore0062

you are every where, wow over 7000 posts thats amazing i just got one thing to say, if i can quote the jungle book ( I WANNA BE LIKE YOU)

cmsandrasue

09-14-2002, 08:25 PM

WOW!! How encouraging all these posts are we are going in 2 wks and have requested adjoining rooms looking ove DW. Hopefully they will honor our requests. With all the + posts I can hardly wait. We got in on the $25 a night for 7 nights Can't Wait! Thanks to all who have posted. :Pinkbounc :bounce:

GOODFELLA

09-14-2002, 08:41 PM

Originally posted by cmsandrasue
WOW!! How encouraging all these posts are we are going in 2 wks and have requested adjoining rooms looking ove DW. Hopefully they will honor our requests. With all the + posts I can hardly wait. We got in on the $25 a night for 7 nights Can't Wait! Thanks to all who have posted. :Pinkbounc :bounce:

cmsandrasue
we are going 9/27 to 10/5 we're from south jersey too maybe we'll see ya there!!!:bounce: :bounce:

cmsandrasue

09-14-2002, 08:48 PM

We will be there 9/28 - 10/5 See ya in Fla. at CYM. :smooth: :sunny:

Lou-Ann

04-05-2003, 11:17 AM

I must have missed something here. We got in on the $25. per night last year but were unaware of it for this year. Someone please fill me in..Thanks.........When is this for???

marlouwrig

04-05-2003, 11:46 AM

Wonderful to read such positive comments. We are spending two weeks here late Aug/Early September.

We are not driving and plan to spend a couple of days at Univeral. What is the best way of getting the five of us there (and back).

Also does this hotel participate in the early park opening??

Thanks for all the info so far - everyone on these boards is so helpful!

eeyore0062

04-05-2003, 11:53 AM

Lou Ann, the $25 rate was for last fall. The 20.02 rate was for mid July through August. It seems that this year they are extending the $20.03 rate through September. It is a property special, and they have run it since at least 2001, when the price was $20.01 per night. The way I found it last year was the same way you found it this year, on these boards. I don't know exactly where the information originates, though. I have a friend who works for Marriott that I work with at his second job here in Virginia, and he wasn't even aware of the $20.02 rate last year! I was telling him about it, and it was better than his employee rate!!! Evidently, since all of the resorts are trying to increase their bookings, they are starting their $25 per night rate early this year, as well!

Enjoy!!!