Just back from the Courtyard by Mariott at DD

[roliepolieoliefan]

Just returned today after our 6 day stay. We had a room on the 6th floor overlooking the pool and facing PI. The mangement was great and gave us a reduced room rate when our flight was cancelled on Wed. The room was clean and kept. The pools are nice and the staff friendly and helpful. My only complaint was the bus service. Not horrible but pales compared to Disney transportation. I'd definetly stay here again!

[Planogirl]

Could you walk to Downtown Disney from this resort? I've heard of people walking from the Wyndham to DD to catch the buses there so I wonder if you can do it with this one too? Thanks!

[roliepolieoliefan]

You could if you wanted to but it would be a pretty long walk.

[dvc_john]

edit: delete comment as I was thinking of the Marriott Village Courtyard. comment does not apply.

[TracyK]

Planogirl
We stayed at this hotel last month and we gave up on their bus service and walked to DD Marketplace every day. It is a ten minute walk (at the most) and is well worth it IMHO. My son loved the walk as he was fascinated by the turtles that followed us as we walked past the nearby pond.
Tracy

[Chris2597]

I am so disappointed to hear that the bus service is not good. We stayed there a year ago and it was great. They were always on time at the hotel and were on time for pickup at the parks. We even took the bus to DD and it was very efficient. I wonder if they changed companies.:confused:

[Planogirl]

Thanks TracyK. I've been a little uncertain about this resort because of its location but it sounds like it wasn't too bad. We'd probably rent a car but there are just times when we don't feel like driving.

[CarolA]

Did you see Pete's rate for this hotel until the end of the year! I got it for $25 a night for a Thursday and it was only $59 for Friday and Sat! $25 for this hotel is a GREAT rate!

[roliepolieoliefan]

Carol, You will love the hotel. It doesn't have the Disney theme like the Disney resorts but we loved it all the same. I seen the 25.00 rate but my DH doesn't have anymore vacation this year. BOO HOO!!!!! Have a great time!

[Bete]

I'm wondering if I should request a certain floor and/or view? Since you've been there, what's best? Is higher better? Is it better to be on the Pleasure Island side of the building? Thanks for the help.

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad says.............................................. ........I would say in the light of things going on, just be happy you have a room, and go and enjoy your trip!! I would rent a car if I was staying there, wait I am staying there! and am renting a car. At this rate I may want to live there!!!

[susy]

If the bus service is what is holding some back, you could probably rent a car with the money you save on the room!!!!We will be there Nov11-14!!!!

[susy]

how early did you check in ?Can you pre-check in and return later? what is express check in?

[roliepolieoliefan]

We requested a room in the tower on an upper floor. We got the 6th floor in the tower overlooking the pool facing Pleasure Island. It was nice to look out and see PI and the pool from our balcony. The transportation is not horrible!!! We had my DH's grandmother with us who can't walk very far and we noticed the difference between where Disney transportation stops compared to DD transportation. If it was just DH, DS and myself we probably wouldn't have even given it a second thought.

[dalt01]

we are staying there for 10 days in oct for the special rate, i can't tell from the picture if all rooms have balconys or patios even the ones in the anex. can someone help with that? thanks

[mackeeg]

Where are Pete's rates located?
Thanks

[MaryAnn B]

Hi,
I booked the special for Oct. 29 - Nov 2. On another thread I was reading someone was saying
how dingy it was and the carpeting was stained and the beds were not good. Did you find this
to be true? I realize it is not going to be like the resorts inside, but this has to be a really
CHEAP trip for us and the 25.00 a night is great, but I don't want to be miserable.

[susy]

Did they charge a Resort fee? If so, how much was it, and could you have it waived if you refused certain amenities?

[LoDivaLoca]

I booked at those dirt cheap rates Pete was offering (who in their right mind wouldn't??) Going Thanksgiving week.

I have a question though.... in the pics of this hotel, it looks like the rooms contain 2 queen beds, not doubles, is this true???

Any other thoughts you can share w/us about this place????

Thanks!!!
:bounce:

[Robinrs]

Originally posted by mackeeg
Where are Pete's rates located?
Thanks

Here you go, mackeeg... they're at the top of the first page of this board ... http://www.disboards.com/forums/announcement.php?s=&forumid=15

[MaryAnn B]

Same question as Suzy. Does the hotel charge a resort fee and can it be waived?

[Bete]

I'm back from my best trip in 30 years(This was number ten for me). We spent 5 of our 9 days at the Courtyard by Marriot DD. First, there was no resort fee but we didn't receive a newspaper automatically, either. Even though we didn't use the service, there is bus service to the Disney parks from the resort. You get a pass. To get early entry through this resort, you must go by their bus. Also, I know some walked back and forth to Downtown Disney to use the Disney buses. I don't recommend the walk but it's possible to do it.

I won't say the room was tip-top but what do you want for $25 a day? In our room, we had a little bit of peeling wallpaper. There was a little mildew in the grout in the bathroom shower. The beds were ok but the pillows were lacking. Noise level was ok meaning the room seemed well insulated. One morning, our first morning there, we decided to sleep in late like 10am and we found the shower water lacking in hot water. It was as if it was all used up. By our return to our room in the afternoon it seemed fine. Now, I have to say I keep my house up better but it's tolerable for the price and conveniencce of location. Our view sucked but we didn't care; we were out most days from 7am til 10pm anyway(We would take a little break in the room). The A/C worked great. We didn't use the pool but I could tell some were enjoying that amenity. Parking wasn't too bad, either. Breakfast was available there at an extra cost. There was a small bar as part of the lobby area in the back. By the way, the room was spacious by comparison to the All-Star resorts at Disney.

My one complaint would be is to watch out for the time-sharing rep that's in the lobby all the time.

If asked would I stay there again for $25 a night; I would say yes.

Good luck to you all.

[dutton]

Would you please elaborate on what is in the rooms? I've heard 2 queens, 2 doubles, a sofa--I'm confused! Do you know how early the buses start? And how much bigger than the AS? Also, did it take a long to commute from this hotel to the parks? I think I understood you to say that you took a midday break. Thank you for the info.We will be there Dec.9-Dec14 for the $29 rate. I guess I will take some extra pillows!

[LoDivaLoca]

Ditto Bete - thanks!! NOW WHAT THE HELL IS THIS ABOUT GOING ON THEIR BUS FOR EARLY ENTRY???? I surely hope you are mistaken, as when I go - I rent a CAR to come & go as I PLEASE....and DO NOT care at all for the nonsense of those buses & being subject to THEIR schedule. PLEASE clarify this!!! Thanks Bete!!!

[Bete]

We were in the tower portion of the building and we had 2 full beds. We had a desk with a very nice chair. This desk area was computer ready. The dresser had 6 large drawers. The dresser on one end had the TV. TV channels were limited in comparison to Disney resorts. They provided an iron and ironing board in the closet automatically. Hair dryer was built-in to the bathroom wall. We had one sink. There was a good size table and 2 chairs that were cushioned. We did not have a balcony but some rooms did have that perk. If that's important to you, then ask for that type of room. I would guess the room to be at least 50% bigger then Disney All-Star resorts. We had access to 3 elevators and never waited too long. Ice machines never seemed empty. Our floor had a broken soda vending machine. Free coffee was available in the room.

When I asked about the early entry I was explicitly and emphatically told the bus service was the only way you could get in early to the Disney parks from this resort. I don't know what they would do if you put up a fuss about it. I didn't use the bus service at all; so, I'm a little weak talking about it any further. I believe there is more service at the begginning and end of the days at the parks. Remember, some used Disney Downtown buses to get around too. I'm sure they would run more often. You get a sheet explaining the time schedule but I didn't keep it to tell you the exact details, sorry.

[LoDivaLoca]

Thanks so much for your help, Bete! (I've been trying to get this info for WEEKS!) Thanks for taking the time.....think I'll do that (good suggestion, by the way) - about the Downtown Disney buses....can't be hassled waiting a 1/2 hr at a time.....

Take care!