Disney Springs Hotels for a 1 Night Stay....

JonnaP

JonnaP

Mouseketeer
Joined
Jul 31, 2015
We're heading to WDW in April 2017. We will be arriving somewhere between 1-5pm on a Saturday and wanted a 1 night stay at a hotel before checking into Boardwalk Villas and are thinking about staying in a Disney Springs hotel.

I already priced out staying in an All Star resort and it's just not what I want to pay for 1 night in comparison to the Disney Springs hotels.

So, I have some questions...
1. Which Disney Springs hotel would you want to stay at and why? (I'm bias toward Hilton because of my HHonors, but I'm not totally locked into it)

2. Will they transport our luggage the next day to Boardwalk Villas or is that only done at Disney's On-Property resorts?

3. Can you actually walk to Disney Springs or how long is the bus ride from the hotels?


Thanks!!!
 
I can't speak to those hotels, but there is a new pedestrian bridge so you can walk to Disney Springs from those hotels.
 
JonnaP said:
1. Which Disney Springs hotel would you want to stay at and why? (I'm bias toward Hilton because of my HHonors, but I'm not totally locked into it)
Click to expand...

I'm currently a Hilton HHonors Gold member. I've stayed at all three Hilton properties at Disney Springs.

DoubleTree Suites: Far and away, this is my favorite hotel. I've stayed 40+ nights there in the past two years and never had a bad stay. All rooms are suites that are twice the size of a Disney Value Resort room (540 vs 260 square feet). The suites were renovated within the past couple of years. The staff is great. On my last stay, I had to check out early because of a minor dental emergency. The Front Desk were so helpful and empathetic.

Buena Vista Palace: This hotel is finishing up a massive renovation. I had a dismal stay there during the renovation, mostly due to the renovation. All reports say that the renovation will be complete by your trip dates. I believe this hotel will be highly sought after (and rates will jump) once it is fully operational.

Hilton Lake Buena Vista: I've also stayed roughly 40+ nights here, too. In my view, this hotel is very average and poorly managed. Things I've experienced here include: a broken toilet that took 3 calls and 1.5 hours to get fixed, Housekeeping ignoring the "Do Not Disturb" sign and knocking on my door, and being woken up at 6:50am by Groundskeepers using leaf blowers within 50 feet of my room. Also, don't forget to factor in the $24 resort fee.

I've also stayed at the Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista. It was a great experience. The hotel staff was particularly impressive. While waiting in the lobby, I had a manager approach me and ask if everything was satisfactory with my stay. Also, Housekeepers said hello to me in the hall (which is unusual) and always asked if there was anything I needed in the room.

You may wish to check these other recent threads, as they have opinions on all the Disney Springs Hotels from other folks:

JonnaP said:
2. Will they transport our luggage the next day to Boardwalk Villas or is that only done at Disney's On-Property resorts?
Click to expand...

None of the Disney Springs Hotels will provide free luggage transfer service. According to the Mears Taxi Fare Estimator, the cost of a cab between the DoubleTree Suites (which is the furthest hotel) and Disney's BoardWalk resort is $11.59.

JonnaP said:
3. Can you actually walk to Disney Springs or how long is the bus ride from the hotels?
Click to expand...

All of the hotels are within walking distance of Disney Springs. On a previous stay, I timed the walk to the furthest hotel (DoubleTree Suites). The time from the edge of the Marketplace section to the front door of the hotel was 14 minutes.

It's a pleasant walk along a divided, landscaped road with lots of trees. Here is an image, courtesy of Google Maps:

hotelplazablvd-googlestreetview.jpg
 


writerguyfl WOW thank you for all of that information! And the links were very helpful!! That is GREAT information to know! In fact, at first I was leaning towards the Hilton because I've used them mainly for business travel and I've always had great experiences but now I think you've got me really looking hard at the Doubletree if we don't end up staying at a Disney Value! I'm still tossing this around primarily for the luggage transfer - but it's not a deal breaker.
 
Oh.. one more question... we're purchasing annual passes, however they won't be activated until that Sunday (when we'd move from the Disney Springs hotel to Boardwalk Villas), so I'm assuming we won't be eligible for any AP discounts on the Disney resort rooms because it's not active yet.
 
I'm glad I could help. As far as Annual Passholder rates, I believe that the pass needs to be active to get the discount but not to make a reservation. So, you'd have to activate the pass that Saturday. That's only a problem if you have a return trip planned at the very end of pass.

As for the reservation, you may have to call to book. Although, a post in this thread says that once you purchase the pass online you can link it to your account and check Annual Passholder rates online.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/annual-pass-room-only-discounts.3532512/
 


If you're flying, you'll need to figure out how to get from the airport to Disney World. Staying at a Disney Resort on your first night means you can use Disney's Magical Express service. Staying at a Disney Springs Hotel means you'll need to pay for transportation.

You may want to look into doing a one-way rental from the airport to Disney World. Alamo has a location at the WDW Dolphin hotel. You could pick up the car at the airport and keep it for one day. After checking out of your Saturday night hotel, you could drive your group and luggage to Disney's BoardWalk Villas. Then, drive the car to the WDW Dolphin and walk back. (If you're not familiar, the WDW Dolphin is a short walk from the BoardWalk area.)

It's just a thought. You will have to pay to park that first night. (All the Disney Springs Hotels except the Buena Vista Palace charge for parking.) But, Alamo doesn't charge any fees to pick-up/drop-off at different locations within Florida. You also could make a quick grocery store run to stock up on snacks for your trip.
 
writerguyfl said:
I'm currently a Hilton HHonors Gold member. I've stayed at all three Hilton properties at Disney Springs.

DoubleTree Suites: Far and away, this is my favorite hotel. I've stayed 40+ nights there in the past two years and never had a bad stay. All rooms are suites that are twice the size of a Disney Value Resort room (540 vs 260 square feet). The suites were renovated within the past couple of years. The staff is great. On my last stay, I had to check out early because of a minor dental emergency. The Front Desk were so helpful and empathetic.

Buena Vista Palace: This hotel is finishing up a massive renovation. I had a dismal stay there during the renovation, mostly due to the renovation. All reports say that the renovation will be complete by your trip dates. I believe this hotel will be highly sought after (and rates will jump) once it is fully operational.

Hilton Lake Buena Vista: I've also stayed roughly 40+ nights here, too. In my view, this hotel is very average and poorly managed. Things I've experienced here include: a broken toilet that took 3 calls and 1.5 hours to get fixed, Housekeeping ignoring the "Do Not Disturb" sign and knocking on my door, and being woken up at 6:50am by Groundskeepers using leaf blowers within 50 feet of my room. Also, don't forget to factor in the $24 resort fee.

I've also stayed at the Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista. It was a great experience. The hotel staff was particularly impressive. While waiting in the lobby, I had a manager approach me and ask if everything was satisfactory with my stay. Also, Housekeepers said hello to me in the hall (which is unusual) and always asked if there was anything I needed in the room.

You may wish to check these other recent threads, as they have opinions on all the Disney Springs Hotels from other folks:



None of the Disney Springs Hotels will provide free luggage transfer service. According to the Mears Taxi Fare Estimator, the cost of a cab between the DoubleTree Suites (which is the furthest hotel) and Disney's BoardWalk resort is $11.59.



All of the hotels are within walking distance of Disney Springs. On a previous stay, I timed the walk to the furthest hotel (DoubleTree Suites). The time from the edge of the Marketplace section to the front door of the hotel was 14 minutes.

It's a pleasant walk along a divided, landscaped road with lots of trees. Here is an image, courtesy of Google Maps:

hotelplazablvd-googlestreetview.jpg
Click to expand...


COMPLETELY AGREE WITH ALL!

We are Hilton Diamond and I have stayed all three and would pick in same order.

To add I have stayed in B Resort numerous times and love it there. They do have parking and resort fee but some deals get it waived.

Look at:
- Hotel websites directly
- www.disneyspringshotels.com
- mousesavers
For special deals.

Also figure out how much it will cost for not just your hotel but the transportation from the airport and again to move to Disney hotel. Orlando is not cheap transportation. You may find yourself up in the Disney price range.
 
Thank you so much for all of this information! We'll be driving so no need for transportation, but I didn't think about the charges for parking either.
I called WDW yesterday and found that we can get the AP price for a Disney resort with just an AP voucher that isn't activated yet, but we have to show the voucher upon arrival to get that rate.
After doing some comparisons, I think we may just crash at Art of Animation or POR for the one night and have Disney transport our luggage to Boardwalk Villas while we're at the parks on that Sunday!

But I'm totally bookmarking this thread because with our AP's next year we'll be making quite a few trips and I think there may be occasions that the Disney Springs hotels may work out for us!

You all are awesome. I don't know how I'd ever plan anything Disney without the DisBoard folks!
 
I stayed at the Buena Vista Palace a few weeks ago and enjoyed my stay. Parking is free and and there is no resort fee. It is right across the street so you can walk to Disney Springs. I had a fireworks view room and was able to see all three fireworks shows from my balcony.

I have stayed at both the Doubletree and the Hilton in the past. Both were okay. The Hilton is right across the street from DS. The Doubletree is a little further away, but you can walk to DS and you get a suite.

Out of the 3, I would choose the Buena Vista Resort.
 
JonnaP said:
Thank you so much for all of this information! We'll be driving so no need for transportation, but I didn't think about the charges for parking either.
I called WDW yesterday and found that we can get the AP price for a Disney resort with just an AP voucher that isn't activated yet, but we have to show the voucher upon arrival to get that rate.
After doing some comparisons, I think we may just crash at Art of Animation or POR for the one night and have Disney transport our luggage to Boardwalk Villas while we're at the parks on that Sunday!

But I'm totally bookmarking this thread because with our AP's next year we'll be making quite a few trips and I think there may be occasions that the Disney Springs hotels may work out for us!

You all are awesome. I don't know how I'd ever plan anything Disney without the DisBoard folks!
Click to expand...
If you're driving, I would seriously consider just getting up a bit earlier, and going to BW to drop off your bags. If you wait for Disney to move them, you won't see them until late in the afternoon. I used to allow Disney to move my bags, but not anymore. Just takes too darn long. I now take a cab to the next resort and bring my bags with me. You can send everyone off to a park, then you take the bags and drive to BW. Then join the others in the park.
Or...just keep the bags with you, packed in the trunk.
 
Writerguyfl - I've looked at the Doubletree online and it looks pretty close to the highway. When you are at the pool, do you feel like you are right next to the highway or do the trees block the sound and view of cars? We are thinking about staying there but want to feel like we are "getting away from it all," not in the middle of it all. Also, is this hotel up to Disney's standards? We are use to Disney resorts, but wanted a more relaxing long weekend romantic trip without paying Deluxe Disney resort rates. Any advice on this hotel would be greatly appreciated by anyone reading. Thanks!
 
As far as the pool goes, I'm not the right person to ask. I'm not a swimmer, so I've literally never been out there. When I stayed down the street at the Holiday Inn, I had a room with a balcony. On the balcony, you could hear the highway. But, it's really just a constant noise that you'll forget fairly easily. (At least, it was for me.) My guess is that you'll hear some of that at the DoubleTree Pool. Although, they might play background music out there.

As far as standards go, this is a solid 3-Diamond hotel with a caring staff. All rooms are suites, so that will help make it feel "nicer" than a standard hotel room. My interactions with the Front Desk and Bell Staff have always been positive. I'm a "leave me alone" hotel guest...meaning I don't like people fawning over me. If you're expecting concierge help or turndown service, the DoubleTree probably isn't the right hotel. If you want a well-appointed suite and hotel employees that always say "hello" when they see you, this is a good option.

The one average aspect of the DoubleTree is the restaurant. I've eaten there 4-5 times and it's never been that great. (I'm not a breakfast person...I've only eaten dinner there.) It's not bad food. I just wouldn't choose it over the many better options nearby.
 
We have used Doubletree pool. Lush enough to not see the highway but you do hear it. Been awhile since at pool (we are park people) but I think music is playing out there.

Agree with writerguyfl, still a great place to stay if nothing else the suites.
 
Would the Doubletree be a better option for a long weekend romantic trip for two than CBR? We could probably stay about the same nightly rate. We are not planning on going to parks; just Disney Springs and relaxing by the pool
 
writerguyfl said:
I'm currently a Hilton HHonors Gold member. I've stayed at all three Hilton properties at Disney Springs.

DoubleTree Suites: Far and away, this is my favorite hotel. I've stayed 40+ nights there in the past two years and never had a bad stay. All rooms are suites that are twice the size of a Disney Value Resort room (540 vs 260 square feet). The suites were renovated within the past couple of years. The staff is great. On my last stay, I had to check out early because of a minor dental emergency. The Front Desk were so helpful and empathetic.

Buena Vista Palace: This hotel is finishing up a massive renovation. I had a dismal stay there during the renovation, mostly due to the renovation. All reports say that the renovation will be complete by your trip dates. I believe this hotel will be highly sought after (and rates will jump) once it is fully operational.

Hilton Lake Buena Vista: I've also stayed roughly 40+ nights here, too. In my view, this hotel is very average and poorly managed. Things I've experienced here include: a broken toilet that took 3 calls and 1.5 hours to get fixed, Housekeeping ignoring the "Do Not Disturb" sign and knocking on my door, and being woken up at 6:50am by Groundskeepers using leaf blowers within 50 feet of my room. Also, don't forget to factor in the $24 resort fee.

I've also stayed at the Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista. It was a great experience. The hotel staff was particularly impressive. While waiting in the lobby, I had a manager approach me and ask if everything was satisfactory with my stay. Also, Housekeepers said hello to me in the hall (which is unusual) and always asked if there was anything I needed in the room.

You may wish to check these other recent threads, as they have opinions on all the Disney Springs Hotels from other folks:



None of the Disney Springs Hotels will provide free luggage transfer service. According to the Mears Taxi Fare Estimator, the cost of a cab between the DoubleTree Suites (which is the furthest hotel) and Disney's BoardWalk resort is $11.59.



All of the hotels are within walking distance of Disney Springs. On a previous stay, I timed the walk to the furthest hotel (DoubleTree Suites). The time from the edge of the Marketplace section to the front door of the hotel was 14 minutes.

It's a pleasant walk along a divided, landscaped road with lots of trees. Here is an image, courtesy of Google Maps:

hotelplazablvd-googlestreetview.jpg
Click to expand...
WOW! Fabulous information. Thanks!
 
To chime in, I've stayed at most of the Hotel Plaza Blvd. hotels. With Swan & Dolphin going up in price and the discounts at Disney's resorts being less available, it's becoming my go to.

I think Writerguy did a great job on those 3 - although I've stayed at the Hilton several times with good luck. (But, I've heard horror stories...). It and the Wyndham are definitely the best for walking. Arguably closer to DS than most of SSR!

I'll also put in a vote for B Resort if you want something different. It's a bit more boutique, for good and for bad... But, the beds are very comfortable, the rooms are good sized, and the bathroom's shower is massive! I'll actually be staying there again on my trip next week.

For me, it's all about the value. If you want Magic Hours, free airport transportation, free parking, etc. - the Disney Resorts are likely your better bet. If not, a good deal at one of these hotels is often your better option.
 
And I should add... Uber is a good option for transfers. An uber from POR to the B Resort was less than $10.
 
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