All Star vs. generic downtown disney resort

[VeggieFruit]

First post, hi folks! Planning a trip for January, I'm pretty much looking for the best budget resort. How do the Downtown Disney area resorts (Courtyard etc) compare to an All Star? If I did go with an on grounds generic resort, which is the cheapest?

I'm leaning towards an All Star to get the full 'Disney Experience', but am worried the rooms would be too small/uncomfortable for me and my 2 smelly brothers...

 

[HM]

Marriott's Courtyard is having a $49 special in January. Saw it on TravelZoo.com, this might be something worth looking at for your group. -HM

 

[jane51]

Are you flying or driving? If you won't have a car, staying at the All Stars would be better because WDW bus system is better. Room size probably is a little smaller than those other resorts, but the Disney experience is still evident at these value resorts.

 

[SteveS]

If your budget is tight that $49 rate is pretty good. However I have always found that there is something truely magical about staying on the grounds. While the Courtyard is close it won't have the same feel.

The comment on transportation is a valid issue that should be considered.

Good Luck

 

[Kaitysmom]

We stayed at Courtyard (and another DD Hotel) and will never go back. Have heard others say they like it, but to me it just isn't the same. Sure, you can use the hotel shuttle (a disaster for us) but if you drive you have to pay to park (not the case with WDW resorts) If you are out and about all day, the room size probably won't matter much to you. We had a room facing I4 and had to listen to the traffic all night. The All Stars are definitely more money but the atmosphere, transportation, pools and food courts are so much better than Courtyard. If you can do it, I'd recommend the All Stars, but I'm sure you'll have a great time either way.

 

[VeggieFruit]

Thanks for the advice. I actually went and booked an off grounds resort.. heh yeah not quite what I wanted but the price was too good to pass up, one of those flight and lodging combo dealies. Still shopping for a car, I'm 24 so I have to deal with these darn 'underage' driver fees. How much are parking fees.. $10ish a day?

 

[SnackyStacky]

Veggie:

Parking is $7/day, but that's valid all day, at any theme park. So if you park at Epcot, and decide to move to Animal Kingdom, just show them your receipt, and you don't have to pay again.

I feel your pain with the rental car. I'm 24, and here in New York, Enterprise doesn't have the under 25 fees. I looked, and unfortunately, that's not the case in Florida.