Any input on DTD area hotels?

[LovinPooh]

I have run searches and all that, but the best info comes right from here
We normally stay at Clarion LBV a week before going to WDW. That place is great. But I was thinking of trying somewhere new. We love the DTD area.
Any input would be soooo great!!

 

[spiceycat]

here is a link
http://www.downtowndisneyhotels.com/

which one were you thinking of -

these hotels were build when Disney was first opened in the 70's - so kept that mind too.

 

[LovinPooh]

Thank you!
I was looking at Best Western or Holiday Inn.

 

[Ed J]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2838545&highlight=dtd

Some photos in that link.

I've stayed there (Holiday Inn) with the family and for work, I'd go back again.

Walk to DTD, and the hotel itself was good. Did not use the shuttle so I cant comment on that.

 

[kalc12345]

We stayed at the Double Tree in DTD for one night before going to Saratoga Springs Resort. We enjoyed our short stay there!

 

[nono]

We've had a good enough time at the Hilton that we are planning another few days there to extend our next, mainly-DVC stay. It's not the glitziest, but boy do we love the pool/bar/outdoor restaurant area for just chilling for a day or two after a drive down. The hotel seems to get a lot of function traffic, so not a lot of folks fighting for deck chairs during the day.

And, we still get EMH if we want a couple hours in the parks (We have APs). We've also had good meals at the Italian restaurant there, and have yet to try the Benihana that is there. I wouldn't pay top dollar for a room, but they often have quite affordable rates available.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[christineann]

Four of us (2 moms and 2 daughters) stayed at the Best Western in December. Great staff, easy walk to DTD, and very comfortable rooms (plenty enough room for us). Nice perk is that this hotel does not charge for parking. We parked the car and used the shuttle to the parks every day. We would stay there again.

We did not use the pool or the restaurant, so I can't comment on those.

 

[mjplantz]

We stayed at the Hilton on a previous trip. Location was great... nice walk to DTD and the kids enjoyed the pool. We did not eat at the hotel except for free breakfast (Hilton Platinum members) and the ice cream shop, both of which were fine, nothing remarkable. Room was clean, everone was friendly and since it was free with Honors points that made it even better.

 

[LittleMissMagic]

I've stayed at the Downtown Disney Doubletree. The rooms are all 'suites' - it's nice to have the extra space. It's a clean hotel, but the rooms aren't really nice or swanky. They rate it a 4-star on the Hilton website, but it's really more of a 3-star. The lobby is nicely renovated, though.

We did use the bus system and it was horrible.

The first bus comes at 8:00 - try to make the 8:00 bus if you want to get to the park at opening time. The good thing about the Doubletree is that it's the last stop on the route, so you don't have to wait for guests at other hotels to board. However, later in the morning, the bus is often too full to be able to get on. Then you have to wait a half hour for the next bus to come.

The shuttle ride home was miserable. They filled the bus at Epcot, then went to Hollywood Studios and crammed more people on. We were packed on there like sardines, and it was hot. And unfortunately, we were the last stop on the way back.

Also, be careful about the names listed on the top of the bus. Our second day there, the first bus said "Magic Kingdom/Animal Kingdom" and the second said "Epcot/Animal Kingdom." We needed to go to Hollywood Studios, but didn't get on the bus because the driver had listed the wrong name. After taking our concerns to the manager, we were provided with a car service for the remainder of our stay, so we didn't have to deal with the horrible bus system anymore.

Here are some photos of the resort if you're interested: http://www.flickr.com/photos/65057597@N07/sets/72157629734368868/

And if you want to read more about my annoyance with the DTD shuttle system: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44858512&postcount=48

 

[nono]

We did use the bus system and it was horrible.

The first bus comes at 8:00 - try to make the 8:00 bus if you want to get to the park at opening time. The good thing about the Doubletree is that it's the last stop on the route, so you don't have to wait for guests at other hotels to board. However, later in the morning, the bus is often too full to be able to get on. Then you have to wait a half hour for the next bus to come.

The shuttle ride home was miserable. They filled the bus at Epcot, then went to Hollywood Studios and crammed more people on. We were packed on there like sardines, and it was hot. And unfortunately, we were the last stop on the way back.

Thank you for posting this. I had always thought the Hotel Blvd. hotels shared service. Then, we stayed at the Hilton and used the bus, and it was Hilton only. So, I got the (mistaken) impression that I was wrong about shared services along Hotel Blvd. Since we're Hhonors members, I would also consider the Doubletree as a place to stay, and it's good to know to avoid the bus service if staying there.

Thanks!

 

[spiceycat]

stay at BW and really love it. but it has been a while - then you only shared buses with the hotels on your side of the street. So they kept to their every 30 minutes schedule. then Epcot and Studio shared a bus. So did MK and AK - getting to MK was quick - but getting back was a pain - of course it was not a problem once AK closed for the evening.

not even sure what they do now.

the rooms were smaller but the views (got theme park) was pretty great!

 

[CaFeeney]

One of the hotel you don't hear much about yet I would recommend is the Buena Vista Palace. If you love DTD this is a great location - right across the street. Less than a 5 minute walk.
Be sure to check Travelzoo as they have lots of deals posted - we just stayed there for 4 nights in April, right after Easter for $99 per night including resort fees and breakfast.

Room was very nice, water view, and lovely beds. Really nothing to nitpick about, maybe the only issue was the parking lot was a bit of a walk..

 

[msr709]

Funny how time changes everything. I stayed at the Grosvenor (don't know if is still called that) but its the first hotel next to the Wyndham. It was an older hotel but we loved it! It was just my Mom and I (this is back in 2001 or something) and it was the week before Xmas. We had no trouble with the bus system at that time, maybe because the parks were not crowded? but we never had an issue with it. I thought that was the best part because their buses are more like the commuter buses, with cushioned seats and high backs a lot more comfortable than the buses that serve the on-site hotels. Maybe the route of the bus was different because we were the first to be discharged on the way back from the parks and always had a seat going into the parks. Might want to consider what time of the year you are going and it might make a world of a difference with the buses. We literally right next door to DTD, a 5 minute walk at most so we enjoyed that and could always take the Disney buses if their buses didn't show but we never had need of it. And were also able to walk a short distance to the Crossings for other restaurants. It was a longer walk than to DTD, we took a cab when my Mom was too tired but it was very short ride. I'm sure you will be fine with where ever you decide. Good Luck! HTH.

 

[Sadie22]

I meant to start a new thread. Sorry?

 

[elsabear]

I just returned from a 5 night stay at the Holiday Inn. It was great. We had a tower room with a balcony view of downtown and could watch the fireworks. The staff was wonderful. The pool was nice and the restaurant food very good. This hotel was redone not that long ago (maybe it used to be the Grovsner). We slept well as it was quiet.

 

[spiceycat]

for discounts look at these

the web sponsor of the dis

http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/dreamsres/index.htm


mouse savers

http://www.mousesavers.com/

travelzoo
http://www.travelzoo.com/hotels/orlando/

 

[csjordan]

For those who have stayed at DTD hotels, are there any that have transportation from MCO? We are traveling late evening 12/25 and am considering staying DTD and checking into WL next day. Does anyone out there have experience/knowledge of the best way to get from the airport to DTD hotels? Would prefer a hotel with a direct shuttle, if that exists. I'm sure there would be a cost, so I'm batting around whether or not just to stay at a value hotel and taking DME.

Any expert advice is greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!!
Carole

 

[spiceycat]

stay at the value

otherwise your only choice is an airport hotel - it will take you back and forth to the airport.

now there was a time when Disney was alllowing you to take DME the next day - but not sure if this is still true or not?

 

[csjordan]

stay at the value

otherwise your only choice is an airport hotel - it will take you back and forth to the airport.

now there was a time when Disney was alllowing you to take DME the next day - but not sure if this is still true or not?

This is what I was leaning towards, as the cost of a shuttle for 4 people plus DTD hotel costs will exceed the amount of the value (even at Christmas).

Thanks for your input!!
Carole

 

[HWY20RIDE4MYSON]

For those who have stayed at DTD hotels, are there any that have transportation from MCO? We are traveling late evening 12/25 and am considering staying DTD and checking into WL next day. Does anyone out there have experience/knowledge of the best way to get from the airport to DTD hotels? Would prefer a hotel with a direct shuttle, if that exists. I'm sure there would be a cost, so I'm batting around whether or not just to stay at a value hotel and taking DME.

Any expert advice is greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks!!
Carole

I just recently stayed at holiday inn and used mears transportation to and from, I prepaid 40$ rountrip ticket, from MCO to Holiday inn on hotel Plaza blvd. I also rented a car b4 I had them pick me up and drove to a walmart got a cheap suitcase or duffle bad and stocked up on snacks and bottled water and other drinks, cuz i had fridge and micro in my room at HI. Hope this helps