Comfort Inn

[luvsJack]

I just got a great offer from Comfort Inn Lake Beuna Vista. I have reservations at Pop Century but this would save us $600 on the room alone! Before I make a decision I wanted to see if anyone here had stayed there recently and what they thought of it. I especially wanted to know:
1. Are the rooms a nice size for 4 people (3 adults and 1 child)
2. How is the resteraunt, Boardwalk Buffett. It says "kids eat free". Does anyone know the hours of the resteraunt? What about prices?
3. Exactly how much travel time should I plan for getting to the parks?

We would, of course, be cancelling the ddp and the room at Pop, but keeping our ADR's and paying out of pocket. Possibly replacing any counter service meals with meals at Comfort Inn and other places. I know this is a hard question for someone else to answer, but: With all this considered, in your opinion, do you think we will save money? --I promise any and all answers will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for any advice!!!

 

[Momto3Girls&Max]

We stayed there for 1 night in August before our onsite stay at POP. Our room was clean, the furnishings were OK, it included a microwave, small refrigerator and coffee pot. The free breakfast was ok but nothing more, we did not have any other meals at the hotel but the advertising on the elevator stated there was a dinner buffet for $15.95 a person. The room was slightly smaller than our room at POP.

Honestly, all things considered, I would keep the room at POP and the DDP. And I don't say that lightly. I know that $600 is a big chunk of change but I think your whole vacation experience will be so much more if your meals are covered and you don't have to leave the parks for dinner.

Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[rebecca06261]

I stayed there in March 2008. The resort is a lot bigger than what you'd think. The room was very clean yet very dated. Housekeeping did a better job than mousekeeping, imo. Compared to POP, my room was a little bigger yet still had 2 double beds. I also had the microwave, fridge, and coffee maker. I got one of the Spirit fares- $29.00 first night, and $9.00 each night thereafter with a minimum of 3 nights. It was definitely worth every penny of that and would contend with the inconvenience again if that rate came along

The breakfast was decent. It get's very crowded very quickly and they aren't as good about moving the crowds (Disney has this down to a science.)

As for travel time, always give yourself at least 15- 30 minutes no matter what park your going to. But make sure you plan for $12.00 parking and don't dare count on the Comfort Inn Bus... talk about ruining a vacation

I wasn't all that impressed with POP. It was ok... and so is the Comfort Inn. I'd personally chose the Comfort Inn over Pop

 

[travelin' tigger]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for any advice!!!

First off, I've stayed here many times and as the PPs have stated the CI is an older, worn hotel, but I've always had a clean room. If you stay here, be sure to request a parking lot view as the other side faces I-4. I find the rooms to be good sized - about the same as PC.

My other advice is to rent a car. I know parking is $12/day, but using the hotel busses on their limited schedules will kill alot of YOUR park time. Also there are so many off-site restaurants that are way cheaper than WDW. I usually do a few meals (mostly lunches) at my fav WDW restaurants, but the majority of my meals are at less expensive restaurants (and meals in the room - I'm talking DVC w/kitchen facilities).

For a savings of $600, I personally would do CI. But I've also been to WDW many times. If this is a first trip, or the only one for a long time, then I'd keep the reservation and DDP at PC and do it up right...

JMHO - HTH!!!

 

[LovinPooh]

I stayed here a year ago for a week. The staff was really friendly. The room was really clean. And the microwave, fridge, coffee pot, and safe came in really handy. We didnt so much care about the I4 side with the AC being on. It sorta muted out the sound of the highway. But, considering what time of year you are going, the parking lot might be best. Downtown Disney is practically across the street and there is a Ci Cis and Hooters and shopping within walking distance. There is onsite security that check all cars coming into the hotel, and they are very nice as well.
The package I booked was the 'meals no wheels' package. We got the room and hot buffet breakfast every morning. Which I thougt was great. Everthing from eggs to bacon to hash to waffles. It was really good!! You do however have to plan it accordingly. Get there EARLY!!! They are a pleasant wait staff, but not very bright as far as seating LOL! We drove to the parks and paid the parking fee. Took maybe 10 minutes to get there, if that. For our week it was around $375 to stay there.
If you are budget minded... go with this place. I dont think this hotel gets the credit it deserves. It is a bit older... but clean and safe. The only thing I would recommend, is stay away from that 'help desk' across from check in. They will help you find something, but try to get you to do a timeshare thing. That stuff just really irritates me lol.
We on the other hand, have never stayed on WDW property. So we are paying the $$$ to stay at POP. Even though I know it wuold save a ton of cash to stay at CI.

Sorry to go on there lol
I hope you have a great trip regardless of where you stay.

 

[sandym718]

I'm not sure when you're going, but just in case it's a busy time, I just wanted to briefly share our experience.

We stayed here just one night before checking in at the Poly. It was a Grad Night and overrun with teenagers - not a reflection of the hotel at all. The room itself was fine - nothing fancy, but for the price... The problem was - we didn't get a room with adequate bed space. We checked in in the evening after a 19 hour drive and we (party of 4 - 2 adults, 2 young children) were given a handicap-accessible room with 1 double bed and 1 twin bed. Unfortunately we were told nothing else was available. It was NOT what we had booked, my confirmation clearly said 2 doubles. The desk was NOT helpful at all. We were also too exhausted to fight much. Since our kids are young, it was OK, BUT a party of a different configuration could have had a major problem (no cots available either).

So, nothing major wrong with the hotel, and as long as you're not going on a SUPER busy night AND arriving later in the day, probably no problem at all. But I mostly wanted to post b/c I noticed your party size of 3 adults and 1 child - obviously if this happened to you it would be a BIG problem and would require a major fight with the desk. No fun.