Courtyard by Marriott Questions

[hippod]

Hi there, was thinking of ten days in Courtyard by Marriott, Downtown Disney. A coupple of questions.

What are the shuttles like?

Can you participate in early mornings or E Ride nights?

Can you walk to Downtown Disney easily (and is it safe after the parks close for two females myself and my 16 year old daughter)?

And lastly how does anyone who has stayed here rate it?

Thanks very much in advance as I'm scratching my head over all our options!

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

We stayed there in Sept 02.

We didn't use the shuttles, but they appeared to always be running

Early morning was not in effect then and they had no e-ride nights, but the hotel did tell me they participated

It's a short walk to DTD. I would feel safe walking over there.

We were able to get a tower room facing Pleasure Island. We had a great time and we just couldn't beat the price ($20.02/nt). I enjoyed our stay there.

 

[nowellsl]

My daughter and I stayed there in May and September of this year. We walked to DTD every night and felt quite safe. We really enjoyed this hotel. We used the buses several times and had no problems. They do particpate in E nights but not early entry. Breakfast buffet was good. Employees were very nice and friendly. They even have a free shuttle that we took to go to an outlet mall. I would stay there again if the price were right!

 

[f7prez]

We were very pleased with the relatively close proximity to DTD. We walked with our 3yo several times. Well lit walk way at night is very convenient.
Transportation was great. Buses are on time, frequent and very comfortable.
The hotel is old and undergoing a makeover, but we were very happy with the staff and our overall experience.
If you are not staying at a Disney hotel, I believe the DTD hotels are a great opportunity to stay on Disney property and enjoy some of the benefits that come with it, such as early entry and guaranteed admittance to the parks. On Christmas day people have been turned away.

 

[SnackyStacky]

I've stayed at the Courtyard twice, and loved it both times!

The positives to this hotel:

*Room size - these rooms are the biggest rooms on property (including the Disney resorts!)

*high rooms that face the pool have a view of the fireworks

*within safe walking distance to Downtown Disney - it used to be very UNSAFE, but it's so much easier since they installed the crosswalks at the intersection

* a very friendly staff. Had only one bad experience with the people that work here.

* free nachos and beverages everyday at 4:00

* shuttle service worked just fine for us. Shuttles were around every half hour, and they were NEVER crowded, even at park closing.

Negatives:

* lack of food options - the restaurant had limited hours, and I wasn't overly impressed with the counter service

 

[ncgolfer]

The courtyard is great if you get a good rate. The shuttle service is okay if you don't mind waiting for the scheduled pickups and dropoffs or standing if you go during busy time. The park dropoffs are in the middle of parking lots and sometimes it can be quite a hike to the park entrances.

Downtown disney is an easy stroll from the courtyard. When we stayed at the courtyard the disney buses went directly from DTD to the disney parks. I have read that the DTD buses now go only to disney resorts and you have to transfer to another bus to get to any of the parks. Just a heads up on that.

I agree that the restaurant is okay and that the counter service was not very impressive, however the hotel staff was great.

 

[hippod]

Thanks for all the replies. Looks like you've made up my mind - Courtyard here we come!

 

[TTFN]

Thanks for the info! I had some of the same questions...I have reservations for myself and my daughter for 5 nights in January. I have an AP, and considered moving to a Disney resort when the AP rates came out. This has to be a budget trip, and for the rate I have at Courtyard that would mean an All Star resort. I decided the proximity to DTD for two shopping fools outweighed the on-site advantage. The safety/security issue is the only one that might make me change my mind, so I'm glad to hear everyone's thoughts on that! Thanks again!