Courtyard DL vs Marriott

[4Parksoneworld]

Hi All. we are WDW vets, so finding a hotel seems a bit more complex at DL.

We are Marriott Award Members and stayed at the FFI accross from the parks a few years back and was not all that impressed (looking for something a little less motel like).

Is it feasible to walk from either the Marriott Convention Center or Courtyard hotel (the CY looks like it is adjacent to the Marriott?) to DL? We have a 7 yo and 3 yo and will ne walking early AM, afternoon and PM (park closing) in July.

As WDW vets, the we arean't scared of walking far, but just want to get an idea of (1) how far / long is teh walk, (2) is it a safe walk (e.g. cross walks and somewhat free of panhandlers).

I know we can take ART, but that does not seem too appealing to wait for a bus that services several other hotels.

The CY is ~ $40 less per night; so if the walk is equivalent, then I would prefer to stay there.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Imdboss]

Last year we stayed at the Doubletree which is just a bit further down the block from the Courtyard and we usually walked to DL and took ART back at the end of the day. It was a one mile walk so it'll be a little shorter than that for you, our kids are a bit older though, 6 and 10. I always feel safe making the walk. Sidewalks are really wide and I've never encountered a panhandler. When DD was 5 I took her to DL and we made the walk (different hotel that trip) and I always felt safe with it being just the two of us. As for ART, it usually just stops at a few hotels for each bus number so once it arrives it usually doesn't take too long to get to the park. However if you're like me you just want to get there and not waste a minute waiting! That's why we would just walk there when our feet were rested and then ride back usually on the last shuttle of the night.

 

[Amommy21]

I would NOT walk from convention center. Definitely use ART. It's like the WDW transportation bus system. Seriously not a big deal and that route doesn't have many other stops. With kids that little you might regret the walk.

Yeah, we stayed at the Fairfield once. It's not my favorite, but sometimes it's an OK off property idea and a lot of people like getting breakfast at MCD.

I haven't stayed at Courtyard, but thinking of it for an upcoming trip. Definitely use ART from the Courtyard.

Have a good trip!

 

[aaturner]

We are booked at the Fairfield. I figured it was OK because part of Marriot chain and location looked good. Should I be concerned? Just wanted something close, clean and easy.

 

[4Parksoneworld]

FFI was Ok. Really convienent and close; but the rooms weren't the cleanest.

It is more motel like then a typical Marriott brand hotel.

It's not that I wouldn't recommend it; just not what we expected from a Marriott chain hotel

 

[DizMe]

There is at least one new Marriott going in near FFI. You might check it out. I'm not sure what their opening date is but I think another Marriott was recently finished?

I have stayed at the Marriott Convention center and it's a beautiful hotel. I really liked it. You can walk over to the Toy Story parking lot nearby and take the bus from there! Totally fine to do that. We actually walked but we didn't have young kids. ART is easy from Marriott because it arrives right outside the front door.

If you're considering the Marriott Convention Center hotel, check out the Disney package. As reward members, it might be worth your while. I used it and loved the perks. Daily rate is higher but I had reward points to use. You get daily parking (which is quite costly there), free ART tickets, and a $100 Disney gift card every day of your stay. The rate for that package is something like $245/night and it isn't always available. July might be a tough time to get it. We didn't use the ART tickets and they bought them back from us at face value

 

[LilPiratesMommy]

I am Marriott rewards member and I am usually up there monthly. The Marriott convention center is very walkable. Im out of shape and do it with my little one all the time. The pool is lovely and it is a very nice Marriott. I understand about the FFI its decent but not what you expect for the price. There is a newer Marriott right across almost in front of The Marriott convention its the Springfield suites. It has a small rooftop pool you can see fireworks from. Larger rooms and right above a CVS. It is on the corner of Harbor and Katella. The Courtyard I think you are thinking about is down a bit more. There are two new Springfield suites make sure you look at the one on Katella/Harbor. If you want more Hotel experience with a nice pool do the Marriott convention center Also they are the only ones who actually have a concierge lounge for their rewards members. If you have any other ?? Id be happy to answer.

 

[4Parksoneworld]

Thanks so much for your help. I think we are leaning towards the Marriott. I'll have to look into the concierge lounge, I have gold status, so I wonder if we get access??

 

[OKW Lover]

We've stayed at the Full Service Marriott adjacent to the Convention Center several times now. Its a very nice hotel and we enjoyed our stay there. When heading for the parks, we've tried both walking and ART. The walk isn't that far and can be done easily for those used to a lot of walking. For those that don't walk that much in their regular day though, you might be better off using ART, especially considering how much you'll be walking in the parks.

 

[OKW Lover]

Thanks so much for yoor help. I think we are leaning towards the Marriott. I'll have to look into the concierge lounge, I have gold status, so I wonder if we get access??

Yes, as a Marriott Gold member you automatically get access to the lounge. They have a good breakfast (week days only I believe) and snacks at night.

 

[4Parksoneworld]

Great, we are planning Monday - Friday in July, so we should have the weekday access. Thanks for your help

 

[manaxpower]

As DizMe mentioned, Marriott by the Convention Center has a package deal that comes with $100 Disney gift card per night (!!!). I am planning on staying there in October...2 nights would pay for 1 day passes for my DH and me! And you get free shuttle rides to Disneyland according to their website. Sounds like the best deal to me!!