Disney area off property hotels that are comparable to Disney Moderate resorts?

[loriandmatt]

OK, i have stayed at the WDW moderates and liked them. liked the price range, atmosphere and room quality/cleanliness.

the mods are all booked up for the only timeframe (mid to late june) that we can visit this year and i am considering going to an offsite resort/hotel. But i am lost. i can sort thru any of the online travel sites, but they can't use the benchmark of the Disney moderate resorts to compare them to.

so any folks out there that have stayed at the WDW mods and at some off site resorts that could give an opinion on any off sites that would compare to the mods?

- lori

 

[rosiep]

I have used the DTD hotels in the past. They are perfectly good hotels and technically they are on-site. Most of these hotels have all the amenities of the moderates plus a few extras...I like room service for instance and CSR is the only moderate that offers it but most all of the DTD hotels do. The buses are fine although some of the bus stops in the parks are a bit of a walk. Theses hotels have restaurants and convenience stores and the knick-knack store.
The biggest drawback for me is that while these hotels are nice, they do not have the "resort" feel about them. I never let that spoil my vacation. I can always visit the Disney Resorts for a walk or a meal if I'm missing the themeing.
I had been staying off site because I thought it saved me a bit of money..but after figuring in the resort fees and airport transportation...staying on site comes out ahead sometimes.

If it's the only choice you have...do not hesitate. I wouldn't.

 

[lovinpoohbear]

Try Travelocity for the DTD hotels, they have some great deals especially when you purchase the air and rental car through them
Example: I got Four nonstop R/T air out of NYC, 7 nights at the Best Western DTD (Lake Buena VIsta) and Hertz rental Intermediate car for $999 for ALL OF US>>> with the tax it was a grand total of $1200!!!! I booked in January and am leaving mid April!!!

 

[spiceycat]

look at what the dreams unlimited - dis sponsors

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/resort.htm

the gaylord palms is more like a deluxe but sometime it is priced in the moderate range
http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/gaylord/reservations.cfm

buena Vista Suites

sheraton vista - well some of their rooms are moderate, some are deluxe and some are worst than value - it is very unpredictable

 

[SusanDK]

Have you checked availability at Swan/Dolphin? They are onsite in an excellent location (walk to Epcot, MGM, Boardwalk) and are deluxe level resorts, but often are priced about the same as a Disney moderate.

Susan

 

[lovinpoohbear]

If you are an Entertainment member, they have 50% off Swan/Dolphin depending on when you are traveling.

 

[SUSIEQ]

If you are an Entertainment member, they have 50% off Swan/Dolphin depending on when you are traveling.

Do you have to have the Orlando Entertainment book for this discount?

 

[dioxide45]

Do you have to have the Orlando Entertainment book for this discount?

YOu might be asked to show the card. Though this time of year you can easliy pick up entertainment books from entertainment.com for 50% off. Soon the price should drop to $5 a book plus shipping.

 

[lovinpoohbear]

I have a Connecticut Entertainment Book and it is listed in it. Says If available. You might be asked to show the card. Your best bet would be to call Swan or Dolphin and inquire if the Entertainment discount is available for your dates. If so, than I would order the book so you will have the card to present at checkin.

 

[dgaston]

Another place to check is Mousesavers.com Mary has a list of off-site preferred hotels that she has visited. I enjoy reading her description of the hotel and looking into any special mousesavers rates.

HTH No camping this year?