Doubletree DTD bus service & other questions

[Amapola]

I debated whether to post this here or on the Transportation board but that one seems more geared to getting there instead of getting around.

I'm considering Doubletree in DTD Jan 5-10. DH and I have been to WDW many times and have stayed off and on site (last time at the Swan, but they don't have the gov't rate available at the time we're going). The DTD location seems fun because of its proximity to entertainment after park hours.

I'd like to know everyone's experience with bus transportation to the parks from this hotel. We normally spend all day in the parks--we don't go back to the hotel during the day, so that wouldn't be an issue. Is transportation reliable at opening and closing time? Does it run on a schedule? The hotel website states "every 30 minutes." Is that accurate?

And in general, is this an OK hotel? We don't spend any time in hotels, don't use the swimming pool or other hotel facilities. All we need is a clean room to sleep and shower.

Thanks for any input!

 

[floridagirrl2]

I have not stayed at the Doubletree, but can address the bus transportation issue since I have stayed at another DTD hotel, the Wyndham. The DTD hotels share buses.

DH and I thought the transportation was fine and on time on the weekend, and unacceptable on the weekday we were there. In addition to having to wait a long time for the bus to show up, it took a solid hour to get back to the hotel once we were on the bus because of the other stops. DTD bus service is not regular transporation, it's a contracted bus service.

DH and I just got back from Pop Century and were pretty happy with the transporation to/from this resort. The bus service from Pop also goes back and forth to DTD until after DTD closes, so you might want to consider this resort.

 

[spiceycat]

you could also look off-site many places offer goverment discounts - even RCI has one - great deals for governement employees.

and then you could rent a car with your savings.

 

[sweet maxine]

I just found out about the Hilton chain (Homewood, Hilton, Hampton, Embassy Suites, Doubletree) offering the government rate, even to local or county government employees. Some of the hotels offer a much better rate that way, so it might be worth your while to look into it. When you are checking the rates, be sure to click on the words "show all rates", as this will show all the government employee price options.

Hope that helps!

Oh, I forgot to add....I have used the getravelop.com program for Cypress Pointe Grand Villas, and it's just around the corner from DTD. This place is really nice, and if you can get it for $249 for the week, it's really a steal!

 

[Amapola]

Thanks for all the responses! Upon researching the hotel a bit more, DH and I decided against it. We're now planning to stay at Coronado Springs, and we'll rent a car anyway to make getting around easier.

Again, I appreciate everyone's ideas.