Doubletree Suites vs Homewood Suites

[Girls1]

Hello.
We are taking our first trip to WDW in late August. I'm trying to decide where to stay. We are opting against an official Disney resort as we feel it might be a bit crowded for us over 7 days (two parents, and DD's ages 6 and 12).
We like Homewood and Doubltree Suites both by Hilton. Does anyone have a preference for either one?
Perhaps one is closer or cleaner or has better shuttle service? Any and all opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[Traveliz]

I have never stayed at the Homewood Suites but have stayed several times at the Doubletree Suites on HOtel Blvd and LOVE IT!. The rooms are so spacious, the employees so polite, food options ok.

I have never used their shuttle service.

Liz

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

Pros and Cons of both:

Doubletree has better shuttle service than Homewood and is closer to the park. But, be aware that the shuttles run every thirty minutes and often stop at two parks rather than going directly to the hotel. With Hollywood Studios and Epcot, that's not a big deal, but when you leave MK from the Transportation and Ticket Center and have to go by Animal Kingdom, it takes a lot of time. We love the Doubletree, and we use the bus when we stay there, but it's good to be aware of this. Also, you can walk to Downtown Disney from the Doubletree if you want.

I think the rooms at the Homewood Suites are a little nicer because they have a full kitchen. I also think the pool area is slightly nicer, and my son loves the baskteball court there. I would not use the bus service there--I believe they only make a few trips to Epcot during the day, and then you have to use Disney transportation from Epcot. We really like this hotel and are planning to stay there next week, but we only stay there if we have a car. The Homewood also has free hot breakfast, including Mickey waffles, and a light dinner and drinks for everyone (you have to pay for breakfast at the Doubletree unless you have a deal for the free continental breakfast--our Hilton diamond club membership only provided coupons for two people, but with Mousesavers you can get coupons for everyone).

I love staying on Disney property, but you can't beat the rooms at the Doubletree and Homewood when it comes to space. You just have to figure out what works best and what you need.

 

[Girls1]

Thanks so much to both of you. All of your comments are really helpful towards making my decision. I like it that Doubletree has transport every half hour. We don't have a car so that's very important for us.
Is the refrigerator at Doubletree pretty small? How much do you suppose it would cost to take a cab from eiher location to the parks?
Thanks so much for your help.

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

Thanks so much to both of you. All of your comments are really helpful towards making my decision. I like it that Doubletree has transport every half hour. We don't have a car so that's very important for us.
Is the refrigerator at Doubletree pretty small? How much do you suppose it would cost to take a cab from eiher location to the parks?
Thanks so much for your help.

If I am remembering correctly, the fridge at the Doubletree is a mini-fridge, but check their website to be sure. I don't know about the cab because we always used the buses. The bus will pick up and drop off at three hotels (Hilton, Doubletree and something else), and the Doubletree is the last to get picked up and the last to get dropped off. Generally, it arrives about five minutes past the hour and half hour, but we always are there a little before the hour or half hour to be sure we don't miss it. When the driver drops you off, he will tell you what time the bus picks up. Our bus drivers were always very courteous and friendly. As I mentioned earlier, the only complaint we had was when we left the Magic Kingdom b/c you go to Animal Kingdom before returning to the hotel. This makes for a long ride after a tiring day, and I wouldn't take an afternoon break when you are at MK b/c the bus ride will eat up too much of your time. With that being said, the buses are a nice service, and we do use them.

Also, if you leave the hotel and go to the right, you can cross Apopka Vineland into the Crossroads shopping center. There are several restaurants there and a Goodings grocery (the grocery is WAY overpriced, but it's there if you need it).

 

[ntz4disney]

Having never stayed at the Doubletreee in WDW, we love Homewood Suites! The rooms are spacious and you have a full kitchen available if you should choose to cook a meal. Breakfast buffet with hot and cold food is available in the lobby each day and there is also dinner served Mon-Thu evening in the lobby as well. They post a dinner schedule in your room so you can see what they are serving. We have always had a car with us, so I can't comment on the bus service here. I do know they run on a pretty strict schedule to the park and I have seen several people opt to take the bus to the parks and a taxi home so they can enjoy more of the park. Homewood is tucked back from the main area of restaurants/grocery stores. If you are looking for something in walking distance of those things Doubletree is a better location.

 

[Girls1]

Once again, thanks for your answers and comments. We are still undecided but leaning towards Doubletree. I will call them later on with certain specific questions and make up my mind. Making this decision is consuming me!!

 

[crazelion]

I would sign up for mousesavers.com news letter mailing list. She has discounts for the doubletree that comes with a few continental breakfast.

Maybe some diser would be nice email too. I will check my email this weekend see if I still got it so can get the discount.

 

[Girls1]

I would sign up for mousesavers.com news letter mailing list. She has discounts for the doubletree that comes with a few continental breakfast.

Maybe some diser would be nice email too. I will check my email this weekend see if I still got it so can get the discount.

Thank you. We settled on POP Century. Traveling this weekend!