Doubletree Universal - Reviews - is it ok for families

[calmk]

Please read and let me know your opinions - sorry but it might be a long story.

Xmas 2010 - lovely surprise from hubby when he tells the family(me and the kids -15,13,10)that he has booked family holiday to Orlando for 2 weeks at Easter 2011. He tells us he has booked the hotel and it is near I-Drive so near all the restaurants and shuttles to Disney.

Feb 2011-email confirmation from TA(COOPERATIVE TRAVEL)shows we have the Doubletree hotel booked but it is the one near Universal (its on Major Blvd). Mixed reviews but looks nice. we have a look at the home page but do not check it on the map in terms of locality to other amenites.

9 weeks before we go - finally get time to look due to other family and work commitments at where we are booked in and how far it is from places people recommend.

THis is my dilema at the moment. We are booked for 2 weeks (ROOM ONLY) in Doubletree Universal and i am stressing about things like breakfasts and other meals. ALso not sure whether the Disney shuttles go from there. I know these are plentiful on I-Drive .should i see if we can change our hotel?

WHat would you do -is it worth asking the TA whether we can change Hotel to somewhere where a bit more accessible for families. We are not driving so need to be able to get shuttles etc.

Food wise i know there are some restaurants in the hotel but for a family of 5 I would like to be able to have a good meal without spending over the odds. i know on some doubletree post some have recommended the cracker barrel and pizza hut nearby .

I have not said much to hubby about my concerns- he has had some bad news recently and don't want to stress him. It was such a lovely thing he did and i dont want it to seem like i am not happy. honestly i would have prefered a villa rather than a hotel (i dont mind cooking )but this is a holiday of a lifetime and i am so happy we are going. Is the Doubletree Universal a good place for families to stay?

Apologies for long post but i did not know who else to ask . THank you for any replies.

 

[Kath2003]

Please read and let me know your opinions - sorry but it might be a long story.

Xmas 2010 - lovely surprise from hubby when he tells the family(me and the kids -15,13,10)that he has booked family holiday to Orlando for 2 weeks at Easter 2011. He tells us he has booked the hotel and it is near I-Drive so near all the restaurants and shuttles to Disney.

Feb 2011-email confirmation from TA(COOPERATIVE TRAVEL)shows we have the Doubletree hotel booked but it is the one near Universal (its on Major Blvd). Mixed reviews but looks nice. we have a look at the home page but do not check it on the map in terms of locality to other amenites.

9 weeks before we go - finally get time to look due to other family and work commitments at where we are booked in and how far it is from places people recommend.

THis is my dilema at the moment. We are booked for 2 weeks (ROOM ONLY) in Doubletree Universal and i am stressing about things like breakfasts and other meals. ALso not sure whether the Disney shuttles go from there. I know these are plentiful on I-Drive .should i see if we can change our hotel?

WHat would you do -is it worth asking the TA whether we can change Hotel to somewhere where a bit more accessible for families. We are not driving so need to be able to get shuttles etc.

Food wise i know there are some restaurants in the hotel but for a family of 5 I would like to be able to have a good meal without spending over the odds. i know on some doubletree post some have recommended the cracker barrel and pizza hut nearby .

I have not said much to hubby about my concerns- he has had some bad news recently and don't want to stress him. It was such a lovely thing he did and i dont want it to seem like i am not happy. honestly i would have prefered a villa rather than a hotel (i dont mind cooking )but this is a holiday of a lifetime and i am so happy we are going. Is the Doubletree Universal a good place for families to stay?

Apologies for long post but i did not know who else to ask . THank you for any replies.

OK I'm a big fan of public transport but this hotel is a bit of a pain if you want to go to Disney. As far as I know, it doesn't have any shuttles to Disney, so you're going to either need a car, or to use the public transport system which will involve three changes, or to use the Mears shuttles.

It seems a nice enough hotel for a family but if you want to do Disney, you're at entirely the wrong end of Orlando. Anything on International Drive itself would be fine.

 

[Zeebs]

any reason you don't want to drive?

I was very nervous but it is actually very easy. You can get some good deals on cars and then the stress would be off your location as you can just do things anywhere at your own leisure.

I do not object to public transport but I do like to be able to hop on and off close to where I need to go without having to change etc.

I can't comment on the hotel as we have stayed in a condo and have booked a villa this time. I certainly agree you don't want to upset your husband, especially when he has gone and sorted it all out for you as a surprise. Can't think of a way of bringing up the subject. But I think I would either be renting a car or looking at a different place if the travel agent can move you.

Have a fab time.

Kirsten

 

[calmk]

had a good think about it whilst shopping - gonna leave it as it is - thats what holiday are like - its all the experiences we share as a family - good or bad. hopefully good with this holiday. We have 2 weeks dream holiday booked for april so will just go with the flow.

I thought about all those who are unable to go on holiday and thought how lucky i am to be married to a wonderful man who tries to make our family happy.

will let you know how it goes. 40+ days to go!

 

[rpbert1]

i have a few friends that have stayed here, and they would not hesitate staying there again. they did not do Disney, but like others said a car would be good .
There is quite a few places walkable around Major Blvd S Kirkman, Crackerbarrell- Starbucks-goldencoral, I Hop Mcds BK, and its a short walk to Citywalk and Universal parks.
We always have a car, but people who use I'Drive trolley, could tell you better about it, as i think there is one that goes by The Doubletree

 

[rpbert1]

have a look here to sort things out, there is red and green line and you can use both , the green line starts at Major BlVD
http://www.iridetrolley.com/maps.asp

Looking at the routes, i see one goes past where we are staying for a few nights , so might use it instead of driving a few nights.

If you do not rent a car ,the 14 day tickets would be good value at $14 each, and i would be inclined to get the trolley to Vineland Ave outlets ,then a taxi to DTD from there, and then use Disneys transport to the parks from there.
But thats what i would do, i am sure someone who has done it will have a better way.