Down Town Disney

[Miffy2003]

I believe that hotel has just been refurbished and it is supposed to be looking lovely

It is definitely within walking distance of DTD. I agree with Deb that it's a 10 minute walk to the Marketplace. My word of caution would be around crossing the busy road to get from your hotel's side of the road to the DTD side. There are traffic signals and pedestrian crossings, but quite large scale and not always a huge amount of time given to cross. Again I am really just echoing Deb's advice here!

Did you have a look at the price of the onsite WDW hotels? Even though it's Easter and pricey you might find a value would be in your budget and then you have continuous Disney transportation to DTD and all the WDW parks etc. The DTD hotels do have regular shuttle buses, but not to the same extent as the onsite WDW hotels do.

 

[bry]

I believe that hotel has just been refurbished and it is supposed to be looking lovely

It is definitely within walking distance of DTD. I agree with Deb that it's a 10 minute walk to the Marketplace. My word of caution would be around crossing the busy road to get from your hotel's side of the road to the DTD side. There are traffic signals and pedestrian crossings, but quite large scale and not always a huge amount of time given to cross. Again I am really just echoing Deb's advice here!

Did you have a look at the price of the onsite WDW hotels? Even though it's Easter and pricey you might find a value would be in your budget and then you have continuous Disney transportation to DTD and all the WDW parks etc. The DTD hotels do have regular shuttle buses, but not to the same extent as the onsite WDW hotels do.

Slightly confused now - I thought the Royal Plaza was 'onsite'?

I think the 'Pop Century' was slightly cheaper by about 80 quid but didn't think it looked as good - as you have worked out, I haven't a clue about the areas!!

Nothing booked yet so we are still looking.

Even came across the Double tree club which is offsite but not by much? and was 300 quid cheaper - didn't look very nice tho......

 

[UKDEB]

Yes, the Downtown Disney hotels, all of which are located on Hotel Plaza Blvd, are onsite. I think what Karen means is that they aren't Disney owned hotels. The value resorts of Pop Century and the 3 All-Star resorts are all very basic (motel-style) and are no closer to the action than the DTD hotels. In fact, the All-Star resorts are miles from anywhere except Animal Kingdom and Pop Century is in the middle of nowhere. At least the DTD hotels are close to DTD! Personally, I wouldn't stay at a value resort. The only 'benefit' I can see is that they're Disney themed, but the values are more geared up for children, IMHO. I'd rather be in a hotel with a decent bar and restaurant. All you get at the values is a food court.

Take a look at the Orlando Hotels and Attractions forum. You might get some good ideas there.

 

[bry]

Thanks Deb - you are persuading me, less kids the better for this one (so why am I going to WDW?). A decent local bar is a big bonus.

I am guessing the problem you were getting at with walking the 10mins to DTD is that there is a lot of dangerous wide roads?

I'll take a look at the forum later today.

Is there a map which shows the DTD area accurately that also has the Hotels on it?? I have found various maps but not exactly what I am looking for.

 

[Miffy2003]

Thanks Deb - yes Bry that's what I meant! The DTD hotels are not WDW owned and don't come with the extra perks the "onsite WDW hotels" do (eg Extra Magic Hours etc - though I think the Hilton might do)

Bry, yes the ten minutes' walk are across busy wide roads. As I said in my post above though, there are pedestrian crossings though not great to use.

Not sure if there is a map on there or not but this is the official DTD Hotel area website. Might be worth a peek:

http://www.downtowndisneyhotels.com/default.html