downtown disney hotels

[castlehappy]

Has anyone ever stayed at any of the downtown disney resort hotels? We are looking for a little more space than just your average room and was considering the fort wilderness cabins however I have been doing a little research and the Doubletree guest suites seem very reasonable and really what we are looking for. I know these hotels are not disney owned and are not themed but they seem to have all the other perks, mainly transportation! I thought I would ask and get feedback from the board because I always get good valuable advice here!

 

[Luv2Roam]

You might do as well to post this on the Orlando/outside of WDW board too. (Forget the exact name of the board.)
I once checked out DTD hotels for our May stay.At tat time, the prices were the same. (But I was looking at a regular room for the two of us.)
One thing to consider on the transportation. Yes, you do have it. But it is not as door to door as WDW transportation. Or as often -- although we had consistently terrible WDW bus experiences last May with POR transportation. I can't imagine any downtown hotel having worse bus service than we experienced at POR in May.
I'm sure you will get a very educated answer through another post.

 

[SnackyStacky]

I've stayed at the Marriott Courtyard at DTD.

True, the bus service is not as door to door as WDW Transportation, once you catch a bus to a park, you can hop WDW Transportation to wherever else you need to go.

Timewise though with waiting for busses, I've had better luck with the Downtown Disney busses than the WDW busses. They were consistently there when they said they'd be, whereas I had to wait 20+ minutes for Disney transportation.

And I haven't stayed at the Doubletree at Disney, but I've stayed in one in Manhattan, and if they're anything alike, it'll be a WONDERFUL hotel. The suites are almost like little apartments.

If you can get the same rate or better as a Disney hotel, and want a lot more space, go with the Doubletree.

 

[Mickeycrazie]

We stayed at the Doubletree our 1st visit in 97 and loved it. I think you would enjoy it. The they fridges, microwave and sink in the living room/kitchen area. That way if you are into saving money you could bring breakfast stuff and eat in your room before going. Transportation was good and you would walk to downtown disney if you want. The chocolate chip cookies you get at checkin are wonderful also.

Mickeycrazie

 

[castlehappy]

Thanks all! I also checked out the Orlando hotels board as well and found some info there. I think we may go with Doubletree, its only me, DH, DD(17) and her friend. The two teenagers don't really care about the "theming" and we really need the extra room because my DH drives us all crazy with his snoring! LOL
I am also going to look into DVC renting points and see how I would come out there.
thanks again.....