Downtown Disney, offsite, or BC

[Ann]

I'm considering the Doubletree in Downtown Disney because I like having a suite with our 2 kids (6 & 8). I'm wondering if there's any advantage in staying at a Downtown Disney hotel or should I also look off property for a suite hotel? Last time (2000) we stayed at the Poly & loved it especially for the transportation with toddlers, but now I'd really like the extra space. But is driving to the World and parking really going to be a drag? My other option is the Beach Club where I'd love to stay, but I'd be paying over twice as much and not have a suite. Any opinions?

 

[Divamomto3]

If you can afford the Beach Club, DO IT!
You will NOT be disappointed.

The location is great and the resort is fun.

You might also think about 2 connecting rooms for families at Pop Century.

I've never stayed in DTD, so I really can't comment on that. I'd hate to have to rent a car and drive everywhere, but that's just me.

 

[scanmom]

I like a suite also, and it all comes down to your personal preferences and budget. I would love to always stay on site, but sometimes that is not possible budget wise. We have stayed off site 2 times and on site 2 times. I did not mind driving to the parks. I think that alot of the onsite resorts are actually pretty far from the parks anyway. We stayed at Ft Wilderness once, but ended up driving to the parks anyway, since it takes at least 2 bus rides to get anywhwere from FW. I decided then that we should have saved $$ by staying off site that trip!! It was not any more convienient to be on site in that case. I have never stayed at a moderate, but it seems to me that they are kind of a waste of $, because they are not particularly convienient to anything in WDW. If I had a choice of a mod. or off site, I would choose off site. Of course, we ar not fans of shuttle busses, and usually drive to WDW, so that helps! Now, if I could afford to stay in a suite or have 2 rooms in any of the Epcot/Boardwalk resorts (including S/D), I would pick thet! But, that really adds up to alot of $$!!!

 

[SnackyStacky]

I would say to stay where you can get the best rate for what you want. If you want a suite, the Doubletree is a great choice!

It would definitely be cheaper to stay off-property, but there are a few advantages to being at the Downtown Disney hotels.

I've not stayed at the Doubletree, but I have stayed at the Courtyard, and the Royal Plaza, and I've had nothing but good experiences. I would definitely reccomend renting a car. The hotels do provide transportation, but with kids, it'll be so much easier to have your own vehicle to be able to pack a cooler with snacks, change of clothes...and what not. If you have an Annual Pass, parking at all the theme parks is free. If you don't, it's $7/day. (That's $7/day, not per park...you just have to show your receipt at a different park and you don't have to pay the fee)

You also avoid any traffic congestion on I-4, International Drive, and/or 192. Downtown Disney is about a 10 minute walk...it's really a great location.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Definitly have a car if you choose Downtown Disney or off-site. The shuttles are not as good as the ones from the on-site hotels. We have stayed at the Hilton in DD and enjoyed it, especially if you like to shop in the evening! Just be sure to have a car.