Downtown Disney Resorts

[laureng]

I've read alot on these boards concerning onsite vs. offsite as far as transportation issues and being in the "magic", etc., but where do the DTD hotels rate? How is the transportation from these resorts? Inconvenient? Any plusses to staying here rather than onsite? Trying to get as much information as possible to plan a Nov 2003 trip to WDW. Do the DTD resorts typically offer discounts? Thanks so much for any help!

 

[SnackyStacky]

It depends on what you're looking for.

If you are looking for the Disney "magic" and/or experience, you won't find it here. Not a trace of Disney other than the Disney Store and guidemaps in the lobby.

I've only stayed at the Courtyard Marriott, and I was very happy with it. I've gotten it for decent rates, and it's well worth it. The room was clean, housekeeping was efficient, and I had a balcony. The transportation was wonderful. They had those coach busses instead of the metro type busses that Disney uses. I believe Disney's bussing is on-demand, but the DTD busses run every half hour to each of the 4 parks with limited service to the water parks and Downtown Disney.You didn't say when in November you were going, but if it's off-season, you'll be pleased with the busses. I haven't dealt with them in peak seasons, so I'm not sure how they fare with larger crowds.

All but the Best Western also have car rental desks. I know that the Marriott has Dollar Rental, and the Doubletree has Budget. Not sure which the others are.

You are entitled to all of the priveleges that Disney resort guests have except: charging privleges (when staying in a Disney resort, they allow to charge purchases throughout the resort to your room), and they don't have luggage transfers if you plan to resort hop. Which means that if an E-Night is offered, you can purchase the ticket at the Disney Store in the lobby of your resort. I believe UPH can also be purchased at the Disney store. If they were to have an Early Entrance, you'd be allowed to take advantage of that too.

As for specials, you just have to keep your eye out. You'd have to ask specifics about which hotel you'd like to stay at, because I've heard different things about all of them. Once again, the Courtyard Marriott is very nice, but it's the only one I've stayed at. I've not heard good things about the Grosvernor.

Hope that helped!

 

[laureng]

Thanks! Yes, that helps alot. Courtyard was one of the places I had in mind. I've heard other good things about it and have also heard some not-so-good things about the Grosvenor. I will keep my eyes open for any specials for our time frame.

 

[gillers87]

Hi. My husband and I just stayed at the Hilton in Downtown Disney in July. It was fabulous! We got our room through priceline for $60 a night and had a pool view in our room. We ate mostly through room service and their 24 hour market at the hotel. The prices were very good. The transportation to the parks werw wonderful. We waited at the most for 10 minutes for a bus to go from the hotel to the parks. We were one of the first pickups on the way to the park, so we always had a seat. We never had to wait for a bus when we left the parks. The buses are a lot nicer than the disney hotel transportation. The rooms are a lot bigger and nicer than the disney hotels, and the price is a lot better! The food is a lot cheaper. the pools at the Hilton were very nice and not very crowded. I would definitely stay there again.

 

[laureng]

Wow, what a great review, gillers87! Thanks!