Gaylord Palms or Royal Plaza

[scamp]

We are thinking about staying offsite part of our trip. Has anyone stayed at Gaylord Palms or Royal Plaza? We're a little fearful about staying off property.
I've checked reviews at tripadvisor, and they are mixed.

Thanks

 

[disneynutz]

We are scheduled to stay at Gaylord Palms next month. I would like to read your answers also.

 

[baj0505]

I haven't stayed at either of the hotels you mentioned but there are reviews for Royal Plaza on mousesavers website and discounts available thru it. Royal Plaza shares bus service to Disney with 3 or 4 other hotels including the Hilton. So bus service can be a little slow but pretty dependable. The buses don't come as frequent as Disney buses do but there is a schedule they will give you --the biggest risk is not making the last bus at night! I've met people on the bus that were staying there - mostly convention wifes and families and they all seemed pretty happy with the hotel.

I have stayed at the Hilton right across from Downtown Disney multiple times and never had any issues. Loved being able to walk right across the street to DTD. They are the only off site hotel where you can participate in EMH. If you book thru the Hilton site directly there net direct rates can be pretty good if you book far enough in advance.

 

[kerrynic78]

Gaylord Palms is AMAZING!! We live in Orlando and still try to stay there for a night here and there because we love it so much. There is so much to see and do there just by walking around. The restaurants are great and the spa is heavenly! I think it is a great choice!!

 

[scamp]

Gaylord Palms is AMAZING!! We live in Orlando and still try to stay there for a night here and there because we love it so much. There is so much to see and do there just by walking around. The restaurants are great and the spa is heavenly! I think it is a great choice!!

Thank you so Much!!! I'm a little nervous because we stayed off property last year, and weren't happy. Your experience makes me feel more comfortable.
Which area do you like to stay in? Is it comparable in quality to a Disney Deluxe resort? We will be there with my 2 kids. Thanks for your help!

 

[spiceycat]

Which area do you like to stay in? Is it comparable in quality to a Disney Deluxe resort? We will be there with my 2 kids. Thanks for your help!

from what I have read it is better than a Disney deluxe.

here the hotel website - and yes it looks just like that

http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordpalms/

you must pay to park here - and sometimes the overflow goes to the unused Pop century parkinglot

 

[SnowWtch]

Royal Plaza has always been nice. It's the first hotel my DH and I stayed in for his first trip to Disney. It was a great trip and a wonderful hotel. I haven't stayed in Gaylord Palms but have visited and it's gorgeous and we had a great time there just wandering around.

 

[dragitoff]

I'll be staying at the Gaylord Palms in February 09' for a convention. I'm hoping we can squeeze a few days at Disney while we're there.

 

[Rachie0507]

from what I have read it is better than a Disney deluxe.

here the hotel website - and yes it looks just like that

http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordpalms/

you must pay to park here - and sometimes the overflow goes to the unused Pop century parkinglot

I haven't stayed at a Disney Deluxe (except for a Grand Villa at SSR, but that is really DVC), but I think Gaylord Palms is at the same level if not higher. We stayed for a week last summer when DH was working at a conference there. It was took about three minutes to drive onto Disney property, about 5 more minutes to get to a park--so very quick! The resort itself is amazing...beautiful...so much to do! The pool was nice but there was no lifeguard so it was chaotic (and always crowded in July). When DH was there in January, he said the pool was being redone though, so perhaps it is better now. I would love to stay there again!!

And yes, there was a parking fee. I believe it was $10 a day...I'm not positive though because that went on DH's company's bill

 

[spiceycat]

hardily any of offsite hotels/resorts/condo/timeshares/houses have lifeguard.

can't think of even one that does.

Disney values their smaller customers (kids) - that is why Disney does this - when the rest of the town does not.

they want the kids to grown up and become Disney lovers themselves.

 

[scamp]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the helpful advice! I think Gaylord Palms will be fun to try, and the kids will love exploring. I apprecitate the information on the drive to the parks. You never know if it is reallly as short as they say. Thanks to everyone! Any and all information will continue to be a great help!

Thanks!