Hotel Help...PLEASE!

[stephbesel]

OK, I really need help! We are first timers to DW. We will be coming Oct. 30-Nov. 3rd. I really need some "expert" advice from all of you out there. Is there a big difference between staying at Pop Century vs. LBV Best Western in Downtown Disney? Will we miss out on much staying at the Best Western? We could save a LOT of money by staying there, but I'm afraid we might be missing out on something. They do have transportation to DW every 1/2 hour. I'm really confused on what to do. Thanks so much for your advice!
Steph.

 

[spiceycat]

staying on-site is different.

I would definitely stay at Pop Century - but that is me - not you - everyone needs to decide for themselves.

there are several things you to need to understand about the 1/2 WDW parks - yes that is true - but did they mention that all DD hotels share the bus - and it could easily take an hour to get to the parks. plus each park has it one bus - so if you really want to take the MK bus - it just left - so either you get on the EPcot bus and take the monrail to the MK - or you are in for a long wait for that particular bus to come back to your hotel.

Pop Century shares with no one - and it has excellent bus service. I really enjoyed the food court.

 

[daannzzz]

This is really a decision that you need to feel inside. If you can afford the difference in price without it being a burden I would say switch to Disney. The Best Western LBV is a nice looking place and I am sure it is fine but it is a bit bland. The area around it is very pretty. The room will most likely be bigger than at the Pop Century.
The Pop Century is new and sparkling. It is extremely colorful and definately much more fun if you have kids with you. The transportation will be better as well. I am not a huge fan of the "theme" at the Pop Century but I would probably pick it over the BWLBV.

 

[hulabird]

Staying in Disney is like being in another world, staying at a non-Disney hotel is just like staying in a hotel anywhere. The Disney experience is well worth it imho. When you stay in Disney you get the full experience and even after you leave the parks for the day and come back to your resort, the Disney feeling is till with you.

 

[cart-mom]

I've stayed DTD and on-site and there just isn't any comparison. Staying on-site is so much easier all around. DTD resorts are very nice but as stated by spiceycat - it takes longer for you go get to & from the parks. Not to say that you would never wait for a bus if you stayed on-site - if you stay value - you probably will. The difference is that they are DISNEY resorts and there is ususally someone there to make sure that there are enough buses and they usually run every few minutes.

Personally I will always stay on-site from now on. But I have 4 kids now and it's just easier for us. It's all about what is important to you and what your budget will allow.

My motto - you get what you pay for.

I hope this helps in your decision. Good luck!

 

[TwingleMum]

There is no comparision. Staying on-site your immersed in the magic 24/7. Your transportation is taken care of, you can have the big cheese himself (formerly the Mouse known as Mickey) give you a wakeup call. If the people traveling with you don't know about this its a cool surprise. Arrange a wakeup call and have them answer the phone. Its fun to see their reaction. The hotels and pools are themed so you feel the magic all the time. If there is anyway I would stay on site. I'll get off my soapbox.