Hotel w/in walking distance of downtown disney

[azcater]

We are flying in 1 day early for a disney cruise and would love a taste of disney, someone recommended downtown disney to walk around and take in the sites.

Is there a fee for this downtown disney area?
Which hotels would be within walking distance?
We're traveling with a 1 year old, so would rather not have to manage huge parking lots, etc. But we will have access to a rental car if necessary.

I've never been to WDW, so if you have any suggestions, I'm all ears.
Thanks in advance!

 

[spiceycat]

here the site

www.downtowndisneyhotels.com

i have stayed in royal plaza and Best western. believe it or not I like BW much better!!!

 

[cherylp3]

Entrance to downtown disney is free. There are Shops and stuff to see, like the lego displays. Saratoga is in Walking Distance, it is also accessible by disney bus. The Hilton and the Grovesnor are also close hotels. The other hotels would have a long walk, so I'd suggest you take your car.

You can learn more at
http://www.wdwinfo.com/downtown/index.htm#downdisn-nav

 

[MareSINY]

A few years back my company had a big anniversary party at the Hilton in DTD. I was lucky enough to be invited to attend. I checked in a few days after everyone else, and the only rooms available were on the concierge level. I had a great room and a great view of DTD. It's directly across the street. The hotel was very nice, they even had their own Disney character breakfast there. I don't know what the rates are, since I didn't pay, but I would recommend it if you want to be near DTD I don't think you could get closer than that resort.

 

[gduvall]

You could stay on Disney property at Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter. They both have boat service running to Downtown Disney.

 

[nbodyhome]

Walking distance:

Saratoga Springs
Old Key West (during the day)
Grosvenor (yuck, but may be getting better)
Buena Vista Palace
Hilton

And then other DD hotels are further away, but really still within walking distance.

 

[Trekker]

Any of the official Disney Resort offer transportation to and from DTD!