If you had to choose- Doubletree Suite (DTD area) or A Disney Value Resort??

[crazymomof4]

The family doesn't care, so they're leaving it to me to decide. I've never been to either so I'm asking the advice of those who have:

We are a family of 6 (2 ad. 4 chd) what would you recommend?

*Two connecting rooms at a WDW Value Resort or
*A suite at the Doubletree Guest Suites in the DTD Resort Area?

 

[*Fantasia*]

Two connecting rooms at ASMovies or POP! Feel the "Magic"... Live the "Magic"...Be in the "Magic"!! Be part of the "Magic"!!

 

[crazymomof4]

Two connecting rooms at ASMovies or POP! Feel the "Magic"... Live the "Magic"...Be in the "Magic"!! Be part of the "Magic"!!

It's been a long time since we've stayed onsite so maybe I just don't remember it but could you please elaborate on "the magic"? I'm not being sarcastic, I don't want my family to miss out on this " magic" that I keep hearing about but I need more details, specific and tangible things to convince me. What is so different? Or is it something that you cannot explain, just a feeling? If so, what is it that makes you feel that way?

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Two connecting rooms at ASMovies or POP! Feel the "Magic"... Live the "Magic"...Be in the "Magic"!! Be part of the "Magic"!!

Absolutely!

 

[MPLsDad]

If the DTD resort has Disney transportation and EMH priveledges, then I'd do the DTD hotel. If not, then a value. That being said, I sprinkle thee with pixie dust !

 

[Crazy Kanga]

It's been a long time since we've stayed onsite so maybe I just don't remember it but could you please elaborate on "the magic"? I'm not being sarcastic, I don't want my family to miss out on this " magic" that I keep hearing about but I need more details, specific and tangible things to convince me. What is so different? Or is it something that you cannot explain, just a feeling? If so, what is it that makes you feel that way?

For me it is just a feeling that you really can't put into words exactly. Just an immersive Disney experience, where you feel like you have left the worries of everyday life behind. When we have stayed off site, it just ruins some of the magic of the trip.

 

[*Fantasia*]

"Magic"...
"Magic" to me is just being in the "World." I am part of the "World." It's my "fantasyland," where I am away from the reality world. It's hard to explain it... you just feel it. And I feel special and it's a good feeling.

Part of that magic is... using my refillable mugs...and holding my KTTW card.
But remember too... that magic is what you make of it.

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

i would stay on also , esp.with little ones. im not sure but someone said the buses are on a certain schedule at the other hotel. and last summer we noticed some people were waiting in like the middle of the parking lot for the bus back to their hotel. if you can, def. stay on site you will really be thankful. plus if one of the adults has to go back to the hotel with a little one its really easier. besides the disney hotels are so cute the little ones will love it.

 

[dmslush]

On site, no doubt about it! You have access to disney transporation, extra magic hours, and are surrounded by the magic the whole time!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Never stayed at a value. But I have stayed at DTD Doubletree. That said, I'd stay at the value with two rooms. No EMH with Doubletree.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Magic is knowing the street signs are all purple, the buses are running, and everything you need is within walking distance! Magic is happy CMs who pin trade with your son, the guard who says "welcome home" even though you're not at DVC but at CSR, and the bus driver who says you're welcome when you thank them as you get off the bus. Magic is skipping along the sidewalk of your resort on that first day, taking in the sights and sounds and smells. Magic is what you make of it, but a little Disney Magic makes it seem so much more strong!

 

[Purrrrfecta]

"Magic"...
"Magic" to me is just being in the "World." I am part of the "World." It's my "fantasyland," where I am away from the reality world. It's hard to explain it... you just feel it. And I feel special and it's a good feeling.

Part of that magic is... using my refillable mugs...and holding my KTTW card.
But remember too... that magic is what you make of it.

Oh yes, Fantasia that is exactly right. Could not have said it better myself.

 

[PatsGirl]

I would base my decision on two factors: do you plan to eat most of your meals out (in the parks or resort food court)? and, will you plan to rent a car anyways? The ages of your children could be the deciding factor as well. If they are under 10, the dining plan cannot be beat and I think I'd stay onsite. If two of them are over 10, the plan can add up, and you might need the extra room of a suite as well. If they are tweens, God bless you I personally would rather have more room and be able to feed them at least breakfast and the occasional meal/snack at a suite. Good luck! BTW I stayed at POP and loved it and if you do decide to stay onsite and they are tweens, it is a nice resort to let them "loose. Brenda

 

[susy]

Two rooms at a value resorts has probably more storage space, has more beds (real beds, not pull-outs), two bathrooms, two tv's. I guess the great bus service (at Pop in particular) and just the theming alone would mke me stay onsite. If you like a plain pool area and a plain loojking hotel, then go for DTD

 

[DisneyJen0504]

2 connecting rooms at a value-better to be "in" the world all the time!!

 

[dreams4disney]

I would pick two rooms at a value resort. We are a family of 6 (2 adult 4 Children) and we stayed in two connecting rooms at All Star Movies last October. We enjoyed our stay and our kids loved it. I would go with either Movies or POP if a Value resort is your choice.

 

[crazymomof4]

Well it seems that it is virtually unanimous here: WDW Value Resort!

I suppose I was thinking that the "magic" is not leaving Disney property and the DTD resorts would qualify there. But now I understand that the themed decor and Disney CM's are a big part of the "magical" feeling

PatsGirl asked the ages of the kids and they are both over and under 10-- DD4, DS8, DS13 and DS16.

Aside from the magical and looking to the practical, the # of actual beds and the 2 bathrooms is a big factor too.

I'll discuss it further with the fam. later tonight. Thanks to everyone for your input in helping me make this decision.