Nearest deluxe Disney Hotel to Downtown Disney?

[kevin harrison]

I am just wondering, what's the nearest Deluxe Disney resort to Downtown Disney? And is it recommended?

 

[Penny12]

Hi Kevin,

The EPCOT area Boardwalk Inn & Villas closely followed by the Yacht & Beach Club resorts are the closest Disney Deluxes to Downtown Disney - if you check out this map then 6 & 7 is the Boardwalk and 9 is the Yacht & Beach Club. You'll also see 10 & 11 - these are the Swan and Dolphin resorts which are also Deluxe resorts but are not Disney owned.

I think ALL of them are wonderful resorts in their own right, but you know what they say about location, location, location - well these prove the point because one of the best thing about these resorts are that they are in walking distance to both EPCOT and MGM and in my book anywhere where you don't have to drive or take Disney transportation can only be a good thing! If you don't feel like walking though, they do have water launches to take you to the parks as well

 

[DisneyBB]

You could consider one of the DVC resorts. These are studios and 1/2 bed apartments. The nearsest one is Saratoga Springs which is just across from Disney market place. There is also Old Key West, which is a boat ride or 15min walk away.

 

[vernon]

If you're looking for spectacular accommodation the two DVC resorts of Old Key West and Saratoga Springs are the closest. DVC resorts offer 4 sizes of rooms, these range from the size of a regular hotel room (sleeps up to 4) through one and two bedroom units (sleeping 4 or 8) all the way to truly stunning 3 bedroom Grand Villas that sleep up to 12.
Here are links to OKW http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/resorts/OldKeyWest/rooms.htm and SSR http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/resorts/Saratoga/index.htm#rooms
Due to their proximity to DTD and the fact the one bedroom and above accommodations can with full kitchens, neither offer the level of fine dining one would expect at a "delux resort" but I'm guessing that probably wouldn't be a major issue if you're looking to be near to DTD. OKW does have a full service restaurant (Olivia's) but it doesn't rank with Narcoosees, Grand Floridian Cafe, Yachtsman's steakhouse or the Flying Fish cafe. I'd rank Olivia's on a par with PO's Boatwright, maybe Tony's in the MK, the Brown Derby at MGM and offsite the Olive Garden. SSR has a food court type set up, and while the food offered was a couple of notches up from most in this style, it's still just a food court.

The nearest full service delux, with all the dining facilities etc that one would expect from that class of hotel would be the Y+B or the BW. Again these both offer DVC accommodations as well if you'd like to have some really stunning accommodation.

All of these offer fantastic accommodation , it's just a question of styles and each resorts own character. OKW has the feeling more of a small village or condo development. It's very relaxing and quite easy to forget you're staying in the middle of the bustling WDW. That might be good, it might go against what you're trying to achieve. SSR is styled on a New York spa resort. It has probably Disney's best full spa facilities and a great pool but as explained the dining options are limited. Parts of SSR are still under construction but the lay out of the units mean this has minimum impact on the guests. BW is right by the restaurant/entertainment area of Boardwalk, again it doesn't have it's own dining options, but it's just a couple of minutes walk to the Flying Fish, ESPN bar, Spoodles and the Big River Grille. the Swan, Dolphin and Y+B club are all within 5 minutes walk and Epcot can be entered through the International gateway (back door) again a 5-10 minutes walk. Your dining options here are huge. IMHO the Y+B club offers the best quality in terms of a full service delux hotel. It's location gives you all the dining options that BW does and the hotel itself has an ambience that just yells CLASS at you. Best pool on property. For couples without kids I always feel the Yacht club side feels a little more adult orientated and refined. The Beach club feels a little more relaxed and "kid friendly"