Need input regarding hotel choice

[Birdee]

We are planning our third trip to Disney and trying to decide between the new Courtyard Marriott and the Park Vue. The Park Vue is closer, cheaper, and has free breakfast. The new rooms at the Courtyard look so much nicer and I know our kids would love the pool area ( we are going in August for 5 days so I think we would take breaks in the afternoon). Last time we stayed at the Hojo and I did find that walk a bit far at the end of the night so that is my main hesitation with staying at the Courtyard since it is a bit farther. Am I going to regret it when we walk past the Park Vue at the end of the night dragging 3 tired children?

 

[sherilaine]

I think you have to look at how much time/energy that little extra walk would take. I know for us walking from the crosswalk to the Hojo is nothing - we really don't know what all the fuss is about having to be right across from the park. We love the kids suites at the Hojo and the extra bathroom and all the space more than make up for 5 minutes, if that, of walking.

 

[Girimama33]

The new Courtyard is actually closer than HoJo to the esplanade. It is located between FFI and HoJo. It is quite a bit more expensive than PVI (don't forget to add on the $20+ day parking fee if you have a car). I could see staying there if you really think you will utilize the water park. I am planning on staying there in June for DD's birthday trip, so I do not have any personal experience with the hotel.
That said, I love the PVI...free parking, breakfast (which we always enjoyed). Rooms were always clean. I personally do not mind a walk at the end of the night, but when you have little kids...the location of the PVI is outstanding. What I may walk in 5 minutes will end up being a lot longer with little kids in tow.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

If you are really going to use the pool and don't mind the extra cost-go Courtyard. We like PVI in for closeness and free breakfast, but their pool is in the parking lot and pretty small.

 

[Indiana Scott]

Hands down it would be (and is) PVI for us. We'll be there again in Sept.

 

[VandVsmama]

I vote for PVI based on cost & the free breakfast. The price per night of the new Courtyard on Harbor Blvd isn't that much less expensive than PPH, and in my thought process, if I'm going to spend THAT much per night on a hotel, I might as well spend $20 extra per night and stay "on site" and get EMH every morning.

OR...I could pay WAY less per night...get free breakfast as well (for a family of 4, this is probably worth $30-$40/day)...and with the cost savings, I could stay 1 extra night & get 1 extra day at DL.