Please Help: Marriott vs. Disney Hotel

[stlrod]

I am so totally confused. We (a family of 4) are heading to France for a very short visit from July 6-9 (3 nights). We want to spend one day at Disneyland and one day on a brief tour of Paris. We are planning on staying at the new Marriott Villas or at a Disney hotel other than the Disneyland Hotel--probably New York or Sequoia. I will be using either Marriott Rewards points or DVC points. I know that if I use the DVC points, I'll get admission to the park(s). However, since we are only certain we will go one day, it seems like it may be a waste to use the DVC points(we may go a second day--our plan is to go to Paris on our first full day and then to Disneyland on the second day--on the day we leave at 6pm, we will either head to Val 'd Europe for shopping or to Disney Studio.) For some reason, I have the impression that the Disney hotels are convenient but "nothing special" and it's so hard to turn down the opportunity to get a 2BR villa. I think I've identified the major pros and cons but would appreciate hearing about any others some of you might be able to identify as well as any other advice. Thanks.

 

[megaelch]

First of all let me tell you the marriott villas are very nice, i stayed there last fall and loved them.
They will give you plenty of room for you and the family, have a small supermarket and nice indoor / outdoor pools.
I wonder if it will be convenient for you with your travel plans.. they are a little bit offside from the main park and hotel structures and transportation is a little bit limited to and from the park.
If i were you i would book two nights at a Disney Hotel ( Sequoia) or the brand new holiday inn at disneyland paris ( rates are around 100 USD a night for a brand new room ) and move to the city center before / after your disney days to catch the atmosphere and feel the Paris vibes for one night !

The Marriott Villas would be something i would recommend for a longer vacation ( a week or so ..) . They seem to be very expensive when you cannot make full use of their armenities due to sightseeing and park visits ...

so your choice again ))


Stephan

 

[jodyb]

Well, will you have a rental car? How are you planning to get to Paris for your "brief tour"? If you will not have a car I say definitely stay at the New York or the Sequoia as you mentioned. Not only would you be walking distance or a 5 minute shuttle to fast trains into the heart of Paris, but with unlimited entry to the parks for the length of your stay you can be flexible - possibly pop into Disneyland for the night parade after your day in Paris or your day shopping... or just see the studios for a couple of hours on your last day... the possibilities are vast. Also, depending on weather you can be flexible as to which day(s) you spend in Paris and which in the parks. By the way there is a guided tour of Paris offered that leaves every morning from the New York hotel - takes you to some of the major sites and back by 6:30 PM. (Eiffel Tower, boat ride on the Sein, Notre Dame, etc... plenty of time OFF the bus). I agree that the villas would be nice for an extended vacation for a family of four but for the 3 days you'll be there you'll be so busy that a room in one of the hotels you mentioned will probably be just what you need. Just my two cents. Whatever you decide you will have a great time!