Question on DD Hotels

[gravymom]

Do the Downtown Disney hotels (e.g., Courtyard by Marriott) enjoy the priviledge of charging to the room like the "real" Disney resorts?

 

[Kaitysmom]

No - The DD hotels aren't really Disney hotels. They are on property so theoretically you can still have some of the magic. I didn't really find that to be the case either time - have stayed at Courtyard and one other (can't remember the name now) You aren't part of the Disney transportation, but the hotels do provide their own shuttles. If you have your own car, you have to pay parking at the parks - unlike Disney hotels that give you a parking pass. Before they got rid of EE, I was told that these hotels shared that privilege (not when we stayed though)

I was drawn in by the $25 rate last year. Great rate - not very nice hotel IMO. I was very disappointed with everything - especially considering their regular rate and other Courtyards I've seen. Worth $25, but even at that price, I won't be going back.

 

[SnackyStacky]

To answer your question, no. You cannot charge to the room.

But I would have to disagree with Kaitysmom. I had nothing but a pleasant experience at this hotel. My only complaint was the room location (which I could have switched, but just figured it wasn't worth the hassle).

If you're looking for a Disney room, Kaitysmom was absolutely correct. You won't find it. The closest it comes to showing any sign of being an official Disney hotel is the Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah tip on TV. Other than that, it definitely looks like any other hotel room.

If you're looking for a clean room with some nice amenities, it's an AMAZING bargain at the $25 rate. I found the busses to be very efficient. The food was good. Not great, but not bad by any means. The pools were nice. I didn't make too much use of them, but for what I wanted out of them, it was nice. I had a balcony which was nice to just sit and relax. The busses were VERY nice in my opinion. I haven't used Disney transportation, but they looked like Metro busses, where as the DTD shuttles are the coaches with the comfortable seats. And, if you have kids, the driver will help you fold up your strollers and stow them in the luggage areas of the bus so you don't have to lug it onto the bus.

My point is simply that if you're looking for a clean, nice, and comfortable yet inexensive hotel room, Courtyard by Marriott is very nice. If you're looking for a true Disney resort, you'd do better to stay at a Disney owned resort.

 

[gravymom]

Thank you, SnackyStacky for the upbeat review. We are Disney veterans and usually stay at the Contemporary (if for nothing else than being able to walk to Magic Kingdom). This trip, however, cost is an issue I am only hoping for clean and not too shabby. Can anyone tell me if it is nicer (bigger?) than the All-Star. We have stayed at ASSp and absolutely hated it. Thanks