Downtown Disney prior to cruise

[mrs.cog]

We are cruising next July and have always stayed in Coco Beach the night before the cruise. Thinking of changing it up. Can anyone recommend a place to stay near downtown disney?

[wdw1972]

If Downtown Disney is your intended destination, I'd look at the Hilton directly across the street. Parking and bus transportation are both nightmares right now, while they're converting Downtown Disney to Disney Springs over the next year or so. I definitely would not drive a car there, unless you want to spend most of your time circling for a spot! There's also a big hotel - think it's called Buena Vista Palace or something like that, which is also right across from the Marketplace end of Downtown Disney. For Disney resorts, Saratoga Springs would be the best bet for easy access to Downtown Disney.

 

Sue/WDW1972

DCL Dream 11/7/14

HAL Nieuw Amsterdam 1/11/15

[mrs.cog]

Thank you so much. What is Disney Springs? Will there still be resturants?

Will there be an entrance fee?

[wdw1972]

That will be the new name for what's currently Downtown Disney. More shops, more restaurants, no entrance fee. They're building 1 or 2 large parking garages, which are badly needed - but during the construction this means many of the parking lots are simply no longer there, so parking is a nightmare. They also only have 1 set of bus stops operating for the entire area, while construction is going on. I think it will all be finished in 2016, but it'll be opening in phases between now & then.

 

Sue/WDW1972

[mts315]

The Hilton is a good option. I have also stayed at the Windham which I believe is actually closer to DTD. If you want to go the full disney experience I would recommend staying at either of the Port Orleans Disney Hotels. I prefer the French Quarter over Riverside. Both of these Hotels have transportation by boat to DTD or you can take the Disney Bus.