A Great Time at the Royal Plaza Hotel Disney

I booked this hotel for three nights in June 2003 through AAA and then did some "review checking" on this site. Some reviews were good and some were not. I am delighted to report that we had a great stay at this Disney hotel and would definitely book a stay there again. We were in the tower and our room faced Disney Downtown. The room was large and exceptionally clean with very, very nice furnishings. The buses to the theme parks arrived on time. Due to the side of the road the hotel was on, we were the third hotel to be picked up and had lots of room to sit. We had free passes to breakfast and loved that! The hotel management was friendly and helpful. Numerous restaurants were available to the right of the Disney hotel and out the Disney entrance. None of these were Disney related. To the left of the hotel were the eating establishments in Downtown Disney. All were within a short walking distance (no car needed!). The other hotel amenities included a nice pool and pool-side bar and well kept grounds. I can't fail to mention, though, that for all of this we only paid $83.00 per night. What a deal!

Had A Great Stay

Just back from a great vacation, this hotel was perfect for us. We checked in on June 9 and stayed for 5 nights. I was impressed with our King Suite with whirlpool tub that two can fit in, with a separate shower. The room was nice an spacious, with a living room area, wet bar, stocked fridge, safe. My girlfriend and me had plenty of room. We were on the 12th floor facing DTD; we could see PI & IllumiNations fireworks from our balcony. The balcony was standing room only, but still a nice view. This hotel was nice and clean, the pool was like a L shape, plus a nice whirlpool, no kiddy pool, they also have a pool bar, lots of sunbathing chairs, plenty of towels, nice fitness center, also I was impressed with the Disney gift shop there. The cast member working in this store was very helpful with information. They have a nice lounge with 4 pool tables, dartboards, video games, and jukebox. I think it was really setup nice. Im not saying this is the best hotel I have stayed at, but for $99 for a King Suite, I think I got a good deal. I dont recommend this hotel for small children; I think its set up more for couples. The bus system worked fine, it was always on time, never had a problem with it. The walk to DTD about 10Min and I am in good walking shape, but still not a bad walk for most people. I have been racking my brain trying to come up with something negative about this trip. Would I stay there again? Perhaps, but I would probably want to try somewhere different. In conclusion, I have heard mixed reviews about this place. I stayed in a tower suite so cant comment on any other rooms.

Good, but watch for the ripoffs

Conference week of 19 May 03. Advice for others who are arranging conferences, etc. THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILs. Charges for audio-visual support high, but maybe no higher than other full-service hotels. Rooms are clean and comfortable. Staff pleasant and professional.Don't be fooled by so-called alcove in rooms. Pull out sofa is uncomfortable to sit in...must be a bear to sleep in. Two chairs that are opposite are OK for up to three minutes. Air conditioning system is very noisy. Bathroom is very nice, but watch the floors if they get wet! In room snacks and refrigerator amenities [soda, booze, etc] are exhorbitantly priced...as is the bottled water. Again, probably no more so than the competition...but why should it be? Pool is nice. Nothing really great or really bad about this place. It's OK.

Better than the Grosvernor Hotel!!!

My husband and I stayed at the Royal Plaza three days in May. I booked it online and I was a bit skeptical at all the wonderful perks the hotel had, but when i got there, my mind was put at ease. There were friendly faces, helpful staff and we were booked a room on the first level where you can walk right out on the terrace area and go right into the pool. The room was comfortable and clean, I was impressed by the name brand toiletries the hotel supplied. The pool was not crowded and the hotel was lovely. It was a great deal for the price we paid. But if you are looking for a drink outside at the cabana bar near the pool after nine, go to the inside bar, the cabana bar is closed. I have to go back to Orlando in June on business and I'm coming back to Royal Plaza. I've stayed at the Grosvernor hotel (closer to downtown Disney), but I certaintly liked the accomadations at Royal Plaza much better. So you have to walk a little bit to Downtown Disney, who cares. This hotel is the better deal.

Great Value, great Location for the money

We (family of 5) stay at the HRP from April 21, 27th 2002. I thought it was an exceptional value for the money (77 dollars per night including 7 dollar resort fee). Having stayed at the Disney Polynesian the year before I thought the hotel was a great bargain. In fact the room (tower room) was larger than our room at the Polynesian. Of course the magic that you get from staying at a disney resort can compare (I always advise first timers to disney to stay at a disney resort it's an experience not to be missed). But for those who travel yearly to the parks and cost is a factor and the disney ambiance is not a major concerns this hotel has a great location, clean large rooms and a nice pool area. It also caters to families of five which many orlando hotels do not do. Disney is lacks in this area offering only one hotel (the Port Orleans Riverside) to families of five, So if you want to stay on Disney its POR or pay the big bucks for the Disney deluxe resorts. We will be staying at this hotel again soon. Remember always check rates I've seen this hotel for as low as 51.00 per night that's really a steal for this hotels great location and big rooms.

Not worth the money

My girlfriend and I went to Disney world from the 21-27 of April 2002. We arrived at the Hotel Royal Plaza around 5:30pm. When we got to our room, we were shocked because it was nothing better than a room in the Motel 6. The room had a musty smell to it, and the bed spread had cigarette burns. I can't say much for anything else because we only stayed there for 1 night and left to go to another hotel. We definitely won't go again. Other than that though, we had a great time at Disney World as we always do!

Not what was expected

1. Quoted room rate was deceptive. Was quoted $79 per night but found that the actual rate was $86 that included an extra fee for "the use of the in-room safe, 'free' coffee, a daily newspaper and the use of the Disney Park bus transportation." Was told there was "no way" to elminate the extra $7 per night because "everything is included for our convenience" even if we chose not to use them.

2. Woke up second morning to no hot water. Called the front desk and was offered someone to "come up to our room and show us how to operate the shower." Real problem was that the knob on the hot water was loose. After two reports of the problem to the front desk, the hot water was finally back on by about 6:00pm.

3. Desk clerk on check-out was nothing short of rude. Answered the telephone when checking us out and totally ignored me other than to hand me a pen and room billing and say "sign the bottom" then went back to talking on the phone.

4. Restaurant was fair (at best) in terms of quality and VERY pricy. Ate there two nights - first night was Christmas night - buffet style dinner reminded me of a low-end place "Village Inn" only much more expensive. Second night, two cheese-steaks with a glass of water, one beer, and two slices of pie came to just under $50.

"15% gratuity already included" as just one more thorn in the side for service where we were basically ignored.

Overall, not anything close to what was expected from a Disney "Resort" Hotel. Will not stay here again.

Royal Plaza a good value

Stayed 3 nights at Royal Plaza in Jan. 2002 for $60 per night off an internet special. Hotel is older, but my tower room was sufficient, if not luxurious. I would suggest getting a room with a view towards Disney World instead of the freeway, and you definitely want to be in the tower.

Breakfast in the restaurant was adequate if slightly overpriced. Numerous food options close by and they are part of the Disney complex which includes shuttle service. I would definitely stay here again provided they keep the place up, hard to beat the value for the price and everything was clean.

Not a bad place, but not what it used to be

We went to the Royal Plaza Resort in August of 2001. We were nine (9) people and took up three (3) on the wing close to the pool. Let me say that we only paid $60.00 per night per room so for that price we really didn't expect it to be the greatest. The hotel really is showing wear and tear. The rooms had a musty smell to them and the couch in the room had mold on the legs! The bathrooms were clean but very worn. The tub looked dirty but in fact it was just worn out from all the cleanings. We ate breakfast in the hotel restaurant but you can get a better deal at the Waffle House. The bar area is very nice and it's open till 2:00 am. They have pool tables, dart boards, air hockey, etc. It's also off limits to the kids! They also offer free appetizers. The pool area is okay. It didn't seem like many people used it which was great for the kids since they had it mostly to themselves. I would go back again only because of the price and the close proximity to Disney. This hotel could definitely use a face-lift!!!!

Just fine

Just got back from a stay at the Hotel Royal Plaza. Overall

it was just fine. It is very close to Downtown Disney. You can walk there no problem. The hotel offers transportation only after 6 p.m. There is transportation to and from Disney that runs every thirty minutes. the buses are comfortable but very crowded. My six year old son gave up his seat every time so that an adult could rest. We had the most pleasant experiences with the bus drivers- definately the tops--most accomodating. The hotel restaurant offers a delightful breakfast buffet--complete with Mickey Mouse waffles...that you get to make for yourself. The buffet was pricey for breakfast...almost $11.00. Children eat free however so it really was an inexpensive meal for the Disney area! Oh--and they automatically add the gratuity for you so be sure not to tip twice! We did not try the restaurant for dinner. The people at the front desk were very polite and helpful. When we couldn't find the snack machine they walked us to it. Our room was comfy. We were in the tower. The bed linens, mattresses, and curtains were all replaced sometime after 2001. we had two double beds--not queens which was a disappoinment. The love seat pulled out to a small bed which was comfy for a small child. The rooms were clean. Look under the beds for proof of that! (YOU'LL SEE!)Mini bar and snacks offered in room. We didn't even open it however once we saw that the price for a small bottle of water was $4.75. (The water was waiting for us on our dresser when wew came in. I threatened the family with their lives should one of them open it!) The bathroom fixtures were showing their age. At one time I am sure the

tiled bathrooms were deluxe. However, the faucet had obviously been painted silver in an effort to return it to its former glory. Poor attemt. The toiletries are from The Bath and Body Works--yummy! A small rubber ducky is yours to bathe with in the garden tub--nice and big. The pool was heated nicely and never too crowded to enjoy. There is also a hot-tub with the roughest seats you can imagine--I guess they are trying to discourage nude bathing! :)There is also a pool bar that seemed to do a great business. All in all...it was a nice place to stay. It was affordable... we payed $129. Shop for a rate, however! We were there at peak time! You can definately get by without a car as we did when ours broke down. I would go back.