The hotel is not too far from Magic KingdOm. We rented a car but even if you don't they provide shuttle to parks. The rooms are not trendy and are very basic, but clean and well equipped. The breakfast at Jumbo's comes free which is great. They had scrambled eggs with cheese, hash browns, bagels, bread, cereals, pancakes, juices, coffee...pretty good value. I liked the hotel.
And the gift shop downstairs is helpful. We bought rain ponchos which were useful in the rain!

The hotel needs renovation and the check-in clerk needs racial discrimination trainings. I checked into this Clarion Maingate hotel around 10PM on Sunday 12/23/2012 for a four days Christmas Disney family vacation. Despite the nice apperance at the front the hotel is a run down place. The double queen bed room we were given is small for a suite. The sink clogged and the shower head leaked. Three of my children, my wife and I, we all started to have sinus problem on the first night!
What worse is the check-in clerk seemed to have issues against Asian guests. She demanded that I write down the names of every family members in order to check in, something I've never experienced at other hotels. Of all people, this clerk should know better than to discriminate other race. I hope the hotel management can read this and provide her the proper trainings.
I will not come back to the Clarion Maingate or any of the ChoiceHotels hotels. When booking a suite there is not much difference in costs between ChoiceHotels and other established hotel chains such as Hiltons or Mariott. I'd rather pay $10-$20 more a day to stay at ones that treat you as guests.

Our party of 10 stayed here from Dec. 22 -27, 2012. Very accommodating, we had adjoining rooms. The rooms were freshly painted and clean. Desk and concierge were helpful. Grounds lovely. Pool area clean (i am fussy about clean pools). Location was great. Lots of eateries and shopping close. Not to mention the proximity to the theme parks. Free shuttle, but would suggest to take own car to parks, our shuttle was an hour and a half late picking us up from Disney (made for some frazzled nerves as we had 4 little ones falling asleep). Would suggest to pay the extra $10 for the ground floor. Clean laundry on sight. Sufficient breakfast.

My daughter and I spent the first week of November, 2012, at the Clarion Maingate. From the moment we arrived late that night, the staff was so helpful and friendly. The room was new and very clean. Every morning we were treated to a spectacular breakfast buffet by friendly, professional serving staff. We felt right at home during our stay. We had so many questions each day and everyone was so willing to help and sincerely happy to do it. The entire property was also clean and very attactive. We would definately go back and recommend to everyone to stay there. Honestly it should be rated a 5-star hotel!