Orlando Thursday evening arrival dilemma for timeshare choice

[COnavymom]

I have found a great deal on airfare in November, but this puts us arriving MCO about 9:30 pm. I was planning on exchanging into Vistana Resort, but they do not offer Thursday arrivals. I saw Marriott Grande Vista had Thursday available. We have never been to either (only been to Marriott Harbor Lake). Would you recommend staying at the Marriott timeshare or trying to book an extra single night at Vistana (which would be high, in my opinion)? Traveling with husband, 12 yo daughter and 83 yo mother.

Thanks for any input

 

[mj2vacation]

I prefer Grande Vista over the original Vistana resort. Grande Vista and Vistana Villages are very comparable.

Both Vistana resorts are closer to Disney. Grande Vista is closer to Universal and Sea World. It's not a huge difference though.

 

[bnoble]

When I have a late night arrival into Orlando, I will sometimes stay in one of the business-class hotels near the airport for the first night.

 

[moonstone]

Us too! I hate missing any timeshare time. After a very late arrival at MCO we got a cheap hotel room in Kissimmee (cheaper than Orlando) with a late check-out the next morning. We were able to sleep in, go for a nice brunch & take a leisurely drive to the coast for our timeshare check-in. Since our unit was ready upon our arrival we were checked-in and unpacked by 2pm - almost like having an extra day!


~Diane

 

[Sea Six]

Did you contact the resort and just ask them if you can rent a room for 1 night to extend your vacation? If they have a room, you can have it. I doubt the place is sold out.

 

[silentg]

I would pick the Marriott over Vistana. Just my preference.

 

[Panina]

I would pick the Marriott over Vistana. Just my preference.

Me too

 

[Lisa P]

Depends on what you plan to do and where you plan to visit on this trip. If you'll visit Disney almost every day, and sometimes return to the condo for a midday rest or swim, the extra 10 minutes each way to drive to Grand Vista would get old, for me. But if some days won't include that drive (planning Sea World, Universal, other area attractions, and/or resort relaxation), then I'd pick whichever one works out more simply.

If your 83 year old mom enjoys landscaping and pretty golf course views, she may like Grand Vista more. Your 12 year old daughter may enjoy the great range of activities for preteens and teens at Vistana Resort. They're both attractive with enough to do and plenty of appeal for each, though. Neither is a bad choice.

You don't mention whether your return flight would require you to book an add-on night at the end of the trip or not. Give the choice between adding a night at either the beginning or end of a week, we prefer staying the first night in a hotel, preferably close to the airport. YMMV.

 

[gnipgnop]

When we have a late arrival at MCO we always head to the Holiday Inn for one night. The cost is reasonable and the place is clean. They also let us have the late check out so we go to Perkins for breakfast, go back to the hotel for our stuff, then head over to our Vistana Resort to check in. Works like a charm for us.

 

[silentg]

Btw we love Perkins too!

 

[gnipgnop]

Btw we love Perkins too!

 

[COnavymom]

I would pick the Marriott over Vistana. Just my preference.

I kept checking II site because I was so undecided about which to choose, and behold the Marriott Lakeshore Reserve, 2 bedroom, suddenly appeared. I really had never seen it as an option before. Reviewed looked great, so that is what I booked. I am going to call to see how much the extra night there would be, but I suspect it may be no different than paying the extra airfare to arrive on that Friday instead of Thursday. Thanks for the input!

 

[silentg]

That's great! Please write a review after your stay, I've never been there but it sounds wonderful!