Orlando Marriott

I'm looking to purchase an II Getaway for my sister, her husband and their 10-yo son, for April 29-May 6. There are so many choices (40+) and as a new Marriott owner I'm a little overwhelmed. Can any of you offer an opinion about any of the Orlando Marriotts which offer:

- good themed pool area
- located centrally (they'll have a rental car and plan on visiting Disney, Universal and Sea World)
- limited or no resort construction, or construction which won't negatively impact their stay

One last question, can you make requests when you purchase a Getaway or is it pretty much whatever you're given?? Either way the price is certainly right, but if there is a request system we'll probably utilize it.

Thanks for your help.

We like Grande Vista, Cypress Harbour, and Horizons. All are Marriott properties and Horizons probably has the most kid-friendly pools, but all three sites have worked well for our family. If anyone plays golf, Grande Vista is a good choice. I do not know which resorts have construction going on or not.

We just got back from Grande Vista

It is literally 5 minutes from sea world. Probably 15 minutes from Disney. Very nice place. Only saw a small part of the resort, since we really went there for the theme parks, but what I saw was well maintained.

We have stayed at Cypress Harbour 4+ times with our kids. For our first visit, the kids were 3, 3, and 5. We were there in 2005 when they were 9, 9 and 11 and also took other families with similar aged kids.
I think it is a GREAT spot with lots of activities going on.

Can't go wrong with the three mentioned, but . . . .

Horizons has Cypress Harbor and Grande Vista beat by a mile re the kids themed pool areas.

All three are very close to one another [Cypress Harbour & Horizons are across the street from one another]. So there is little advantage in picking one or the other when considering travel distances.

As far as construction goes, they are still building Grande Vista and I don't think they are done building Horizons. But, the building in GV is far removed from any of the building by the main pools.

Charles

I agree that Horizons has a better theme (Pirates) for their pool, but GV has a good bar and grill area at their new zero entry pool and they have multiple pools.

Nobody answered your question about what unit you will get, but let's just say that you won't be first in line for your selection.

Given that, I'd say that Horizons is probably the best bet to get a good unit since most are still pretty new, some brand new. Grande Vista has awesome units that are brand new, some that are refurbished, and others that are semi-ratty. CH has some refurbished units and some that aren't.

Grande Vista is the only one with a real restaurant on site, if that matters.

More than Pirates arrrgh!

In addition to the climb on pirate ship in the zero entry pool, Horizons has a mini water splash park and a second pool with a fun [I think two story] water slide.

The Copa Loca bar at Grande Vista is very good - amazing french fries if you get them right when they come out of the fryer. And, you get $2.00 off future drinks if you keep the glass from your first drink order.

Charles

Thanks for your opinions. I'll let you know what they decide after they've looked over everything tomorrow.

Cypress Harbour

JimC said:

Cypress Harbour

Click to expand...

Jim

Do you know which building have been rehab ?? I am going there this fall and need 4 of the 2br unit

We have been to all 3 resorts. We just got back from Horizon's at Christmas. My 9 yo dd LOVED Horizons. She couldn't get enough of the pools. plus they have free putt putt. tons of activities for the kids. I would go back in a heart beat over Grande vista and Cypress Harbor.

Free Putt Putt is for Owners Only . . .

Unless they changed the rules . . . .


Charles

seatrout said:

Jim

Do you know which building have been rehab ?? I am going there this fall and need 4 of the 2br unit

Click to expand...

Buildings 64 - 68 are the most recently renovated (completed in 2006). 14 of the 22 buildings are done and the remaining buildings will be completed in 2007 and 2008.

We just returned from CH last Tuesday and stayed in Bldg 63, which had been renovated. We noticed they are in the process of renovating Bldgs 60, 62 and 74.

We own Sabal Palms, which is adjacent to the World Center Hotel. Great pool, great restaurants.

http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/MCOWC

http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/mcosp

Grand Vista "Guest Room"

We used a "remnant" week to trade into Grande Vista for next week and accepted a basic Guest Room (unfortunately, not a villa). Sounds like a hotel room-size. Not quite sure what to expect here with regard to amenities but I'm expecting a small room. Can anyone give me a thumbnail description of one of these? Any suggestions as to buildings, floors, etc. would also be greatly appreciated!

Thanks mucho!

Randy

Can anyone give me a thumbnail description of one of these?

Click to expand...

Guest Rooms are without kitchens; however, they do have bar sized refrigerator & microwave .