Okay, I'm alive but in HEAVEN! Marriott Grande Vista...WOW!!

[Robinrs]

:banana: Okay, anytime you can impress a 13 year old boy, you've done well....

My son and I drove down from Atlanta Saturday (horrible drive, two rollovers and construction, 6 hour drive turned into 8 HOURS.... :furious: )

No problem, we check into the Royal Pacific at 1pm and our room was READY! We were assigned a room about a mile from EVERYTHING, I thought we got this almost $300 a night room on Priceline! No big deal, we got it for two days of FOTL at Universal anyway!

Michael, my son was NOT happy about moving to the Grande Vista on Sunday, couldn't believe I wanted to voluntarily leave the RP... :rolleyes: ... of course HE WASN'T PAYING FOR IT...

So we roll over to the Marriott. Gripe gripe gripe from the back of the car. The room wasn't ready. In the meantime we do a tour at Westgate Lakes. Piece of cake, got $100 dollars and a quieter teenager in the meantime. He makes some comment about I HOPE the Marriott's room are this nice...

We finally are able to check in after a few more hours at Universal. We come back, check out our room and WOW!!

Needless to say the MGV made the Westgate look like a ghetto!

We have a one bedroom that's about 1000 square feet. The kitchen is fully stocked, we have a full sized refrigerator, stacked washer and driver, oven and microwave and a dining room with a table that seats 6. The living room has a pull out couch, two comfy chairs, a 32" TV and 3 lamps. Everything is decorated impeccably! My bedroom is to DIE for!~!! King sized bed, chaise lounge, 27" TV and a HUGE jacuzzi. The bathroom, which is separate, has a glass corner shower, double sinks and is just beautiful.

The patio is hexagonal with a ceiling fan and table and chairs but our VIEW!!! :earseek: We have the most GORGEOUS view of the pool and the horizon, it can take your breath away!! (pics WILL be coming)

I got all this for a paltry $149 for 4 days and 3 nights. I have to take the tour but since I'm a pro I'm sure it'll be another piece of cake... hey, if I think Westgate is easy this will be a breeze :teeth: .... My son thought I spent a thousand dollars for this kind of luxury. I let him keep on thinking... :woohoo:

The wireless internet is free so I'm using my laptop. My son used the wonderful pools for an hour and a half this morning, now he's cooling out in the jacuzzi. He told me he likes the pool better than the parks!! ?????? Is this my kid???? :confused3

Loooooooving this place!!! :wave:Full report when I get back! :yay:

[tortoni]

Hey, sounds great. Glad you are having a great time.

[Diamondgrl]

Can't wait to hear your full report because I will be staying there in June & I can't wait :woohoo:. Robinrs, when you get a chance, let me know which buildings are the newer or remodeled buildings and pleaaassseeee tell me any and all about this resort, even if you don't think it is important, tell me anyway :) . I hope you and your son have a great stay!!!

[NancyIL]

Doggone it, Robin... missed you by one week! :( I was at WDW with MY son March 18-25. Happy belated birthday, btw! :)

Your resort sounds wonderful! I still remember when you and I both got the Marriott Orlando World Center on Priceline in 2000, and we were SO excited back then!

[Robinrs]

Doggone it, Robin... missed you by one week! :( I was at WDW with MY son March 18-25. Happy belated birthday, btw! :)

Your resort sounds wonderful! I still remember when you and I both got the Marriott Orlando World Center on Priceline in 2000, and we were SO excited back then!

Wow, Nancy! Wasn't that about a MILLION years ago! Michael was only 7 back then and now he's a GROWN man... or so HE thinks!!

Diamondgirl, don't worry about me telling you the LITTLE things, they are usually what really matters! Like for instance the fact that they have over 70 channels matters to my kid! The fact that I had a bum coffeemaker this morning, just so happened to mention it to the housekeeper who called to make sure I got the pillows I requested the night before and lo and behold I get a brand new, in the box coffeemaker, and they threw in a bunch of coffee packets with it.

The service here is amazing, WAAAAY better than any place I've stayed in Orlando... and we've stayed at over 30 places and even though I'm CHEAP, I try not to stay in any place lower than 3.5 stars.... it's just what I like! This place is right up the old girls' alley.... :thumbsup2

Hey, Nancy! Happy Birthday backatcha! It's a BIG ONE for both of us, huh? :cool1: :cool1:

[spiceycat]

oh yea - I loved it too - until I got a crumpy building....

that I can't disagree with you - I did it around 5 times before I got a crumpy building...

It is a beautiful resort. :thumbsup2

Maybe next year if I don't get my DVC unit exchange....

[Diamondgrl]

Roinrs...That's what I'm talking about, every LITTLE thing :thumbsup2. I am so jealous right now sitting at my desk at WORK!! Enjoy your stay and I hope your vacation goes slllooowwww for you. 70 channels, WOW, I can't even concentrate on work right now :Pinkbounc. Keep all those LITTLE things coming Robinrs.

[mbb]

[B
.....Diamondgirl, don't worry about me telling you the LITTLE things, they are usually what really matters! .....[/b]


You said it sunshine!!:sunny:
So glad you're having a good trip - and so glad pics are coming!;) Enjoy your stay :goodvibes

:sunny:

[Robinrs]

Okay, this is not a little thing, this is a BIG thing to us...

I'm sitting here working on my laptop, my son is taking a nap and someone knocks on the door. It's "housekeeping". Now, the one thing we exchange for bigger accommodations, much to my VERY neat son's chagrin, is no housekeeping. Well, what do you know...

The sweet man tells me he's here to tidy up. He puts all of out dishes in the sink, takes our garbage, cleans the bathroom, even cleans the mirror and the shower, replenishes our supplies and changes all of our towels! :banana: Woo HOOOOOO! Nice little extra!!

I love this place! Well, my son is up now and we're going to the movies. I will return with more "little things".. :thumbsup2

[CPM]

wow! sounds wonderful!!!

Boy, it's been ages since I have seen you! Micheal is 13 now??? YIKES!!! times flies. :faint:

[swillis]

I was soooo excited to see your post!! My kids and I are staying next month, and I'm so nervous after a very bad stay at a bahamas resort a few weeks ago.
I will be waiting for the full report (and yup-the little things do count!) with baited breath! :goodvibes

One quick question...the kitchen was fully stocked? When you write your report could you narrow that down a little. I'm trying to figure what we'll need at the store prior to stopping at the resort. Thanks a big bunch!

[spiceycat]

you only need to buy your groceries

the kitchen has all the pots and pans you will need.

I don't remember how much dishwasher detergent but I think enough to last the entire time.

you will need to buy your clothes washer detergent and fabric softener

[MaMa3Princess]

Ok RobinS,

The million dollar question is how did you score MGV for a paultry 149. Eventhough we are leaving in 18 days!! I still am looking for a resort for our mini vacation in December. Sounds like you are getting some serious pampering. Have fun and keep the details, details coming!!!

[dandee00]

Robinrs...you make this place sound like heaven!!! :cloud9
I just had to subscribe so I can see those pics. I've been shopping around for a nice spot for Jan 07. And this could be it!!!
Amazing price you got too!
Do they have one bedrooms? It's just me and the hubby.
Thanks and I hope you are having the most amazing time. I can feel your enthusiasm coming through my screen.

[Connears]

We are headed there 6/21-6/25 (4 nights for $199.00 total and listen to timeshare speel). We are DVC members and are not planning to buying, but we used this time at Marriot Grande Vista because we are at a conference that time and won't be doing as much wdw touring as usual. Glad to hear it is a nice resort. Can't beat the price for anything! Hope to hear the whole deal fron you.
Connears

[rejobako]

Robinrs...you make this place sound like heaven!!! :cloud9
I just had to subscribe so I can see those pics. I've been shopping around for a nice spot for Jan 07. And this could be it!!!
Amazing price you got too!
Do they have one bedrooms? It's just me and the hubby.
Thanks and I hope you are having the most amazing time. I can feel your enthusiasm coming through my screen.

Dandee: hope you don't mind the intrusion, but I saw your post and can answer your question. We're owners at Grande Vista -- we never thought we'd buy a timeshare, but this one is above and beyond any other property we've ever seen, and with DD6 and DD2 it comes in handy every year. Anyway, you can rent a one bedroom villa if you like, which includes the full kitchen, balcony, jacuzzi tub, etc. If you want to stay on that property for a lot cheaper, and if you don't need a full kitchen and don't mind giving up the jacuzzi, they also rent a smaller studio type unit which is essentially a souped-up hotel room -- you'll get a king bed and small balcony and a microwave, small refrigerator and sink, etc. If it's just the two of you and want to check out the resort, you might consider renting one of these to get a feel for the place. If you can spring for the extra dough, though, the one-bedroom is heaven.

[mickeyluv'r]

This sounds like the offer I was given - sort of.....
except that my experience has turned into a nightmare. I thought the initial offer we got was also to stay at this resort with a similar deal. After I agreed to the deal, I found out that we weren't going to be booked to stay at a Marriott even, but some other hotel. (I looked it up online.)

I started to question the deal. I couldn't get ahold of anybody at the customer service number I was given, and Marriott claimed they knew nothing.

The company sure charged my cc in a hurry though!

To make a long story short, after three days of waiting, and MANY phone calls, I have yet to be given answers or a confirmed refund.

If you anyone does decide to book this package, make sure you do so by calling Marriott yourself. If a company calls you, it proably isn't Marriott!

But I'm glad someone is enjoying ther stay!

[DISFANSHAN]

We just got a postcard yesterday from MGV for 4 nights for $199. Can anyone tell me how pushy they are at the timeshare presentation?
Thanks! :wave2:

[Robinrs]

We just got a postcard yesterday from MGV for 4 nights for $199. Can anyone tell me how pushy they are at the timeshare presentation?
Thanks! :wave2:

To give you an idea of how NOT pushy they are I showed the guy THIS website while I was there! :teeth:

No pressure AT ALL. Marriott offers one HECK of a deal and one heck of a property. It literally sells itself and they know it. I've been to MANY timeshare presentations and this was the only one I went to that I'd even consider. The way they set up their point structure is awesome.

I loved everything about this place, even the PRESENTATION... whatUPwiTHAT??? I'm up early typing away because we check out today. Got my total on an invoice on the door... I owe $.00. :teeth:

This was HANDS DOWN the best place I've ever stayed in Orlando.

More soon....

[dandee00]

rejobako
Thanks for the great info. :goodvibes It's not an intrusion, your response is most welcomed.
It sounds like some place!!! I must go check it out. :surfweb:
And of course I have another question. Can Canadians participate in these time share presentations. I noticed some times you must be from the States.
One more question. If you have to prove your financial "status", what do you use?

Thanks a bunch.
Donna

[KelleyGirl]

Hi! It sounds like you had a great time. We'll be staying at this resort in July, so I'm looking forward to your pics! We got the $199 deal for a 2 bedroom through American Express, and will need to go on the 90 minute tour on the day before check-out. We bought DVC last year, but my husband is really considering this timeshare as well, to extend our DVC stays. Thanks for your information!

[Robinrs]

rejobako
Thanks for the great info. :goodvibes It's not an intrusion, your response is most welcomed.
It sounds like some place!!! I must go check it out. :surfweb:
And of course I have another question. Can Canadians participate in these time share presentations. I noticed some times you must be from the States.
One more question. If you have to prove your financial "status", what do you use?

Thanks a bunch.
Donna

Yes, they have MANY international clients, no worries there. Frankly, my sales guy told me that they're the ones that really love to buy!

As for financial status they never ask for documentation, they just take your word for it.

I'm back and had to put my laptop in the shop so I'll be posting the pics as soon as I can. I am still on a HIGH from the MGV, best property ever!! I have absolutely not one bad memory of it at all!!

Now to TRY to answer some of the questions~!! :teeth:

Ok RobinS,

The million dollar question is how did you score MGV for a paultry 149. Eventhough we are leaving in 18 days!! I still am looking for a resort for our mini vacation in December. Sounds like you are getting some serious pampering. Have fun and keep the details, details coming!!!

Paltry is RIGHT! I got this deal off of www.tug2.net in Owner Referrals. Try it out anyway! I got mine only about a month and a half ago.

Do they have one bedrooms? It's just me and the hubby.
Thanks and I hope you are having the most amazing time. I can feel your enthusiasm coming through my screen.

Dandee00: I stayed in the one bedroom! They also have an efficiency but it's NOTHING like the one bedroom. Do try to get the upgrade, which is what I did, it's an amazing difference in the size and amenities.

[devotedchristian]

Robinrs, how far is it from Downtown Disney?

[Robinrs]

Robinrs, how far is it from Downtown Disney?

I'm not sure because I didn't do Disney once this vacation, only Universal. We did go to the Marriott World Center which was about 5 mins away and it's 2 miles from Disney. I took I-Drive to World Center Drive and it's right up the block!

The MGV is pretty much centrally located from everything. It's about 5 mins to Universal and across the street from SeaWorld.

[bethbuchall]

Robinrs, how far is it from Downtown Disney?

It was an easy 12-15 minute drive when we went in May 2004.

Anyone know what the drive is like in mid-August?

Beth