We actually own two non-Marriotts that we use to trade into Orlando and we choose Marriotts most of the time as they have met or exceeded our needs every time. As timeshares go, Marriott delivers an outstanding product, IMO.
Cypress Harbour is our favorite Orlando Marriott. We like the laid back nature of the resort, the resort services, the topnotch staff and the location.
Generally, I usually request top floor, end unit villas (we usually get top floor, sometimes end of building, and sometimes both) as that placement cuts down on noise from other villas - though we've only had a problem once, on one night from an upstairs neighbor.
I always request a building that's located on the lake and near one of the three pool areas. We particularly like building 62 that's next to the activities center and the cozy Bayside Pool - we've often been the only family using that pool facility. Earlier this year, though, we stayed in building 65 for two weeks - it's next to the walkway to the Island Pool area and a quick walk across the bridge over the lake to the big Clubhouse Pool area, Galley Grill, Pavilion Bar, and the Marketplace store. A lot of people seem to like staying in one of the buildings on either side of the Clubhouse - buildings 52 or 53 (both of which were going through some level of refurbishment back in February/March). Getting to any of the pools and activities is an easy walk from any of the CH buildings but I think if you end up in a water view building around the lake you'll love it.
Go to this link (
http://www.marriottvacationclub.com...resorts/marriott-cypress-harbour/pdfs/map.pdf) to see the map of the resort and get an idea of where everything is.
I'd suggest contacting the resort
now with any requests that you want to make. Email to
Cypressharbour.Ram@vacationclub.com. The staff at this resort is the best, IMO, of all the Marriotts in making an effort to satisfy requests.
Getting there early is a good thing. When you get to Orlando drive directly to the resort to do a pre-check in. They'll have a copy of your request(s) and they'll start check in by taking your credit card info, etc. They'll let you use the resort's facilities if you decide to stay there and wait for your villa (getting there early probably will not help you get into your villa early unless you want to take something other than what you request, at least that's been our experience). If you decide to go off elsewhere (we almost always drive over to Disney's BoardWalk for lunch and looking around) they'll take your cell phone number and call you when the villa is ready for you - just go back to the registration desk to get you key cards and then it'll be off to your villa. I suppose they'll take your cell number if you're staying at the resort to wait, too.
This is a great resort. Enjoy your stay.
Dick Taylor
