Anyone stay at Marriott Vacation Club Horizons?

[Nom]

We are thinking of trading our Grande Vista for Horizons... but the website does not have many pics. Has anyone stayed there? If so, what is it like? What is the restaurant situation?

TIA!

 

[littlestar]

We adore Horizons Orlando. It reminds me so much of the Disney resorts. We own DVC points, but also stay at Horizons to supplement our DVC point stays. Here's some pictures from our trip last April:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0CbOGThs5YsXGA

There are two zero entry pools with slides, a mini water park, a miniature golf course, and a lake - the dock has white rockers. There was a snack shop by the pirate ship pool that served hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. There was also a small snack shop by the big slide/new pool, but I can't remember what it served.

We liked Horizons so much that when we found a good deal on a resale at Horizons in Branson, we bought it. Horizons Orlando reminds me of Disney's Old Key West resort. I actualy think the pools at Horizons are better than Disney's Old Key for small kids, though. Zero entry with (2) themed slides instead of just one.

 

[Ed J]

We stayed there for a week 2 weeks ago, it's typical of the Marriott places.

I'd give it 4.75 stars out of 5. The only thing missing is the small general store most Marriott properties have. The grill at the pool was quite good though and almost made up for the lack of the store.

Was well liked by the kids & adults alike.

I'd go back without hesitation.

 

[twinmomplus2new]

We usually stay at Grand Vista which we love. But decided to try Horizons last August. I didn't think it was as immaculate as Grand Vista has been( at last in our experience)

That said I did not utilize any onsite food options. The kids LOVED this property. Had a great time. We stayed at the water park play area for almost 3 days straight.

My kids are varying ages, 19,12, and two 6 year olds. The 19 prefers grand vista because there are less kids. But liked the fact that we stayed at the pool alot more with her Normally she is at the pool and we are at the parks.

This time we were on property alot.
Now while Horizons is geared MORE towards kids. the kids activities staff at Grand Vista is far better. They were cleaner and more professional in the kids facilities at grand Vista.

With all that on the table. the 2 little ones are asking for Horizons again this summer. I am still on the fence.

 

[Nom]

thanks everyone for your input! And thanks for sharing the pics, it does look awesome. Our home base is GV, and we were looking for an alternative for 2007.

Is there a restaurant that you can have a sit down breakfast? That is my parents big thing on vacation.

twinmom, which is closer to WDW between Horizons and GV? On the map they look about the same.

We saw the overview of Horizons on the in room guide at GV, and it does look very nice. My parents miss staying onsite at WDW, so maybe Horizons is something to try. My dd would be 3 when we visit, so I think it would be a good choice based on the comments that he pools are good for little kids.

Does anyone know, is it hard to trade into for October? I think I will call II and inquire.

Thanks again everyone for your input!!! Happy thanksgiving!

 

[twinmomplus2new]

If I were you I would not trade my GV week for Horizon's for October!
The Intervals getaways options are plentiful in A, S, O, N, And December.

I booked a 2 bedroom 3rd week in August for $448.00 total including tax.

A 2 bedroom for a friend in December even with the guest certificate it was $522???

Now If I had traded I would have had a 1 bedroom as thats what I was trading.
Studios for your parents/inlaws were somewhere around $200 and change for a week.

As far as distance... At first we htought GV was closer. But then we discovered we could go out the other way from Horizons and there is an onramp right there. With GV you kind og go all around and then hit the lights at Goodings area. If you go up on the Highway just one exit. you will be take teh first right off the highway and be at the light at Goodings. Saving about 5 minutes of going around and waiting for all the traffic lights. We fealt like a bunch of dopes when we realized we could pop on and off the highway so quickly.

Also with a little one. horizon's is much smaller and very easy to walk to everything. We had building 16. Great lake view, super quiet, and a big screen tv. 52 inches. a nice touch!

 

[twinmomplus2new]

Sorry I missed that question about breakfast!

there is an outdoor pavillion area. near the pirate pool that was serving breakfast. there were alot of people there. Can't comment on how good it is???

There is a little orange tabby cat. That lives on the property. And he hangs out in that area. It was funny to watch peoples reactions. Some Love him to death and others are freaked out there is a cat there.

Wel iked him and didn't shoo him.

 

[chrisann]

Is there anyone who could help me get a very reasonable rate for a week at Horizons in October 2007? I've never stayed there but it looks like my kids would love it! Thanks!