you don't want to buy in Orlando - period - (well expect for DVC) - I would look at the new Marriott in Myrtle Beach....
in the Orlando area - it depends do you have kids - then the Horizons is a little kids favorite.
I happen to love the Grande Vista - I am getting to stay there again!!!
Why don't buy in Orlando - well when you want to trade - an internet lady brought a Marriott timeshare in Paris - she was told they would give heard 2 weeks in orlando at the Grande Vista for her 1 week. this happens alot.....
Alot of people love the Marriott's Cypress Harbour - this is only 2 bedrooms - so I haven't tried it yet.
the Marriott's Imperial palms (3-bedrooms), Marriott's Royal Palms (2 bedrooms), and Marriott's Sabal Palms (2-bedrooms) are located in the Marriott World Trade Center - which is really, really close to WDW.
so it just depends upon what you want!
Marriott is selling the Grande Vista and Horizons so you can probably find a deal on either of them.
www.vacationclub.com
you can sign up for their website and they will occassionally send out a postcard for a deal.
you can also go to
www.tug2.net
at the bottom on the page is promotions - Owners Referral - click on this and find the Marriott.
don't buy anywhere without joining tug2 (so you can see the reviews). You can get advice by just signing up - you only need to join if you wish to see the stuff that is member only. (like the review and best yet on the bulletin board - sights,distress exchanges - a wonderful board for finding that hard to get trade)
I would also go ask on the DVC board on this site. there are several DVC owners who also own at Marriott.
it just depends upon what you want...
Sorry I didn't see this before.
forgot your pool questions - right now I think the Horizons wins - but by June the new bigger and much, much better at Grande Vista will be open....