exchange? Am I gonna hate it?

[twinmomplus2new]

I had a request in for my other timeshare week( Not DVC) Week 13 mid level trade. And was waiting for any DVC, I then realized I had 2 free tickets from Southwest that expired in April. So I exchanged for Marriott Grand Vista as I did not want to lose my tickets. Am I really going to be disapointed? Anyone stay over there when they are used to DVC? Be gentle please. It's a done deal.

 

[kweaver]

Considering all of the other potential exchanges out there, I think you will pleased. I've never stayed there, but you can count on Marriott to be basically on par with DVC.

Try a search of this board...(or the old DVC board if this gets moved?) for Grand Vista...you should find some info.

 

[twinmomplus2new]

Thanks for your response. I did search and it seems people loved it or hated it. Depending upon whether they got a redone unit or not. So It seems to alrgely depend upon that!

 

[CarolMN]

As long as you will be staying off site, why not use the time to visit some non-Disney attractions? There must be some, right?

If you're like us, you always mean to go to other places in the area, but somehow, we seldom get around to it.

Anyway, maybe you won't miss DVC so much if you aren't visiting the Disney attractions.

Best wishes -

 

[laceemouse]

I agree with Carol, our family loves Sea World and have been dying to try Discovery Cove! We also plan to make a day trip to Kennedy Space Center some day, my ds would love that! We are not big Universal fans, but you might try that. We own another T/S that we trade through RCI and we want to do a non-DVC Orlando trip sometime to do other things. Have never stayed at a Marriot T/S, but stay at there hotels often and have never had a bad experience.

 

[pumpkinboy]

A colleague of mine is just back form a week in a 2BR at the Grande Vista, and loved it. The party was him, his wife, his 3 yr old DD (who loved PSB at Epcot) and his BIL, so they had plenty of space in a 2BR. I am pretty sure that the units there are larger than most DVC 2BRs. I can only guess that they got a newer unit; he thought all the units were pretty new tho. His DD loved the pools there, he liked the golf. They spent 3 days at WDW and the rest of the week doing other things, like SeaWorld.

Since you are a DVC owner and already know better, I'd think you could minimize withdrawal symptoms by sticking to non-Disney local attractions for most of the week. It'll be good for you to see the rest of Orlando, and hey, you might like it. I keep thinking we ought to try it sometime, but cannot bring myself to do so. Maybe free flight vouchers would change my mind, as it has yours.

Have a great time!

 

[twinmomplus2new]

Thanks for all your ideas, We did Universal in August and had a great time. Since this will be my 3rd trip To Florida in less than a year, ( with 4 kids no small expense)

This is a low overhead trip.
I exchanged so no money outlay there.
Have 2 of my 5 needed tickets already.
Annual pass's in hand. ( For WDW)
and a week after we get back SR, Prom and Graduation for dd 17. So I can only justify this ( To Myself) if I do all of the above.

So, we will be relaxing, doing disney attractions. Just a kind of lets get away from the cold week. So it's relatively important I am comfortable with the Marriott.

 

[spiceycat]

the Marriott Grande Vista can be wonderful.

Now I have never had a problem with their rooms - it was the outside area that I complainted about.

my first two visits - were wonderful - inside and out - everything perfect.

this last trip - the inside was still perfect - but outside - just plain dirty.....

so bring some pool shoes.

oh they also did not heat the quiet pool - so in May it was down right cold - that plus the dirty area - well - I hope your stay is alot better than mind!!!

there studios are much bigger than DVC - there is a king bed and a queen sleeper sofa, plus real dishes - and a BIG balcony/patio....

if you got a 2-bedroom you will be very happy!!!

there are DVC out there - go join
www.tug2.net
then go to the distress/sighting board on the BBS - they are a BIG help in finding DVC.

 

[twinmomplus2new]

I booked a 1 bedroom. Any chance do you think of upgrading to a 2 bedroom. For a fee or not? My mom may come and rent a studio. i wonder if we could finagle that into a lock off?

 

[spiceycat]

I don't know.

they certainly didn't upgrade me - but I didn't ask.

I rather like their studios...

the 1-bedroom have the big whirlpool tub - you will like I am sure.

I don't think any of the 1-bedroom or studios I have been are dedicated - but so far the Marriott has not put someone on the other side....even when I got a studio....but I am pretty sure they would if you asked.

if you are member of II - then the getaways are a deal right now!!!

 

[twinmomplus2new]

thanks Pat, I am a member of II I never thought about checking the getaways! Great Idea!