Grand Beach Lake Bryan Blvd

[nh-try]

Does any one have uinfomation on the Grand Beach on Lake Bryan Blvd?

We have a 3 bedroom unit for an upcoming trip.

 

[jctwizzer]

Was there last year...Loved it....lots of room; nice facilities.
Pool is kind of a non event but we never use them

 

[sasquatch]

I stayed at the Grand Beach in April 2009 in the three-bedroom. The rooms were very nice. Two mater bedrooms, each with a full bath and sauna tub. If I recall correctly, the bedroom walked directly into the bath area without a door, but of course, the toilet was closed off in it's own room. Third bedroom was two twin beds, and there was a third full family style bathroom (i.e. sink, regular tub, toilet).

The kitchen and living room were adequate. Laundry was in a closet off the kitchen.

We were there for four days, so we spent ALL our time in the Disney parks, thus I can't speak for the grounds. We did grill the first night. The front desk did not have enough grilling utensils, so we had to make due. That was slightly disappointing.

We're going to Disney again in November 2010, and this time we've decided to try out Cypress Pointe Grand Villas. It's not because we didn't like Grand Beach; it's just that there's only four of us this trip, and we only need a two-bedroom, and since both are Diamond Resort International properties, we thought we'd give the other one a try. Plus, there were deep discounts in the time period we are traveling.

 

[Kat&Dom]

Grand Beach is beautiful - you will love it. We stayed there last August. Everyone had lots of space and it is so close to Disney! It was so wonderful to have 3 bathrooms for everyone to get ready at the same time - there was also TV's in each bedroom and the living room so everyone could veg out to their favorite show without bothering everyone else. Enjoy your stay! We are hoping to stay in a 3 bed again next year!

 

[nh-try]

Thanks We can not get there soon enough for me

 

[littlestar]

We're staying there next May in a 3 bedroom. It looks nice.

 

[spiceycat]

when are you going? - will be there this Dec.

 

[tjlamphere]

Our family has stayed at Grand Beach 3 times, and we have enjoyed each stay. We have stayed at several different timeshare resorts in Orlando, all within 2 - 7 miles from WDW. Hilton, Sheraton, Oak Plantation, Marriott...and we go back to Grand Beach. Can't beat the 3 bedroom units. And we love the location...very close to everything. The pool is nothing special, but being on Lake Bryan is very nice. Tennis courts are nice. Units are not fancy, but very comfortable. We have found the front desk staff and Management to be helpful and accomodating. Last time, we were moving from one resort over to Grand Beach. We were picking our DD up at the airport, and had no room for her luggage. We went to Grand Beach in the morning and asked if we could store our luggage/stuff there until we checked in about 5 hours later...they said "No Problem" and were happy to accomodate us. One negative is no free in room WiFi....but can't have everything. And again, we spend about 4 hours of waking time in the unit for every 24 hours of time, so our time there is minimal. Hope you enjoy Grand Beach as much as we do. In March, 3 nights at Parc Soleil and 7 nights at Grand Beach...can't get here soon enough...and dreading the snow between now and then.

 

[cindyland]

Since Pete is always saying, "Stay out of the damn lakes," I'm wondering if it's safe to go in this lake? Especially since I'm not hearing great things about the pool...

 

[swilshire]

I would suggest staying away from the lake. I'm almost certain I saw a report somewhere of gator sightings at that very resort.

Sheila

 

[sasquatch]

Since Pete is always saying, "Stay out of the damn lakes," I'm wondering if it's safe to go in this lake? Especially since I'm not hearing great things about the pool...

I don't recall seeing anyone in the lake when we were there.

Regarding Pete's podcast sign-off, he explains the meaning of it at the very end of the Introduction show, which can be find in the "First Time Listening?" section of the podcast home page.

 

[MinnieForMe]

I don't think the lake there is meant for swimming. You can fish or canoe in it! Even the manmade puddle/lake in front of the Wyndham Cypress Palms has an alligator warning sign up. You couldn't pay me to swim in a Florida lake!

 

[NYEmomma]

Sorry for the bump, but I was hoping someone with some experience at this resort would be able to help me out.

We're contemplating staying here in October... my parents just bought into some vacation club or timeshare thing and will be staying here.

We planned on staying in a mod and am concerned/unfamiliar with travel outside of Disney resorts. We will have a toddler and will most likely be returning to our room in the middle of the day for a nap.

What is travel time & ease like between this resort & the Disney parks? Is it a pain in the butt? Is staying in a WDW resort the better option for us since we have a toddler? I'm familiar with the bus system in WDW but have never stayed off-site as an adult so I'm unsure what traveling by car will be like.

 

[sasquatch]

What is travel time & ease like between this resort & the Disney parks? Is it a pain in the butt?

I recall the travel time from the resort to the MK toll both to be about 10 - 15 minutes. Google map link. All you have to do is go south on 535 for 1/4 mile, then take a right onto World Center Drive. From there, just follow the signs to the park of your choice. Of course, parking and trams account for the additional time.

With a toddler, I'd rather have apartment style accommodations, such as the ones at Grand Beach then to be limited by the space of a hotel room. (Not to mention the benefit of the grandparents at the same resort.)

 

[tjlamphere]

We have never gone back to Grand Beach after leaving in the morning, but it can be done. As prior poster said, driving time is probably 15 minutes. If I wanted to go back during the day and spend time in the room, I would probably opt for staying onsite in a Disney resort....much closer and easier I would think...no car to monkey with...but it's all about how much "hassle" you want to put up with.

We are staying at Grand Beach next month (woohoo, I can now say NEXT MONTH) and have stayed there before. We like it due to the 3 bedrooms, size of the unit and proximity to everything.

Grand Beach isn't the Cadillac of resorts, but it is clean, comfortable and serves the purpose...I'd recommend it to anyone, especially someone looking for a larger,3 bedroom, 3 bathroom unit. Can't beat it !!!

 

[Kat&Dom]

Sorry for the bump, but I was hoping someone with some experience at this resort would be able to help me out.

We're contemplating staying here in October... my parents just bought into some vacation club or timeshare thing and will be staying here.

We planned on staying in a mod and am concerned/unfamiliar with travel outside of Disney resorts. We will have a toddler and will most likely be returning to our room in the middle of the day for a nap.

What is travel time & ease like between this resort & the Disney parks? Is it a pain in the butt? Is staying in a WDW resort the better option for us since we have a toddler? I'm familiar with the bus system in WDW but have never stayed off-site as an adult so I'm unsure what traveling by car will be like.

I found it was easy to take a break back at the condo when we stayed at Grand Beach. We would be at the park at opening, head to condo around lunch - swim and relax then head back to park at about 4pm or so. We avoided the heat of the day and the worst of the crowds. It actually surprised me how many people were arriving as we were heading back to the condo for a break. You can get a lot of rides done in the first couple hours in the morning. I loved having the washer/dryer in the unit because it never fails that kids will get something on their clothes.

Grand Beach is so convenient to Disney. It is super easy to take a break. Enjoy your trip!

 

[tjlamphere]

I did not find anything wrong with the Grand Beach pool, as a prior posted alluded to. Not on the scale of a Vistana Village or Cypress Pointe, but on a hot day, for a quick dip, the pool is just fine...there are actually two pools, but one is much closer to most of the units.

As for the lake, I don't think I would swim in it, and I have never seen anyone swimming in it, at least around Grand Beach. Don't know anything about alligators in there...but there are big bass Lake Bryan.