HGVC vs. Marriott Grande Vista?

[AveryandLilysmom]

Hi, and thanks in advance to anyone who posts reply to this thread!

I am trying to decide between a stay at HGVC on I Drive or at Marriott Grande Vista. We are going to get a 2 bedroom at whichever we stay at for 4 adults and 2 children (1 toddler, 1 infant). We are going to Universal and Seaworld. I keep going back and forth and can't make up my mind...

Anyone have any advice on which is more kid friendly? From what I can tell they both have pretty much the same amenities as far as the rooms themselves, so I really think the decision rests on which is better for meeting the needs of families with young children.

Help please!

 

[AveryandLilysmom]

Nobody has stayed at either of these places?

 

[jm106]

I have not but I am staying at HGCV by seaworld. Its a friends TS and she loves it(and she is picky and always stays at nice places). Cant help much and this particular section of the board doesnt get a lot of replies I find(I had 2 posts go unanswered)

 

[shoney]

I haven't stayed at the Marriot, but have stayed at HGVC SeaWorld. Our boys were about 5 and 7. They played pool games, dive-in movie (was Cars) one night. They also did the kids night out at the kids club. We really liked the resort. It was modern and clean. We are staying at HGVC I drive in May and are really looking forward to it. I saw the activity list on line and it looks like they have lots to do if you want a day off for the parks. The seaworld location is a bit secluded, so I am thinking the I-Drive will have more restaurants right there. I know this wasn't much help, but it is something! Have fun!

 

[AveryandLilysmom]

Thank you for your replies, they are helpful. I had looked at HGVC SW, but we are using airline miles to cover this portion of our trip and HGVC SW was not available as an option to use the miles (surprised that HGVC I Drive was). I have read that parking is a nightmare at I Drive and I have two small children so two strollers and lots of stuff to tote around daily so parking is a factor in our decision. I did look at all the properties on google earth and it did appear that I Drive had the least amount of parking.

Thanks again for trying to help!

 

[spiceycat]

stayed at both - both have activities for kids.

HGVC has activities for all ages - but so does Marriott.

gee not helpfully.

would go with HGVC just because you can walk over to SW.

with HGVC make sure you know where your kids are. When we were there a little one got lost and though he belonged in my villa. When we called front desk they were less concerned and security did not care.

at Disney someone would have shown up to help the child find his family.

at HGVC this did not happen.

so got the child calmed down and started to get information from him - when his brother knocked on the door.

this brother was surpose to be watching his little brother - but got excited (my opinion) and just forgot him.

so make sure your kids know who to go to for help. (and just not knock on someone door) definitely try not to lose them in the first place. Neither place is Disney - and lost children are not a priority with them.

 

[AveryandLilysmom]

Thanks for the post spiceycat, helpful to know how they treat the issue of a lost child

 

[Disney Ella]

I have only been to Marriott's Grande Vista, although I have a stay booked at HGVC Sea World. We all really liked MGV and would like to go back there again. Some of the off-site places that we have stayed seemed like apartment complexes and we like that resort feel when we are on vacation. MGV definitely felt like a resort. The pools were very nice and it was convenient having the little store and Pizza Hut delivery on site. We never tried the restaurant. My kids were in first grade at the time and liked climbing on the indoor play structure. It was a nice, peaceful place to come back to after spending the day in a crowded park. From what I have seen and read about HGVC, I don't think you can go wrong there either.

 

[redrosesix]

I'm actually researching HGVC and Marriott Horizons right now -- Horizons looks like a great place for kids, especially with the pirate pool.

 

[AveryandLilysmom]

Thanks Disney Ella!

RedRosesix-I have read nothing but great things about Horizons, it seems to be very popular.

 

[dmanwi]

We stayed at HGVC near WDW in April/May 2007. We loved it. We had a 2 bedroom. Everything was really nice. No issues with cleanliness.

Next to an outlet mall
Grocery/Subway 2 blocks away/accross the street.
Quick drive to WDW
2- pools - One larger pool, fountain play area, smaller zero depth pool.
kids activities

Parking lot was full sometimes and had to walk down a couple nights when we got in late.

 

[kckmom]

Here's my 2 cents. Bought timeshare at grande vista in 2005, love it!!! So clean, well decorated and very resort feeling, I agree with other poster. Going back in late august.

They had a ton of kids activities when we were at MGV, we hardly used them, however, as my girls were only 3 and 1, they wanted to swim and go to the parks. Pool was huge, and they had a lot of organized activities, we just didn't focus on them as much as we did at Horizons Marriott. Seemed like things were more spread out, maybe size of resort or just the way they laid everything out. Was more luxurious.

At Horizons Marriott, with pirate ship, the kids had a blast, they still talk about being able to slide into the pool from the ship. Pool was small too, but just fine to keep an eye on 3 little ones. They seemed to have quite a few activities, the resort is smaller and therefore many of the rooms/buildings were closer to the action.

The resort was worn, but we were there in 2007. We had trouble with the dishwasher and refrigerator, so it was a little inconvenient, and the place needed a new coat of paint and updated carpet/furniture. However, like I said, that was 2 years ago and we were in the older section of the resort. I think Marriotts are a good choice because we have always been satisfied with their customer service.

I hope this helps, have a great time!

 

[Detailor]

A lot of people who have responded about HGVC have responded about the older SeaWorld location rather than the newer I-Drive HGVC which I've never stayed at but looks a lot bigger to me based on the number of times that I've driven by. The I-Drive location is border by I-Drive, Vineland Road, the back of the Orlando Premium Outlet (and parking lot/garage) and housing. While I have no idea what's it's really like - other than that the resort looks outstanding and HGVCs are very nice timeshare resorts - I get the impression that there'd be a lot of noise in that area. Probably wouldn't be a problem if you're at theme parks all day. It is in a great location with pretty easy access to Downtown Disney and a whole variety of restaurant and stores along the way.

Grande Vista is a couple of miles north of this HGVC just off I-Drive near SeaWorld/Aquatica and not far from I-4. We've had three stays at Grande Vista and really like the resort. It's undergoing (maybe near completion now) refurbishment so all of the older villas are being upgraded to the relatively new Marriott standard so GV is probably about on par with the I-Drive HGVC and some units may be newer than HGVC units because of the refurb. Though GV is a fairly large resort, I like the atmosphere and the location - half a mile maybe off I-Drive - which makes it feel more isolated and resort-like than it really is.

HGVCs and Marriotts are both high quality resorts. I'd think that you'd be happy with the vacation experience from either.

Dick Taylor

 

[klacey1]

I can't help with the HGVC (to tell you the truth, I don't even know what that is!), but I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the Marriott Grande Vista. Beautiful is not the word. The grounds are breath-taking-- the trees, the lake. The rooms were cleaned IMMACULATELY! We stayed 3 adults and 4 kids in a 2 bedroom unit and had more than enough room for everyone; three TV's so sharing was not a problem. Great, CLEAN kitchen (Dirty kitchens skeave me out!). Comfortable beds.
As for activities-- fun paddle boats that are shaped like swans and doctors. The main building rents out tons of movies and there are plenty of activities for kids, all free! Our kids went down and participated in a dance/s'more night that they loved. It's a bit spread out, but I'm assuming you're renting a car, so that shouldn't be a problem. The pools are fantastic-- slides and caverns for kids to play in, HUGE hot tubs. The main pool also has an awesome bar with very reasonably priced drinks AND food. The food we had (went down for dinner one night) was great-- fresh quesadillas. Delicious.
As far as proximity to the parks-- super close to Sea World and only a little bit farther to Universal. I'd say 15 minutes absolute tops with traffic.
I really can't say anything but good things-- I hope this wasn't too late! PM me if you have any other questions!

 

[twinmomplus2new]

I have stayed at both properties. Honestly HGVC was decorated with higher end furnishings. The whirlpool had a water fall effect kitchen was beautiful.
There was a kids room which we utilized however in the week we stayed we did not encounter 1 other child either in the pool or the kids club.

There also is a great playground under a cover for shade also great. again not 1 other child but my 3.

I must admit I loved the property but feeling like I had the only kids made me uncomfortable I was very consious of how quiet they were whether we were impacting other guests. And it did detract from my vacation.

Grand Vista I have stayed many times. There is a nice mix of kids and adults not too many kids to overwhelming. But enough kids to feel they were welcomed. There is a great main pool. A kids activity center. an indoor playspace. A beach area. kiddie pool area. Beautiful inside and out.

Traveling with that many adults I would myself choose Grand Vista everyone will feel welcome. Now when your kids are a tad bit older. It would have to be Marriotts Horizons all the way. I think they are calling it something other than that now. great harbors maybe?

We always stayed at the Vista. Now that mine are a little older, 8,8, 14 and 22. we now stay at the Vista for the 2 little ones.
We went in March and never left the property for 3 days. this is however a kid property tons of kids, tons of kids stuff all the time. great water play area. great pools. The boys played Dodgeball, kick ball, basketball, tug of war. Bingo. water fights. had a pool party DJ thing, with sword fights, did in the pool scuba diving. etc.. etc...

 

[Lisa P.]

I am trying to decide between a stay at HGVC on I Drive or at Marriott Grande Vista. We are going to get a 2 bedroom at whichever we stay at for 4 adults and 2 children (1 toddler, 1 infant). We are going to Universal and Seaworld.

Did you choose? I think either could be great with adults, a toddler and an infant. The Hilton/HGVC on Int'l Drive has a zero entry pool, which is nice with tots and it's a beautiful, somewhat more adult-oriented and upscale resort. Honestly, other than a beautiful pool and mid-day naps in a comfortable, pleasant condo, what more do the little ones need on a theme park vacation? If you're there during traditional school vacation breaks, then there will be plenty of other children around. If you're going at a quieter time, most resorts in Orlando will have relatively few children.

If you do want more resort amenities, then Marriott Grand Vista is a better choice, as described so well above. And it's a little closer to Sea World and Universal than the south I-Drive location of that Hilton. You definitely won't go wrong with either one, both great resorts, so once you choose, don't second guess yourself.

Marriott Grande Vista... -- fun paddle boats that are shaped like swans and doctors.

As a nurse, this made me LOL! I am curious though, what did you intend to say???

Now when your kids are a tad bit older. It would have to be Marriotts Horizons all the way. I think they are calling it something other than that now.

Yes, Marriott's Harbour Lake - fantastic resort for families with older preschoolers and grade school aged children.

 

[AveryandLilysmom]

Thanks to all for the replies to this thread, and all the incredibly helpful information about the resorts.

That said, yes, I did make a decision! We are going to stay at Marriott Grande Vista and I am really excited about it!!

Does anyone have any photos from their stay? Would love to see them if you feel like sharing!

 

[Poly-Anna]

Of the two, HGVC I Drive or Marriott Grande Vista, which has a better series of pools especially for a 5-6 year old? Does either one have a pool slide? I've scoured photos of both resorts on tripadvisor and can't find one of a pool slide, although I think Klacey1 mentioned it. We love hotel pools, can you tell? On our next trip, we are actually staying at Nick Hotel for one night just to get our fill of pools. But I also want a couple of days to lay back and relax. Both hotels are comparable in amenities and price for a 1 bedroom, so it's just the pools and extras that might decide us.

Any comments?

 

[dioxide45]

Does anyone have any photos from their stay? Would love to see them if you feel like sharing!

Here are a few to look at that we just uploaded.

Grande Vista Photos