Hilton Buena Vista Palace or Marriott Harbour Lake

[SwanVT2]

We have points to use at Hilton and could stay at Buena Vista Palace. We don't plan on doing lots of parks, this is mostly to escape the cold of VT next February. Still, with points, Buena Vista would cost about 1700.00 vs Marriott Harbour Lake where I have a 2 bedroom villa for 2100.00. We could get groceries there and cook dinner to save money rather than spending at Disney Springs. Any thoughts on which is better?

 

[HopperFan]

We have points to use at Hilton and could stay at Buena Vista Palace. We don't plan on doing lots of parks, this is mostly to escape the cold of VT next February. Still, with points, Buena Vista would cost about 1700.00 vs Marriott Harbour Lake where I have a 2 bedroom villa for 2100.00. We could get groceries there and cook dinner to save money rather than spending at Disney Springs. Any thoughts on which is better?

If I were not doing parks, I would go with Marriott for the space, kitchen and full resort atmosphere. While I prefer suites/condos all the time I only book the hotel rooms when we'll be gone all day in the parks and need nothing from hotel. Harbor Lake - Folks stayed there often and loved it, I almost booked but went with World Center Sabal Palms because we'll be in the parks most the time and it was closer.

 

[SwanVT2]

If I were not doing parks, I would go with Marriott for the space, kitchen and full resort atmosphere. While I prefer suites/condos all the time I only book the hotel rooms when we'll be gone all day in the parks and need nothing from hotel. Harbor Lake - Folks stayed there often and loved it, I almost booked but went with World Center Sabal Palms because we'll be in the parks most the time and it was closer.

I am reading some people say that when staying at Sabal Palms you can use the large pool at World Center and some say you cannot. Do you know which is accurate? Thank you!

 

[SwanVT2]

If I were not doing parks, I would go with Marriott for the space, kitchen and full resort atmosphere. While I prefer suites/condos all the time I only book the hotel rooms when we'll be gone all day in the parks and need nothing from hotel. Harbor Lake - Folks stayed there often and loved it, I almost booked but went with World Center Sabal Palms because we'll be in the parks most the time and it was closer.

Actually, look at the most recent Trip Advisor review and response from management. It looks like they have changed their rules so you can't use the World Center pool.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_R...tt_s_Sabal_Palms-Orlando_Florida.html#REVIEWS

 

[HopperFan]

I am reading some people say that when staying at Sabal Palms you can use the large pool at World Center and some say you cannot. Do you know which is accurate? Thank you!

Actually, look at the most recent Trip Advisor review and response from management. It looks like they have changed their rules so you can't use the World Center pool.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_R...tt_s_Sabal_Palms-Orlando_Florida.html#REVIEWS

When we have stayed before (Imperial Palms) we were permitted to use the hotel pool and slides, but with the water park I could see that changing, for now. BUT in long run, many booked those units (three sections) in the past because they could use the hotel pool and amenities - the Vacation Club pools are tiny back yard sized pools and not what many MVC owners are accustomed to at other resorts. An option they could do is allow MVC bookings to use the pools/waterparks but cash paying guests can not.

I was not suggesting you stay there, but stating we were staying there over Harbor Lake because we would be in the parks and looking for closest location.

 

[SwanVT2]

When we have stayed before (Imperial Palms) we were permitted to use the hotel pool and slides, but with the water park I could see that changing, for now. BUT in long run, many booked those units (three sections) in the past because they could use the hotel pool and amenities - the Vacation Club pools are tiny back yard sized pools and not what many MVC owners are accustomed to at other resorts.

I was not suggesting you stay there, but stating we were staying there over Harbor Lake because we would be in the parks and looking for closest location.

Yes, I understand. I just wanted to let you know in case you didn't know.

 

[HopperFan]

Yes, I understand. I just wanted to let you know in case you didn't know.

Thanks. We are staying for the space, kitchen and location on MVC points. We have AP with Waterpark add on so we will be going to Disney Waterparks. Our units are actually right by the waterpark so our only conversation was if they let us we might go for an hour or so but it's not a big deal to us. It would be a very big deal if we were booking for resort usage.

 

[JaxDad]

If you’re bringing children, especially younger children, Harbour Lake hands down. As I mentioned in your other thread, I loved Harbour Lake with my kids. Without kids, I would strongly consider Buena Vista Palace. I spent a couple nights there in late 2020. Having Disney Springs within walking distance is great. If the weather is cooperative the pool area there is also pretty awesome—it has a really nice bar, and I basically lived in the lazy river!

How long are you staying? For a long stay, the space (with full kitchen and washer/dryer) at Harbour Lake would definitely be nice.

 

[HopperFan]

If you’re bringing children, especially younger children, Harbour Lake hands down. As I mentioned in your other thread, I loved Harbour Lake with my kids. Without kids, I would strongly consider Buena Vista Palace. I spent a couple nights there in late 2020. Having Disney Springs within walking distance is great. If the weather is cooperative the pool area there is also pretty awesome—it has a really nice bar, and I basically lived in the lazy river!

How long are you staying? For a long stay, the space (with full kitchen and washer/dryer) at Harbour Lake would definitely be nice.

It makes me feel old or crazy to say that a HUGE smile crosses my face when I can say where I'm staying has a washer/dryer. I pack less and I don't take home but small bag of dirty laundry.

 

[SwanVT2]

If you’re bringing children, especially younger children, Harbour Lake hands down. As I mentioned in your other thread, I loved Harbour Lake with my kids. Without kids, I would strongly consider Buena Vista Palace. I spent a couple nights there in late 2020. Having Disney Springs within walking distance is great. If the weather is cooperative the pool area there is also pretty awesome—it has a really nice bar, and I basically lived in the lazy river!

How long are you staying? For a long stay, the space (with full kitchen and washer/dryer) at Harbour Lake would definitely be nice.

A week

 

[SwanVT2]

If you’re bringing children, especially younger children, Harbour Lake hands down. As I mentioned in your other thread, I loved Harbour Lake with my kids. Without kids, I would strongly consider Buena Vista Palace. I spent a couple nights there in late 2020. Having Disney Springs within walking distance is great. If the weather is cooperative the pool area there is also pretty awesome—it has a really nice bar, and I basically lived in the lazy river!

How long are you staying? For a long stay, the space (with full kitchen and washer/dryer) at Harbour Lake would definitely be nice.

The lazy river looks nice but DD likes slides too!