Horizons or Grande Vista

[maciec]

Sorry if this is a repeat question, but the search function was down


Family
Dh, Me, DD (4), DS (16mo), and my parents (each 60yoa), and possibly my 14yoa niece

Travel Dates:
12/4-12/11/04 or 12/11-12/18/04

We are trying to get into a DVC via II with my parents timeshare trade. We know it's a long shot, but we are still trying.

We need a back-up resort and they suggested Grande Vista because they have stayed there before and think it is very nice. I have looked at pictures for both resorts and I see more kid friendly things to do at Marriott Horizons. With a dd who loves to swim, go to water parks, and miniature golf I am leaning towards Horizons.

What I am looking for is opinions from people who have stayed at either and their thoughts.

I appreciate your help.

Melissa

 

[spiceycat]

that is a very popular time for DVC's to visit WDW - so I don't think you will get a DVC resort. the first two weeks of Christmas is probably the most popular time for DVC's - low points, low crowds, and everything is beautiful.

have you considered a direct trade with a DVC member

there is a rental/trade site on this board

In your situation I would probably go with Horizons - I have also stayed at the Grande Vista - it is a lovely resort - but the pool is lacking - they are building a better one with the new addition - but I don't think it will be ready in 2004.

have you joined

www.tug2.net

they have a Marriott board that is very good helping you make the most of your (or in this case your parents) ownership.

forgot you can post on tug and read the bulletin boards without joining to look at the resort reviews or some of the section of bulletin board you must join it.

but you can post or just read the Marriott board. there is alot to learn.....

 

[maciec]

I have checked out the tug2 boards that you have mentioned. I am a stickler on researching places to stay.

I agree with you that we probably won't get into DVC, but it's worth a try.

My parents home resort is Marriott's Ocean Pointe in Palm Beach, Florida .... any idea of how good of a trade for a DVC that would be?

Thanks for the help!

Mel-

 

[Hulabaloo]

I would definately go with Horizons, it is way, way more kid friendly, we had a really bad experience whe we stayed there about a year ago, we stayed on a timeshare visit, we were looking to buy a 2nd, (we are dvc members), and the experiences leading up to our "tour" were bad enough to not make me want to ever buy there.

Trash cans tipped over every morning, no one cleaned them up, there was an inch gao under my front door and we crawling critters in our room every morning, the room needed painted etc., etc., etc., there was no way I was going to part with 17.5k of my hard earned dough for that.

And what made it worse is we had our 2 year old with us for the tour, and they told us we could leave her in the play area, well the play area had scissors laying on the table, these things were like sewing sheers, orange handle 7 -8 inches long.

Go to Horizons, join marritott rewards and watch the rates, they had horizons for those days this year for $149 a night for a 2 room villa.

hope this helps,
Hulabaloo

ps you might want to look at sheartons vistana villages, we stayed there when it first opened ( not a time share tour ) and were blown away, my wife liked it more than the boardwalk.

 

[spiceycat]

for what week in Palm Beach is it?

Hey I would certainly try - if you want to stay at a DVC resort...Go post on the rental/trade site and see what the response is -- I would try for VWL with your children's age they would love the MK and this one has the busy access to the MK - a boat ride.

I would mention the number of people you are taking so no one tries to get you to trade to a 1-bedroom or worst a studio....

Otherwise BCV or BWV because of the easy access to Epcot/Studios - but remember to get to the MK it is bus transportation.

OKW - has bus transportation everywhere - but it is definitely the biggest - rooms and resort (for now) and the most laidback style of all the DVC resorts at WDW. you can really relax here....

 

[maciec]

There isn't a specific week, I think that they have certain months if that makes sense and their months are September, October, and November.....whatever it is I my Dad told me it was prime time.

 

[spiceycat]

there was sigthing at OKW on the tug board - it was reported at 7:15 am - the next day by 11:00am it was gone - they go fast....