I'm debating between Marriott Sabal Palms and HGVC Sea World

[kalamazoo]

For a short stay with children. They are roughly the same price. Does anyone have first-hand knowledge of either of these resorts?

Just to give you a point of reference of what we like: we have stayed at Sheraton Vistana Villages and Marriott Grande Vista. Liked them both. Room was nicer at VV but pool was cold. Had a nice warm quiet pool at MGV and room was still nice enough. The clincher to put MGV over VV IMO was the kiddie gym at MGV where the parents could lounge on a sofa drinking coffee while the kids wiped themselves out.

 

[kalamazoo]

Anyone?

 

[spiceycat]

which park are you doing - WDW or SW or US/IOA?

if you are doing SW or US/IOA - then I would definitely go for HGV at SW.

this is an excellent resort - I loved it!!!

however if you are doing WDW - then I would go with Marriott's Sabal Palms - it is part of the Marriott's World Center and is closer than the Sheraton to WDW.

remember this is a old resort - the originally one that Marriott built - some people don't like because of that.

HGV is much newer.

I haven't stayed at any of the Marriotts In the World Center - I was - but I only have 4 weeks for my vacation....I think my cousin might! but it will be in Sept.

oh some of the complaints were because of the activities - these Marriott (there are 3) use the hotel activites alot - they don't have there own - so it means a walk, a shuttle or you drive your kids to participate in these activities.

 

[littleducksmom]

having stayed at vistana villages and sabal palms.......there is no comparison. we will not return to sabal palms again. it was old and the rooms looked like early 90's decor. the kids activities and the main pool with slides and water features are definitely a shuttle bus ride for you and your kids. not convenient at all. the only good thing was the proximity to wdw, but still not worth it.

absolutely cant recommend sabal palms. go for hgvc.

 

[kalamazoo]

Thanks to both of you for the input. HGVC it is.