Interval World Choices

[happybaby]

We are going to Disney World from September 10-17 with my in-laws, and two daughters ages 2 and 4. I am trying to decide what interval resort to stay at with a premium membership. There are so many choices and most look great! I do want to be close (so we can go back for naps) and my in-laws need it to be a nice place. They own a few time-shares in Royal Resorts in Cancun. I would love any suggestions!

 

[katejay]

I have used Interval in the past before DVC. I really liked Marriots grande Vista. Also Sheradon Vistiana Is very nice and you can not get any closer. It is 2 mins outside of the DTD entrance.

 

[Detailor]

You can't go wrong with a timeshare resort that's associated with a hotel brand name. They're generally among the resorts that are kept up the best and offer a higher level of vacation experience. Of course, there are other area timeshare resorts that are very nice, too.

The three Marriott timeshare resorts at the Marriott World Center are the closest Interval traders to the Disney theme parks - Sabal Palms, Royal Palms and Imperial Palm Villas are resorts. The PP mentioned the Sheraton Vistana Resort, which is just around the corner from the Marriotts at the World Center, and that's a very large resort with a lot of amenities and activity. Most of the villas there have been refurbished in the past couple of years and are right up to date.
A little further away, but still very close to Disney and other Orlando attractions, are Sheraton's Vistana Villages. Smaller than the older, sister Vistana Resort but offers the same type of activities and amenities. I think Villages is a high quality resort and we like it a bit better than Vistana Resort.
In the same general area - near SeaWorld/lower International Drive - are three other Marriott resorts. Cypress Harbour and Harbour Lake resorts are on Westwood Boulevard (across the street from one another). Cypress Harbour is, IMO, the nicer of the two but Harbour Lake has a big following particularly so from families with young children because of the pirate ship water feature but the villa furnishings aren't quite as nice as those at Cypress Harbour or Grande Vista. Grande Vista is located a mile or two from the other two, just off International Drive. It's the largest of the three and has been undergoing refurbishment to update the villas.
I think, if you're looking for high quality in terms of villas and amenities, that it's difficult to beat a Marriott and either Cypress Harbour or Grande Vista would be great choices. But the two Sheraton Vistanas would be solid choices, too. If the ship water feature is something that would resonate with children in your group then Vistana Villages or Marriott's Harbour Lake would do the trick.
One other Interval trader that I'd consider is Cypress Pointe Resort (there are two, adjacent resorts using the Cypress Pointe name - the "Resort" has been refurbished making it the better choice, while the "Grand Villas" section is either just beginning or about to begin it's upgrading). Cypress Pointe is located about a mile and a half from Downtown Disney. It's a nice resort, that's in terrific condition and has a great location.

Dick Taylor

 

[swilshire]

Mystic Dunes is another good choice. Very convenient location and nice resort.

Sheila

 

[happybaby]

Thanks so much for all of the advice. I appreciate it. The different Marriott's sound right for my in-laws and us. Now we just have to agree on which one!

 

[5forDis]

We own a timeshare through Interval and have stayed at the Marriott resorts. If the majority of your time will be at the Disney parks I think there are closer resorts (Mystic Dunes is a great resort and very close---closer than many of the Disney resorts). I would not stay at the Marriott with young children if most of my day was going to be at the Disney Parks. Marriott resorts are closer to SeaWorld (some across the street).

 

[utahkennedys]

We own a timeshare through Interval and have stayed at the Marriott resorts. If the majority of your time will be at the Disney parks I think there are closer resorts (Mystic Dunes is a great resort and very close---closer than many of the Disney resorts). I would not stay at the Marriott with young children if most of my day was going to be at the Disney Parks. Marriott resorts are closer to SeaWorld (some across the street).

I agree with this. We own DVC but to save points we sometimes trade in with our other timeshares and have stayed at Marriott Cypress Harbour and Marriott Grande Vista. All 3 times I felt like I spent WAY too much time in the car. Getting to the MK is the worst!! Haven't tried Vistana but I know where it is and it is closer to the main gate on that side of WDW.

 

[chalee94]

We own a timeshare through Interval and have stayed at the Marriott resorts. If the majority of your time will be at the Disney parks I think there are closer resorts (Mystic Dunes is a great resort and very close---closer than many of the Disney resorts). I would not stay at the Marriott with young children if most of my day was going to be at the Disney Parks. Marriott resorts are closer to SeaWorld (some across the street).

there are 7 marriott timeshares in the orlando area...some are closer than others. i would point again to this post for the locations nearest wdw:

The three Marriott timeshare resorts at the Marriott World Center are the closest Interval traders to the Disney theme parks - Sabal Palms, Royal Palms and Imperial Palm Villas are resorts. The PP mentioned the Sheraton Vistana Resort, which is just around the corner from the Marriotts at the World Center, and that's a very large resort with a lot of amenities and activity. Most of the villas there have been refurbished in the past couple of years and are right up to date.