Interval World Owners, help me out!

[jacobsDISNEYmama]

We're heading to Orlando in November and trying to decide between the Marriott Resorts. We have been to Grande Vista and loved it, but would like to try one of the other resorts.

Please tell me which Marriott is best for 5 adults and a 15 month old. We will of course be spending a lot of time at WDW but would like a resort with some nice amenities for the stay.

Between Cypress Harbor, Palms (Imperial, Royal or Sabal), or Harbor Lake

Too bad Lakeshore Reserve won't be open. It looks beautiful.

 

[Echo queen]

Sorry I can't help, but would love to know as well.

 

[Detailor]

If you liked Grande Vista you'd probably like Cypress Harbour as well. The resort preceded Grande Vista but has be completely refurbished recently - completed early last year I believe. Because it's older the landscaping is more mature than at Grande Vista. That may be the only reason but in my opinion CH has a more laid-back feel to it than GV. And the staff at CH is most helpful group of people that I've come across at a Marriott timeshare - much more accommodating than the staff at GV.

Now, on the other hand, there may be issues at CH for a party of 5 adults and a toddler. As opposed to GV, where there are 1, 2 and 3 bedroom options, CH only has two bedroom units. And the configuration of the second bedroom can be a bit crowded if both the queen bed and the queen pull out sofabed are being used. The other pull out sofa bed in the living room might make the configuration more viable but there's no privacy for whomever sleeps out there in the living room.

For me, if the configuration works for you, Cypress Harbour would be the choice. However, if that doesn't work for you, you might also want to consider Imperial Palms. IP's units are all three bedroom villas. These villas have also been recently refurbished and look to be quite nice - at least from the pictures. The setting isn't as nice as either Grande Vista or Cypress Harbour and you'd share facilities with people at Royal Palms, possibly Sabal Palms and you have access to facilities at the adjacent Marriott World Center. Go to their site - http://timeshares.marriott-vacations.com/ownership/resorts/marriott-imperial-palms/overview.html - for description and resort map. The location is quite good if you're planning to go to Disney.

Some may say that Harbour Lake is perfect for younger children because of the very nicely themed pool areas and that's true but the pools at the other Marriotts are very good too and the interiors are a little bit more upscale than at Harbour Lake.

Enjoy your stay!

Dick Taylor

 

[littlestar]

I'd try for a 3 bedroom at Imperial Palms. They are lovely and have been completely refurbished. You would have your master bedroom with a king bed, second bedroom with a queen bed and sofa pullout (it's a large bedroom by the way) and the 3rd bedroom has two twin beds. The kitchen and dining room are nice sized - plenty of room for family meals.

In November you might get some cool days - you would have access to the Marriott World Center indoor pool.

 

[jdm]

I have stayed at GV, CH (twice) and HL (when it was Horizons). While we loved CH resort, we disliked the second bedroom set-up so much that we have started staying other places. It is TIGHT if you have the pull out sofabed. We couldn't even walk around the room and then throw in the luggage.... it was too cramped for us, with just having two kids in there. Having said that, the resort is really nice and we have enjoyed our stays.

Personally, I loved our condo at Horizons. It did not have a big whirlpool tub (which we never use) but a huge shower and lots of space in the master. We loved the second bedroom set-up which gave each kid their own double bed and lots of room. The resort was very new when we went there about 5 years ago and the kids were younger and enjoyed the pirate pool etc.

We like Grande Vista as well. Didn't really do much around the resort but enjoyed having a lockout for the second bedroom. That would be great for the adults in your party.

I haven't stayed in the other resorts, but if you have the opportunity to get a 3 bedroom Marriot then I would probably do that.