LIKI TIKI vs. Horizons by Marriott - anyone been to both?

[moopdog]

I have a small dilemma as I can't decide which to stay in. I understand that the Marriott will be nicer, but would it be noticeably nicer?? I was all set to book it when the lady on the phone told me that if I had young kids (5 & 7) they would really like Liki Tiki, mentioning all the water slides, etc. So some quick questions:

Of the two... is one way closer than the other?

Are the water slides at LT for adults too, or just small kids?

What exactly is so great about the Marriott's anyway? Really.

If you had to pick one and knew you'd stay at the resort at least one day to swim...which would it be?

Last but not least. Depending on which I choose we'll stay an additional two nights at the Pop squeezed in a room either BEFORE the condo week or after. So, do we want to start with the Pop or end that way??

Thanks.

 

[moopdog]

Okay - I see my post got LOOOOSSTTTTT so if I posted in the wrong forum - please redirect... Thanks!!

 

[safetymom]

Moving to Orlando hotels

 

[jeff968]

I don't think you can even compare the two. The Marriott will be much nicer. We did a tour of horizons and are scheduled to stay there next year. The place looks fantastic. I have never stayed at the liki tiki but I know they have had a ton of management changes over the years with the resort being sold by ron jon and others. I also recall they let non-guests use the water park. I know the units are older. Horizons are all new and marriott has very high standards. And i think the location of horizons is a better one. IMHO. Good luck.

 

[Brian Noble]

Also, as I recall Horizons is probably the most "kid-centric" of the Orlando Marriotts.

I'd go with Horizons, myself.

 

[utahkennedys]

I have not stayed at Liki Tiki, but we love Marriotts. Have you seen the HORRIBLE reviews on Tripadvisor of Liki Tiki with disgusting pictures/bugs/mold/etc? That was all I ever needed to see to permanently rule that place out!

 

[moopdog]

Okay - I think that settles it - Horizons for us! Thanks.

 

[chrisann]

They we're both very nice, but in fairness to Liki Tiki we only had a 1bdrm there and we had a 2bdrm at horizons, so that kind of tips the scales. We prefer Marriott but if we ended up at Liki Tiki we wouldn't be disappointed. Will they both cost the same? That would probably be the deciding factor for us. Good Luck!

 

[davinakb]

Have not stayed at both, but did stay at Horizons (which I liked) with someone who has and can tell you that he recommended against LT, found Marriott nicer. That said is it "double the price nicer" or maybe "just a little bit more $ nicer"? That depends on how long you will be there, how much time in the room, how picky are you about resorts and cleanliness, will you do SW and other parks? Sorry for the non-answer. FWIW.

 

[moopdog]

Well - I am waiting for free dining "to be" or "not to be" in April to finalize plans. So I have until then to decide! I am not a freak about the cleanliness, etc. I worry more about convenience, comfort and amenities. Here's the gist of it: due to availability, our choices are a) stay at Pop Century for 3 nights & then Liki Tiki for a week. or b) stay at Horizons for a week and then finish up with 3 nights at Pop.

I personally do not want to have an awesome week in a huge 2 bedroom and THEN squeeze into a reg value room right before going home. That's why I was asking about LT. But then again, because DH is nervous about driving in Orlando for the first time, he would rather spend the last 3 days NOT having to drive anywhere and using Dis transportation.

Since I can see it both ways, and to please my husband (LOL) I am leaning towards Horizons & then 3 days at POP (squeezed in)!

To answer the other questions - I plan to see Sea World and maybe US while we're at the condo and hoping for free dining, to do Character meals while at Pop.

 

[Brian Noble]

I'd rather go from small to large, too. But, Liki Tiki is in exactly the wrong direction for Sea World/Universal.

 

[moopdog]

Problem solved. Horizons had a couple of dates open that I needed. Now we can go to POP first then move into the Horizons for the week. Sorry to the hubby, but he'll have to understand it was for the "greater good" - a happy wife & kids!

 

[3kidzmom]

Normally, I'd keep quiet, but we just came from 4 days 3 nights at LiKi TiKi Village. My family of 5 stayed in a 1 bedroom in the 'high rise' section of LT near the WaterPark. (there is an older section close the entrance) Our kids bsolutely LOVED it!! Our one bedroom was spacious, full kitchen, large bathroom, and washer and dryer, with 2 flat screen tvs, screened in back porch--WONDERFUL!!

On check-in they give you a schedule of events for kids and they have scheduled activities for the family as well. The waterpark is for all ages, my kids from ages 5 through 12 loved it. There are lifeguards on duty every few yards, so you can feel safe having a drink at THE BAR in the waterpark area if you like, plenty of space for families to relax either in the sun or shade while the kids play.

My only negative comment about LT is the timeshare presentation. We had never done one before, and now I know why people don't do them!!! We won't do THAT again!!! Its definitely away from Disney, but close to a WalMart and Publix for supplies.

Just my $.02.