Looking to try a new-to-us hotel/resort in March... whatcha got?

[Chupaca bruh]

Gaylord Palms

 

[DL1WDW2]

Gaylord Palms

My Post #18 in this thread goes into detail about this fun location for mini-trip... I guess nobody reads long replies anymore.
So I second your Gaylord Palms recommendation .

 

[wilbret]

My Post #18 in this thread goes into detail about this fun location for mini-trip... I guess nobody reads long replies anymore.
So I second your Gaylord Palms recommendation .

Lol. Second-ing is great.

I admit I have always wanted to try that place, it is ginormous, and the Christmas lights are amazing. Seems too fancy! It’s on my list to check out.

 

[mmbrad02]

We stayed at the Marriott World Center resort a few years ago while my husband was at a work conference. Granted we didn't pay for it so I can't contribute to the price, but it was a beautiful resort and my DD loved the pool and water slides. I loved looking out over the pool from our balcony in the evenings. The gentleman who checked us in saw DD and I waiting, and he said "oh your little girl came, well she needs a fireworks view" and we could see the Disney fireworks at night. The hotel itself also does a laser show over the pool area at night. Just some neat things.

 

[yorkieteacher]

The Grove Resort-great water park included, spacious condo style units.

 

[wilbret]

Thanks, folks. I will check these out and book something this weekend. Will report back on the experience!

 

[LovesTimone]

Westgate,

Orange Lakes

Hilton Bonnet Creek or Wyndam Bonnet Creek

Gaylord Palms - Nice... Very Nice

Flamingo Crossing hotels, There are I think 3 - possibly 4 are now opened - out the back gate of Disney, off the 429...

Margaritaville

 

[jimmymc]

I haven't personally stayed there, but Margaritaville is getting great reviews for both visitors and home buyers.

There are also lots of Airbnb's in that same area with private pools and themed rooms.

 

[wilbret]

FWIW, we chose Vistana. Will let you know how it works out.

 

[scanmom]

Liki Tiki Resort! We are about to stay here for the 3rd time. Nice rooms/condos, lots of room, a nice waterpark and I "think" they sometimes have on site activities for the kids. It is convienient to a lot of restaurants/touristy activities/putt-putt etc. And you can get it at a reasonable price. I booked through Booking.com - no timeshare tour needed!

 

[TamaraQT]

FWIW, we chose Vistana. Will let you know how it works out.

GREAT!!!! Have a GREAT time!!! Come back and tell us all about it. I have Sheraton Vistana and Sheraton Vistana Village on my list of resorts to try in August. I would really like to hear about your experience when you return. Enjoy!!!!

 

[Carol_]

How did you book it? Did you get a good deal?

 

[kathy884]

FWIW, we chose Vistana. Will let you know how it works out.

Enjoy! That's where we are staying on our trip to Orlando March 2022. I think it's a great choice. It's been a while since we last stayed there, but we have enjoyed this place in the past (next time will be our fourth time to stay there).

 

[wilbret]

How did you book it? Did you get a good deal?

Hotwire, $124/night. I really wanted to try a couple other places, but the dang resort fees and parking add $35-50 per night.

When we “Hotwire,” I’m usually looking for sub-$100 deals, but I am happy with the price.

 

[TamaraQT]

Hotwire, $124/night. I really wanted to try a couple other places, but the dang resort fees and parking add $35-50 per night.

When we “Hotwire,” I’m usually looking for sub-$100 deals, but I am happy with the price.

What size is the unit Is it a studio, one or 2 bedroom unit? Have you watched any YouTube videos to get an idea of what area/section you may want to request to be placed in? I think I overthink and go overboard. But I love Orlando timeshare units. I refuse to stay in a standard hotel if I am going to be there for more than 3 days As I always say, a room with 2 beds and 1 bathroom is NOT my idea of vacation. Sheraton is definitely on my list. I hope I can trade into it or a Marriott this year. If things go as planned, I will be in Orlando for 4 weeks in August and I plan to stay at different resort each week. I hope I can get into one of the Sheratons.

 

[wilbret]

What size is the unit Is it a studio, one or 2 bedroom unit? Have you watched any YouTube videos to get an idea of what area/section you may want to request to be placed in? I think I overthink and go overboard. But I love Orlando timeshare units. I refuse to stay in a standard hotel if I am going to be there for more than 3 days As I always say, a room with 2 beds and 1 bathroom is NOT my idea of vacation. Sheraton is definitely on my list. I hope I can trade into it or a Marriott this year. If things go as planned, I will be in Orlando for 4 weeks in August and I plan to stay at different resort each week. I hope I can get into one of the Sheratons.

It's a 2BR villa, I asked to be close to the big pool, as we have grandad with us and want to minimize the walk.

 

[TamaraQT]

It's a 2BR villa, I asked to be close to the big pool, as we have grandad with us and want to minimize the walk.

Don't forget to fill us in on your experience when you return. I hope it's all you expected it to be and more. I can't wait to hear about the FANTASTIC time you had!!!!

 

[wilbret]

Don't forget to fill us in on your experience when you return. I hope it's all you expected it to be and more. I can't wait to hear about the FANTASTIC time you had!!!!

We just got back last night.... it was a quick 4 day trip.

Here's a quick review. Happy to answer any questions that I can.

We went for a long weekend... it was me, our 2 boys, and my father in-law. We had a guys' weekend, to let my wife and daughter "relax" for a weekend. I wanted a place with more space than a hotel room, so this was exactly what we needed.

The room:

• Found the room on Hotwire. It was $124/night for a 2 bedroom suite, but it's really more like a condo.
• One bedroom has 2 full sized beds, a tv, and full-size closet. The bathroom is attached to this room, with a door into the main area. The bathroom was a nice (normal) size, not like a hotel room where opening and closing the door can require gymnastics.
• The master bedroom has a king size bed, TV, jacuzzi tub, large bathroom with shower, and full-size closet with safe.
• The kitchen is full-size over/under fridge with icemaker, and a dishwasher. Dishes, silverware, paper towels, dish soap, detergent, etc... all provided.
• Basic appliances like toaster, coffee maker and I believe a blender were in the room.
• The laundry room includes a stacked washer/dryer and they include some detergent, but no dryer sheets.
• There is a large dining table and seats at the bar for plenty of seating options.
• The living room has a fold-out sofa, 2 chairs, and large 65" or larger TV. There is a DVD player and a BOSE stereo as well. The room is comfortable.
• The patio area is screened, with no exterior access. There is a door from the living room or master bedroom. Our unit was ground level, so there wasn't much of a view, but the fresh air was nice.
• We were in building number 7, which is perfect for access to the main pool.

The resort:

• Fairly large, somewhat confusing as you enter, to drive around the resort isn't very clear, we saw people stop and turn around quite often. Once you do it, it makes sense. There is a weird blind turn after you leave the lobby building.
• Rooms are exterior access. There was plenty of parking, and we were able to park directly in front of our room, which was VERY nice for loading and unloading.
• Everything seems to be in good repair. The lobby is nice, the buildings are nice, and some are currently getting a new paint job.
• The buildings are grouped around a lake/pool, with sidewalks all over the place. The grounds are as well maintained as any Disney resort, and pleasant to walk around. The ponds are loaded with ducks, turtles, fish, frogs... if you like that sort of thing (our kids do).
• The main pool is huge, with a small section for smaller kids. There is a big waterfall feature, but no slides. There is a volleyball area in the pool, which is cool.
• Each building grouping has a pool, but they are smaller than the main pool.
• There is a restaurant on site, but carry out only currently. There are soooo many restaurants nearby, you have plenty of options by driving or delivery.
• The market has limited hours, but the prices are wildly expensive, considering you are 0.3 miles from a Publix and many options.
• The bar area by the pool was open, but we didn't use it. Again, the prices were high, and we brought our own... beverages.
• There are grills, hammocks and little places to gather all over the resort. This weekend, it smelled great... people were grilling steaks and burgers and actually using the grills.
• We didn't have much interaction with staff, but everyone was very nice and helpful. No reason to expect anything less from Marriott.
• Access to the resort is limited by a guard gate, but should be noted most times they lifted the gate even if we didn't have hang tag up. There was a police officer on site at night.

The scoop:

• This is a timeshare, and you will get a call about "attending a meeting" or something or another. We declined, they were very polite. We received several other calls during our stay, but we didn't answer. No reason for people to call us in our room, so we assumed it was the same people, but who knows.
• I don't think our room had been used in a while, it was quite musty and funky. We opened the patio door, turned on fans and cranked the AC to try to help. Luckily, I had some Febreze and sprayed everything. We picked up an air freshener at the store and that seemed to help. It wasn't bad enough to complain about.
• While the room and buildings were in good shape, the fridge and dishwasher are in need of updating. While functional, they weren't by any means "new." The dishwasher wasn't actually attached correctly and would just lean out of the cabinet. That being said... I paid $124, and it didn't bother me that much.
• Back to the point about room not being used. We found little gemstones all over the room, which seems to indicate they didn't do a good job vacuuming. One of the kids put their backpack in the nightstand, and when we pulled it out, it was covered in thick dust. I believe they just need a deep clean and airing out of these rooms.
• There are no life guards. The pool is huge, and kids can find corners out of view if you aren't watching like a hawk. The pool actually got so crowded on Saturday that my little fish asked to go back to the room. Otherwise, the pool was awesome, but I would like to see a lifeguard at a resort pool like this on busy days (it is spring break season).
• On Saturday, it was impossible to find a chair by the pool. With the spacing and people "saving" chairs, you need to claim them early on a busy day. We ended up just sitting our stuff down and waiting for someone to leave.
• Pool towels are issued from a vending machine using your room key. They are typical resort towels. If you are flying in, there is no reason to pack towels. If you are driving... well, I'd bring my own towels. there is only one machine on the far end of the pool, and they are not very large, you may need 2 per person. We prefer to have our large beach towels to dry off and warm up.
• There were no rowdy groups or really anything that stood out, seemed to be mostly families, couples, and at least one kids' sports team.
• The rooms are not sound proof... each morning we heard the pitter patter of little feet above our head. It was loud, but wasn't early, and frankly, it was funny. If you are bothered by that type of thing, maybe try for top floor.

The Verdict:

• I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again if there was a good deal. We may not need a 2br with the next visit. At full price (~$300), I would find other options, including WDW.
• The kids had a blast. They are used to staying at DVC resorts and they claim this place was just as good or better, due to all the soft shell turtles in the pond...lol.
• The lack of a slide and lack of lifeguard are the only dings, if we are choosing between comparable locations.

 

[TamaraQT]

I am glad your family had a nice time!!! I think many parents are shocked when they stay offsite at a timeshare resort and find their kids prefer it over a Disney hotel. I wish you would've had a better room with a nicer view, but I'm glad it didn't ruin your vacation. I hope you will consider timeshare resorts again in the future. Thanks for coming back and giving a report.

 

[Carol_]

Your stay sounds great! Thanks for posting.
Just an FYI for anyone else looking for similar stuff:
We just stayed at Omni Champions Gate instead of DVC this week... Waterpark, lifeguards, lots of slides, lazy river, live music, s’mores at the fire pit, arcade, and fireworks on Saturday... very clean with mostly great service and one bad apple bartender. $229 including taxes and fees per night (two queen size beds)