Marriott Grand Vista Timeshare Weekend

[Mouse Mom]

We decided as a prelude to staying at OKW on points to tack on in the beginning of our trip a couple of nights at the Marriott Grand Vista for our trip in August. One BR for us - great price for the 5 days/4 nights. I heard that there are older portions of this hotel that have not yet been updated. I would assume that if they want you to buy into the TS that they obviously would put you in the newer units. I also heard it is a sprawling, huge complex. We own at BW and BC at Disney and almost exclusively stay there b/c of how close everything is. Although we are staying at OKW after the Marriott, it was not out of choice b/c BW and BC were sold out. That being said, does anyone know any Building Numbers at the Marriott Grand Vista to request so we could be closer to pools, restaurants, etc. I just had my 2nd abdominal surgery last week (2nd one in the last six months) so getting around for me at least right now is tough. I just don't want to put in Area 51 with three kids and a grouchy husband. It's not worth it then and the fun will be sucked out of it if were at least not close to the pool. Any input would be great as to closer units. They called last night to firm up our ressie so I want to call them back armed with information. thanks!!!

 

[spiceycat]

there are several pools - 2 main ones.

so just ask to be near the main pool and activities center - in a rehab building.

 

[Mouse Mom]

Thanks Spicey -- have you stayed there often. The only places we've ever stayed in Orlando have been on Disney property with the exception of the Radisson for 1 night b/c Disney had no rooms. This place does look really nice. I do think will like it.

 

[spiceycat]

use to love it! stayed very often. but then they put us in a pretty bad villa - the villa itself was okay - but outside - the floors were dirty, the elevator, even the pool.

when we complainted kept getting told to come back next year it will be okay then.

sorry - once a bad stay - well there are a bunch of other timeshares in Orlando.

don't buy in Orlando - no matter how tempting. Orlando is an easy trade - you pay $2,000 to $5,000 elsewhere and trade into anything in Orlando - even DVC if you don't mind off season.

 

[Mouse Mom]

I gotcha = it's like eating out a restaurant over and over again and then that one bad meal sets you off the place forever. I thought we'd try it. I originally was going to do a weekend in the St. Thomas Marriott but the airfare was unbelievably expensive. There's 5 of us and I'm not about to spend $3000 at least on airfare alone. I thought we'd check one of the properties stateside but the cheapest airfare to any other Marriott TS was Orlando. Like I said we own at BCV, BWV and then I secretly just added on another 100 SSR points. Not to get personal, besides DVC do you own other TS. My girlfriend owns both DVC and Marriott (I think she owns at the Grand Vista, the one in Aruba and another one in NJ somewhere). She's a travel junkie/mom like me - always wanting to take off with the kids and go somewhere different. Convincing our husbands is another matter. I feel like everything has skyrocketed. The airfare from NY has at least doubled. Cost of food. Renting a car, etc. It's tough to navigate and get away, so the TS deal weekend at the Marriott was enticing for that reason. Thanks for your help.

 

[lorilori]

We're at MGV now and it is truly a beautiful resort. Overall, yes, it seems quite large but there are quite a few buildings that are a fairly easy walk to either of the pool complexes. Plus the walk across the lake on the winding bridge is really pretty and not that far between the two main pool complexes. We're in building 79 which I have heard is reserved for owners, not sure but I had called them from Urgent Care to request an early check-in because our son was so sick and that's where they put us when we arrived around 3:00p.m. There are tons of activities for the kids and the staff has been great; enjoy!

 

[spiceycat]

own dvc of course - but also a much cheaper timeshare in Panama City Beach - it is on the beach - and it trades great. it can trades to DVC.

also own an RCI - south africia - yes SA - got it for trading and haven't been disappointed. although the maintence fees are getting up there - still it allows me to trade to RCI. - CWR is getting to only have 1-bedrooms - for my brother need a 2 or 3 bedroom. So RCI is the only choice.

Own a Westgate - which I am trying to get rid of - and it is a pain.

so definitely don't buy in Orlando. not worth the maintence fees.

 

[Mouse Mom]

Okay - great advice! Is it steaming hot down there now....I know it's going to be in August - which is the only down side about going that time of year......better than sticking around gritty NY -- I just love arriving at the airport in Orlando - that's a treat by itself!

 

[dioxide45]

Families with children will prefer buildings 79 or 84. They overlook the pool area at Copa Loca and this would be one of the better pool areas for kids.
I think a lot of people tend to request in this area, it is the newer section. I personally will take a slightly worn but refurbished unit for a more peaceful experience at Grande Vista. We are owners there and love the resort. Your family will enjoy it.