Marriott Grand Vista

[ttfn3]

Okay. I'm looking at so many hotels/condos, my head is swimming. Has anyone stayed at the Marriott Grand Vista lately? We're looking at a 2 BR unit and would be interested in first hand reports. Thanks!

 

[Harryo]

I have stayed at the Grand Vista a few times with my family, as a matter of fact I bought a two bedroom in 1998. The resort is made up of several 6story buildings surrounded by a 9 hole golf course. There is a small lake where you can rent pedal boats etc. The main pool area has a main horseshoe shaped pool with squirting water from the ground in the middle for the kids to play in, a small lap pool and small kiddie pool, a hot tub and sauna tower. Then there are two other smaller pool complexes around the resort. There is an onsite restaurant in the golf clubhouse, Nick Faldo's place, also a deli/ Pizzahut in the Market place store.
The villa's are very nice, studio, 1,2 and 3 bedroom units very nicely furnished. IMHO you can't go wrong staying here.

 

[ttfn3]

Thanks Harryo for the info. My DH just scored an amazing deal for a 2 BR for the Marriott Grand Vista so we'll be staying there. It looks fabulous and I'm looking forward to staying there. Any advice on what building/unit to request? My DS is 6, so I'm sure we will need to be close to the main pool/activities.

Also, how long did it take you get to the MK TTC parking lot? We stayed this spring at the Vistana Villages and I clocked our drive at 10 minutes from parking lot to parking lot (MK TTC). I think I may know approximately where the Marriott is located. Is it down the street from the Publix near the south side of Sea World?

Thanks!!

 

[KProuty]

If you have a son, you will LOVE the indoor ball pit/slide area. My kids (almost 6 and 9) both love it. You should also sign up for a Kid's Club evening. You drop the kids off at 5 (if I remember correctly) and pick them up at 10. They have planned activities, you should get a list when you check in. My kids DEMAND to go -- they have been twice. You should reserve because they can only accomodate so many kids. One time they made a bunch of science experiments, got free tokens for the game room, and had supervised play in the huge ball/jungle gym. They still have their bouncy balls that they made. They also get to order pizza. I think it is $25 or $30 for the whole evening. My husband and I went to Boma for dinner and just enjoyed ourselves. They also give you a beeper.

The activities director at the Grande Vista is just wonderful! (I hope it is the same one that we had last year.) They had a "survivor" party that my kids remember to this day! While it was geared to older folks, everyone was just great when my kids wanted to play. (One activity was to see who could eat the gummi worms the quickest. My 9 year old carried that one!) (We also won a T-shirt and a beanie baby!)

There is a full grocery store right around the corner, much cheaper than the one right next to Disney. Oh, and it is much easier to eat in some good non-Disney restaurants. I recommend Bahama Breeze! It isn't that far away from the Grande Vista. Oh, and bring your own laundry detergent! You will love being able to wash your clothes!

Hope this helps,

Katherine

 

[Harryo]

The Grand Vista is right down the street from Vistana Villages( 2 min max)

 

[ttfn3]

Thanks everyone! I just read my DS (age 6) some of the activities and he is really excited to check out the Marriott Grand Vista. I'm glad to hear it's very near the V V. It was a very easy drive from the V V to WDW this spring, so the Marriott should be pretty convenient.

In my Internet searches, I did not find any info on the indoor ball pit/playground area. It sounds really cool. I'm sure my son will enjoy checking it out. We have stayed at places before that have had kid programs (primarily on Sanibel Island) and he loves to be with other children, so we'll check out the kids evening program.

If anyone has any advice on which building/unit we should request, I'd appreciate the guidance. We'll be staying in a 2 BR unit. Thanks!!!