Marriott Grande Vista & Embassy Suites

[Magical-Memories]

Hi everyone,

We're off to the Embassy Suites and the Marriott Grande Vista later this week. Have some questions I was hoping someone could answer.

1) At the Marriott Grande Vista we were hoping to get a newer (or updated) unit near the new pools. I was hoping someone would know what buildings to request (2 bedroom unit). Also do you just call to do this? Or should I send a fax? (Do they provide pool towels..or do I need to bring some?)

2) Also at the Grande Vista...I was wondering if someone could give their experience in checking in. Officiallly it isn't until 4pm. We will already be at one of the parks so I wasn't sure if we should try to go there early to check in..or not show up until right around 4pm. I just wasn't sure if you get a better room if you are earlier..or if you are better off checking in when the official check in time is.

3) The Time Share Presentation at the Marriott. Has anyone done this lately. If so what was your 'reward' for doing it. I think if they made it worth my while I would go. We are staying there through II through my SIL's time share.

4) OUr first night we are staying at the Embassy Suites Orlando/Lake Buena Vista Resort on Lake Ave in Orlando. I know see there are a few Embassy Suites...is this one OK? Anyone stay there?

5) Finally..how has the weather been down there? I checked the 15 day forecast on the Accu-weather online thingie..and it looks to be between the mid-70's to mid-80's..... Yay!

Thanks for any information. These boards are absolutely wonderful!

 

[Magical-Memories]

Bumpin this up. Anyone have any info?

Thanks!

 

[Mickey527]

I have never stayed at the Marriot but I have stayed at the Embassy.
The rooms are nice. Older decore but clean. the bedroom has two double beds, dresser, tv, and sink. Large sliding door size window with no balcony.
The living room has a couch and chair and TV. There is a small kitchenette with a microwave small fridge and sink. The bathroom has a tub, toilet and sink.
The all you can eat made to order bfst is great. Lots of food. You can get precooked eggs, bacon and sausage in the quick line or wait in the other line for an omlette. They also have cereals, muffins and different types of bagels and breads, and fruits. Fruit juice and OJ, coffee and tea are available too.
The two hour manager's happy hour is great if you want to tear yourself from the parks for two hours from 5 to 7 pm. I bought chips and dip and we had a nice rest. The kids can swim while you enjoy your quiet time, the pool is right near the bar.
I would think you will have weather in the 70's during the day and cooler, around 50-60's in the evening. I would make sure to bring a sweater if you are going to stay at the parks all evening, it will be cooler during the fireworks.
Hope I helped a little. Peggie

 

[boosmom96]

Magical-Memories can't offer any help, but i just wanted to say, it sounds like we will be at the Marriott at the same time!! We leave this Friday, the 11th, and will be there through Saturday the 19th. I called the resort 2 days ago and made my requests. We traded my mom's Marriott in Kauai for this. I spoke with room reservation and gave them my requests. We won't be arriving in Orlando until 8:52 pm, so i plan on calling them again from the airport to confirm.

 

[Magical-Memories]

Thanks MIckey527 and BoosMom!

I will be sure to post reports on both resorts when I get back.

BoosMom....what type of requests did you make? Or how did you know to make them. (Sorry if that sounds nosey...LOL.) I want to request a building next to the new pool but am not sure of the names. You wouldn't happen to have that would you?

And anyone have an opinion if it is better to be on ground floor or an upper floor? (Just worried about bugs on the ground floor.)

Thanks again!

 

[DisneyForLife]

I was just at the Marriott Grande Vista in September. We had a three bedroom, boy are they beautiful. We actually had a choice of a newer unit and an older one. We chose the older one which is still very clean because it is actually a lot more spacious. We also liked the original pool better than the newer pool. Everyone has different opinions on what they like so maybe you can check out both types of units when you get there and make your decision. I know your getting there late but I think it would be worth it. The staff is VERY helpful.
It is a gorgeous resort, enjoy.

 

[Magical-Memories]

Thanks DisneyForLife. Could you tell me what you liked about the old pool vs. the new. (Ideally I'd just like to be near one of them since we have 4 boys who love to swim.)

 

[DisneyForLife]

The older pool right outside the lobby was just very pretty. Sort of like a tropical setting, with the palms and the carribean music. There are two pools, one very large, very pretty pool and a lap pool. There is also a sauna and two hot tubs. Oh and a separate kiddie pool. There are activites nightly that are held right near this area in a sandy area by the lake. With the boys I would make sure and bring them over to the other pools also just to check them out because they each offer their own special touches.
We just preferred the atmosphere here better than the other pools but you may like something else. I really suggest checking them out when you get there to make an informed decision.
You can also check out the website and check out the pictures they have on there, that may help you also.
Have a great time. I will be at Disney this Friday, can't wait.

 

[momof2cutegirls]

We have stayed at the Marriott Grande Vista for the past two years and will be doing so again from Dec. 3 -10. Last year we did have one of the new units that overlooked the pool. One word...amazing! It was even unseasonably warm enough to spend time at the pool. One of the pools is heated though in case your weather isn't great. There is also a hot tub and a little bar to get some great drinks and food!

We love this place...it is so close to the outlets and Disney!

We have done the Marriott presentation for the past two years as well. Each time we've received a choice of items afterwards, but we've always gotten the $100 Disney voucher which we put towards our tickets. The first year was fine...go through the presentation, act like you're interested and ask a few questions. Last year, our presentation was with Michael who is the leading sales person with the company (or so he claims). It was so stressful and high-pressured. He was so forward and intrusive...a true turn-off! My in-laws own a Marriott time-share which will one day be passed on to us, so we have no need to buy one for ourselves. The presentation (which was to last one hour) lasted for over two hours. When we left, we were ticked and Michael was not happy either!

Needless to say, after doing this twice they have figured us out, and we'll not be going back this year to the presentation.

You will love the Marriott Grande Vista! Do the presentation, but pray Michael is not your man. If he is...Run!

 

[Magical-Memories]

Thanks DIsneyforlife and Momof2cutegirls!

Do either of you happen to remember the buildings you were in? (I would love to be close to the heated pool.) So I might put request in for specific building.

Thanks for the heads up on Michael! LOL! I'm on the fence about doing it. I honestly don't think we would buy anything...unless we should somehow win the lottery between now and than.

So hopefully my last 3 questions:

1) building names?

2) What time did you guys check in? We will already be down there so we can go to check in at anytime. Official time is 4pm, should we just wait until than...or do you think they are good about early check-ins?

3) I see they have wireless internet access. Anyone know if they charge for this. And is there some place safe to keep my laptop when we leave for the day?

Thanks again guys.. I promise to post report and if I can ever figure out how to post pictures, I'll also be certain to post those as well!

 

[momof2cutegirls]

Sorry, I don't remember the building names/numbers. If you request the newer section, then they'll know what you're talking about. We've always been able to check in a couple of hours early, but that's not always a for-sure thing. Tell Michael 'hello' for me if you run into him! Enjoy your trip...can't wait to hear about it.

 

[DisneyForLife]

As far as check in goes, it's the luck of the draw. Sometimes the rooms ready, sometimes not like any other hotel. I really think you will be able to see a couple of different ones though when you get there and choose.

I don't remember the names or numbers of the buildings either, sorry.

I used the internet over in the lobby and there was a nominal fee, can't remember how much but I wasn't surprised so it couldn't have been much. Anytime I wanted to log on there was always a free computer available. Sorry I don't know anything about internet being available in the rooms. As far as a safe place for the laptop, the safe is tiny, just enough space for wallets and that is if they are standing up. Maybe the newer units have a bigger safe, not sure about that.

Have fun!!!

PS no pool towels needed, they supply them

 

[Harryo]

There is resort wide free wireless internet access

 

[lucas]

The two hour manager's happy hour is great if you want to tear yourself from the parks for two hours from 5 to 7 pm.

Do you happen to know what they offered at the happy hour?

 

[Magical-Memories]

I still haven't called with my requests for the Marriott... I'm so undecided!! New pool or the village area where everything is................. UGH.

I should probably just wait and see but I'm afraid I won't get my choice....

I'm so bad!

At any rate..I don't have much time left, I'll be sure and update you all with reviews once I experience it!

Thanks everyone!

 

[Magical-Memories]

We checked into the Grande Vista this afternoon and are very pleased. The person who checked us in was super nice. We ended up checking in around 5pm. I had called earlier in the week with my requests but I don't know if they ever recorded them.

However I was given a choice of a few different buildings one was new this year (Ibiza) and the other is an 'older' one but rooms refurbished in the last 2 years (Magellan). We ended up choosing Magellan because of the proximity to the Village area, pool, play area, etc. (However after taking a walk the Ibiza really isn't all that far from the 'new' pool...probably a 3 minute walk, if that...so either would have been very suitable to us.)

The rooms are great. When I get back I'll try and post some pictures. The only thing I find wrong so far is the bottom of our oven, the drawer is bent. But you can't really see it anyhow..not effecting us at all. Everything else seems very clean and suits our needs perfectly. I've already used the washer/dryer!

The grounds seem very clean, everything looks really nice, we pretty much checked in at dusk so I'll see better in the AM. Kids told me that they want to skip the parks tomorrow and stay here for the day! (This is their first time down here too. Not sure about that yet though ;-)

Oh..I'm using their free wireless connection too.

Let me know if anyone has any questions. I'll try and help answer them.