Marriott Grande Vista

[bobbiwoz]

We were there for MLKjr. weekend, for free with Marriott Points. We had a hotel room, but it's like a DVC studio, except that it has china plates/real cutlery. The room overlooked a putting green and driving range. There were nicer views of the water, but our room was ready when we checked in at 11:30 on Friday and we were glad to have it.

The resort is very large and lovely. The landscaping reminded me of the Hilton Grand Vacation Club at Sea World where we had stayed twice in the past with timeshare presentation deals. The hot tub at the pool nearest our building was not in service on Friday and DH was disappointed, but when he checked on Saturday, it was, and he enjoyed that. I swam in that pool on Sunday, the water temp was fine, it was sunny during most of our stay, air temps were in high 70's low 80's and the pool felt fine.

We tried to rent bikes and ride around the lake, but we were told that we had to stick to the streets when using the bikes so we passed, and walked around the area. There's a "nature trail" that's maintained by a Florida Conservation group, but it's next to the golf course, and we left it when twice golf balls came too close for comfort for our peace of mind. Perhaps they lost trees and bushes during the huricanes, but I wasn't comfortable walking there the way it is.

We had a pizza hut pizza from the marketplace because we were very hungry, it was convenient, just a 5 minute walk from our room.

We're DVC owners who in the past have used DVC points on weekend, but we decided to try this. It was very nice, not too far from WDW. It's near a Publix and Queen of the Universe shrine. We prefer being at WDW and we wouldn't consider an off site timeshare in spite of the nicer studio amenities.

We didn't do a timeshare presentation, although we were given the opportunity to do it. Buying into an off site timeshare doesn't appeal to us.

Bobbi

 

[tomshortridge]

thanks for the post.

we are going here in April by trading our Marriott Time Share in CA.

You comments were appreciated!

 

[dhamr91]

We will be visiting in 12 days for a week. Any idea what they are offering for the time share pitch?

Also, was the pool heated or was it just warm enough to swim?

 

[TiggerInNY]

We are owners at Marriott's Grande Vista and love it. It's about 10-15 minutes from WDW depending on traffic. Right around the corner from Sea World, too. It's a gated community, which I like. They have a Pizza Hut, Edy's Ice Cream and indoor kids' play area.

You didn't say who was in your party (kids, adults, seniors). I will look at the resort map and let you know which building are better than others. There is a brand new pool on the totally opposite side from where bobbiwoz stayed. There's a bar right there with music and they serve food. Check the weekly activities flyer that they give you, there's lots of stuff to do. They also have kids' club for an extra fee. We do that when hubby and I want to play golf right there. Oh, I almost forgot. There is the Nick Faldo Golf Institute right on the grounds. Nice golf course. You could rent clubs.

Any other questions, let me know. You're going to love it there.

 

[dhamr91]

TiggerinNY

Son is 8 and daughter is 5. We traded our Hawaii Marriott TS for the Grande Vista. We are used to very nice accomodations so I am a little worried from some of the postings about our condo conditions. We will be staying in a 3 bedroom 3 bath unit so i just assumed it would be very nice. Which buildings should we ask for...avoid?

 

[tootsiemolly]

We are doing a timeshare presentation there Feb22-26. How are the units? Are they clean, new, worn? What building(s) should we request? Are pools heated? Let me know. Tx
Angee

 

[tootsiemolly]

I forgot to add it us just my Dh and myself. No kid this trip! I am hoping for warm weather and some RR by the pool

 

[bobbiwoz]

We are doing a timeshare presentation there Feb22-26. How are the units? Are they clean, new, worn? What building(s) should we request? Are pools heated? Let me know. Tx
Angee

The only answer that I can give is that the pools are heated, and the hot tub was fine for my DH who doesn't use pools, but does enjoy hot tubs! Apparently the building we had, the first off to the right as you enter after the gatehouse, is an older building, but our accomodations were wonderful!
Bobbi

 

[saberry]

We are going to be staying at MGV for a week in July. We did Disney for a week about two years ago and stayed on-site. We are thinking about just doing the Flex ticket this time and enjoying the other parks.

We are flying in and I've read that mear has shuttles from the hotel to all the parks with the flex tickets, but then another poster (in a very old thread) said that a car is a necessity if staying at this resort.

Any thoughts on that?

 

[TiggerInNY]

For me, having a car is a plus. It allows you the flexibility to go/come as I wish. There is only 1 "restaurant" on site - Nick's. They have a couple of snack bars but not really "dinner" stuff. I'm not real sure about Mear's. Maybe give them a call to make sure. You can make a request for one of the buildings across from the lake (those are the newer ones). They are all nice units, very clean and well appointed. You're going to love this property. Pools are great as well as the hot tubs. They have a Pizza Hut and Edy's ice cream and a convenient store right on-site.

Let us know how you liked it. Have a great trip. Oh yea, Sea World is practically right around the corner from MGV. They may have a shuttle to SW, but call MGV to see if THEY have any shuttles anywhere else.

TiggerInNY

 

[LuvAriel]

Hi!

we just got back yesturday from our 4 night stay at MGV and it was AMAZING!!!! You will LOVE this resort. We were in building #90, an older one, but it was so beautifully kept you couldn't even tell it was an older unit.

I would definitely reccommend a rental car if staying here. We kept saying "Thank God" we rented a car!!! As far as I know there were no shuttles & as the pp said there is only 1 restaurant on site.

Hope this helps!!