Marriott Grande Vista??

[Mouse Mom]

Okay - ran out of DVC point so the beginning of our trip coming up in August is a 4 night stay at the Marriott Grande Vista 1BR - one of those timeshare specials. First, I've read lately on the boards that although this is the "newer" of the two villa properties (Cypress Pointe being the older one) - Grande Vista is in need of renovations. I also heard that the Game Room is closed, etc. Pretty much never stayed off property, so this will be a new experience for us. I hear there is no place to eat in the a.m. on the Marriott property. I did request a bldg near the pool since I heard at least some of them have been renovated and are in nicer condition.

Anyway, being that we've never stayed off property, what is around the Marriott? Places to eat, etc. I guess I will go to the grocery store. I usually do the GArden Grocer, but everything seems to be more $$ lately. I guess I'm looking for a general analysis of what the heck goes in the semi-outside world, particularly at the Grande Vista and its surrounding location. Thanks!!!

 

[spiceycat]

like Cypress Harbour better.

with GV definitely ask for a new or rehab villa.

other than that it is nice.

the whirlpool tub is in the bedroom - no wall between them.

be sure if they have it when you are there - sign up for the wine tasting - do it early - these places go fast... it is $5 or $10 per person - but you definitely get your money out.

It is a nice area to walk around.

oh the signs along the pond - about don't fee the alligators - they really mean it.

the nature walk is high enough that they shouldn't be problem there.

there is a Denny's pretty close by.

SW is pretty close - both are less than a mile (okay SW might be further but don't think so)
SW - seaworld.

there is a publix close by - just going out - turn left - at the second traffic light turn right - publix is right here on the right. you can see it before you turn.

 

[Mouse Mom]

thanks for the info - is there an onsite restaurant or can u get food at the pool area, etc. I've gotten used to these amenities that Disney customarily has .... I will definitely ask for a rehab or renovated unit. It is a timeshare promo, so my thoughts are that they would put us in a nicer than not nicer place if they want us to invest there.
I've stayed at many Marriotts but never their TS, so I don't know much about them.

 

[BosDub]

There is food available at the pool on the West Side. It is Copa Loca Grille. They are not open in the morning but do open for lunch.

As a previous poster said, there is quite a bit very close by.

 

[spiceycat]

there was something on the golf course that served breakfast - but it wasn't in the central location - so ever even saw it much less ate there.

forgot this resort is in the middle of a golf course. so if you have golfer they will love it!

 

[dbertola]

We stayed here in Feb in one of the new buildings. We had a 3 bedroom and it was very nice. We went to Denny's once and like someone else said the food store is right around the corner. There is another restaurant my sister in law likes, Bahama Breeze right by the outlets. The Copa Loca was good for lunch. We also rented a pontoon boat one day and did some fishing with the kids. I think that you will like it. They also had a photographer that we did a photo session with and rec'd a free 5x7 photo. 2 of our kids also did the kids night out and loved it. It was from 6-10 and they got dinner, did crafts, watched a movie and did lazer tag. Have fun.

 

[klacey1]

I am also staying in the Grand Vista, but we got it through an Employee Discount from Marriott, so not in the time share capacity.
We're staying August 20-25th and will either have 7 or 10 people staying there in a 3 bedroom How crazy would it be to have 10 people stay?
Also, what are the approximate distances to Disney MGM and Universal/Islands of Adventure?
Thanks!

 

[dioxide45]

I am also staying in the Grand Vista, but we got it through an Employee Discount from Marriott, so not in the time share capacity.
We're staying August 20-25th and will either have 7 or 10 people staying there in a 3 bedroom How crazy would it be to have 10 people stay?
Also, what are the approximate distances to Disney MGM and Universal/Islands of Adventure?
Thanks!

With 10 people you are at room capacity. People will have to use sofa beds. Probably not the most comfortable sleeping arrangements.
Disney property is probably about a 10-15 minute drive. Universal a little further because you can't get on I4 east at the Central Floriday Parkway interchange (this is always frustrating).

 

[dioxide45]

We own at Grande Vista. We have eaten at Nicks Grill but never at Copa Loca. It was okay, we had the Wednesday Prime Rib special. I wouldn't sugest going for that, the rub tasted like hot dogs. We would go again and perhaps hit the Tuesday rib special.

We also never stay in the newest section where everyone requests. To busy for us. We always request a remodeled unit in a quieter section and they have always met our request and it is always enjoyable.

 

[Asellus]

I am also staying in the Grand Vista, but we got it through an Employee Discount from Marriott, so not in the time share capacity.
We're staying August 20-25th and will either have 7 or 10 people staying there in a 3 bedroom How crazy would it be to have 10 people stay?
Also, what are the approximate distances to Disney MGM and Universal/Islands of Adventure?
Thanks!

Ditto for my party too....We've got employee rate for 6 adults and two kids....(my sister works for Marriott) Very awesome rate for a really good looking hotel.

 

[dbertola]

I am also staying in the Grand Vista, but we got it through an Employee Discount from Marriott, so not in the time share capacity.
We're staying August 20-25th and will either have 7 or 10 people staying there in a 3 bedroom How crazy would it be to have 10 people stay?
Also, what are the approximate distances to Disney MGM and Universal/Islands of Adventure?
Thanks!

If you get a 3 bedroom that is dedicated, you will have 2 bedrooms each with 2 queen beds and a master bedroom with king bed and master bath. The other bedrooms also have their own bathrooms and if you need more sleeping the couch in the living room folds out to a bed.

 

[Asellus]

those sleeper sofas arent really that bad....My mom worked for Marriott for over 10 yrs (so I have really only stayed at Marriott) and I often got stuck on one. (Our hotel of choice is normally Residence Inn)