Marriott Grande Vista

[vhoffman]

We got a great deal on the Marriott Grande Vista for a 2 bdr, 2 bath villa plus WDW passes. However, I can't determine from maps how convenient it is to WDW and Universal and Sea World. How is the drive from there to WDW? I'm concerned that we might end up spending more time in traffic than we want to. The other alternative is a DVC rental, preferably at BWV or BCV. However, its too early to book (we're going in Dec). The Grande Vista deal is much better money wise, but how is it for convenience? Also, how is it for a hotel? Is it really as nice as the pictures?

 

[jbthi]

We (just my DH and me) stayed in a 3 BR at Grande Vista last Oct.

The unit was nice and convenient to DW (maybe 10 min, not sure). I got it with an A/C for $299 so the price was right.

We stayed in a BWV studio the week after that and we enjoyed that so much more. There's nothing like being on site, so much more convenient.

 

[kalamazoo]

The Grande Vista can't be more than 5 minutes down the road from Sea World and it is a few I-4 exits from Universal (about 10 - 15 minutes). To get to WDW you would take 536 (we have never encountered traffic on this road) . It takes about 10 - 15 minutes to get there. It's also about 5 minutes to a fairly new Publix and the Premium Shopping Outlet. The Grande Vista is located at the bottom of International Drive (though their official address does not indicate Int'l Dr.) not far from one of the highways that take you to the airport. The property is as nice as it seems in the photos. The villas are very nice and well furnished. We've stayed there twice and certainly would recommend it.

 

[tclowe]

Kalamazoo - Our family will be staying at Grand Vista in mid-May. What were some of the good restaurants nearby that you ate at that you would recommend for us to try?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Lorix2]

We'll be there for our 2nd stay April 23-30th and can't wait. We love this place. I'm especially excited to see the new pool area and the new buildings.

MGV's location is great. SeaWorld is approx. 5 minutes away. It takes 10-15 minutes if that and you're under the WDW gates. Traffic has never been an issue and we've stayed on this side of Int'l 2x now. Universal is in the opposite direction, but still 10-20 minutes.

tclowe - I just wanted to add that there are tons of restaurants up Int'l Drive to choose from. Try www.internationaldriveorlando.com

We ate at Tony Romas, Cattleman's Steakhouse and Bennigans. All were very good.

 

[kalamazoo]

We eat at Outback Steakhouse a lot. It's right next to Publix and the Premium Outlets and has good food for a reasonable price. They're very friendly. We usually don't eat in the restaurant but rather phone them up with our order and pick it up to bring back to the villa. It's much easier and more pleasant to eat at "home" with the kids. We also like Bahama Breeze. There are 2 that I know of near the Grande Vista. We also order pizza from Papa Johns. We don't have them at home and we like their pizza. We've also eaten at Bennigans which is pretty good. For breakfast we usually eat at the villa but sometimes go out to Cracker Barrel on 192 (about a 10 minute drive - take 535 down to 192 and turn right. It's across the street from the giant orange). They have a nice variety of breakfasts whether you want something big or small. Their coffee is pretty good and the bacon is amazing as are the fried apples that come on the side of just about everything. The service is always fast and friendly.

 

[spiceycat]

I also love the Marriott's Grande Vista - it is close to everything.

However if you rent points from a DVC member you can make your reservation now - I like BCV over BWV - but hey everyone is different.

there is a DVC rental/trade forum on this site.

 

[Rhonda922]

I've really been thinking about this hotel for our trip in May. Does anyone happen to have any pics?

thanx!

 

[mainelyj]

You are fine. We actually own a time share through them and this is our favorite place to stay.

I it is less than 5 minutes to sea world. About 15 to Universal. And, about 10 minutes to WDW. Of course you could run into rush hour traffic. And this can all change.

One piece of advice - just request a newer or refurbished room. As with any place, with time, the older rooms are just not up to par. Have fun.

 

[melissa6631]

We love this place. I'm especially excited to see the new pool area and the new buildings.

Oh oh oh ! We were there in July and the new pool is AWESOME! THe kids would love it and the bar?? WOO HOO great!

We're going to go back this June. I was trying to decide if I wanted to stay at Cypress Harbour or Grand vista have you had a run in with either/

 

[Lorix2]

melissa, I'm so happy to hear you loved it

I haven't stayed at CH, though I hear it's a wonderful resort, a little smaller.

Can you describe the new pool area a bit? I know my kids enjoyed the main pool last visit, but nothing spectacular really....

Thanks

 

[melissa6631]

melissa, I'm so happy to hear you loved it

I haven't stayed at CH, though I hear it's a wonderful resort, a little smaller.

Can you describe the new pool area a bit? I know they enjoyed the main pool last visit, but nothing spectacular really....

Thanks

Um, Honestly? I forget.. LOL I just remember there were a few sectioned off areas. Like there REALLY is a kid area so you're not sharing the pool. There were 2 spas i think? Grrrrr... I wish i would have taken pictures. We just went to relax. Charlie says "It's very kid oriented and the bar is RIGHT there" LOL
the bar was the nicest part for us . We didn't have to walk LOL We prefer the new area and will SURELY Request to be near it. The bar is outside. there are built in water sprinklers for the kids, canons for them to shoot, volleyball nets etc

 

[DEff]

We stayed there on the previous Disney trip and liked it a lot. Farther than the Vistana, but a really nice and new facility. Tell you how much I liked it -- we almost bought. However, we came home and regained our senses.

 

[Lorix2]

OMG all I had to read was that they have a volleyball net and all the kids will be playing that all day, they'll love it. Sounds like a more active area over there....I hope it's not overly crowded when we go next month.

I am going to request a new building and see what happens.

Thanks