Marriott Harbour Lake or Switch to Disney resort?

[SwanVT2]

I have booked the Marriott for our vacation as the plan is less park time and more pool time. We usually rent DVC through rental store but wanted to save money. However Harbour lake’s pools look a little small. DD will be 10 and will like the slide but I’m wondering if we should book a Disney moderate when rates are released this week? DH wanted to eat more in room which is nice that Marriott has kitchen. We won’t have a car. Pros and cons! Anyone have any suggestions? We appreciate it!

 

[Marionnette]

I have booked the Marriott for our vacation as the plan is less park time and more pool time. We usually rent DVC through rental store but wanted to save money. However Harbour lake’s pools look a little small. DD will be 10 and will like the slide but I’m wondering if we should book a Disney moderate when rates are released this week? DH wanted to eat more in room which is nice that Marriott has kitchen. We won’t have a car. Pros and cons! Anyone have any suggestions? We appreciate it!

I was completely on board with your Marriott plans until you mentioned that you won't have a car. That could tip the scales for me in favor of Gran Destino at CSR, CBR or a DVC rental. I wouldn't want to rely on whatever complimentary transportation the hotel might provide and Ubers/Lyfts can get eat into your savings. Plus, if you choose to stay on-site, you will have 30 minutes extra in each park before offsite guests can ropedrop and with a DVC rental you will also have extra evening hours twice a week.

 

[kwdw]

Without a car, I wouldn’t stay at Marriott Harbor Lake. We really enjoyed our stay there one trip, but we had a car.

 

[SwanVT2]

Without a car, I wouldn’t stay at Marriott Harbor Lake. We really enjoyed our stay there one trip, but we had a car.

We might do one day at Disney but that is it. Really want to just swim and relax and enjoy activities on property. Is Disney still the way to go?

 

[Mynamewastaken]

We might do one day at Disney but that is it. Really want to just swim and relax and enjoy activities on property. Is Disney still the way to go?

I think so.

 

[kwdw]

We might do one day at Disney but that is it. Really want to just swim and relax and enjoy activities on property. Is Disney still the way to go?

If you are really going to Disney one day (or out in general one day), maybe the Marriot is fine without a car. But you need a real trip to the grocery store to enjoy having the full kitchen and make use of it. I don't remember if they have grills, but if they do, I might plan grilling one night. If you are really just going to hang out for the week, and not drive anywhere, it would be okay without a car.

 

[SwanVT2]

If you are really going to Disney one day (or out in general one day), maybe the Marriot is fine without a car. But you need a real trip to the grocery store to enjoy having the full kitchen and make use of it. I don't remember if they have grills, but if they do, I might plan grilling one night. If you are really just going to hang out for the week, and not drive anywhere, it would be okay without a car.

I called Marriott and they said we can have groceries delivered to the resort for us.

 

[KantLose]

If you are only planning a single day at the parks, then your plan for the Marriott should be fine. The Marriott resorts in Orlando are very nice and spacious. Orlando has many great places to visit outside of Disney - parks, museums, etc., so I might consider whether a car rental could fit into your budget as this might be a nice time to explore them, rather than being at the resort 24/7.

 

[mdurette]

I have done WDW from Harbor Lake numerous times and would 100% suggest it vs a regular room on-site. The resort is great and full of activites that a 10 YO would love. If you plan on having "resort" days inbetween park days, you should go for it. But, if you are planning to go to WDW daily and you don't have a car, I think that would be an issue.

 

[onewishupon]

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[dioxide45]

Harbour Lake is our least favorite Orlando Marriott Vacation Club resort. The pools are small and can get crowded. We are just a middle aged couple and when we go to Harbour Lake, we don't use the pools. We just enjoy the villa and the resort. Not many of the units face other units, so I don't know what the PP was referring to there. With only one day to WDW, doing Harbour Lake without a car might be possible. The resort will tell you there is a Publix within walking distance, but I wouldn't advise it. Certainly wouldn't walk if you are going in the summer. Just use a grocery delivery service if you need groceries. There are grills onsite and the full kitchen is great. Outside of the on site Patio Bar & Grill, there isn't much else to eat at the resort or even within walking distance. IMO, you really need a car when staying at any Marriott Vacation Club resort.

 

[SwanVT2]

Harbour Lake is our least favorite Orlando Marriott Vacation Club resort. The pools are small and can get crowded. We are just a middle aged couple and when we go to Harbour Lake, we don't use the pools. We just enjoy the villa and the resort. Not many of the units face other units, so I don't know what the PP was referring to there. With only one day to WDW, doing Harbour Lake without a car might be possible. The resort will tell you there is a Publix within walking distance, but I wouldn't advise it. Certainly wouldn't walk if you are going in the summer. Just use a grocery delivery service if you need groceries. There are grills onsite and the full kitchen is great. Outside of the on site Patio Bar & Grill, there isn't much else to eat at the resort or even within walking distance. IMO, you really need a car when staying at any Marriott Vacation Club resort.

Thanks. The crowded pool issue is something I was afraid of. We went ahead and booked SSR our favorite. We love having multiple pools and being able to walk to DS. DD is very happy to be going back to SSR as she is a big fan of the Paddock pool too!