Marriott Villas, or other off site resort, which one ?

[MotherOf2Princesses]

I have read similar post comparing one to another. But which would you choose if you were visiting in January with two girls ages 4 and 7.

Horizons By Marriott, Cypress Harbor, or Grande Vista. Or other resort suggestions.

I like the look of the Horizons pool my youngest loves to swim and pirates. But if its too cold to swim they might be disapointed. So hot tubs are a must in case its cool. And I want an easy commute to Disney since that is where I will be during most of my stay.

I currently have an on-site ressie at WL woods view 6 nights AAA rate $1450.
I think I could get a lot more if I stay off site. Know of any 2008 discounts at Marriott?
I do want a resort type of place that is hopefully close to restaurants. Disney will be so convenient for me but who wants to spend a week in one hotel room. I think I'll love it there and then after a couple of days of laundry thats pilled up and watching what the kids watch on the tv I'll wish I had more space.
My oldest wants to stay at WL but I think she too will want her own space after a couple of days.

Can't decide, your thougts?
Thank You.

 

[utahkennedys]

We have stayed at Grande Vista and really enjoyed it. My only complaint was that the water was on the cool side (in May) and dd3 at the time was freezing. My only other complaint was my general "off site" complaint of not being close to restaurants, not getting WDW transportation, extra magic hours, etc. and having to drive to parks, park in a giant lot, etc.

But, having said that, we do choose to stay off site at times when we need/want more space. We are going to Cypress Harbour in February with 2 other families so we chose Cypress Harbour b/c of the rave reviews it gets and it is supposed to have great kids activities.

Horizons gets high marks for young kids b/c of the pool area, but I have heard the rooms are smaller and you lose some of the nicer features of the other Marriott Vacation Club properties I mentioned above, like jetted tubs, lesser decor, etc.

When we travel by ourselves we stay at DVC! Can't beat it because you get the space and on-site perks, but we traded our other timeshare into two 2 bedroom units at Cypress Harbour so we'll be content there!

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

We've stayed at the Grande Vista 4 times and we loved it everytime. This trip I chose Horizons because I wanted a change and thougth my kids would enjoy all the pool areas there. GV has an indoor play area for the kids, which is very nice. THey also have the jacuzzi in the room, which I will miss this trip. I dont think you will go wrong with either resort but I'm a Marriott owner.