Marriotts Grand Vista

[fabfive]

We love Publix. Wine tasting is right up my alley. We are still debating whether we should fly or drive. Probably with today's crisis it is looking more and more like we will be driving. I do so hate driving a long distance but we should all save as much as possible. If we fly, it would mean we would have to rent a car as well, even more $$$$$ out the window.

 

[spiceycat]

go ask on the transportation board - those people are great - got me a car in orlando for $129 for a week - much less than in the 1990's when I rented last time.

so check with them first - also check with the airlines in some places prices have dropped. see if the transportation board can help you there too.

 

[fabfive]

I have never been on that board. I will go there now and introduce myself

 

[disney4life2008]

I think that going in early for a pre-check in would likely increase the likelihood that you'd get what you want - you just may have to wait longer, though. I also think that giving the resort two or three location choices would also increase your chances. I'd suggest, though, that you call the resort with your request a week or two before your check in date and then follow up with the reservation desk staff that you made such a request when you get there. If you do start your check in early they will take all of your information, get your credit card info (for incidentals purchased at the resort), and give you a parking pass. You'll be able to use resort services while you wait for your room if you want to remain there during the day. And they'll take your cell phone number to give you a call when your room is ready so you can go back and get your key cards.

Dick Taylor

Thanks. This may sound like a silly question - but do the buildings have elevators?

 

[Detailor]

Thanks. This may sound like a silly question - but do the buildings have elevators?

Yes, they do. I think that's a standard for Marriott resorts - at least at the various Marriotts that we've stayed at.

Dick Taylor

 

[Detailor]

Is there a grocery store close by? What places are close by to do things with the children?

In addition to the Publix store that Pat mentioned (and that's a nice one), there's another that's a little closer - though it's the smaller and older of the two in the general area. Turn right onto I-Drive from the resort entrance/exit road, continue to the traffic light at the intersection with Central Florida Parkway, get over into the right most lane as you approach the intersection and turn right onto CFP, continue about a mile (maybe a little less) and turn right into the Williamsburg Shopping Center. The other Publix is in there.

There's also a Marketplace convenience store at the resort. They have a surprisingly wide selection for such a small store and the prices are ridiculously higher, just higher, than at the local grocery stores.

As for things to do in the general area, I agree with Pat that there's a lot to do right at the resort. But within a mile or so there's SeaWorld and the new Aquatica by SeaWorld water park. I can't think of anything else in the immediate area but if you have a car or are taking a taxi (you should probably do one of those for SeaWorld or Aquatica, too) you'll find WonderWorks, Ripley's, Wet 'n Wild, and some mini-golf places up on International Drive and you're not very far (a few miles) from Downtown Disney.

Dick Taylor

 

[fabfive]

We are either driving or flying and renting a car. How bout any good Asian resturants?

 

[disney4life2008]

Thanks. This may sound like a silly question - but do the buildings have elevators?

Thanks. Last question - do all the units have Washer & Dryers? How many floors are in each building? I hope to get placed in a unit that overlooks the lake. Oh yea, do the units have screens? I have seen some reviews that say units have screens while others do not? Any details about that?

 

[Kelly25]

We went last dec, had a 2 bd villa. It was wonderful! The place is in a great location, beautiful and clean. The rooms were spacious and maid service came everyday, which doesnt happen at some timeshare hotels. There was a welcome package in the room that had travel size stuff, snacks, clothes washer detergent, ect. We had a nice view from the balcony but we were at the parks most of the day so the only time we spent there was in the morning for coffee. The main balcony was screened in and had a table and chairs and a ceiling fan. We did 10days that vacation. First 5 at the swan&dolphin and the second 5 and the vista. It was really nice to be able to actually spread out. Ohhh one other thing! There was a dvd player! This Dec when we go back ill be bringing some of my disney movies for night time!

 

[disney4life2008]

We went last dec, had a 2 bd villa. It was wonderful! The place is in a great location, beautiful and clean. The rooms were spacious and maid service came everyday, which doesnt happen at some timeshare hotels. There was a welcome package in the room that had travel size stuff, snacks, clothes washer detergent, ect. We had a nice view from the balcony but we were at the parks most of the day so the only time we spent there was in the morning for coffee. The main balcony was screened in and had a table and chairs and a ceiling fan. We did 10days that vacation. First 5 at the swan&dolphin and the second 5 and the vista. It was really nice to be able to actually spread out. Ohhh one other thing! There was a dvd player! This Dec when we go back ill be bringing some of my disney movies for night time!

Why are some of the patios screened? I would feel like I am enclosed - I like the feeling of open air.

 

[Detailor]

Thanks. Last question - do all the units have Washer & Dryers? How many floors are in each building? I hope to get placed in a unit that overlooks the lake. Oh yea, do the units have screens? I have seen some reviews that say units have screens while others do not? Any details about that?

The one, two and three bedroom units all have washers and dryers, but not the studio units. The number of floors in the buildings vary from area to area - either four, five or six floors. Several of the buildings have a lake view - I believe that nine or ten of the two dozen buildings have such a view. I've also read that some of the balconies do not have screens but I've never noticed any. I guess it's possible that some of the ground level units have no screening.

Dick Taylor

 

[Detailor]

Why are some of the patios screened? I would feel like I am enclosed - I like the feeling of open air.

Lots of bugs and reptiles!

Dick Taylor

 

[disney4life2008]

Lots of bugs and reptiles!

Dick Taylor

That makes sense. This is my outline for January 1, 2009

12pm - arrive at MCO
1pm - Alamo Car Rental/Marriott Grande Vista (early check in - it would be nice if the room is ready before 4pm)
2pm - Lunch at Downtown Disney (Rainforrest Cafe or TRex)
4pm - Head to Magic Kingdom
545pm - Castle Lights Show
9pm - Wishes
10pm - Spectromagic

 

[dioxide45]

That makes sense. This is my outline for January 1, 2009

12pm - arrive at MCO
1pm - Alamo Car Rental/Marriott Grande Vista (early check in - it would be nice if the room is ready before 4pm)
2pm - Lunch at Downtown Disney (Rainforrest Cafe or TRex)
4pm - Head to Magic Kingdom
545pm - Castle Lights Show
9pm - Wishes
10pm - Spectromagic

I would have a backup plan in the event you can't check in early. We have had to wait until past 5:00 for a room to be ready and we are owners at Grande Vista. You may want to go to DTD for lunch first and then head to checkin. It wouldn't add much time to your day.

 

[disney4life2008]

I would have a backup plan in the event you can't check in early. We have had to wait until past 5:00 for a room to be ready and we are owners at Grande Vista. You may want to go to DTD for lunch first and then head to checkin. It wouldn't add much time to your day.

Good point. I think I will head to Marriott once arrived in Orlando and check in. I will give them my cell number and have them give me a call when the room is ready. Depending on how long they say - we will head to the Magic Kingdom or Downtown Disney for lunch.

 

[disney4life2008]

One more question.. I was reading reports on Trip Advisor. Should I request a renovated rpom and if so, what are the renovated rooms? I thought all the rooms had been renovated in recent years?

 

[anne1125]

Hey, Disneyforlife2008, we are also coming to Grande Vista on Jan. 1st. How bad do you think the crowds will be?

My son will be home from college so this week works good for us but I hope it's not a mob scene all week.

We'll be doing Universal, Seaworld & Aquatica this trip.

Anne

 

[Detailor]

One more question.. I was reading reports on Trip Advisor. Should I request a renovated rpom and if so, what are the renovated rooms? I thought all the rooms had been renovated in recent years?

I'm fairly certain that not all of the older buildings are refurbished yet. The unit that we stayed in in March (building 99, so I assume that 95-100 in the same group as building 99 are all refurbed) was refurbed and very nice but I saw renovation activity going on at building 92. I'd recently heard that building 80 (above the main clubhouse complex) was being worked on but I don't know if that's been completed yet. On the other hand, buildings 77 to 79 and 84 to 86 are the newer buildings so all of those rooms are already up to date. If you call the resort with a location request, I'd suggest that you specifically ask for a new or refurbished building that meets your other requirements.

Dick Taylor

 

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

Thanks for all the great Grande Vista information on this thread!

We'll be there for the first time in June and are wondering about eating lunch or dinner in or near the resort. What are the prices like at the restaurants in the resort? Are there lots of chain type places near the resort? We have always stayed on property or in DTD, so we're not at all familiar with this area of I-Drive.
Thanks!

 

[leebee]

I am not sure if this is a regular thing, but the last time we stayed at the GV they had movies at night in the pool! It was pretty cool- a large outdoor screen, a family-friendly movie, bobbing in the pool (or sitting in the hottub ) and watching a movie.

My sister owns at GV and they love it. There are kid's night out events, and daytime kids things to do (which don't require mom and dad to be in attendance), arts and crafts events, etc. My DD found these too juvenile at the age of 12. We like the GV, but I REALLY liked the units and layout at cypress Harbor much better. GV's rooms are all pretty generic in layout. NOT THAT THIS IS A BAD PLACE TO STAY AT ALL!! It is a WONDERFUL place, I just personallly preferred Cypress Harbor.