Marriotts Grand Vista

[fabfive]

Has anyone had experience at the Grand Vista? Can you tell me what to expect? What units to ask for? I am already read the "canned" description of the property and I have also read some of the travel advisor which can or can not always be trusted. Disboard's posters have always given me tons of great information.

 

[deedeetoo]

I can't recommend a section, but we stayed there for three days last summer and loved it. We were in a one bedroom which overlooked a golf course. It was located just to the right after you pass through the security gates. It was very nice and well maintained. They had lots of activities for the kids including a maze like structure that the kids could crawl around in.

 

[bmbmd]

I've been there three times. It seems a little more adult oriented than Marriot's other Orlando properties, primarily due to the golf emphasis, and it is a huge resort. Because it is so huge, things seem to be a little more crowded. Check-in is more cumbersome, and service is pretty slow. As far as location, I would prefer a unit closer to the back by the cannon pool. They are newer, and marginally more quiet. Less traffic, better pool, great little grill. We always play a little golf, fish in the catch lakes, and spend a lot of time by the pool.

The rooms seem to be the largest of the other Orlando Marriott properties, and are very fresh and clean. All rooms are non-smoking. Live music a couple of nights per week. There don't seem to be as many kid activities. There is a Pizza Hut, and Edi's ice cream. The store is not as complete as the Cypress Harbor market.

I don't like the fact that you have to drive through the length of the resort to get to those rooms, and there is quite a bit of traffic on that main corridor. Nick's Grill is a surprisingly good restaraunt, and the little course is a hoot. Plus-it's only fifteen bucks after three, and kids under 16 play free. Reasonably close to WDW.

 

[JustLikeHeaven]

This place is absolutely gorgeous. We've stayed there in 2005 and my brother and sister-in-law stayed there in 2007 and 2008. The grounds are beautiful. The units are huge and extremely well kept.
My parents have also been to this resort the last 3 years and they liked it so much they bought a timeshare there... woohoo for us. We've been invited for next year!!

This was the first time I've stayed outside of DW. I was wondering if I would like it, but it's so close to everything and just first class all around. This resort is definitely "as advertised." Awesome!!

Hope that helps.

 

[Detailor]

I've been there three times. It seems a little more adult oriented than Marriot's other Orlando properties, primarily due to the golf emphasis, and it is a huge resort. Because it is so huge, things seem to be a little more crowded. Check-in is more cumbersome, and service is pretty slow.

We've also been there three times over the past four years. I think that this resort is one of Orlando's very best timeshare resorts. This is indeed a large resort but my observation is that, with two large pool areas and a couple more smaller area pools, it doesn't seem all that crowded - except for when you're looking for a parking space at the end of the day. I agree that the check-in process used to be pretty slow and unorganized. But for both of our last two visits they had changed how they handled check-in and I found it quite smooth both times. I don't think, though, that this is a decidedly more adult resort than other Marriotts in Orlando - I actually think that Cypress Harbour has a more adult feel to it than does Grande Vista. This resort is entirely appropriate for families with children as evidenced by the creation of the new pool area in the West Village with its zero entry and childrens' features.

I don't like the fact that you have to drive through the length of the resort to get to those rooms, and there is quite a bit of traffic on that main corridor.

If you do end up in one of the newer buildings (buildings 77-79 and 84-86) across the lake from the check-in clubhouse, there is a secondary entrance/exit that can be used by guests that's more convenient to those buildings. After you check in you can use your room cardkey to get in at the gate near those buildings (the entrance is across from the tennis courts well before you come to the security gate at the main entrance).

One of the very good things about this resort is that management has been refurbishing the villas over the past couple of years - I think that they're almost done - and even the older buildings look quite new and fresh inside. Go to this site - http://www.disboards.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=27826093 - for a layout map of the resort. After you pick an area that you want to stay in, I'd encourage you to call the resort about two weeks before your check-in date and make your request. Then call back again in about a week to make sure they have the request. I haven't found this resort's staff to go out of their way to grant a request but you never know - persistence may pay off.

Enjoy your time at Grande Vista!

Dick Taylor

 

[fabfive]

Hi Detailor

Can you send me the link to the layout of the resort? I clicked the link you posted and can seem to locate it.

 

[Detailor]

Hi Detailor

Can you send me the link to the layout of the resort? I clicked the link you posted and can seem to locate it.

Sorry, I apparently attached the wrong link. Here it is...

https://www.my-vacationclub.com/common/respages/pdf/resorts/gv/gv_sitemap.pdf

Dick Taylor

 

[spiceycat]

boy it has gotten bigger -

the nature walk looks like it is gone?

 

[fabfive]

WOW, this place looks great. I have no idea where to ask to stay.

 

[Detailor]

boy it has gotten bigger -
the nature walk looks like it is gone?

I was concerned about that,too, when we'd gotten to our villa and I looked at the map. But it's still there, or at least was still there in March.

WOW, this place looks great. I have no idea where to ask to stay.

It is a very nice resort. I love the DVC resorts, but am always happy to stay at either to my favorite Orlando Marriotts - Grande Vista and Cypress Harbour. We've been placed in buildings 80, 89 and 99 for our three visits and were happy with all of them. 80 (above the check-in/main clubhouse area) was really convenient and not overly noisy even from our location next to the pool area. 89 seemed a little far from things at first and the view was just okay. The location of building 99 is really nice - very close to the security entrance so not much driving either in or out, close to a nice area pool and fairly close to the main pool area too, an okay view of the golf course, and close to the Nick's restaurant - but it's a fair distance from the Copa Loca bar and grill that we like so much. That building was both the location for our most recent stay and turned out to be our favorite so far.
However, I'd suggest that you ask for one of the buildings on the other side of the lake (west village area). It seems like there's more parking over there - it seems like there's not enough parking spaces sometimes on the older side of the resort - and the buildings are all fairly new. I'd suggest building 78 or 85 as you'd get a little noise buffer from the pool area but still be really close to this area. Keep in mind, though, that the childrens' activities are centered at the main clubhouse (designated on the map as A).

Dick Taylor

 

[fabfive]

When you say children's activities, what age group would you say? My girls are D11 & D12. The other two families that are going with us girls are the same age and 1 has a teenager who is 15.

 

[Detailor]

When you say children's activities, what age group would you say? My girls are D11 & D12. The other two families that are going with us girls are the same age and 1 has a teenager who is 15.

The more formal activities programs include arts and crafts type things, I think that they have a guitar hero competition, Kid's night out, there's a beach campfire. Most of these have a per person cost and many of them are aimed at younger children. You can rent surrey bikes (but I think there has to be an eighteen year old in bike if anyone younger than that is riding) and pedal boats (same age requirements). There are also tennis courts, table tennis, a climbing wall on the beach, an arcade game room, fitness room, a sauna, and all the pool areas. I'm probably missing a few things, too. They should find plenty to do there.

Dick Taylor

 

[fabfive]

Thank you so much for the information. I love this board.

 

[DisMomAmy]

We loved the Grande Vista - we always stay off-site in a timeshare condo. Grande Vista is by far our favorite. We plan to stay there in April or possibly at one of the other Marriotts. It was clean, spacious and quiet. We had a very big 2 BR unit. We had 9 people in the room on one of the nights (one kid on an air mattress)(shh.. don't tell on me) We spent most of our time at the theme parks so we didn't even attempt any of the activities at the resort, other than swimming. My MIL, SIL and niece enjoyed Copa Loca (or whatever it is called??).

We had a few small issues with the room (light bulb, batteries for the remote) and a bigger issue (AC went out) - all of which were taken care of quickly.

I think we stayed in building 79 last year. As far as requesting a room/building... we requested the section we were in simply because it was near the pool. It was very quiet at the pool - not like what you'd expect at a WDW resort pool. We were on the ground floor and that made it easy for loading and unloading luggage and sleepy kids - I will probably make that request again. Noise was not an issue at all.

 

[disney4life2008]

I will be arriving in Orlando at 12:14pm on January 1st and will be picking up my rental car at 1pm. We are staying at the Marriott Grande Vista - but check in is not until 4pm? Does anyone know if they do EARLY CHECK IN? I would like to check in earlier than 4pm - or does that risk you getting a bad room? I really want to stay in Main Village or West Village LAKESIDE - will asking for early check in mess that up?

 

[spiceycat]

they allow early check in - but your room may not be ready (just like WDW)

 

[Detailor]

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

 

[auctionmaster]

Great place to stay!

When ever I travel lately I have been staying a Marriott hotels.....

 

[fabfive]

So far, I have had a great experience with this place and I have not even been there yet. We have a total of three families going and one of the families are going surprise their children for Christmas. I called the resort and they sent me three info packages so that the parent could wrap it up for Christmas. I love it

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

 

[spiceycat]

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

well within driving distance - turn left out of the resort (international drive south) - go through a couple of traffic lights - you will pass a gas station - turn right at the traffic light after the gas station - there is a publix in the strip mall to your right.


well Seaworld is very close by - turn right out of the resort - next traffic light turn left - Sw is on your left, and DC is on your right

most timeshares have actitivites that you can do with your kids.

the Marriott have a wine tasting (no kids allowed) that I dearly love.