Marriott's Horizons Help

[coolhockeydad]

I would like to hear from anyone who visited lately. How is the resort? What kinds of kids activities are there? What building who you recommend? Any comments/thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[memphismom]

My family (including my four children ages 11, 10, 6, and 7) stayed at Horizons the first week of December 2003. We had a wonderful time.

Building 13 runs alongside the pool area. The resort is quite small, only two other buildings (lodging buildings) at this time. Two others are currently under construction. We stayed in Building 12 which runs perpendicular to Building 13 and had no problems getting to the pool. Just a short walk. Nothing like the immense Disney resorts.

There are a variety of activities for all age groups (including adults) which change daily. Some activities include water games, treasure hunts, arts/crafts, bingo, story time, billiard-ping/pong-dart tournaments, dancing, nights out, yard golf, cane pole fishing, water balloon cannon launches, etc. Children earn wooden pogs each time they participate in an activity which they can exchange for a prize at the front desk upon checkout.

If you have children, the biggest draw will be the swimming pool. Zero entry on one end with a large pirate ship playscape in the water which has slides, water guns, sprays, etc. The pool then wraps around (L shaped) into a more traditional pool with deeper water for the adults/older children. There is also a small toddler pool. Also in the resort is a small waterpark/splashzone area with small playground attached. Jumping water spouts, water guns, showers, sprays, and a huge dumping bucket.

All units are 2 bdrm/2 bath. Tastefully decorated, clean, and very comfortable. Each building has 4 or 5 floors I believe, can't remember. No trouble getting your luggage to your room if located on an upper level--plenty of luggage trolleys available and elevators as well.

 

[wuv tigger]

The new bldg. is open w/ 66 new villas.

We got a sneak peak on our last visit as to the new color scheme. Very nice.

The putt putt is open.

Are you owners there?

Judy

 

[denisenh]

We returned last night from a 2 night stay at Horizons. We also had a 2 bedroom 2 bath in building 12 on the 3rd floor (#1231).
We decided our location was perfect because our screened balcony faced the lake. It was private and quiet when compared with those facing the pirate ship pool area.
I could open the sliding door curtains and look out while preparing meals. I had a perfect view of waving palms which I love, and I also spent early mornings and eves sitting out there.
Our unit floor plan was nice. The kitchen was at the entrance, washer dryer in a closet to the left, one full bathroom to the right, which also had an entrance to the double bedded room. There was an additional entrance to the double bedroom off the living room.
Straight ahead past the kitchen was the dining area and then the living room with sliders to the balcony. Off the living room on the right was the door to the king bedroom and 2nd bath. The bathrooms had soap and shampoo (pantene) and had hairdryers as well. Plenty of closet space. Iron and board, broom, dust pan, carpet sweeper and laundry basket in a closet.
The decor throughout was nice with shades of greens and corals.
The bed had down pillows, soft sheets and pillow cases and duvets (no blanket, but I saw at least one in a closet). We were all very comfy with these covers.
The kitchen was fully equipped with all you would need to make full meals. (Publix grocery store a couple of minutes away, an easy drive) Nice fiestaware dishes. Under the sink were dish soap (liquid and dishwasher powder) and extra paper towels/trash bags. Housekeeping came to take our trash and change towels while we were out. I had made the beds and cleaned so I am not sure if that would have been done by them. (I prefer no housekeeping anyway, but that was fine)
We used the outdoor grills our last evening there but had to call for assistance because the ignitor didn't work on any of them and we had no matches. Someone came along within 2 minutes and lit it.
The resort is clean and the staff friendly.
The pirate ship pool was so much fun. It was never crowded and the weather was beautiful....maybe most people head to theme parks? There is also the "water works" water park and my kids enjoyed that also. It has squirters and sprays mostly but also has 2 forts with huge buckets on top. They dump a massive amount of water every few minutes so watch out!
We played miniature golf after dinner on out first day. $5.00 per person plus tax...$21.30 for the 4 of us. It was worth it and we had a lot of fun.
The arcade is not the best I have seen but it is sufficient.
As far as other activities, you get a schedule at check in and there are plenty of things to do.
There is a nice walkway with swings and benches along it. Also a deck out over the lake with nice sitting areas. (Look for the crocodile to the right of the entrance)
Plenty of parking. We checked in at 11:30 am or so without a problem. The entrance is gated and DH was asked his name. We were greeted by name when we walked in to the lobby... a nice thing. We checked out late (1:00pm) for a $25. fee.