I was tempted to say that this statement is a bit of a stretch.......but then I realized that would imply that Grande Vista was maybe possibly close to being as nice as the DVC resorts.
It isn't.
Sure, Grande Vista might be a good off-site option. But compared to DVC the location sucks. But we all know that. So what about the accomodations and the facilities?
No, they aren't close either. Oh, they aren't bad......but not close to being equal to, much less superior to, DVC. Oh, maybe it had to do with the exterior hallways with the unattractive crumbling stuccoed concrete, the contractor grade (read: cheap) door, the flimsy metal railings, the small, slow elevators, the difficulty in finding a parking space at night, the lack of themeing, the landscaping and grounds that don't come close to the DVC resorts, the lack of services (think valet parking), no lobby or comfy sitting areas......I suppose it could have been a lot of things. Sure, the villas are actually very large. Larger than the DVC accomodations. Of course the materials are a lot cheaper (think cabinets, counter tops, appliances, kitchen and bath fixtures) and the furniture isn't as nice. Yeah, that might have had something to do with it too. As for facilities, having to get into the car or walk through parking lots that remind me of a suburban apartment complex wasn't all that thrilling, but once you got there the pools were ok.......oh, but not as nice as those at the DVC resorts.
We did the Grande Visat thing. Even two weeks for the price of one and a boatload of extra Marriott Rewards points wouldn't make me consider buying into the place......given that I have our DVC ownership to compare it to.
Don't get me wrong. Grande Vista is very nice. The Marriott Vacation Club program is actually pretty good. The deals they offer aren't bad. If you want to frequent the non-Disney attractions in the Orlando area it's a very attractive option. But superior to DVC? Poppycock. Fiddlesticks. Really now......that's just bunk.
But I digress.
Have you checked cash rates for the Swolphin? They can be very good sometimes and the location is excellent.
OK,
Fair enough.
What about the food? Poolside food is excellent there. Nick's at the golf course is better than anything DVC Resorts offer AND they will GLADLY do to go food. How about the pizza hut express on site or the grocery store that actually has things you need? How about the sandwiches you can get to go in there? Hot paninis and the like. How about the 9 hole golf course and the Nick Faldo golf school right there?
To say the location stinks is way off as well. I didn't realize International Drive is a bad location.
How about the mulitude of activities for kids? How about the indoor playground for kids with slides and climbing? Great gym? Spa? Animal shows? Live music? Boat rentals? 2 bars where you can actually sit and get a drink?
Really it is far superior to DVC except it isn't on property.
The one thing we agree on is that I wouldn't want to own there. It is real reasonable on cash so why buy in?
Nice disagreeing with you. Go to Trip advisor dot com and punch in Marriott Grande Vista and then compare to reviews of DVC Resorts. At least there the people review without just reflexively defending DVC.
DVC is NOT the best there is. I encourage everyone to check out for themselves "other" resorts in Orlando. Competition is fierce and there are some great ones out there.
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