Need thoughts on timeshare resorts (Interval Int'l)

[GetGlowing]

Trip in November consists of 6 adults (three couples) and one four-year-old child. We are timeshare owners and can trade for a week in an Orlando resort via Interval International or purchase one of their "Getaways," (great prices on last-minute unsold weeks).

Ideally we would book a resort with three bedrooms, but otherwise we would consider a two-bedroom or possibly two units if we could get a good price. 3BRs are not common but sometimes show up.

Am looking for thoughts on resorts to avoid, or ones to aim for. Right now Getaway deals aren't available this far out so I don't know what price range we're looking at, although we often see prices of $250-$550/week on even the nicest Orlando resorts. Most searches turn up 15-20 resorts so I don't know where to start. The only one I've stayed at is Mariott Grande Vista. I know the Mariotts show up a lot, as does the Sheraton Vistana resort.

Thanks!!!!

 

[Detailor]

I'd really suggest a three bedroom with the make up of your group. Marriott's Imperial Palm Villas is an all 3BR resort that's part of the three timeshare sections next to the Marriott World Center and adjacent to the Sheraton Vistana Resort. Marriott's Grande Vista also has three bedroom units as does the Sheraton Vistana Villages resort. All of these a quite nice and would be well worth the stay.

Cypress Pointe has three bedroom units (both the original and the Grande Villas phases) and it's a very good resort but I don't think they're on par with the resorts listed above.

Some of the Westgates have 3 BR units but I'd avoid them as many people say that the sales pressure is high and that the sales people can be annoying.

Dick Taylor

 

[swilshire]

Mystic Dunes is a nice II resort. We've only stayed in the 2br units, but a coworker has grabbed a 3br multiple times in the off season.

Does the Grand Beach trade with II? Can't recall as we trade with both II and RCI. They have units with two great bedrooms but the third is tiny with twin beds.

We also stayed in a 3br lockout at Westgate Lakes that would work, though it's more convenient to Universal than Disney.

Sheila

 

[Brian Noble]

I know I've seen Grand Beach in RCI, but it might be dual-affiliated. I can't remember whether I've seen it in II or not.

 

[GetGlowing]

Thanks! This is the kind of information I'm looking for. I'll also check TUG for suggestions.

Grand Beach comes up in the II member resort directory, but so do the Disney resorts, and I know they recently switched over to RCI. I will avoid them anyway due to the 3br configuration.

 

[Lisa P.]

If you can find a 3BR at Marriott Grand Vista, that'd be ideal - a lockoff that has 2 MBRs and another BR w/2 doubles.

Unfortunately, the 3rd BR in the Cypress Point units is also tiny w/2 twins or a twin plus a trundle - and no cable tv or window in that rooms. Not pleasant for the couple that gets that one.

If you go with two 2BRs, your options are pretty wide open, especially if you select at least one unit that sleeps 8 - then the 2nd BR has 2 double beds and not 2 twin beds.

The Marriotts by the World Center hotel - Sabal Palms, Royal Palms & Imperial Palms - don't heat their pools very warmly at all. Might make a difference to you in November.

With a 4 year old in the group, you might like to look at Horizons by Marriott - great pools for that age and lovely grounds.

Also, some sections in Orange Lake have 3BR units. But I would not choose it if you'll be visiting Sea World or Universal parks. Orlando Lake is in the other direction. HTH!

 

[spiceycat]

I know I've seen Grand Beach in RCI, but it might be dual-affiliated. I can't remember whether I've seen it in II or not.

it is on both - got a 3-bedroom at grand beach and westgate turned around and cancelled it...

 

[TotoToo]

Unfortunately, the 3rd BR in the Cypress Point units is also tiny w/2 twins or a twin plus a trundle - and no cable tv or window in that rooms. Not pleasant for the couple that gets that one.

Actually that has changed. The 2nd bedroom now has full cable service plus a DVD. There is also a window being installed (but that isn't doen yet - should be in place by mid-late 2009). In late 2009/ 2010 the twin bed/trundle is being replaced with a queen sized bed.

All of this applies to Cypress Pointe Resort (aka Phase 1) not CPGV (aka Phase 2). Both have a great location just one mile from Downtown Disney and 10 easy non-I4 minutes drive from Seaworls/Universal/Wet N' Wild.

 

[Pozzie]

We stayed at Star Island and Liki Tikki when we owned a timeshare. A lot of them are starting to look a bit old now. The kids loved Liki as it has a small water area with slides and wave machine. We liked Star Island as adults as it had good spa and gym facilities - it was also well located around marker 10 on the 192.

Pozz