Staying offsite at Marriott villas

[mrsp1030]

We are considering a January trip to Orlando and have always stayed on property but we are considering staying at either Harbour Lakes or Cypress Lakes this time because of our ability to use points and also the spaciousness. We will have 3 kids all boys ages 6, 4, and 5 months. Just curious for those that have stayed on and off property if you ever regretted it. Also, are the pools heated in January?