Stayins the Ritz Grande Lakes RC mistake?

[barbarabini]

I am staying at the RC grande lakes as a compromise... my hubby doesn't want to be totally enveloped by disneyana this time around and wants some R & R. Is it nice? Are there kids there? I will be taking my baby, an almost 2 year old, to the parks on some days. Is it a long drive? Can we go there just for dinner or fireworks? IS grande lakes area nice? Can I get onto Disney Hotel property as the babysitters will be at the All Stars?
If anyone has stayed there please let me know what your experience has been.

 

[clk4]

The resort is beautiful. When we stayed a few weeks ago there were some children!! It is located very close to I-drive and Sea World so you are looking at anywhere from 15-20 minutes to get onto Disney Property!! Did you consider Gaylord Palms which is right across the street from Disney?? There is alot for the kids to do and is still far enough away that you forget you are near Disney!!

 

[CarolA]

This was one of the niceste hotels I have ever stayed at. I would stay there again in a heartbeat. (Much nicer then Gaylord Palms) Enjoy!

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Never been in it, but have driven by and it's gorgeous! Alittle off the beaten path, but that makes it all the better. You are close to I Drive, but not in the hustle and bustle of it all!

Enjoy!

 

[adrien32]

It's a wonderful place. I've stayed there twice. My husband and seven-year-old loved it. The only drawbacks were double beds in the rooms instead of queens, the rooms were kind of small (but the bathrooms were big), and the RC only has valet parking, which I think is kind of a pain.

 

[epcotfan]

I am staying at the RC grande lakes as a compromise... my hubby doesn't want to be totally enveloped by disneyana this time around and wants some R & R. Is it nice? Are there kids there? I will be taking my baby, an almost 2 year old, to the parks on some days. Is it a long drive? Can we go there just for dinner or fireworks? IS grande lakes area nice? Can I get onto Disney Hotel property as the babysitters will be at the All Stars?
If anyone has stayed there please let me know what your experience has been.

You need park admission if you plan on dining within one of the theme park restaurants. However you can dine at any of the resort restaurants. To really appreciate fireworks you have to see them from within the parks. You can view them from across the Seven Seas Lagoon or outside of Epcot but you can't see or hear the special effects.

 

[tamu91]

You'd be in a Ritz-Carlton hotel, how's that a mistake I'm almost jealous. Matter of fact, I'd even consider trading few of my Disney Vacation Club points for a stay in the Ritz Grand Lakes

 

[cleo]

It's a beautiful resort, with shared access to the lazy river at the JW Marriott. The rooms are large, bright, and clean. I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised at how nice it is to be a bit off the beaten track each evening. It's so restful after a long day in the parks.