Tell me the difference between Marriott Horizons and Grande Vista

[talulabelle]

Deciding between the 2 for a split stay part on Disney property part off.

Can anyone tell me which one is closer to WDW - From what I have researched it looks like Horizons is closer to Seaworld....we will only be going to WDW on this trip, so I only care about convienence to WDW. We have 4 kids ages 4-12, so I also am wonder which is more kid friendly. Which has a better pool and slide for the kids etc.

TIA

 

[Brian Noble]

Raw distance isn't always indicative of commute time. Have google maps or similar measure it for you. I want to say that even though GV is a bit farther, it may be a faster drive (though I don't recall for sure on either comparison.)

Horizons is a bit more kid-centric. GV is perfectly fine, but would be awesome for a golfer.

 

[spiceycat]

Horizons is closer to I4 - so unless traffic is back up on I4 - the ID would be closer.

that say - I prefer ID for getting back and forth to WDW - it is longer most of the time. but when I4 is back up and looks more like a parking lot than a interstate - then ID is faster.

out of horizons - go right for ID - (535) - left for I4.

 

[LSU]

We are also staying at Grande Vista 5/23-6/3. Mapquest shows anywhere from 13-17 minutes to the different parks. Hopefully it won't be too bad.

 

[3kidsfordis]

I only know Horizons and it's an awesome place for kids. Two pools, one with a pirate ship with slides the other with a big slide. My kids were 3,5 & 9 last year and loved it. Very kid friendly. We didn't take part in a lot of the activites but there is mini-golf, movies by the pool, ice cream parties etc. We went to MK and MGM from Horizons 3 or 4 days. Commute was about 15 minutes to parking lot. (I wasn't timing). We were there in April and were on the road about 8 AM. Took the highway that was almost right outside Horizons gate (I-4?) Never hit any traffic-maybe we were real lucky! It is very close to Seaworld.

We are going to Horizons in about two weeks. I'm timing the drive time for another Dis poster. Will be happy to post or you can PM me at the beginning of May.

Rooms are very nice. We stayed in a two bedroom. They also had two bedroom lockoff units which I didn't like because it felt like two hotel rooms with a connecting door. I was initially given one of these but asked for the regular two bedroom unit. It was very nice. Lots of room, comfortable beds and a kitchen. We generally had breakfast in the room but ate other meals out. Had some takeout delivered and ate by pool or ordered from pool bar & grill. Loved it there-hope we have just as good of a time this year.