Tips for Marriott Grande Vista?

[utahkennedys]

We are taking our first trip to the Marriott Grande Vista next week and I wondered if you had any tips? I have heard there is a Publix nearby, is it easy to find? What activities or fun things are there for a 3 year old? Is it easy to get to the parks? Our last 3 days we are staying at the Polynesian which I have stayed at many times, but I am in foreign territory at the Marriott! Thanks!

 

[Grand2me]

We stayed there last year. The place is beautiful. Sea World is less than 5 minutes away and Universal is 10 MAYBE 15 minutes away but the parks are not far at all. For your three year old, they have a game room for older kids and one for young kids. It has a ball pit and a few other things. I remember pool tables for adults. There is a Pizza Hut on site that you can order from until like 11 or 12 at night. Their on site little store is expensive so make sure you get everything before you get there. I remember a little grocery store up the street next to the Denny's and there is a Publix around the corner from that little store(at the light by the Chevron(?) go right). They also have paddle boats, and family bikes. I LOVE their pool areas. You can also rent board games(if that's your thing) and if you have a room with a VCR, you can rent movies. Ya'll are going to have a blast!

 

[spiceycat]

what are you staying in - their studios are nice - nicer than DVC - but their 2-bedroom is really great.

You need a car at this resort. They have a bus - but they want $9 a person daily....for a family of 4 - you can definitely rent a car in Orlando for $36 a day.

most important - ask for rehab room!!!!

I think the new part of the resort is reserved for members only.

 

[HeatherC]

Was there again this past October. It was great. Make sure you walk "across the bridge" over the lake to get to the new pool complex. I think most of the villas near there are reserved for owners, but the pool area is beautiful and there is a bar/restaurant right at the pool.

Publix is very close...just make a left out of the main entrance and it is a couple miles up on the right.

Have a wonderful time!

Heather C

 

[AmyBeth68]

We loved the Grand Vista! We stayed there this past November in a 2 bedroom. It was HUGE!!! I mean really HUGE! So much room...four adults and two kids...plenty of space for all of us .

Request near a pool...their pools are beautiful. And they weren't crowded at all when we were there. No trouble finding lounge chairs and tables.

Take a day for SeaWorld, my then 4 and 7 year olds LOVED Seaworld! And the GV is literally right there at the gates. Less than 5 minutes to get there!

It didn't take us very long to get to the parks....MK is always the worst b/c of the TTC. But allow 30 minutes to get there AND into the parks. That's more than enough time.

I'd ask for a room that is NOT on the ground level. Just my personal preference.

Have a great time. It's a beautiful resort!

 

[utahkennedys]

Thanks everyone! I did send a fax requesting a top floor, near the lobby after reading some reviews on Tripadvisor. We are really excited, we are staying in a 2 BR because my Mom will be with us for 3 nights and 3 year old DD. We are excited for the jacuzzi tub, just like at Marriott Mountainside in Park City! We can't wait!!!

 

[ttfn3]

We have stayed at the MGV. We had a 2 BR right on the golf course. It was lovely. The 2nd bedroom was actually a lockoff studio - so my son felt like he had his own apartment. LOL. We put some water and a few snacks in his kitchenette. Definitely request top floor for a quieter unit. They have elevators.

If you have young children, they will love the indoor play area. It's great for a rainy day. Definitely rent a car. You will need it! There are actually 2 Publix grocery stores very near the MGV. We have stayed at this end of International Drive many times and you will find the location convenient/easy access to the Disney Parks and Sea World.