What Bldg # is best at Grande Vista?

[coachv]

That is exactly what I wanted. Sounds like you had a great location. I think I will call today and modify my request. With two ds (7 & 9) we need to be near the main pool area. How was the main pool area? What activities or equipment did it have? Were the rooms recently re-done in bldg. 93? Sorry about all the questions but finding info on Grande Vista has been hard on these boards. How close could you park to bldg. 93? Once again, thanks for the map.

HIFS '01
Grande Vista '03

 

[rejobako]

We're staying at the Grande Vista for 7 days starting this weekend in a 2/2 in Building 81 facing the pool, which we understand was refurbished this spring. We're not concerned about noise; in fact during the day we like to hear people having fun outside; it reminds us we're on vacation.

If it will help anyone I can do some investigating while we're there as to some of these other buildings.

 

[ttfn3]

Let's see if I can answer all your questions. Building No. 93 was very close to the main pool. The layout is deceiving making it look much farther away. We parked right in front of the building. They have elevators so it was easy to access the top floor. The walk to the main pool was just across the street. I have a 6 year old and it was no problem for us. The main pool was okay. It was a bit cool while we were there but my DH and DS ventured into the heated pool for a swim. The layout is a bit weird (sorta spread out with some smaller pool areas) but they had fun. We didn't participate in many of the activities since we were also visiting with family while we were there. My DH, DS, and sister-in-law showed up one day to participate in the family paddle boat race. They were the only ones to show up so they got free use of a motorized paddle boat for 1/2 hour. They had big fun. Looked like they had more activities but the time we were there (November) was slow season. My DS loved the indoor play area which your 7 year old (and maybe? 9 yr old) would be fine using. We also enjoyed the arcade. They have a pool table and a air hockey table in addition to some other video/arcade games. The games were in good working order while we were there. They also have an outdoor ping pong table.

Oh, my DH took an introductory golf lesson with the pro while he was there. He was the only one to show up and got a private lesson (complete with a video tape of his swing as compared to Nick Faldo). My DH hasn't played golf in years. The pro had his hands full but he was very gracious and my DH had fun. We got a kick out of the video. I think the cost was around $75? and that included some balls/free use of clubs and some time on the the driving range - in addition to the lesson.

I would not say the rooms were redone in Bldg 93 when we were there. Maybe they have been done by now? The room was fine for us. Everything worked, looked in decent shape and was clean/comfortable. My DS LOVED the one bedroom lockout unit of our 2 BR unit. He played bachelor - by putting some water and juice boxes in his little fridge. It also had it's own microwave, sink area, small table/2 chairs, safe. I was a bit worried about the outside access and the locking door into our dining area but a stern warning to not leave nor lock the door worked.

I, of course, LOVE having a washer/dryer unit for a week's vacation. We don't have to pack as many clothes. Plus, I really like the location of the resorts on the lower part of International Drive. It's not very busy and it's any easy drive to the parks.

I'm sure you'll enjoy your visit.

 

[coachv]

Thanks for all the info. I think we will ask for Bldg. 93 when I call back. I found this deal on tug and got a really good deal renting this 2 bdrm. for 7 days. We are really looking forward to this place, looks a little bit more laid back than HIFS. If the pool has water, my 2 ds will have fun. One more question and then I will let you rest Where there any Micky D's on the way to WDW. I plan on cooking breakfast each morning but when I want a break -- I like the Golden Arches for breakfast.

 

[MiniMissMinnie]

Hi...

Just wondering - About how far do you have to walk to get to the busses driving up and down Int'l Drive from any Grande vista building....We don't drive, so we have to walk...

Thanks for the info...

Marie

 

[MelissaS]

Wow, thanks everybody for all the info!! Thanks Coach for the map. I already printed it out and have been studying it all morning! Can't decide if I should call to request a room, or just wait till I get there. Will they honor my request? I just dont know what to do

Glad to hear everyone has had good experiences at Grande Vista. That eases my mind quite a bit!

Only nine short days. Need to go to the weather site and find out what the extended forecast is.

 

[rejobako]

Melissa: I've lived in Florida all my life, so I can pretty much guarantee you that the extended forecast is for lows in the low 70s, highs in the high 80s; relatively high humidity, with a chance of rain in the afternoon.

Of course, that might change as you get closer to arrival. Right now we have a disturbance north of us that's causing more rain than usual, but unless there's a tropical system that flares up between now and your vacation, you can expect sunny mornings, partly cloudy afternoons, and maybe a shower or two in the early evening. Have fun!

 

[MelissaS]

Thanks!!!

 

[rejobako]

Melissa: also, about requesting a room, here's my advice. I looked at the GV map and decided we wanted to be on a higher floor overlooking the pool, so I called and made a room request. I spoke to a very nice woman in that office; for the life of me I can't remember her name, but it started with "M": Michelle, maybe? Anyway, she was extremely helpful, and she helped us pick out a room request for an area we wanted; she said she couldn't guarantee the room at that time, but that if I called on the Saturday one week before arrival, she would tell me where we ended up.

I called that Saturday and she let me know that although the top floor in the building we wanted was full, she got us on the third floor of that building facing the pool. But here's the thing: when I called that day someone else answered the phone in that office, and I was rudely told by someone with a hispanic accent that they were not permitted to disclose room assignments before arrival. I immediately asked for "M", and she got on the phone and cheerfully told us exactly where we'd be. So you definitely want to deal with "M", whatever her name is.

One last tip: we're actually owners in that timeshare, and it's my understanding that some of the buildings close to the pool are reserved solely for owners. So keep that in mind when you're thinking about calling to request a preference; you might want to have a second or third building option.

 

[undertheradar]

MGV is a timeshare and as such, is obligated to respect the requests of owners as priority. This property is well kept, and there isn't a bad room onsite. With the newness of this property, any discount is great. We have stayed here three times and will return next June.