Which Marriott property is the best?

[nhmomofson]

Although we have not been home week yet, I want to start thinking about another trip. (I guess I am officially hooked ) Anwyay, my husband is traveling for an extended period of time and we should have a zillion marriott rewards point and I want to use them for a trip to WDW. Any opinions of good marriotts? If possible, we would like to get a multiple bedroom situation. TIA for help.

 

[swillis]

We stayed at the Grande Vista last year and LOVED it. We had a 2bed/2bath unit. It was great to be able to spread out, and have our own little space. It was about 10-15 minutes from the front gates of Disney, and about 5 minutes from Sea World. My kids were 9 and 11 at the time, and they loved the pool, and kids activities that were always going on.

My husband has stayed at the World Center several times. It's a beautiful hotel, but very "convention" oriented. Still beautiful, with great pools, but I think for a family the Grande Vista offers more. Some people have posted that the other Marriot Vacation Club in Orlando (the name is escaping me) is even more kid friendly, but I haven't stayed here myself.

Good Luck...and feel free to PM me if you would like pictures of the Grande Vista.

 

[nhmomofson]

Thank you so much for the response. I actually spoke with my husband this evening and thinks that we should go ahead and use our rewards this way. The only question is when to use them. We would like a 2 bed/2 bath until as well. The extra space is awesome. Thanks again.

 

[utahkennedys]

We have also stayed at GV in a 2BR and enjoyed it. Also on the list for us are Marriott Cypress Harbour (all 2 BRs) and Marriott Horizons. I want to try Horizons while my girls are young as it caters more to the under 10 crowd from everything I have read. Cypress Harbour is just supposed to be pretty and relaxing. The only ones I would avoid are Sabal Palms, Imperial Palms and Royal palms as they are much older and get mixed reviews.

 

[twinmomplus2new]

I would say either the Grande Vista or the Horizon's property. Depending on the ages of your kids.
We are staying at Grand Vista next week and at Horizon's in August.

Basically Grande Vista is more a golf resort. There are alot of kids activities at Grand vista, it is larger than Horizons. The interior furnishings are higher end at Grande Vista. You will have a larger unit and a whirlpool bathtub in the master. A king sized bed, and the 2nd bedroom will have a king bed and a pullout. There are some very nice pools at This property but... No water slide.
There is however an indoor ball pit playspace. We are spending more time at the parks next week so have chosen Grande vista.

Now as far as horizons. Horizon's is a much smaller property a 4 minute walk from any building to the main area. ( MAX) They also have lots of kids programs. (but... I thought the staff at Grande vista did a better job at that.)
They have 2 pools one with a pirate ship slide area with lots of water features. I would say if you have an under 7 crowd most of your time will be spent here. The other pool has zero entry and a large water slide. also a water playground with oppossing water towers and cannons, my boys 6,6 and 12 spent all of thier time at this pool. Mostly the water play area of this pool. The inside of the unit are more family friendly than grand vista banquette tables, ( Instead of glass dining tables) some units have a 52 inch TV. The master has a king bed and walk in shower no tub. The 2nd bedroom has 2 dedicated queen beds. A second bathroom has a regular tub.

If you have any more specific questions I would be happy to help. good Luck!

 

[TheresaNY]

Grande Lakes is BEAUTIFUL with a lazy river pool. We love it ! Also love Orlando World Center - is convention type but still great ! Hugh pool and slide, 5 different pools, pool table, arcade, sand play area, etc.