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Advice on Orlando resort.

topmom101

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Hello tuggers, I am looking for advice. I have been asked to plan a girl’s week in Orlando during April or May. We are all retired therefore very flexible with dates. I have only stayed at Mystic Dunes, Grand Beach and a couple of Marriotts in the past . We are not interested in any Disney parks, only sun and relaxation. I am looking for a nice resort with nice pools. We will drive from Charlotte, NC and will have a car. Looking at II, there are many options, all reasonably priced. I see the Star Island Resort at an excellent weekly rate. What are your thoughts? I welcome your opinions.

Thank you.
 

elaine

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For II I’d try for a Marriott. End April thru may should be easily available without Marriott preference.if you’re renting via II getaway, I’d still want Marriott if it’s not much more than the others.
Star island was fine for us, good pools, but many years ago.
 

#1 Cowboys Fan

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I would suggest looking at the TUG ratings----since you are a Member.

That'll give you a pretty good idea of the difference between say a 9.2 (out of 10), a 8.2, a 7.2, etc...

Pat
 

chalee94

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For II I’d try for a Marriott. End April thru may should be easily available without Marriott preference.if you’re renting via II getaway, I’d still want Marriott if it’s not much more than the others.
Star island was fine for us, good pools, but many years ago.

I agree.

Lakeshore would be ideal for a non-park trip but may be tougher to trade for (and too expensive as a getaway).

Sabal/Royal Palms have access to the main pool at the World Center resort which is really nice.

Cypress Harbour and Grande Vista are really nice and may have activities that are worthwhile for your group.

Sheratons are also really nice but I'd have to rely on the TUG ratings past that - I generally am in Orlando for the parks...
 

Sea Six

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Consider at least going to EPCOT one day to see the Flower and Garden Festival. Your group would probably enjoy the flower arrangements and the butterfly house.
 

topmom101

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My first choice would, of course, be any of the Marriotts. Unfortunately, as of right now, no 2 bedrooms available during my April/May timeframe. Should I wait?
 

topmom101

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I would suggest looking at the TUG ratings----since you are a Member.

That'll give you a pretty good idea of the difference between say a 9.2 (out of 10), a 8.2, a 7.2, etc...

Pat
I have read reviews on TUG and Trip Advisor. The ones on TUG are very dated and mostly positive. Hundreds of recent ones on TA, the vast majority very favorable. Hard to beat $ 357 for a 2 bedroom. Obviously, I’d prefer a Marriott but nothing available right now.
 

topmom101

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Consider at least going to EPCOT one day to see the Flower and Garden Festival. Your group would probably enjoy the flower arrangements and the butterfly house.
Sounds great! Thanks for the suggestion.
 

Sea Six

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Also, if you consider the Festival at EPCOT, look at the Flower Power music schedule - there may be some bands from the 60's scheduled to play there that you would really like to see , at no extra charge. Herman's Hermits, for example.

We are glad we went there so many times, and saw acts that we will never see again. RIP Davy Jones (Monkees), Rob Grill (Grass Roots), Paul Revere (The Raiders), David Cassidy, several more.
 
Last edited:

travelhacker

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My first choice would, of course, be any of the Marriotts. Unfortunately, as of right now, no 2 bedrooms available during my April/May timeframe. Should I wait?

It's too early to book for April / May and get the best price. I would look at booking in January / February. Unless there are specific dates you are looking for, I'd just wait for a getaway sale and get the best price -- I wouldn't exchange as those dates aren't hard to get for a getaway. For example, we stayed at a Marriott in the end of May in 2018 and paid 390 for the week (I think if I was a bit more patient, I could have gotten a slightly better deal or something on an AC).

Good Luck!
 

topmom101

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It's too early to book for April / May and get the best price. I would look at booking in January / February. Unless there are specific dates you are looking for, I'd just wait for a getaway sale and get the best price -- I wouldn't exchange as those dates aren't hard to get for a getaway. For example, we stayed at a Marriott in the end of May in 2018 and paid 390 for the week (I think if I was a bit more patient, I could have gotten a slightly better deal or something on an AC).

Good Luck!
Thank you, I think I will wait. I want to impress my friends with a week at a Marriott.
 

gnipgnop

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I would suggest Sheraton Vistana Villages. (SVV resort code on Interval) We are a retired couple and we were just there middle of August. The resort is really nice and the pools are exceptional. The main pool is the largest one of all the resorts in Orlando. There is also a quiet pool just for adults with cabana's available for free. Large resort with many fun activities for adults as well as kids. I think you would enjoy it. You can Google this resort to get an overall look at it.
 
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