Nice Orlando Resort for 4yr-old

[mjf]

We're heading to Orlando [dates removed.] We're DVC members but, alas, we're out of points.

So... I've been tasked with finding us a nice resort that's roughly equivalent to DVC in terms of quality. In addition, we need a 2BR (or possibly 3BR) that's relatively close to Disney. Importantly, we'd like the resort to have lots of activities for our 4 year-old son. He loves to play in the pool and particularly enjoys waterslides.

Right now we're thinking Marriott's Harbour Lakes (formerly Horizons) as it seems to get a lot of good reviews from families with young children.

I'm going to try to get an Ebay deal or something similar but, if necessary, we may just pay by the night provided it's not TOO expensive.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[DeniseM]

You best bet would probably be to rent from an owner, rather than pay a resort by the night. Have you checked to TUG Marketplace and other rental sites like redweek.com? BTW - I removed info. from your post that might make it appear to be an Ad.

 

[malyons]

are you a member of II? if DVC is your only resort then maybe not anymore, but I've recently seen 2BR's at various Marriott's in Orlando listed for around $400 in their Getaways. I'd check there if you are able. Sheraton Vistana Villages also has one of the pirate ship pools which has waterslides suitable for a 4yr old. good luck!

 

[mjf]

Nope... Not a II member.

I'll look into the Sheraton Vistana Villages though. We stayed at the Sheraton Vistana Resort last year and, although we really liked the recently updated room, the pool wasn't ideal for our son. Having said that, we were only there for a couple of days and only visited the main pool.

 

[rsackett]

Marriott's Harbour Lakes would be my first choice as well with a child that age. Marriott's Grande Vista also has a zero entry pool and lots of kids activities, as well as a big indoor play room (kind of like a McD's PlayPlace) for small kids.

Ray

 

[RIMike]

I second Marriott Grande Vista

Great pool areas and activities for small children...stayed last Christmas..would gladly go again

 

[littlestar]

For Marriott's Harbour Lake, I'd try the M11 code (Marriott rewards - it's free to sign up) and see what you can get on a nightly rate. If you have AAA, try that too. Or look on Redweek and try to rent from an owner. Or call Marriott Vacation Club and see if there are any special promo packages for taking a tour of Marriott's Harbour Lakes. Marriott is usually low pressure.

I think Sheraton Vistana Villages new themed pool got put on hold because of the economy.

 

[mjf]

I'm curious... When I stay at DVC, I can 'pool hop'. That is, I can use pools at resorts other than the one I'm currently staying at (with some exceptions).

If I were to stay at the Marriott Grande Vista (for example), would I be able to access the pool at Harbour Lake?

Thanks in advance.

 

[malyons]

I saw the date was deleted, but curious, what time of year are you going? Reason I ask is this: we're heading to orlando this Dec, and through II had our choice of all the marriott's discussed above, plus cypress pt and the Palms (royal and sabal). We chose Royal Palms over the others b/c at that time of year the temps may only be in the 70's during the day. We'll have a 3 yr old w/ us who also LOVES to swim, and by staying at the palms we will have access to the marriott world center hotel facilities, which happens to include an indoor pool. that way if the weather turns on us we'll still be able to get our swimming in

 

[Nancy]

Although not my favorite resort, Orange Lake pools have made my grandkids happy.

Nancy

 

[littlestar]

The last time we had family staying at Marriott's Cypress Harbour across the street from Marriott's Harbour Lake, they were not allowed to pool hop there.

 

[Snorkey]

I'm curious... When I stay at DVC, I can 'pool hop'. That is, I can use pools at resorts other than the one I'm currently staying at (with some exceptions).

If I were to stay at the Marriott Grande Vista (for example), would I be able to access the pool at Harbour Lake?

Thanks in advance.

Can you pool hop to Animal kingdom pool or Beach resort pool? It seems like they have wrist bands for these pools in DVC.

 

[littlestar]

Can you pool hop to Animal kingdom pool or Beach resort pool? It seems like they have wrist bands for these pools in DVC.

Pool hopping is not allowed at DVC's Animal Kingdom or Beach Club resorts.

 

[jlp879]

If you're wanting to entertain a four year old, I'd say Marriott's Harbour Lake is THE place to stay.

The pirate pool is perfect for little ones and across the way is a water spray park. There is a mini golf course on site and activities galore to keep kids busy. The MAZE staff at this resort were the best I've ever seen. My kids were upset every time we suggested going to a theme park!

The complex is much smaller and more manageable than the Grande Vista.

Harbour Lakes is very secure, I'm sure that they would not allow you in if you weren't staying there.

We booked directly through Marriott and a got a very good rate of just over $100 per night for a two bedroom villa. You can probably do better renting through an owner or getting an II getaway. Maybe a friend can book you an II getaway? Right now there are lots of fall availability as a getaway. Rates for two bedrooms range from $272 per week to $432 per week.

 

[mjf]

$100/night through Marriott? What time of year were you there? I'm seeing $179 for the period I'm looking for.