My family and I spent 4 nights at the Grand Vista 8/21-8/25/06, We were in a 1 bedroom villa ; this place is fantastic. The villa was very clean and spacious, furniture and electronics, Kitchen, laundry equipment were in top notch condition, and my husband appreciated the complimentary wireless internet access. Our 2 young children loved the extra room to run around in plus they had their own TV/DVD. I appreciated the screened balcony, so I could appreciate the fabulous view without the bugs Florida is famous for. The Jacuzzi tub in the bedroom was a slice of heaven. The grounds were immaculate, very well cared for. The staff were very courteous , and responded quickly to requests as well as follow-up calls. Customer service was First rate. We attended a timeshare presentation, which was very low key and actually , was surprisingly pleasant. This place definitely makes us think twice about staying in a cramped hotel room for our next vacation. Also ,there are lots of planned activities for children , as well as a playroom, and around 3 large pools. I can't really comment on the quality of the activities, however, because we spent most of our time at the theme parks, but we did observe families enjoying themselves throughout the resort.

The hotel itself was very lovely. We had a good time in the pool and most of the staff were very nice. The room was excellent. But we had major problems with our bill and it has taken a long time to fix it. If I ever stay here again, I will have to be very clear about how they bill and charge for the room because they were not clear at all last time. But they made a good effort to clear things up so if I have to stay again I would.

I'll state right up front that we loved this place so much that we did purchase a time-share. We are a family of five that loves Disney World and all the other Florida attractions. The Grande Vista couldn't be any more convienent. It's in the middle of everything. So far, it's out of the way, which makes for very little of the infamous Central Florida traffic. There are back roads to almost everywhere. Ask the staff, they will love to tell you the best way. These rooms are so very spacious. We travelled with eight in our party the last two years and no one was in the way. The full kitchen, three bed rooms and three baths make this place a large party destination. The washer and dryer in every two bedroom suite makes packing that much lighter too. The parking is free and plentiful. The grounds are secured by gates and there are patrols out, not that they need to do it. The two pools each have a bar and food. There is a grocery store on property that serves hot Starbucks coffee in the mornings. It was nice to be able to go in, pour my coffee, then head out for another day with my usual pick-me-up. The staff is friendly and helpful.

Stayed for 2 weeks with my girlfriend in Sept, booked through Marriott's website ($109 + taxes a day).

Hotel is amazing, everything catered for, 4 huge pools, Nick's Grill ok, but better on International Drive (Bahama Breeze, Olive Garden etc.). Customer Service is the best, everyone so helpful! Hotel is a $1, 5 min I-ride away from Seaworld/Discovery Cove.

Recieved a free $200 (knocked-off final hotel bill) for attending an informal Timeshare pitch for a couple hours, which included a free breakfast, tour etc. DO IT, IT'S FREE MONEY!

A rental car is not needed if staying here, just use the I-ride Trolley which picks-up from outside the Hotel gates, or taxis, use Omar (407 760 2004), he offers an 8 seater air-conditioned truck for cheaper fares than a normal cab/rental car prices ($28 to any Disney park, $18 to Universal/CitiWalk). Omar is the best taxi driver in the world, he tells you everything you need to know, is punctual, and so friendly!

Rooms are great, only thing missing is a kettle for english tea (coffee-maker can be used, but not the same).

The hotel is fine for walking around, no need for a car (American's are SO Lazy, check-out the abundance of electric wheelchairs being used at all the parks by non-disabled people to save having to walk around, it's RIDICULOUS!!) Walk, it's lush and you burn-off all your Coca-Colas & burgers!!

If you are looking for good bars, clubs etc go to CitiWalk (next to Universal), great fun!

If, like me, you are keen to watch English football whilst away, go to The Cricketer's Arm's at The Mercado on International Drive. Everything about the pub/place is miserable, but it's the only place that will open at 7.30am to show SKY games!

At Disney Parks use the free Fastpass, it saves queueing, saving LOADS of time! Universal and Islands Of Adventure offer a similair thing, but it costs a few bucks.

All the major Theme parks are great, but I would rate them as follows:

1. The Magic Kingdom
2. Universal
3. Seaworld
4. Epcot
5. MGM
6. The Animal Kingdom
7. Islands Of Adventure

Enjoy the Grande Vista, you will, trust me!!