Pls help me choose a resort for an II Getaway for Universal

[zavandor]

Hi,
I'm planning a holiday with my sister and nephew for the end of August to the beginning of September. The DVC part is already sketched, now I have to see if I can manage to book what I want at 7 months (availability looks good for now).

I'm looking now for the Universal leg of the trip.
I am looking at II Getaways through our II DVC account. It being September there is a lot of availability for bargain prices. I would like:
- a 2BR
- maximum 20 minutes by car to Universal. I'm not sure if I'll rent a car for this portion of the trip. It depends if it's cheaper than Uber/Lyft
- possibly check-in on a Thursday

Those are the resorts that should meet those requirements:
Marriott's Grande Vista Resort
Marriott's Harbour Lake

Those have a check-in on Friday, I can make it work, but it would mean an extra DVC night and I'm short on points (I would have to borrow ):
Cypress Pointe, a Hilton Vacation Club
Grande Villas, a Hilton Vacation Club
Marriott's Sabal Palms Resort

I have excluded Westgate Lakes, I've stayed there and it's very convenient for Universal, but the resort is nothing special, just adeguate.

Has anyone experience of any of those?

The alternative is a 2BR at Dockside. The big advantage would be the included park transportation and possibly access to early entry. I don't care much for the older parks, I know I can do everything without early entry, but Epic Universe is the big unknown. Early entry there (if offered) would be valuable. I have booked an AP rate for now while I decide. Downside: it's more expensive (more than double), only a kitchenette and less space.
My budget doesn't allow for any of the deluxe hotels, it's Dockside or a timeshare week.

Thanks!

 

[sethschroeder]

Rent your DVC points and book whatever resort you want for Universal.

That is my suggestion.

 

[zavandor]

Rent your DVC points and book whatever resort you want for Universal.

That is my suggestion.

Thanks for the suggestion, but I am going to use all my points this year, plus some banked and possibly some borrowed.

 

[sethschroeder]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I am going to use all my points this year, plus some banked and possibly some borrowed.

Oh sorry I was confused you are saying booking cash rooms through a discount that you get with DVC. Now it makes sense.

I haven't stayed at these places. You might find it hard in this sub since most are likely DVC members and just stay DVC but you might want to check this sub instead: https://www.disboards.com/forums/orlando-hotels-and-attractions.15/

 

[Brian Noble]

Depends on the age of the nephew. Grande Vista is probably better for older-ish kids, Harbour Lake is a great choice for younger kids.

If Cypress Harbour has Thursday check-ins, that's also an option, though the 2nd bedroom there is cramped if you need both the bed and the pull-out. Marriott getaway inventory tends to show up later, so you may not need to be in such a hurry.

 

[muppets3d]

There's a YouTube channel called Destination Timeshare, check his page for reviews of the resorts.

 

[Skippyboo]

That’s opening weekend of HHN. So you are going to have a ton of people going to Citywalk parking garages for HHN if you stay offsite.

 

[DisTravels]

Cypress Pointe, a Hilton Vacation Club
Grande Villas, a Hilton Vacation Club

I believe the Hilton properties charge fees.

 

[DisTravels]

Those are the resorts that should meet those requirements:
Marriott's Grande Vista Resort
Marriott's Harbour Lake

Marriott's Sabal Palms Resort

Grande Vista is large clean, nice resort.

Harbour lake is great if you have kids (pool pirate ship and activities) .

Sable Palms is adjacent to the Marriott World Center which is close to Disney. Moving from Disney it is closer. If you like water slides the World Center has a water park (extra cost). I think 2nd floor of Sable Palms is a walk-up (like OKW).

 

[Brian Noble]

I believe the Hilton properties charge fees.

And those two, in particular, are Hilton Vacation Club, not Hilton Grand Vacation Club. They are a step down from Sea World or Tuscany, and the latter two are exclusive to RCI.

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

I agree you should watch @dioxide45 s review videos on his “Destination Timeshare” YouTube Channel. You can’t really go wrong with Grande Vista or Harbour Lake, but I would definitely vote for Grande Vista if given the choice.

 

[DisTravels]

I agree you should watch @dioxide45 s review videos on his “Destination Timeshare” YouTube Channel. You can’t really go wrong with Grande Vista or Harbour Lake, but I would definitely vote for Grande Vista if given the choice.

In addition to the Hilton fees, another factor could be if the II Getaway prices are different.

 

[hockeydad21]

I've been to all of the Marriott properties you've listed and they're all good, but not DVC, so don't get your hopes up. Grande Vista is nice, clean, and the pools are geared towards the older kids. Harbor Lake is nice, clean, and the pool(s) are geared more towards the younger kids. Sabal Palms is probably the most unique of the bunch because of it being located right next to the enormous World Center Marriott where you can use all of their facilities. Its nice, clean, and probably geared towards any generation - note this is likely the furthest away from Universal Islands of Adventure if memory serves me correctly.

 

[DisTravels]

I've been to all of the Marriott properties you've listed and they're all good, but not DVC, so don't get your hopes up. Grande Vista is nice, clean, and the pools are geared towards the older kids. Harbor Lake is nice, clean, and the pool(s) are geared more towards the younger kids. Sabal Palms is probably the most unique of the bunch because of it being located right next to the enormous World Center Marriott where you can use all of their facilities. Its nice, clean, and probably geared towards any generation - note this is likely the furthest away from Universal Islands of Adventure if memory serves me correctly.

Sabal is farther from Universal, but closer to Disney (could make the move easier). In my experience The Palms (Imperial, Royal & Sabal) seem more geared toward an older crowd on-property and younger at the World Center. They used to offer a shuttle (driven in a golf cart) between The Palms and World Center and probably still do.

 

[zavandor]

Thank you all for the comments. My nephew is 18, so probably Grande Vista is the best, since that portion of the vacation will be all for Universal (and possibly Sea World for the Halloween event).

 

[Shellyred8]

We stayed at Marriott's Cypress Harbour and really liked that place. Nice sized 2br unit and a good sized screened in deck. It's more of a relaxed vibe, so if you are looking for something more exciting, probably skip this place. They do have activities at the resort, so there is some stuff to do. You just won't see pool parties and things like that.
We have friends that have stayed at Harbour Lake and really liked that.