Choice in lodging

Question

Hello!

My family of four (2 adults and 2 teenage boys) will be in the Orlando area from December 19-24. We plan to go to Epcot, do some shopping, golfing and hope to enjoy some time at a pool. I know the weather is not great for swimming, but if the pool is heated, we will try! :) We are booking our lodging with reward points, so our options are all in the same point range. We like to have a bit more space, so we are looking at 2 or 3 BR condos at the options listed below. Any feedback or opinions would be appreciated!

Marriotts Grande Vista

Marriotts Cypress Harbour Villas

Marriotts Harbour Lake

Reunion Resort and Golf Club (We wouldn't golf here based on the cost.)

The Grove Resort and Waterpark

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Orange Lake

I've read a lot of reviews and forum topics, but I'm still having a hard time choosing one. If we find out that one has a warmer pool, we might go with that option as it is important to us. But I appreciate any thoughts on these properties!

Answer

Orlando has a wide range of resorts and vacation properties suitable for families, and since all your options fall within the same points range, the best choice depends on your priorities: pool experience, space, location, and amenities. December weather can be cool for swimming, so heated pools make a big difference if pool time is important.

Here’s a breakdown of your options:

Marriott’s Grande Vista: A large resort with multiple pools, some of which are heated. Offers spacious villas and good golf options nearby, though pools may be busy due to the size of the property.
Marriott’s Cypress Harbour Villas: Known for its lakefront setting and multiple pools. Some villas have private balconies and larger living spaces. Pools are generally heated and family-friendly. Great for a more peaceful stay away from the busier areas.
Marriott’s Harbour Lake: A pirate-themed resort ideal for families, with fun activities for teens and younger kids. Pools are heated, and the resort often has interactive events. May be more geared toward families with children rather than teenagers seeking relaxation.
Reunion Resort and Golf Club: Offers luxurious condos with large living spaces and excellent amenities. Pools are heated and waterpark-style options available, but since you’re not golfing, some of the resort’s premium amenities may feel unnecessary. The resort is larger and can feel a bit spread out.
The Grove Resort and Waterpark: Features a full-scale waterpark with slides, lazy river, and heated pools. Modern condos with 2-3 bedrooms, very family-friendly, and good for teens who enjoy pool activities. Close enough to shopping and Disney, but farther from Epcot.
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Orange Lake: Extensive resort with multiple pools and some heated pools. Large villas suitable for families, plus mini-golf and other activities. Location is convenient for both Disney and shopping, though some areas of the resort are older compared to The Grove or Reunion.

Tips to help you decide:

If pool time is a priority, The Grove Resort and Waterpark or Reunion Resort will offer the warmest and most extensive pool options.
If you prefer a quieter lakeside stay with spacious villas, Cypress Harbour may be more relaxing.
For families who enjoy themed resorts and interactive fun for teens, Harbour Lake could be appealing, though its vibe is more playful and may skew younger.
Consider proximity to Epcot: all options are within reasonable driving distance, but some like Grande Vista and Cypress Harbour are slightly closer to Disney World, while Reunion and The Grove are more central for access to both Disney and Universal.

In conclusion, for a mix of heated pools, spacious condos, and teen-friendly amenities, The Grove Resort and Waterpark or Reunion Resort would likely provide the most enjoyable experience. If you prioritize quiet lakeside relaxation with good amenities and slightly smaller crowds, Cypress Harbour is a solid choice. Checking directly with each resort about heated pool availability in December is recommended to ensure your swimming plans go smoothly.

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