Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
100
A Marriott Montage
The December 2000 christening of the
Marriott Village at Lake Buena Vista,
8623 Vineland Ave., Orlando, FL 32821 (
&
877/682-8552
or 407/938-9001;
www.orlando2stay.com), brought together three of the flagship's properties in
a cluster just east of Lake Buena Vista, 3 miles from WDW. In 2007, extensive
renovations ensured the village remains appealing and up to date. The resort
includes a 400-room SpringHill Suites ($84-$169 double; free continental
breakfast), a 388-room Fairfield Inn ($153-$174 double; free continental break-
fast), and a 312-room Courtyard by Marriott ($133-$174 double). Children
younger than 17 stay free in parent's room, and an extra person costs an addi-
tional $10.
Wi-Fi is available at all three resorts for an additional fee (in-room at the
Fairfield; in the public areas at the Courtyard and Springhill Suites) and all
rooms have free high-speed Internet access, a PlayStation, and fridges (the
SpringHill Suites also has microwaves, and the Fairfield features 48 bunk-bed
suites for families). Each resort has its own pool and play area (the Courtyard
features an indoor/outdoor pool with an interactive splash zone for the kids),
though guests may use whichever pool they choose. The fitness center, Hertz
rental-car desk (located at the Courtyard), arcade, and Marketplace are also
shared. All offer transportation for a fee ($5-$15 per person per day) to Disney
parks and non-Disney parks. There are three restaurants within walking dis-
tance, as well as an array of on-the-go and snack-style eateries located right in
the village itself. To get here, take I-4, exit 68, Hwy. 535/Apopka-Vineland Rd.;
head south to Vineland, and then go left for a half-mile to the village. There's
free self-parking at this gated property.
4
and a 24-foot rock-climbing wall. Shuttle buses allow you to park your car and get
around the resort and to the nearby theme parks without driving. Unlike its sister Hyatt
property, this resort caters primarily to adults, though Villa guests with kids can use the
Hyatt's child-care and other facilities—even the pool.
1 N. Jacaranda (off Hwy. 535/Apopka-Vineland Rd.), Orlando, FL 32836.
&
800/835-7377
or 407/239-
4700. Fax 407/239-7219. www.grandcypress.com. 146 villas. $275-$500 club suite; $325-$2,000 1- to
4-bedroom villa. Resort fee $18. 1 extra person over the room limit stays free. Children 17 and younger
stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Self-parking free.
Amenities:
2 restaurants; 2 lounges;
babysitting; supervised children's program (at the Hyatt); concierge; concierge-level rooms; 45 holes of
golf; health club; 2 outdoor heated pools; room service; spa; 12 tennis courts (5 lighted); watersports
equipment; free Disney shuttle; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee.
In room:
A/C, TV, hair dryer,
full kitchens (some), minibar, washer & dryer (some; fee), Wi-Fi (free).
EXPENSIVE
Marriott's Orlando World Center
This upscale resort caters to business
and leisure travelers alike. Golf, tennis, and spa lovers will find plenty to do at this 230-
acre property, as will families. The lobby's centerpiece is a 28-story tower, the decor
contemporary and open with dramatic stories-high ceilings. The large, comfortable, and
