TOP 10 THINGS TO DO

Vacation Owners have told us that these are their Top Ten favorite activities when staying at this resort.

1. See star performers at SeaWorld Four years in the making, SeaWorld's current Shamu show Believe boasts exciting new killer whale behaviors, additional underwater cameras, and new set design, music and choreography. Enjoy the park's innovative new dolphin show Blue Horizons. 2. Enjoy a classic: Disney's Magic Kingdom The original theme park is still a strong favorite. Many of the classic rides, shows and characters are here, plus new and updated attractions. Pirates of the Caribbean has been renovated to include more high-tech effects and Captain Jack Sparrow from the movie. Princess fans will be thrilled by the musical stage show Cinderellabration, brought over from Tokyo Disneyland Resort. Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Jasmine and Belle all together on one stage! 3. Entertain yourself at Disney-MGM Studios Start your salute to the world of entertainment with a ride across LA's perilous highways in Aerosmith's limo, which jumps from 0 to 60 mph with the force of an F-14. Ride the phantom elevator of a Hollywood hotel to the 13th floor, then brace yourself for a plummet that is now randomly controlled so you never have the same scare twice. The Extreme Stunt Show has everything a movie-stunt fan could wish for: speeding cars, crashing motorcycles and plenty of flames. 4. Play it cool by the pool All the exciting theme parks and attractions in Orlando make it easy to over-schedule your vacation, so make sure to mix some resort R&R into your plan. With 4 separate pool complexes (including children's pools and an interactive water-play area), hot tub, poolside bar & grill, boating lake and more, Marriott's Grande Vista has everything you need to unwind. 5. Step into the movies at Universal Studios Theme-park rides meet movies at Universal Studios. The result? Psychological thrill rides like Revenge of the Mummy, a high-speed coaster that catapults you into total darkness where you meet an army of warrior mummies. You also can be part of Fear Factor Live, the most extreme audience participation show ever. But there are plenty of attractions that are pure fun, without the fear. They include rides with favorite characters like Shrek, Jimmy Neutron, Curious George, and ET. 6. Dine with some real characters No matter who your favorite larger-than-life character is (a certain mouse, a princess, Spiderman, the Cat in the Hat, or even Shamu the killer whale) you are almost certain to find him or her hosting a meal in one of the Orlando theme parks. Young children especially enjoy the opportunity to dine with these famous personalities. Advance reservations recommended. 7. Pick your golf experience Refine your game at the renowned Faldo Golf Institute® by Marriott without leaving the resort. Or cross the street to challenge yourself at Marriott's Grande Pines Golf Club, a shot-maker's paradise. Those who enjoy exceptional service should play The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Grande Lakes, where a Golf Caddie Concierge can assist with everything from course strategy to club cleaning and beverage service. 8. Enjoy a night on the town Dine where the locals do—Restaurant Row on West Sand Lake Road. Enjoy your choice of fashionable eateries, including Roy's, Timpanos, Samba Room, Morton's, Seasons 52 and Ruth's Chris Steak House. Later, dance the night away or just chill out at the hot spots of Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island or Universal Studios' CityWalk. 9. Explore our wonderful world at Epcot Get a taste of other cultures and some of the world's wonders (like space travel and ocean life) through shows, interactive experiences and rides. Your visit will have added zing during one of Epcot's seasonal special events, which cover almost the whole calendar year. Spring brings the International Flower and Garden Festival, summer a concert series, fall the International Food and Wine Festival and winter the Holidays Around the World celebration. 10. Discover Disney's Animal Kingdom Join a safari and see elephants, giraffes, lions and other African animals roaming through acres of habitat. On foot, explore exhibits featuring animals from other parts of world. The park also has several entertaining rides and attractions, including the new Expedition Everest, which takes you on a wild ride through the habitat of an angry Yeti (abominable snowman).