Last August, I took my friend's two kids (7 and 9) to Disneyland and was able to book a $199. promo stay at Marriott Newport Coast. I met Rima Solomon at the Marriott kiosk at Newport Beach Fashion Island on a previous trip and book the stay through her ( I have her contact information if you send me a message). The promo included 4 day/3 night stay and a $100. gift card for Fashion Island. You must attend a timeshare presentation.

We arrived at John Wayne/Orange County airport and rented our car right there (typically, Enterprise has the best deal). Do not use the Mapquest directions, as it will take you on the toll road (which is a pain, you have to have change or single bill). The property is close and easy 15 minutes from the airport, take MacArthur, to Pacific Coast Hwy 1 and turn left at Newport Coast Dr.

The check in time is exactly at 4:00 pm, no sooner, no later. We arrived early and spent time at the pool until they called us on our cell phone exactly at 4:00 pm. Since I had booked a promo stay, our room was on the first floor in bldg 1200 with "golf course" view, which was fine. I have a map of the property, if you send me your email address. The property is huge and you have to drive to each building and parking can be a bit far from the room.

The main Piazza pool is located right off the lobby and this area consists of 3 pools, 2 whirlpool spas, life size chess, ping pong, billiard tables and the La Vista Grill. The Marketplace is also off the lobby, with Pizza Hut pizza, snacks, drinks, sundries. The Galaxy Arcade and the "Shack" teen hangout is also here. We were here in August and we had one day of "June Gloom" overcast weather.

The 2 bedroom unit was nice with full kitchen, dining and living area (TV with DVD player), bedroom (with TV) with separate bath, and master bedroom (with TV) with en suite bath (large tub and separate shower). There is also a washer/dryer with some laundry soap and kitchen supplies, dish soap, sponge, paper towels. Missing was the nice toiletries and robe!

Disneyland is 30 miles away and early morning on a weekend, the drive is very quick and no traffic. The upscale Pavilions supermarket is a 5 minute drive away on the same street and is very handy for groceries. Fashion Island is close by for shopping ( I love Anthropologie, Martin + Osa, Macy's and Neiman Marcus) and kid friendly restaurants, Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang and California Pizza Kitchen. There is also a Edwards Movie Theater here.

Crystal Cove Promenade is also close, with Trader Joe's, restaurants and shopping, Banana Republic, Gap and Ann Taylor Loft. Not to be missed for shopping is South Coast Plaza, in Costa Mesa, for the ultimate experience (no need to go to Rodeo Drive!). I love the spa at the St Regis at Monarch Beach.

Resort amenities include Bella Vista Park (next to bldg 3700) with fire pit, bbq, sand box, putting green, sport court and playground. Grotto pool (next to bldg 1100), Spa Pacifica, tennis court and Ultimo Pool (adjacent to bldg 5100). Activities include courses at the Wellness Center (such as White Tiger Yoga and Tai Chi, Power Walks, and personal training), movie night, koi fish feeding and craft time.

Obviously, the resort is family friendly and we enjoyed the free shuttle to Crystal Cove state beach. There are tidepools to explore and the Beachcomber Cafe looked enormously popular, but we packed a picnic lunch.

The trip was a huge success and given the price for the stay and all the fun the kids had, I would highly recommend this property.