Tell me about Vistana and Diamond Lane check in

[New England Eeyore]

We're staying at Sheraton Vistana this April. I've read about the Diamond Lane check-in but I'm a little fuzzy on the details. When do I do that - far in advance like now or shortly before we're due to check in? What exactly do you put on the form? If we're interested in staying in a newer section, which ones should we request?

Also, originally we were going to stay there for our entire stay but now we're planning to stay onsite at Universal for two nights before checking in here. We will most likely not be arriving at Vistana until the evening after we tour Universal. Does a later check-in reduce our chances of getting our preferred section? If so, would there be a better time to check-in? We could make a drive over in the morning or afternoon if it were to help, even if our room was not ready at the time.

One last question - I've read a lot of varying reviews here and on TripAdvisor. It seems that people who have complaints mainly complain about units being run-down or unclean. I've never had an issue with hotels in the past - not sure if that's just because we're not terribly picky - we stayed in what was in hindsight a pretty 'scary' place in the sticks of NH once - or because we've been lucky. If you do get assigned to a truly unacceptable situation can you request another unit? I've seen more positive reviews than negative ones and the Unofficial Guide recommends it in their latest version, so I'm not terribly worried but there's a nagging voice in my head. This is the first time in a long time we're not staying onsite (we wanted the extra space) so I don't want to disappoint the family in any way.

Thanks!

[MiaSRN62]

Hi New England Eeyore.........
We usually fill out our Diamond Lane forms about 60 days prior to check-in, but you can do it now if you choose. Getting to the resort and checking in early would give u a better chance for your requests. But should there be a problem, since you're not actually coming over to Vistana until late, it might be difficult to switch rooms until the next day. On average, there should not be much reason for you to have a problem that would require moving rooms, but things do happen.
I think most people have found fault with the older sections on the resort. In 12 years of vacations there, we have never ever had a dirty room. Minor problems that were addressed in a timely matter, yes. Request the Cascades or Lakes and I think you'll be fine. I own in the Fountains I & II (next after the previous two) and never had a problem. I once stayed in the older Spas section, and while I found the unit clean, I found it outdated. It just didn't feel new and modern except for the kitchen (every appliance was brand new).
Let me know if you need any further help. Hope u enjoy your stay at Vistana.

[spiceycat]

60 days - boy that is not too long for me. thanks!!!

[New England Eeyore]

Thanks for the info! This is very helpful.