Vistana Resort vs. HIFS

[RKC]

Hi All!!
( I'm a newbie so please be gentle:D !!)

We leave for our 1st Disney vacation with the kids (DD:, DS:1)
on Sept. 7. I'm sooo excited!!:bounce: :bounce:

I've found rates for HIFS for 99$/night and have that ressie confirmed. However, I just now found rates at Vistana Resort for 106.90/night plus the 7th night free( we'll be there 8 nights) which works out to @92.00$/night. I would like your opinions on which resort to choose.

Any opinions at all would be helpful.

Thanks
:confused:

[Mjasp]

I don't know about HIFS, but as far as Vistana goes it is an absolutely beautiful resort. There are 7 pools, one has interactive fountains, one has a water slide, and one is called the super pool and is just that super. You will have a full kitchen, I don't think there are any units without full kitchens (but ask to be sure) so you could have breakfast in. Dinner also if you feel like cooking. I think there are 4 places to eat on the property (maybe more) Miniature golf on premises. You can rent floats for a small fee for the pools. Tennis courts and kids scheduled activities.

I always say when I retire I am going to manage Vistana LOL
Probably their biggest fan.

Well thats just my opinion

Joanna

[baileybrad]

Definitely, not a shot at HIFS but I would always choose a resort even over a nice family hotel. Is your VR choice a 2 bedroom? Even if it weren't you will have more size and a nicer overall property than HIFS. A washer and dryer is most likely included. No matter what you do, have a wonderful trip with your family.

[Mjasp]

A washer and dryer is in the unit. Pack half your clothes. I didn't think I would do laundry, but we were always throwing a load in and the kids always wanted to wear their favorite clothes.

Baileybrad, so true. It is truly a resort. Not a hotel.

[RKC]

Thanks everyone, for your input. We went ahead and chose the Vistana Resort, and I just got my reservation confirmation for a 2 bedroom villa. I requested Cascades, from what I've read here, that seems to be the nicest section.

Can't wait to visit Mickey :jester:

[jctwizzer]

Just as info, we stayed in the Spas section last month---one of the older sections---and were pleased with everything.

[Mjasp]

RKC...When you get back let us know which section you were in and how you loved it. LOL


Joanna

[2disneywego]

Hi RKC!!
We're going to the Vistana Resort for the first time in October. Please tell us what you thought of it when you come back.
:D

[RKC]

Hey, I'll be happy to update y'all and let you know how much we enjoyed our trip. Including the Vistana.

Another question though.. does anyone know offhand if the cribs you rent at Vistana are porta-cribs or pac-n-plays??

Thanx again:D

[Claudia2]

Baby Crib: $10 per stay, I think you can rent high chairs also

[jacrazy]

I stayed in a 2-bedroom unit in the Cascades section at Vistana last month. It was beautiful. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to go back again. And it's exceptionally conveniently located to the parks.

[ratow]

How or where do I conntact Vistana Resort? How do I conntact them directly or do I go thru an outside company?
How far from WDW is it? Do you need a car?
Thanks.

[RKC]

Hi, Ratow

Here is the phone number I got for the resort with my reservation confirmation
407-239-3100

I didn't get a toll free #, sorry:(
If youare looking to book a room tough I wouldn't call them directly. I went through hotelkingdom.com, and got GREAT rates compared to everywhere else I looked. Just a suggestion.

I think Vistana is@3miles from WDW. As to renting a car.... I guess it's a personal preferance. I'm told they do have shuttles to WDW, but then you have to go on their schedule. There appear to be plenty of resturants in the resort property tough, so like I said, personal preference. We will be getting a car ourselves for grocery runs , etc.:cool:

:)

[Claudia2]

Ratow,
the Vistana Resort hompage is here:
http://www.starwoodvo.com/overview.jsp?resortID=5
Here you can fill in the Diamond Lane Check-In Form for quicker check-in, and also mention any services you would like (that's where I'd ask for the crib).

HTH

[Claudia2]

Oh I just saw that the toll free number of the Vistana Resort is on the Diamond Line form :cool:
1-800-338-1171

[Mjasp]

But I am pretty sure when you call the toll free number,you are calling Sheraton's central number. Any questions for Vistana I would call directly to Vistana at the (407) area code number.


Joanna

[Londoner]

This year we (4 children, 2 adults) went to HIFS for the first two weeks of our holiday and Vistana Villages for the last 7 days.Why all the fuss regarding HIFS? Dark rooms, tiny lounge area with door to toilet/bathroom leading straight on, 70s looking furniture and old fashioned looking kidsuite. Pool area was excellent and breakfast was convenient (if you are into high cholestoral,pile of eggs type breakfast). We paid less for staying at Vistana (through Virgin Holidays). It had that luxury condo feel, lots of space and light, sreened balcony, full kitchen, jacuzzi in master bedroom, classy deco etc... I am guessing that Vistana Resort is just as good if not better.
Now I am not an exceptionally fussy person and we did not spend a great deal of time at either resort but with four children it made a great difference coming back from the parks to luxury as opposed to cramped dark surroundings. We did not save up all year to stay at a resort which had a budget type, holiday camp feel.
We still had a good time at HIFS. In no way did the resort spoil our holiday. Staff were nice and very helpful, resort was clean and well kept, fairy lights in pool and lake were very pretty and it was good knowing that we did not have to leave the hotel to eat but I am wondering what other postees are comparing to when they give HIFS such a good write up.

[RKC]

Londoner,

Thankyou so much for your reply. This was exactly what I was after, someone with experience with both places.
I guess more than anything else , the thing that swayed me was HIFS's policy about kids 4&under wearing swimpants. I called and asked what "swimpants" were. The guy I talked to said they were plastic pants that you put over diapers. I told him my DD was 3&1/2 and totally potty trained. He said they still have to wear plastic pants. Now I don't know about you but if I tried to put plastic pants on my 3yo I'd have a war on my hands. So thanks again for reinforcing my decision!!!:)


Only 6&1/2 days left:wave:

[disneymom3]

Regarding the crib question. We stayed there in Feb. We requested a crib at 1 a.m. when we checked in--long disastrous story, but that is not where we intended to stay originally--They brought the crib immed and we were not charged any extra for it. It was not exactly a porta crib, but not a full sized crib either. It was white metal at the height of a regular crib and a bit more sleeping space than a portacrib. Had a foam mattress that was decently thick. Our two year old seemed very comfortable and the crib looked just about brand new.

We love Vistana--you've made an excellent choice!!

[treesinger]

I don't know anything about HIFS, but I've stayed at Vistana Resort and it is very nice. Even the old buildings are fairly well maintained.

[Rick Walmsley]

:jester:

Has anyone stayed at Vistana Resort and Vistana Villages?

Advantages of either resort?

Is there a difference in room rates/facilities etc

2 Adults + 2 Children aged 8+7 which would be better?

Any suugestions re above would be welcome.

Rick Walmsley

:jester:

[disneymom3]

Rick,
When do you need to know this information by? We have stayed at the resort twice and will be staying at V V in Dec. I will be happy to post my reviews when I get back, but maybe someone else will be able to tell you before that.

[Rick Walmsley]

:jester:

Planning for Aug 2003 so will look forward to any trip reports etc.

There are now a couple of other threads going re the resorts but any information is useful.

Many thanks

Rick Walmsley

:jester:

[MiaSRN62]

I think Vistana is@3miles from WDW. As to renting a car.... I guess it's a personal preferance. I'm told they do have shuttles to WDW, but then you have to go on their schedule. There appear to be plenty of resturants in the resort property tough, so like I said, personal preference. We will be getting a car ourselves for grocery runs , etc
Vistana is 1 mile from the WDW resort. You can get to the Marketplace/Downtown Disney in under 5 minutes.
I think you made a wise decision in renting a car. The resort itself is huge, and you may need a car to drive to the General Store onsite, or any of the pools depending on where you are placed. Feel free to ask if you have any questions. I've been a Vistana owner since '94. Have a nice trip. :D