Sheraton Vistana Resort Questions

[mrsap]

Hey guys! Just wondering if anyone went on the time share tour and if so, did they do anything special just for giving them a try? Thanks!

 

[bankr63]

Hey guys! Just wondering if anyone went on the time share tour and if so, did they do anything special just for giving them a try? Thanks!

We've done the owners' update once about 2 1/2 years ago. That's basically the sales pitch to existing owners to get you to buy more (after all, we sold to you once already!) We usually avoid this like the plague, but it was just DW and me this trip and we figured we could burn the morning to learn a bit more about Sheraton's latest programs.

At the time, the biggest perk was a discount on tickets - I think we saved around $100 on our Disney tickets. But you have to ask yourself if it is worth wasting a half day of your vacation to save that little. They will probably keep you there for a couple of hours before they agree you've suffered enought to give you the discount, and by that time, the morning's pretty much shot. You've probably paid a lot to travel to Orlando and for accomodation - so think of it as you are already paying to be at their presentation. The free breakfast does NOT compensate.

Sales pitch was fairly low key for us, but our guy knew we bought our unit resale, so we were pretty aware of the actual value of what he was selling (about 1/10th or less of the asking price). Whatever you do, never utter the word "yes".

 

[robinb]

Hi everyone! I am considering renting one of the smaller 1BR units in Cascades. I see that they have a kitchenette. I'm trying to plan what I can cook in the unit. Is there a cooktop and/or oven? I can't seem to find this information. Also, I see that there are no laundry facilities in the unit. Are there some common laundry facilities in the resort? Thanks!

 

[FrankieDplus3]

Hi everyone! I am considering renting one of the smaller 1BR units in Cascades. I see that they have a kitchenette. I'm trying to plan what I can cook in the unit. Is there a cooktop and/or oven? I can't seem to find this information. Also, I see that there are no laundry facilities in the unit. Are there some common laundry facilities in the resort? Thanks!

Hi,

I stayed in a Cascades one bedroom unit in 2011. In the unit we had, there was a full kitchen with a stove top and oven, dishwasher, microwave.

Yes, there are laundry facilities in the room. With our unit, the washer/dryer were hiding in the front closet (right next to our unit's front door).

If you search for my posts in this thread you'll see some of the pictures I posted.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[robinb]

Hi,

I stayed in a Cascades one bedroom unit in 2011. In the unit we had, there was a full kitchen with a stove top and oven, dishwasher, microwave.

Yes, there are laundry facilities in the room. With our unit, the washer/dryer were hiding in the front closet (right next to our unit's front door).

If you search for my posts in this thread you'll see some of the pictures I posted.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

I think there are two kinds of 1BRs, the Premium 1BR and a Standard IBR. They become a 2BR lock-off when the doors are opened between them. I think you had a Premium one. I did finally find the info on the kitchenette: it has a cook top, but does not have an oven. The microwave had a convention oven. I've been in places like this before (in Tampa and Maui) so we can make that set up work. This rental is over Christmas and I just need to decide if I want to stay offsite or onsite at AKV where I currently have reservations. Vistana would save us a ton of money and I could rent out my DVC points to cover the expenses for my whole trip.

 

[mrsap]

Hi everyone! I am considering renting one of the smaller 1BR units in Cascades. I see that they have a kitchenette. I'm trying to plan what I can cook in the unit. Is there a cooktop and/or oven? I can't seem to find this information. Also, I see that there are no laundry facilities in the unit. Are there some common laundry facilities in the resort? Thanks!

I have also stayed in a 1 br. Cascades bldg. And it has everything you need and then some! It's definitely a full kitchen. I've utilized the oven, microwave, coffee pot, full fridge, etc. they also have laundry in the room! You will not be disappointed!!! It's a beautiful room and the property is great too! I'll be there in 2 weeks! Can't wait!!

 

[FrankieDplus3]

I think there are two kinds of 1BRs, the Premium 1BR and a Standard IBR. They become a 2BR lock-off when the doors are opened between them. I think you had a Premium one. I did finally find the info on the kitchenette: it has a cook top, but does not have an oven. The microwave had a convention oven. I've been in places like this before (in Tampa and Maui) so we can make that set up work. This rental is over Christmas and I just need to decide if I want to stay offsite or onsite at AKV where I currently have reservations. Vistana would save us a ton of money and I could rent out my DVC points to cover the expenses for my whole trip.

I don't remember having a 1BR lockoff. Our room didn't have any connecting doors; and our room had a patio (we were on the first floor). I don't believe that the 1BR lockoffs have a patio/balcony here.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[bankr63]

I think there are two kinds of 1BRs, the Premium 1BR and a Standard IBR. They become a 2BR lock-off when the doors are opened between them. I think you had a Premium one. I did finally find the info on the kitchenette: it has a cook top, but does not have an oven. The microwave had a convention oven. I've been in places like this before (in Tampa and Maui) so we can make that set up work. This rental is over Christmas and I just need to decide if I want to stay offsite or onsite at AKV where I currently have reservations. Vistana would save us a ton of money and I could rent out my DVC points to cover the expenses for my whole trip.

Hey Robin, not sure where this information is coming from? My SIL stayed in the small 1BR half of the lockoff in Cascades last year. It most certainly had full amenities including laundry. The kitchenette still managed to cram in everything that was in the full unit, even a dishwasher. Stove (with small oven) and fridge are apartment size and there is about zero counter space - the designer could probably have done the space shuttle for how well it all fits. Even Sheraton's site says all units have these facilities except that it does say cooktop rather than stove. The kitchen in the floorplan on their website looks a couple of feet shorter than hers, so there may be a possibility of cooktop; there are quite a few buildings in Cascades, so it is possible that the configuration of the kitchen changed over time. But the website certainly says that washer/dryer and dishwasher are in all units and that is what she had.

Now I think that Vistana Villages may have 1BR units that lack some these features, so it may be confusion between the two resorts.

 

[keeperof4]

Hi all! Looking forward to another stay at SVR! (FEB.19-MAR.3) Can't wait to return to this amazing resort. This past spring they provided one of the most memorable vacations that our family have ever had. This year we are extending our vacation for 4 extra days. Although we have received several offers to stay at other time share facilities(Resorts) in the area, this remains our number 1 choice. We were also able to book directly through the hotel at a phenomenal rate compared to (In our opinion) other facilities in the area. This season it looks as though we will be visiting another theme park, Legoland this time! & Possibly, if I survive that lol, Universal or back to MGM (one of my favorites). Any advice on Legoland would be much appreciated. So far my contacts online and in person, with SVR planning our next visit,have treated me royally. Good things come to those that wait.

 

[jess98ac]

So glad to have found this post! I didn't read every post, but it has definitely gotten me so excited for our May trip!!!
DH and our 2 DDs are staying 5/3-5/10 in a 2 bedroom. We "bought" the week from a friend who owns and couldn't use it. We wanted to stay here in 2011 but there wasn't any 2bdrm availability for the week we wanted so we ended up at a Westgate...so excited to finally get to the Sheraton!

Anyway, it looks by my skimming posts that if we're checking in on a Friday, we'll likely be in the Spas area? We'll need a crib (or Pack N Play), is that something I should request ahead of time? We'd like to be close to a pool and not on a ground floor, so it sounds like the Spas is a good area for those requests?

My sister and her BF are staying nearby, will they have any issues coming to visit us to have dinner in our villa?

Thanks!

 

[bankr63]

So glad to have found this post! I didn't read every post, but it has definitely gotten me so excited for our May trip!!!
DH and our 2 DDs are staying 5/3-5/10 in a 2 bedroom. We "bought" the week from a friend who owns and couldn't use it. We wanted to stay here in 2011 but there wasn't any 2bdrm availability for the week we wanted so we ended up at a Westgate...so excited to finally get to the Sheraton!

Anyway, it looks by my skimming posts that if we're checking in on a Friday, we'll likely be in the Spas area? We'll need a crib (or Pack N Play), is that something I should request ahead of time? We'd like to be close to a pool and not on a ground floor, so it sounds like the Spas is a good area for those requests?

You won't necessarily be in Spas. There are four other sections with Friday checkin. The only sure thing is that you shouldn't be in Courts or Falls as they have no Friday checkins.

It is a good idea to request your crib in advance. Check back through the thread here for the Diamond Lane request link. Send it in between 2-4 weeks prior to your visit. Using DL should also speed your checkin process.

My sister and her BF are staying nearby, will they have any issues coming to visit us to have dinner in our villa?

Thanks!

You can let security know that you are expecting visitors, and they will be able to enter the resort. Just call in advance on the day of their visit.

 

[keeperof4]

Just a quick update on my previous post (in case anyone is interested) We were able to find great coupon discounts for Legoland. In total we have saved over 50% on a family of five, 2 adults 3 children. With these kind of savings , an alternative to the Disney Parks, certainly makes it more appealing,not to take away from anyone's plans to visit Disney. These coupons are readily available online until the end of December.(2012)Lego land(Winter Haven) is just about an hour from SVR. One other correction, in the past I have referred to SVR as a hotel , it is not. It is a timeshare(owner) resort which has now allowed the general public to enjoy their facilities.In the past we have tried to experience other resorts(2or3 days ie Floridays Resort)before our week, but have been some what disappointed(security ,cleanliness!!,politeness of staff) after the vacation experience offered at SVR.

 

[jess98ac]

I went back and read a bunch of posts, and now can't find something I read - is there an area that does NOT have screened in porches/balconies? I think Cascades is going to fit our needs the best, so I plan to request that with Diamond Lane when we're closer, but I don't want that if the balconies aren't screened.
Also, any buildings better than others in Cascades that I can add to my request?

 

[mrsap]

Here right now. Not sure if any do not have screens. We are in Cascades and we have one, and the past two times we came also had them. Will try to upload a pic.

View from screened in porch

 

[keeperof4]

jess98ac, I don't think there are any units at SVR that don't have screened in porches,patios. Cascades Building 2 is directly above the Cascades Pool. You may want to avoid this building if you plan on using your patio, retire early in the evening. This pool is used by the teens and it can be fairly noisy up until about 1am when this pool closes for the night. We have stayed in Building 1 which some evenings the pool noise was an issue. We prefer Cascades because of it's proximity to the Super Pool(rec center) and the Cascades Pool (kids day program). Just be advised that regardless of what building you are in there is going to be doors closing , children dragging stools across the tile and don't forget the flushes that can be heard throughout the entire building if flushed in the middle of the night. Last trip we had issues with late night partying below us when security was notified(the second night/morn.) there was no more partying.They will do their best to accommodate your requests, but it has every thing to do with how booked they are.

 

[bankr63]

I went back and read a bunch of posts, and now can't find something I read - is there an area that does NOT have screened in porches/balconies? I think Cascades is going to fit our needs the best, so I plan to request that with Diamond Lane when we're closer, but I don't want that if the balconies aren't screened.
Also, any buildings better than others in Cascades that I can add to my request?

Courts is the only section in SVR that does not have screened porches/balconies. We stay in March and have never had a problem with bugs on the open balcony of our unit, but I can imagine that this could be an issue during Love Bug season...

 

[keeperof4]

I am not sure if I am able to discuss this on this site or not but, as anyone that has viewed my posts SVR has become our #1 vacation choice. Considering purchasing a two bedroom. I have recently viewed several resale websites and what surprises me is that there are units available(floating wks). for sale throughout the resort at incredible??? prices, ranging from $1000 to $2800 at approx. $1000 a year in taxes and maintenance fees. Are these desperate individuals looking to get rid of their time shares or dose this great deal come with some extravagant(unpaid fees?) hidden costs. A little free advice from some current owners would be welcomed before I inquire further into ownership.

 

[bankr63]

I am not sure if I am able to discuss this on this site or not but, as anyone that has viewed my posts SVR has become our #1 vacation choice. Considering purchasing a two bedroom. I have recently viewed several resale websites and what surprises me is that there are units available(floating wks). for sale throughout the resort at incredible??? prices, ranging from $1000 to $2800 at approx. $1000 a year in taxes and maintenance fees. Are these desperate individuals looking to get rid of their time shares or dose this great deal come with some extravagant(unpaid fees?) hidden costs. A little free advice from some current owners would be welcomed before I inquire further into ownership.

Hi Keeper,

Glad to hear you liked SVR enough to consider ownership. Those prices you are quoting are actually quite a bit high, and done properly there is little risk to buying resale. The only additional costs you would need to know about are closing costs (often absorbed by the seller) and resort transfer fees charged by a few resorts.

We paid a lot less for our 2BR fixed March break week. That was the right purchase for us as DW is a teacher (although we also own a float 3BR LO at another area resort).

My words of advice:

1. Don't rush it. These deals have been around for years now, and unless you think the market is about to miraculously rebound in the next few months (it won't), the deals will still be there when you are done point number 2. And yes the TS market depression is primarily because people can't afford those $1k/yr MF's in today's economy, and they can't get out.
2. Get educated. Spend a few weeks or months reading the posts on TUG BBS http://tugbbs.com/forums/ and join the main TUG site for the classified ads. There are lots of very opinionated participants over there; it is a wonderful education. Most will advise against the Orlando market, but for some of us it makes sense, and I get very good value for my ownership on exchange.
3. Heed the common advice and keep renting. It is generally cheaper to rent TS weeks from existing owners than it is to own, and you don't have the obligation to pay MF's. After a few years of renting, perhaps it would make sense to buy; but even as a resale owner I realize I could do it cheaper by renting (but I do like the fact that paying my MF's forces me to take a vacation - I'm not too good at that otherwise).

 

[chalee94]

My words of advice:

1. Don't rush it. These deals have been around for years now, and unless you think the market is about to miraculously rebound in the next few months (it won't), the deals will still be there when you are done point number 2. And yes the TS market depression is primarily because people can't afford those $1k/yr MF's in today's economy, and they can't get out.
2. Get educated. Spend a few weeks or months reading the posts on TUG BBS http://tugbbs.com/forums/ and join the main TUG site for the classified ads. There are lots of very opinionated participants over there; it is a wonderful education. Most will advise against the Orlando market, but for some of us it makes sense, and I get very good value for my ownership on exchange.
3. Heed the common advice and keep renting. It is generally cheaper to rent TS weeks from existing owners than it is to own, and you don't have the obligation to pay MF's. After a few years of renting, perhaps it would make sense to buy; but even as a resale owner I realize I could do it cheaper by renting (but I do like the fact that paying my MF's forces me to take a vacation - I'm not too good at that otherwise).

i'd agree with all of this.

if i were buying a week at vistana resort, i'd buy off ebay for a buck (after researching sellers and paying close attention to what type of week is being offered).

but owning in orlando isn't necessarily the cheapest way to go. take a few months and do your homework before committing to anything...

 

[auprincess]

Hi! New to this thread...I'm going to go back and start reading, but in the mean time, can anyone answer a few questions??

How far is the resort from WDW?
What is the set-up; as far as how many rooms/how many people can stay?
Where do you go about renting units from?

Thank you?