Sheraton Vistana Resort Questions

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

luvsvacations,

I had a feeling that PBucket would downsize my post, and it does so considerably. If you click through the link below, you'll get a lower resolution version of the map (about 90% reduced).

If you want me to e-mail a higher resolution version (pdf, tif or jpg), just send me a PM with your coordinates, I'd be happy to send it along.

The map:

Note, this is the 2010 version. In 2011 they corrected an error on buildings 44/45 (should be red). Couldn't find any other differences.

and the unit listing:

bankr63.........potentially silly question coming here............

But what DO the different colours on the building numbers (on the top map) indicate?

 

[DisDee]

I'm new to this thread and haven't had a chance to read thru it so please be patient with me if my question has already been explained. My DD and family are checking into Lakes bldg. 6 on Sun Oct 13. but we will not be arriving until Tues Oct. 15. I understand that check-ins are handled by day of the week for each section. What are my chances of getting a 1 BR in their area, or would I be stuck in a distant section?

Thanks in advance for any input. I hope I explained this well enough.

 

[bankr63]

bankr63.........potentially silly question coming here............

But what DO the different colours on the building numbers (on the top map) indicate?

The color inidcates which day the units check in for timeshare weeks; Reds are Friday, Blues are Saturday, Greens are Sunday.

 

[bankr63]

I'm new to this thread and haven't had a chance to read thru it so please be patient with me if my question has already been explained. My DD and family are checking into Lakes bldg. 6 on Sun Oct 13. but we will not be arriving until Tues Oct. 15. I understand that check-ins are handled by day of the week for each section. What are my chances of getting a 1 BR in their area, or would I be stuck in a distant section?

Thanks in advance for any input. I hope I explained this well enough.

With a Wednesday check-in, it is hard to say. I'm guessing you are booked with Sheraton or a TA directly since timeshare exchanges are usually on Fri/Sat/Sun. I am only guessing that your building will probably be assigned based on your check-out day - so the cleaning staff will be able to work efficiently.

There is a good chance that you can get Lakes. Lakes and Cascades are the only sections with 1BR units. To be sure, submit a DiamondLane request about 4 weeks before your trip and ask for Lakes. October is generally quieter but that looks to be Columbus Day week, so it will be a bit busier. There is still a pretty good chance you'll get your request.

 

[DisDee]

Thanks Bankr63!

I didn't realize that Lakes and Cascades have the 1 BR units. Now I'll also try to get one with a porch or patio. I booked with Dreams Res with a super no-hskp. rate. My DD's ressie is booked thru RCI so she already has a unit #.

Now, if you could tell me about the Diamond Lane request procedure I will be all set. I appreciate your help!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Heading back to SVR for our third visit in April. We've stayed in Lakes and Fountains and would love to stay on the other side of the resort this time. Has anyone stayed in the Falls section recently? I saw some pictures back a ways that show twin beds in the second bedroom. The Sheraton website says the second bedroom has double beds. Can anyone confirm that they are now double beds in the Falls second bedroom?

 

[DisMomAmy]

http://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/sheraton-vistana-resort/villas/ (The link doesn't want to go directly to the Falls section so you scroll over to that section.)

Here's a link to what I'm seeing on the website. The floor plan drawing looks like twin beds but the information on the right says "two full-sized" beds. Would love to stay in the Falls section but will have 7 people in our villa for a couple of the nights.

 

[jess98ac]

Can you see any of the Disney fireworks from any of the units?

 

[DisMomAmy]

Heading back to SVR for our third visit in April. We've stayed in Lakes and Fountains and would love to stay on the other side of the resort this time. Has anyone stayed in the Falls section recently? I saw some pictures back a ways that show twin beds in the second bedroom. The Sheraton website says the second bedroom has double beds. Can anyone confirm that they are now double beds in the Falls second bedroom?

http://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/sheraton-vistana-resort/villas/ (The link doesn't want to go directly to the Falls section so you scroll over to that section.)

Here's a link to what I'm seeing on the website. The floor plan drawing looks like twin beds but the information on the right says "two full-sized" beds. Would love to stay in the Falls section but will have 7 people in our villa for a couple of the nights.

I just called the resort & asked the question. The Falls second bedrooms definitely have twin beds. Bummer! I was hoping to get close to the Falls pool but the closest with a Sunday check-in and double beds in the second bedroom are the Palms, Springs & Cascades sections.

We've been there twice before but didn't spend much time in this side of the resort. Would the Falls pool be quickly walkable from the Palms, Springs or Cascades sections?

 

[bankr63]

Thanks Bankr63!

I didn't realize that Lakes and Cascades have the 1 BR units. Now I'll also try to get one with a porch or patio. I booked with Dreams Res with a super no-hskp. rate. My DD's ressie is booked thru RCI so she already has a unit #.

Now, if you could tell me about the Diamond Lane request procedure I will be all set. I appreciate your help!

Wow! I had to go back over 20 pages now to find the post. Can't believe how long this thread is growing. Considering starting a new Vistana thread when I get back with lots of pictures for Gina and family... We'll see, we'll see.

Anyway, the link for Diamond Lane requests is:
https://www.mystarcentral.com/services/diamond.jsp?propertyId=01
Send it no more than about 4 weeks before - the resort won't generally have your reservation information before then unless you booked directly with them. This is an e-mail form, and you should get an e-mail confirmation from the resort a couple of weeks out.

DisDee, if you can get the RCI or II account number of your relations and include it in the request, you can ask the resort to try to place the two parties close together.

 

[bankr63]

Can you see any of the Disney fireworks from any of the units?

Alas, no, they are just a bit too far away to see them, but you can hear them pretty much every night. Took the longest time for me to figure out what that booming noise was every night...

 

[bankr63]

I just called the resort & asked the question. The Falls second bedrooms definitely have twin beds. Bummer! I was hoping to get close to the Falls pool but the closest with a Sunday check-in and double beds in the second bedroom are the Palms, Springs & Cascades sections.

We've been there twice before but didn't spend much time in this side of the resort. Would the Falls pool be quickly walkable from the Palms, Springs or Cascades sections?

I would have been surprised if they could shoehorn Double beds into the 2nd BR's in Falls or Courts. These first two sections were built in a different era, and the bedrooms aren't really big enough to fit doubles.

I find all of the resort very walkable, I'm not sure what you would feel is quick. I'd guess all three are a 2-3 minute walk to that pool, and closer to the bigger Spas and Cascades pools. For a Sunday check-in, Palms is probably the best, the Sunday units are all clustered at the West end of the section. The Sunday units in Springs overlook SR535 as do Cascades bldgs 7 and 10.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Considering starting a new Vistana thread when I get back with lots of pictures for Gina and family... We'll see, we'll see.

Oh, I can't wait until you get home!!!!!

(but not to hurry your vacation, of course.....hoping you have a WONDERFUL and relaxing time!!!)

 

[keeperof4]

Just got back from our amazing stay at SVR! Every thing was a perfect there again this year.They provide a fist class vacation.(Review on tripadvisor)Top notch security here!! Our unit in bld.16 cascades was the same as last year,It was spotless .It appeared to have brand new sofa chairs.Pots pans utensils in kitchen also appeared brand new.They now supply star bucks coffee ,but don't supply shampoo.Can't see the savings.Most things can be bought at the dollar tree($1) across the street. Housekeeping will provide most things(coffee) just ask. Brand new pool towels threw out ,brand new loungers ,chairs tables in Cascades pool the last day there.Pool area spotless in the morning.One issue this year was many were saving loungers and then not returning until late in the afternoon.Staff are going to put a stop to this. One morning a lady put towels on four chair,table and four loungers.We were there until two and it was crowded and when we left, see had not arrived. One other issue was twice morons left cigarette butts in the hot tubs partying at night so they had to drain clean an refill them,real smart considering the drought Florida is seeing.Also on two different nights we could not take advantage of the warm nights to use our patio because of those beside and below were smoking.I reported them the second night and it p###### one of them off next to us ,so they acted like little babies and slammed doors flushed the toilet late at night.They left after two nights .They will get a shock when they see the bill for smoking in the unit.Only tried the Cascades grill once for kids meals ,Food court is gone. Visited another resort down by Sea World that received a higher rating than SVR, not close to this resort!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Just got back from our amazing stay at SVR! Every thing was a perfect there again this year.They provide a fist class vacation.(Review on tripadvisor)Top notch security here!! Our unit in bld.16 cascades was the same as last year,It was spotless .It appeared to have brand new sofa chairs.Pots pans utensils in kitchen also appeared brand new.They now supply star bucks coffee ,but don't supply shampoo.Can't see the savings.Most things can be bought at the dollar tree($1) across the street. Housekeeping will provide most things(coffee) just ask. Brand new pool towels threw out ,brand new loungers ,chairs tables in Cascades pool the last day there.Pool area spotless in the morning.One issue this year was many were saving loungers and then not returning until late in the afternoon.Staff are going to put a stop to this. One morning a lady put towels on four chair,table and four loungers.We were there until two and it was crowded and when we left, see had not arrived. One other issue was twice morons left cigarette butts in the hot tubs partying at night so they had to drain clean an refill them,real smart considering the drought Florida is seeing.Also on two different nights we could not take advantage of the warm nights to use our patio because of those beside and below were smoking.I reported them the second night and it p###### one of them off next to us ,so they acted like little babies and slammed doors flushed the toilet late at night.They left after two nights .They will get a shock when they see the bill for smoking in the unit.Only tried the Cascades grill once for kids meals ,Food court is gone. Visited another resort down by Sea World that received a higher rating than SVR, not close to this resort!

Glad to hear you had such a great trip!! Any pics you want to share?

I think bankr63 is arriving at the resort today (or maybe tomorrow?). I am envious of the whole lot of you!!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Did anyone else see the new feature at the resort? It was announced on their Facebook page this week:

https://www.facebook.com/SheratonVistanaResort

It's called the "Fishpipe". I want to see if bankr63 gives it a try .

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

I just found this thread

Thinking of going here for a week w/no parks, so we'd need a resort w/a great pool. We're needing to get the place through a getaway with interval international....is Sheraton Vistana our best option? Is there a section that's better than others for a better pool?? Also, are Sheraton Resort & Sheraton Villages the same??

thanks!!

 

[keeperof4]

The fish pipe is a sphere (Ball) that spins .Kids get inside and it is padded. That's about it. Did I tell you it is $12 for three+ minutes. Better off buying a pool ring at the dollar store across the street, the kids love those. Remember any thing here comes with a price .If they are not busy they will let the kids us the balls for free.The giant slide was great kids loved that! ,rumor has it they got sued so they took it out .That has been known to happen in Florida lol Not really any pics that have not been posted.they would have my family/children in them. Are you from Fredsville? Friends are there right now sunny but to cold to really enjoy the pools. Will be returning god willing again next season two weeks,but not planning any theme parks as of yet.Lego land was great for the price (Read tripadvisor reviews) Ps about not having the IDP many counties are issuing fines if pulled over, so be ware . Should be revoked by the time you arrive.

 

[keeperof4]

I just found this thread

Thinking of going here for a week w/no parks, so we'd need a resort w/a great pool. We're needing to get the place through a getaway with interval international....is Sheraton Vistana our best option? Is there a section that's better than others for a better pool?? Also, are Sheraton Resort & Sheraton Villages the same??

thanks!!
We stayed at both . Villages is smaller, don't quote me on this but I do believe there are 4 sections but only 3 pools. We were there the first year that the pirate pool was in operation. The younger kids seem to really enjoy it. There was only one restaurant but we usually dine in the condo or off site. St. Augustine section was brand new. If you read past threads you will understand why we have fallen in love with SVR. It has everything that adults and children could want. It is a great alternative to the theme parks resorts. Your experience also depends on the time of year you will be visiting. Over crowding and rude inappropriate behavior by other guests can ruin anyone's vacation. The great thing about the location of this particular resort is that during the day many are doing the park scene. I would choose this resort at a price over any free offer to stay almost anywhere else in Orlando. With the exception of the Hilton on International Drive, it really is also a wonderful resort but almost impossible to get into during Feb/March.

I will end with this , it takes a lot to impress me but I will most likely in the near future become an owner at SVR.

 

[bankr63]

We got here safe and sound, and have a great 2BR in Spas this year. Not a chance I'm trying the fishpipe Gina! I've already torqued my neck and jammed my knee getting off of Buzz Ligntyear. I've been reading Nebo trip reports too much, and it's starting to affect me. I'll leave the fishpipe to younger folk; like Jake...

It does look pretty cool!

We've got an action packed visit planned. Will update when we get back to the great white north.