The Sheraton Vistana Resort Thread (key links on p.1)

kokomos · May 23, 2015

We're here now via skyauction. Requested spas or fountains, we in spas 22, 3rd floor closer to cascades pool. Not enjoying the stairs but It sure is quiet. I'm sure downstairs neighbors would disagree. Haven't located spas pool yet. I left my cell phone at home and had it's shipped overnight. I don't believe there was a charge unless they hold it out of the credit card on file.

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina · May 23, 2015

Colargol said:
Thanks for the reply! Seems like parcels are a bit more complicated than I hoped for. I might contact the resort before placing an order, just to make sure it will get forwarded to me upon arrival.

I see that you have visisted the Sheraton Vistana several times - i love your pictures and travel reports! Do you have any suggestions as to what section we should ask for? Sunday check in, 2 bedroom/sleeps 8, and kids aged 4 and 8 who loves the pool.

Well, we are partial to Fountains (because the Fountains pool is our favourite, and we like the decor of the Fountains units) but the whole resort is wonderful.

Thank you for the kind compliments on my trip reports!

HopperFan · May 23, 2015

tots05 said:
We are going to SVR on June 7, can I now fill up a Diamond Lane request or is it too early and needs to be exactly 2 weeks before the check in day? Also, I keep reading about sky auction, can anyone share what are good prices for a 1 bedroom and also a 2 bedroom that everyone are getting? I see like $399 for a 1 bedroom and $800+ for a 2 bedroom. Are these good prices? We are staying through my in laws timeshare so we have no idea but maybe next time we can come and get a good price is their timeshare is not available. thank you so much for any info that you can share.

I am here right now in a 2 bedroom via SkyAuction. Total cost $470 for the week. In Fountains, unit is beautiful inside and much bigger than I expected.

HopperFan · May 24, 2015

tots05 said:
Has anyone stayed on ground floor units? How is the noise from the units above? Im wondering if getting a ground floor unit will be still okay.

Checked out today from a ground unit in Fountains. I was surprised at how much noise there was from above. It was everything from the sound of many running around to the banging of the chairs or stools I guess.

We had LOTS of noise from the unit next to us until 2 am and later, front door slams etc. Was about 6-8 college kids having a good time. Lucky for them I have kids that age and was tolerant since our bedrooms were on the opposite side. Since it never stopped I guess no one else complained about them.

Colargol · May 25, 2015

Does anyone know which sections have check-in at which days? I know I saw a map of it once, but i am not able to locate it again, even after endless google attempts.

We are currently looking into Cascades and Fountains; seems like those are our best options. How many storeys are the Fountains buildings? I have a walking disability, and too many stairs are not my best option.

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina · May 25, 2015

Colargol said:
Does anyone know which sections have check-in at which days? I know I saw a map of it once, but i am not able to locate it again, even after endless google attempts.

We are currently looking into Cascades and Fountains; seems like those are our best options. How many storeys are the Fountains buildings? I have a walking disability, and too many stairs are not my best option.

Here's the map you are looking for:

https://www.starwoodvacationnetwork.com/villa-collection/sheraton-vistana-resort/map

The check-in days for each section are noted under the name of each village (Fountains Phase, Cascades Phase, Spas Phase, etc.).

Fountains villas are 3 stories, with no elevators to the upper floors (stairs only). You would want to make mention of your mobility issues via Diamond Lane check-in approximately two weeks before your arrival to ensure you are assigned either a ground floor villa or a unit within a building with elevator access:

https://www.mystarcentral.com/services/diamond.jsp?propertyId=01

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina · May 25, 2015

HopperFan said:
Checked out today from a ground unit in Fountains. I was surprised at how much noise there was from above. It was everything from the sound of many running around to the banging of the chairs or stools I guess.

We had LOTS of noise from the unit next to us until 2 am and later, front door slams etc. Was about 6-8 college kids having a good time. Lucky for them I have kids that age and was tolerant since our bedrooms were on the opposite side. Since it never stopped I guess no one else complained about them.

Well, boo

. Sorry to hear you had such a noisy stay. Your experience on the ground floor is exactly why we request a top floor villa for every stay. Since we're all able bodied folks, I would much rather have stairs to deal with than noise from above.

Those young people in the adjacent villa were lucky that they had you beside them.....I would not have been so agreeable (and I have a college kid myself!).

kokomos · May 25, 2015

Here via skyauction. Not sure why but we've had housekeeping show up everyday so far. We check out is Friday.

tots05 · May 26, 2015

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina said:
We paid $399 for our one bedroom villa via Skyauction for May. My boss, for the same week, paid $450 for a two bedroom (both prices also had a $20 booking fee added per the Skyauction terms). Less slow times of year were showing higher prices.

As owners, our maintenance fees on our 2 bedroom Fountains units for 2015 were $906 per week. So, speaking in general terms (because the different sections all have different maintenance fee assessments.....Cascades, for example, have lower annual maintenance fees for their two bedroom villas than Fountains as the units are a little smaller), if you can stay for at our around the $850-$900 mark, you are meeting (or beating) an owner's cost.

HopperFan said:
I am here right now in a 2 bedroom via SkyAuction. Total cost $470 for the week. In Fountains, unit is beautiful inside and much bigger than I expected.

Thank you so much everyone. I now have an option next time we want to stay and want to find a more affordable way on getting accommodations. Your inputs are truly appreciated. At least I will have have some point of comparison on prices. the $470 a week for a 2 bedroom sounds wonderful. You can't beat that price for a unit at Vistana.

Conway733 · May 26, 2015

Well, flight is finally booked. Had to wait what seemed like an eternity since we like fly out of a smaller local airport - at least it is a direct flight. Because of this, and their one flight a day schedule - we are actually arriving a day earlier now. This gives me lots of time to think about (obsess over) whether to just add a day at SVR, or head out to the beach for a night...or who knows? Glad to hear everyone is having great trips!

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina · Jun 4, 2015

We just received the spring 2015 Fountains Owner's Association newletter today, and thought I'd share the "Resort Update" section for anyone else who might be interested:

• From the moment you arrive at the recently-refreshed
Welcome Center, you will be treated to a new check-in
experience. The traditional Front Desk counter has been
transformed into a more personal setting with a fresh
design. Additionally, we have created a relaxing space
for you to sit, talk and unwind.

• Zimmie’s Bar & Grill underwent a major renovation
and is now a welcoming hub for friends and families to
order breakfast, lunch and dinner. Step outside onto
the covered patio for an ice-cold drink and a light bite
from the bar, all the while overlooking the sparkling pool.
Inside you’ll find modern décor and a refreshed menu.

• We are always looking to enhance the resort grounds,
buildings and common areas. This includes adding
a fountain in the lake near the Welcome Center, and
re-paving throughout the resort (expected to be complete
by the end of 2015). Additionally, electronic visual aids will
be added to the pedestrian crosswalks in Cascades.

• In our continued effort to enhance your villa experience,
the renovation of the villas at the Falls, Fountains I and
Lakes has been completed with new carpeting, drapes,
duvets and upholstery.

• For a new outdoor activity, join in on a fun paddle ball
game called pickleball. A court has been added to court
#5 of the clay tennis courts, located just outside the
Main Activity Center.

• Enjoy outdoor grilling and dining on the new gas grills,
chairs and tables that will be added to the Cascades
and Springs phases by the end of 2015. You’ll find
plenty of outdoor grilling space at the barbecue stations
in the Courts, Fountains and Lakes phases.

• Staying healthy and fit on vacation has never been
easier thanks to the new Sheraton Fitness by EXOS
that has been added to the Cascades and Spa phases.
The facilities feature top-of-the-line equipment and are
a great place to enjoy a workout.

• The well-being and security of all of our Owners is a top
priority. We are pleased to be installing new security
gate mechanisms and natural-gas-powered generators
at all three gates, making them more stable. These will
be used during major power outages and should be
completed by Fall 2015.

Awholenewdisney · Jun 8, 2015

I am so glad that we decided to stay off site and at Vistana! We are here now and have a two bed/two bath in the Spa section. We definitely needed the extra space with my two teens. I can not imagine staying in a cramped little room with four adult sized people. Plus the resort is amazing with all the amenities!

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina · Jun 8, 2015

Awholenewdisney said:
I am so glad that we decided to stay off site and at Vistana! We are here now and have a two bed/two bath in the Spa section. We definitely needed the extra space with my two teens. I can not imagine staying in a cramped little room with four adult sized people. Plus the resort is amazing with all the amenities!

Glad you are enjoying the resort!! Have an awesome vacation :thumbsup2

.

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina · Jun 10, 2015

I submitted a review to TripAdvisor a couple of days ago for our most recent stay at the Vistana. Here is what they sent me back:

Dear TripAdvisor Member,

Thank you for taking the time to submit a review of Sheraton Vistana Resort - Lake Buena Vista on TripAdvisor.

As our reviews are unbiased, we cannot publish reviews/photos submitted by timeshare or condo owners associated with the property. Additionally, reviews including commentary based solely upon timeshare presentations are prohibited.

You are welcome to post your message on TripAdvisor Forums: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ForumHome

Forums are discussion boards where members may ask and answer one another's travel-related questions.

Thank you for understanding.

Best regards,
TripAdvisor Support Team

Considering all the times I have read a review that starts with "we have been owners here for xx years, and our most recent stay was the best one yet", I am kind of surprised.

Also not sure of where the "reviews including commentary based solely on timeshare presentations" notation came from, as we didn't attend one nor was that indicated in my review.

I wonder if this is new?

maid_marionne · Jun 10, 2015

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina said:
Well, we are partial to Fountains (because the Fountains pool is our favourite, and we like the decor of the Fountains units) but the whole resort is wonderful.

Thank you for the kind compliments on my trip reports!

Well, after doing our homework and research we decided that timeshare ownership sounds right for us. I found what looks like a really good opportunity in Lakes. We also really loved Fountains when we stayed there in April and especially the Fountains pool area which seems like just a short walk from Lakes. Since you love Fountains and recently stayed in Lakes, how would you compare the two phases? Thanks!

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina · Jun 10, 2015

maid_marionne said:
Well, after doing our homework and research we decided that timeshare ownership sounds right for us. I found what looks like a really good opportunity in Lakes. We also really loved Fountains when we stayed there in April and especially the Fountains pool area which seems like just a short walk from Lakes. Since you love Fountains and recently stayed in Lakes, how would you compare the two phases? Thanks!

We preferred the Fountains layout to the Lakes layout....but to be fair, we were comparing a two bedroom in Fountains to a premium one bedroom in Lakes. Things like the layout of the kitchen and master bath, and the overall decor, were just more our styles in the Fountains villas, but were completely acceptable in both sections.

Lakes has elevators, if stairs are a deal breaker for you. We prefer (and always request) top floor villas (love those skylights, and both sections have 'em) and the elevator access in Lakes was a nice treat for tired legs.

We like the fact, though, that the Fountains villas have stairs from both the front entrance and balcony. In Lakes, obviously, you can only enter and exit the villa from the front.

Lakes does, if I am correct, have slightly higher yearly maintenance fees than Fountains.

Some of the Lakes buildings are closer to the Fountains pool than some of the Fountains buildings, so location is good (but you will want to avoid any Lakes buildings that are close to the I4....noise could be problematic).

If the Lakes villa you are looking at is a lock-off, it would probably give you better options for trading than a standard Fountains 2 bedroom. Not sure what configuration you are considering, but thought I would mention it just in case.

Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other specific questions!

disneysnob · Jun 10, 2015

Leaving tomorrow afternoon :yay:

Does the kitchen have a regular coffee maker/pot, or a Keurig single cup?? Just wondering if I should pack my Dunkin Donut kcups.

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina · Jun 10, 2015

disneysnob said:
Leaving tomorrow afternoon Does the kitchen have a regular coffee maker/pot, or a Keurig single cup?? Just wondering if I should pack my Dunkin Donut kcups.

The coffee pots are the standard ones (that take the basket filters).

disneysnob · Jun 10, 2015

Thanks! I'll plan accordingly

maid_marionne · Jun 10, 2015

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina said:
We preferred the Fountains layout to the Lakes layout....but to be fair, we were comparing a two bedroom in Fountains to a premium one bedroom in Lakes. Things like the layout of the kitchen and master bath, and the overall decor, were just more our styles in the Fountains villas, but were completely acceptable in both sections.

Lakes has elevators, if stairs are a deal breaker for you. We prefer (and always request) top floor villas (love those skylights, and both sections have 'em) and the elevator access in Lakes was a nice treat for tired legs.

We like the fact, though, that the Fountains villas have stairs from both the front entrance and balcony. In Lakes, obviously, you can only enter and exit the villa from the front.

Lakes does, if I am correct, have slightly higher yearly maintenance fees than Fountains.

Some of the Lakes buildings are closer to the Fountains pool than some of the Fountains buildings, so location is good (but you will want to avoid any Lakes buildings that are close to the I4....noise could be problematic).

If the Lakes villa you are looking at is a lock-off, it would probably give you better options for trading than a standard Fountains 2 bedroom. Not sure what configuration you are considering, but thought I would mention it just in case.

Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other specific questions!

Awesome! Thanks so much, this is great advice!

The pictures you've posted are some of the best I've seen so far of the inside of the Lakes units. I agree, I think I like the décor of Fountains a little better, but both are just fine. My husband is really liking the layout of Lakes. We're fine with stairs and we stayed in a top (3rd) floor room in Fountains, but I can see where the elevators in Lakes will be nice, especially when dealing with the luggage.

Hmmmm...I didn't realize that Lakes does not have the back stairs off the balcony. Not a deal-breaker, but I did like being able to go out the back way at Fountains.

You are correct, the Lakes maintenance fees are slightly higher than Fountains, at least based on what I've seen posted for the units I've found so far. No clue why, but they are a little higher. We're looking at a 2-bedroom. We considered a lock-off, but looking at the layout it seemed like the 2nd bedroom was going to feel very far away from the master, and we have a school-age kid. With 2 living/dining areas and 2 kitchens, it seemed like more condo than we need. And the maintenance fees were higher yet, so we focused in on a 2-bedroom unit.

Which Lakes buildings would you avoid? I've read that you have to be careful with the buildings in Fountains II as the ones near I-4 have noise issues, but thought it was just an issue for the buildings that are situated right along the highway.

Thanks again!

The Sheraton Vistana Resort Thread (key links on p.1)

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