Were back from a lovely stay at the Vistana Resort. It was our 6th stay here (fyi - last 2 yrs we stayed at Wyndham Bonnet Creek). We rented from an owner on Redweek.com, and utilized Diamond Lane on the SVR website. All our requests were met 2 bedroom Fountains, away from traffic, top floor, short walk to the pool. We loved the vaulted ceiling & skylight in the living area. The renovations are FABULOUS new appliances, upgraded bathrooms, nice furnishings, large electronic safe (big enough for a laptop plus other electronic equipment). The only minor issues were the very noisy flushing of the toilets (we were glad we were on the top floor), and firm bed pillows. Maintenance & Security at the resort were really good.
We like the solid construction, and the nice screened in balcony complete with a table, 4 chairs, ceiling fan, and an electrical outlet my favorite room. FYI we found the wi-fi better on the balcony (FREE). The landscaping is mature, and we had a nice view of the pond below a large tree. Felt very private. The unit was a close to the pool, basketball court, shuffleboards, sand volleyball, arcade, etc. FYI - The bar in the pool area had a large glass dispenser of ice water & plastic cups so you could get water as needed. Nice touch.
Lots of things to do at the resort many pools, hot tubs, mini golf, tennis, sand and water volleyball, shuffleboard, arcades, bars, general store, movie night at the pool, bingo, places to get food, etc. The pools have ample chairs & towels, and plenty of places to find shade if needed. One afternoon, there was a Farmers market & local craft booths set up near the General Store.
We went to 3 Disney Parks, Downtown Disney, City Walk, Sebring FL, Celebration FL, Outlet Malls, etc MK opened at 9 am the day we went. We left our room at 8 am, and made it to the front of the park in plenty of time to watch the opening show (and to Space Mtn at opening). We left our room at 8 am on the day we went to the Studios, and made it in ample time for the 8:45 am park opening (listed as 9).
Here are a few tips from our stay:
Register for Diamond Lane check about 3-4 weeks before your visit. MUCH shorter line.
We found a small coupon book in the Reception Area (also in bldg by the Fountains Pool) that has the Sheraton Logo on it, and says Vacation Value Booklet. The booklet has coupons good at the resort. We used several for FREE A&W rootbeer floats in the Fountains Food Court. We also used quite a few to get FREE bingo (you can use more than one at time).
You can use your own putters/golf balls on the miniature golf course so you dont have to pay for miniature golf. My DH went to a Play It Again Sports on 192, and bought some $5 putters and balls. And the end of our trip, we gave them to a family at the pool area. The resort charges $5 per person each time to play miniature golf.
From Rt. 535 - if you need to turn left into the resort & the traffic is heavy, drive past the SVR sign, and turn left at the traffic light near Walgreens. The road (Meadow Creek Dr) loops around to the Fountains entrance. You can turn left for the other section of the resort (Cascades, etc).
For I-4, it can be easier to turn right out of the resort, and then take a route onto 536 to I-4.
The shuttle service to the parks isnt that great. I would HIGHLY recommend renting a car if you are staying here. The cost per person to the Disney parks is $9 per person (includes round trip). I have a schedule from our visit. DH used it once to travel to Epcot one way. (FYI departure & return times are pretty limited). Ill try to scan it next week and post it.
The resort provides transportation to the other areas of the resort. They ask that you call 30 minutes before you need the shuttle for a ride. I believe they use golf carts for this service (we just walked or drove).
Security is excellent. We were asked to show our key when we entered the gated areas of the resort.
My DS is a runner, and found plenty of shaded paths for his morning runs.