Tinker,
The main resort is larger and has more amenities (2 onsite sit down restaurants and a Pizza Hut that also offer room service). It is closer to WDW.
I have never stayed at the Villages, but they are newer and smaller and a little closer to Sea World/Uni. I don't believe they have many choices for dining there though (not sure why not ?). The Villages does have a deli/store that sells sandwiches/salads/breakfast items.
The Villages will offer more consistancy in new/modern rooms. The main Vistana resort, has 9 different sections or "villages". Some ranging from older bldgs (built in pre 1980), to new sections built in the 1998-2002 range and many in between.
I have never stayed at the Villages, so I have no pics of that resort. But you can check out all my main resort Vistana pics here :
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4287948459
The Cascades is the newest section at this resort. If you are a renter, you can specifically request this section and be guaranteed it. If, however, you are a timeshare exchanger, or bid on a room online (ie Skyauction or similar), you could be placed in any section on the resort. I own in the mid-range section (Fountains I & II). The Cascades, Lakes and Fountains II are the 3 newest in descending order. If I can help in any further way, please let me know.
Oh, and if you do decide to stay at the Villages, you can still use the amenities at the main resort since they are "sister" resorts : basketball/tennis courts, 7 pools, mini golf, restaurants etc.
