Back from 2 weeks @ Vistana Villages - any questions?

[calgarygary]

We have just returned from 2 weeks at Vistana Villages and would be happy to answer any of your questions. By the way, if you're not planning on visiting Universal - HUGE MISTAKE! Make Islands of Adventure an important part of your visit if only to take in the Whoville Christmas Celebration.

Gary

 

[2minnies]

Hi Calgary Gary,

We also just returned from VV after a one week visit (11/19-11/25). Probably saw you at the pool!!

We were in building 7 - 3rd floor and just loved it. I'd also be happy to answer any ?'s.

Big thanks to BaileyBrad for all the info he posted this past winter. I printed the long thread and used all of the information while we were there.

2 minnies

 

[sillyminny]

We loved it there. How warm was the pool? When we were there in Jan 2001 it was too cool for me to swim. I found other hotels had warmer pools.

 

[calgarygary]

During our visit the large pool was a comfortable but cool temp. Daytime air temps were typically higher 70's to higher 80's with cool evenings and the large pool always felt cool but not cold to me. The smaller quiet pool was always warm and the hot tub was just that - HOT! Hi 2minnies we were in building 9 on the ground floor. Had requested other but our very late check in probably caused that. Personally, so little time is spent in the room awake that I think location at the Villages is not that important.

Gary

 

[FiestaFan]

Hi -

Does this resort have bus transportation, and if so, did you use it? We have stayed on-site at Disney the last several times we have been there, but all of the reports I read on the Vistana Villages make me think it is worth a try. The buses back and forth to all the parks are really great for us, as we are usually traveling with three kids and my parents, who don't get around the greatest.

Any advice you can give me would be great!

 

[calgarygary]

Hi FiestaFan, yes the resort has a twice a day shuttle to Disney World that is either free or a charge depending upon your status as a guest. Oddly, those people who own or are using V.V. on an exchange pay for the shuttle. We never used the shuttle as we had a rental which is my personal recommendation for the Villages as only the onsite deli is within walking distance as far as foodservice is concerned. If you can afford the car rental, stay at the Villages. A very short drive outside the park is a Publix (for groceries) and a Premium Outlets mall for your other shopping needs. There are several restaurants (chains and independents) a short drive north on International.

Gary

 

[abbysmom]

Hi Calgarygary,

Sounds like you had a great stay at the Villages. My family and I will be staying there for a week in March, I know you had a car while you were there but I wanted to know what, if anything you know about the I-ride trolley on International Drive. We will be going to Sea World for 2 days so we can use the trolley for that and then we will go to Universal and IOA and I know ther trolley does not go that far so we may rent a car or hire a car service for 2-3 days to get there and back. The rest of our stay will be just vegging at the resort and enjoying that. So basically we will be using the trolley for going to the outlet that is near by and going to Sea World.
I really do not wish to rent a car, I hate to drive in unfamiliar cities, so I may be depending on the trolley alot, do you know if the trolley stops near the villages?

Thanks for any info.

 

[nickiblade]

the trolley stops right outside

 

[calgarygary]

Abbysmom, nickiblade beat me to the answer. I didn't use the trolley but saw them enough to think that there was good service. What time of day do you arrive and how are you getting to the Villages? A stop at the Publix (I believe their hours were 7a.m. to 10p.m.) should be in your plans.

Gary

 

[abbysmom]

We will be arriving at MCO at 11:35 am and I am going to hire a towncar service with a 1/2 hr. grocery stop to take us to our resort, and have them stop at the Publix that you are talking about.

I may also have them take us to univeral and IOA on the days we need transportation there if its not to expensive or rent a car from the resort for a couple of days if the drive to universal is not to difficult to get to.

Thanks for all your help, only 4 months left till our vacation!!!

 

[calgarygary]

You will have a challenge in doing that abbysmom. You will pass right by the gates of Vistana Villages to get to the Publix and I can't imagine how you will be able to keep everybody calm for half an hour while you shop. The entrance to the Villages is as impressive as the rooms and you will definitely have a hard time just driving by.

By the way, although everypark is amazing in their own ways, I personally found that Universal's IOA was a level above everybody. I do not do coasters, MGM's Rock and Roller coaster was my first time being turned upside down, and if I think IOA was the best park, I can't imagine too many others not being totally impressed with it. The only proviso is that your children be old enough to appreciate it. I feel my 8 year old girl was near the lowest age to really appreciate this park.

Gary

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

What are their pools like? Any theming or waterslides? Thinking of staying there in Jan.

Cheryl

 

[calgarygary]

Cheryl, the pool area is very nice. The theming in the area is not to the extent of Disney but it is a very nice area just the same. By visiting here you will be able to check out Sheraton's pictures of the site. The large, main pool has a zero depth entry area for toddlers with a fountain island. There are also waterfalls but no water slides.

Gary