Back from Vistana Resort...Great Place To Stay

[KevinM]

I won a week through Skyauction back in the summer, was lucky enough to get the Lakes section (2 br / sleeps 8). We stayed in Unit 1820 which was ground level and close to the pool.

Vistana is very close to the parks, no more than a 10-15 minute ride in the morning. Avoided the welcome desk and didn't get too many calls in the room, although by the end of the week they were calling early in the morning and pretty late at night (I never answered the phone).

Rooms were clean and well-appointed. Checked in using Diamond Lane (there were pretty long lines at regular check in - and we didn't arrive until 6:45 on a Saturday night). Housekeeping came on Tuesday and replaced towels and linens and cleaned up the place.

I would definately stay there again for the price (a little over $600.00 for 7 nights w/ all taxes included).

The only minor complaint would be the washer/dryer combo. Very small capacity which meant several small loads, but still much better than having to go to a laundry facility in a resort.

We had our best trip ever this year. It is great having a full condo to stretch out in after a busy day at the parks. I would recommend the Vistana.

Be happy to answer any questions.

 

[kilee]

Thanks for the review!! Some diser's suggested unplugging the phone to avoid the phone calls. Then have a cell on for family to reach you in an emergency.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Glad you had a nice stay Kevin---great rate you got ! The Lakes is my favorite section of the resort.
As for the phone calls.....we got several during our week stay there in August, and I'm with Kilee in that we'll be unplugging that phone next year !

 

[brymolmom]

Hi - Could you elaborate a little on the Vistana itself? How is the pool? Any other ammenities (playground for kids or other?)? Any idea if they have larger accommodations? I'm researching an upcoming (no idea how far in future yet- but hopefully not too far) trip for an extended family.

Thanks.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Could you elaborate a little on the Vistana itself? How is the pool? Any other ammenities (playground for kids or other?)? Any idea if they have larger accommodations?

Hi,
There are 7 pools on the property. One has a water slide. Two are zero depth entry which are great for the very young as well as elderly or handicapped.
There are several playgrounds scattered throughout the property. This is a very large resort and you often need a car just to get around the property itself.
Accomodations include 1 or 2 bedroom villas. There are townhomes available in the oldest section that sleep 10 I believe. But keep in mind, this is the oldest section and least desirable as a whole to many renters. Most people try and request the newer sections.
You can check out some of my Vistana pics here :
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4287948459

 

[JenDaveBrendan]

What section is the pool with the waterslide in?? We will be going there in Jan. and would love to stay near the waterslide pool.. however, I don't want a crappy section. We have only stayed in the Cascades there, so that is what I have to compare it to.
thanks!

 

[MiaSRN62]

It's in the older Falls section.....and while I wouldn't consider that a crappy section, compared to the Cascades it would pale and appear a bit dated.
The slide is one of those covered, tubular kind. Here's a pic :

And the Falls section (these are 2 level buildings/no elevator):

Hope this helps

 

[slindamood]

Thanks, Kevin. Glad you had a good experience. We check in at the Vistana next Saturday (probably about 6:45 PM also) . We have already agreed to take a 90 minute tour, so maybe we won't get calls! At least we know what we are in for.

Also, Kevin, or Maria, maybe you would know this (you have provided so much valuable information already) - - the resort lists bicycle rental. Is there much cycling to do there? are the roads nearby amenable? I recall that area as pretty busy traffic-wise, so wonder where the cycling gets done.

Suzanne

 

[MiaSRN62]

I recall that area as pretty busy traffic-wise, so wonder where the cycling gets done.

Hi Suzanne,
The main roadways are busy, particularily around the Cascades section, but if you go into the individual neighborhoods you can escape the traffic for the most part. I've never rented bikes there myself as I agree, doesn't seem to be much traffic-free areas. I would say the safest, most bike-friendly paths would definitely be in and around the older sections. This would be starting at the Spas and going all in and througout the Courts, Palms and Falls.
Hope this helps.

 

[RunzaRex]

I have a question: when you say it took 10 -15 minutes to get to the parks, was that in your own car, or is there some sort of a shuttle?

 

[MiaSRN62]

It's 10-15 min by car to the disney parks. Vistana does offer a shuttle (with a cost and a limited schedule). Not sure how fast the shuttle takes as we've never used it.

 

[slindamood]

Thanks for all your information and help, Maria. We leave in two days - don't know how I can stand to leave all this snow and ice behind!!

I think we will rent bicycles to explore the resort - sounds like a good way to get a feel for all the areas.

Suzanne

 

[MiaSRN62]

don't know how I can stand to leave all this snow and ice behind!!

I know what ya mean Suzanne ! It'll be tough, but you can do it !
Have a great time escaping to warm Orlando !
Enjoy your stay at Vistana.

 

[swilshire]

Have a great time escaping to warm Orlando !

Just be sure and check the weather. I've been there a couple of times over Christmas/New Years and you can't count on it being warm. I pack longjohns, hats, gloves, and blankets along with my shorts.

Sheila

 

[MiaSRN62]

Just be sure and check the weather. I've been there a couple of times over Christmas/New Years and you can't count on it being warm.

Very true....but it's warmer than up here in the north. Even upper 40's or 50's would feel good to me right around now. Our highs have been only in the 20's ! Woke up to 5 degrees on Tuesday and 0 degrees on Wednesday of this week (these were not wind chills...they were actual readings)! And I know Columbus has been the same because I have a friend who lives there whom I speak/email daily with.

I did check Orlando weather from several different sites for the next week and it looks like it'll be highs of 64 to 73 for the next week. Lows will be 49-63. Although this is not necessarily swimming weather, it'll probably feel like a heat wave to those of us from OH or PA....or anywhere up north. But I agree that Suzanne should pack warm clothes regardless.
But like I said, these temps will most likely feel much better to her than what OH is having. I've also been several times to Orlando during late Nov/early Dec/early and late Jan.......the weather can be a little tricky.
http://www.wftv.com/weather/index.html
http://www.local6.com/weather/index.html
http://www.wofl.com/weather/index.shtml
Have a great time !

 

[docsnort]

Rooms were clean and well-appointed. Checked in using Diamond Lane (there were pretty long lines at regular check in - and we didn't arrive until 6:45 on a Saturday night).

Could you tell us how you signed up for Diamond Lane with a Skyauction week? The sign up form asks for a reservation number which I didn't get from Skyauction. Any help to avoid the long check-in lines would be appreciated!

 

[KevinM]

Could you tell us how you signed up for Diamond Lane with a Skyauction week? The sign up form asks for a reservation number which I didn't get from Skyauction. Any help to avoid the long check-in lines would be appreciated!

I left the reservation # block empty, if I remember correctly. In the comments section I noted that it was a Skyauction rental and gave them the auction #.

Vistana called about a week or so before our check-in date and asked if we had any requests. I requested Lakes and got it! We never would have gotten that call if I didn't use Diamond Lane.

Good Luck

 

[kstgelais4]

Can someone send me the link for the diamond lane check in? We are going to stay there in about 6 weeks, and I want to do this so we are not at the registration desk forever! I just can't find where to do this. TIA!
Kelly

 

[MiaSRN62]

Here ya go Kelly :
https://www.svosecure.com/starwoodvo/diamond.jsp?resortID=5

 

[kstgelais4]

Thank you so much. I can't wait for our vacation!!!!

Kelly

first disney family vacation scheduled for 2/11/06-2/25/06!!!!