best day for Vistana Resort Check In?

[barefootMom]

I know a map exists with the color coded sections of the Vistana Resort and what check-in days they get matched up to but I cannot seem to find that map anywhere. I looked at their website and found a resort map with the color coding but it didn't say what days were what color. Anyone know? I have a Sat. -Sat. reservation right now but am wondering if going early (or late) may give me a better chance for unit in Lakes/Cascades?? Also can anyone tell me about the pools at these two sections? Where is the zero depth entry pool? where is the super pool? do either pools have pool bars? Is either pool better for my 1 and 4 yr. old daughters? Thanks!

 

[spiceycat]

here the site - I know Sat - I stayed on sat - it is the blue

http://www.starwoodvo.com/resorts/amenities.jsp?resortID=5#

I just don't remember which is red and which is green - Fri or sunday?

 

[luvdisney14]

We might check in on Thursday or Friday. I wonder what I can get on thursday. Of course, I would like cascades, lakes or fountains. I guess by reading the threads that spas isn't that bad either. I am trying to figure out if it is worth staying at HRH for the first day to use FOTL. If not we will check in vistana on thursday.

 

[ttfn3]

Sunday check-in is green. However, we were given a "green" unit in Fountains when we checked in end of March on a Saturday.

It can't hurt to check in early if you can. IMHO it depends how many owners will be there when you go (whether you can get in Cascades or Lakes - they seem to hold these units for owners). Make your requests via the phone and on the Diamond Lane checkin on the website. I guess I've said it here before but we also liked the unit we had in the Falls area near the pool (right across the street). It was a bit smaller than the Fountains unit we had but it was very convenient to the pools, bar, mini-golf, activity center, etc. I would concentrate on the type of unit that you need (near a pool, top floor, waterview, etc) rather than have your heart set on a particular section. You can always ask to switch if you really hate your unit. We did this in March and were very lucky to be moved.

We have spent quite a bit time with our young child at this resort. We like to pool hop depending on the activities offered. (Depending on where you are you can walk to the pools or drive). My DS's favorite pool is the Falls pool. It has a small slide and it's much smaller - so therefore, not usually as crowded. Plus, the restrooms are right by the pool, making it easy for him to go - when he really needs to go! However, it is not zero entry - but does have large steps in two parts of the pool for little ones.

The Fountains , Lakes and Cascades pools have zero depth areas. Cascades and Lakes have the fountains in a shallow area of the pool (great for little ones). The Super Pool is near the Spas area. I don't believe it has a zero depth area - but I do believe it has large steps in the pool. You're never far from a bar at the Vistana - except maybe the Springs pool (don't remember a bar there). We like to pack a small collapsable cooler and tote our own beverages to the pool area.

We really like this resort - especially when we have time to just hang out there and enjoy the activities/pools.

 

[luvdisney14]

Cooler seems like a great idea.

 

[trez3]

FYI, when I stayed there last year I followed all the advice mentioned (asked for the newer sections on the phone and via Diamond check-in) and still ended up in an older unit. I don't know how you can be guaranteed to get a nicer renovated unit at Vistana (and the older ones are so-so).

Anyone have any sure-fire ways to get a nicer unit at Vistana?

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

Last September.....................I pre-registered with Diamond Lane. We were due to check in on a Saturday. Got an email that Cascades, Lakes, Fountains were not available. When we checked in, we were given Lakes, first floor overlooking a fountain and we could see the Fountains section pool. It was awesome.

I'm thinking this all happened because it was off season, I don't know.

My map says:

Red= Friday check in
Blue= Saturday check in
Green= Sunday check in

 

[MiaSRN62]

The Fountains , Lakes and Cascades pools have zero depth areas.

Maybe I'm having a mental block, but I'm not 100% sure the Fountains pool is zero depth ? I've been an owner since '94 so you'd think I'd know for sure (and I own in the Fountains !), but I'm seeing steps going down into the pool ? Is this the pool with the waterfall you're referring to ? I def can say Lakes and Cascades are indeed zero depth.

ttfn3 says : IMHO it depends how many owners will be there when you go (whether you can get in Cascades or Lakes - they seem to hold these units for owners). Make your requests via the phone and on the Diamond Lane checkin on the website.

I'd have to agree. Owners do get preference (and rightfully so). It's a luck of the coin toss as far as where guests and exchangers are placed. I feel guests tend to get better accomodations---and even more so if you agree to do a tour. I think Vistana wants to dazzle you into buying. This happened when we stayed there for the first time in '94. We got the brand new Lakes. Exchangers seems to get the older sections more. I say make your requests known at time of reservation and also on Diamond Lane form and arrive early for check-in. That's my best suggestions as echoed by others here.

barefootmom asks : where is the super pool? do either pools have pool bars?

The super pool which stays open until 1 am is over by Zimmies restaurant and the Spas. By pool bar are you asking if you can swim up to a bar ? None like that, but there are pool bars very close to the pools at : super pool (Spas area), Cascades pool and the Flamingo Cafe/Fountains pool (has a small bar area connected to the restaurant which open out to a terrace by the pool). This Fountains area bar can also be accessed by those swimming in the Lakes pool---it's just a little farther because the actual entrance to the bar is on the Fountains pool side if this makes sense.

 

[barefootMom]

Thanks for all the good info. Does anyone know what happens if we change our reservation to 8 night instead of 7? Since it would be Sat. to Sunday insteat of Sat to Sat., would they not give us a newer unit because they would want that available for the next sat. check in people? I guess I should call and ask them that today. Also, with two young kids (strollers, etc.) and older mother-in-law I assume I should ask for either first floor or top floor with elevator access. Which floor is better to be on? If on first floor is the patio still screened in or is it open access for kids to run off?

 

[pamlet]

Now THIS is a silly question....

Is "Super Pool" just a name - what makes it "Super"?.. laugh. I ask because I've seen it on the maps, etc...

 

[MiaSRN62]

Does anyone know what happens if we change our reservation to 8 night instead of 7? Since it would be Sat. to Sunday insteat of Sat to Sat., would they not give us a newer unit because they would want that available for the next sat. check in people? I guess I should call and ask them that today. Also, with two young kids (strollers, etc.) and older mother-in-law I assume I should ask for either first floor or top floor with elevator access. Which floor is better to be on? If on first floor is the patio still screened in or is it open access for kids to run off?

Adding on another night could mean you might have to move. This happened to us in '99 and we're owners ! We own in the Fountains and had a villa in the Fountains II section for 7 night. For the 8th and final night they made us move to the Spas. It was our deciding moment to become DVC Members. We saw a trend where we were adding nights on to our 7 night week consistantly, but we figured if Vistana was going to treat us that way (we felt downgraded to the Spas from the Fountains II) then we would spend our extra nights elsewhere.
With you elderly mil and the young kids, yes.....I'd request ground floor or elevator building. And yes, the ground floor patios are screened.

Is "Super Pool" just a name - what makes it "Super"?.. laugh.

It's called a Super pool because it's one of central FL's largest swimming pools. That's the only reason I can think of that they call it this. Hope that helps

 

[cmcvean]

I keep getting confused!! Maybe someone can help me. We are checking in on Friday (which I'm guessing are either Palms or Spas??)... We won this 2BR on SkyAuction.

The only thing I'm really concerned about is the nice new tubs they have in the master bedrooms........ Man, would that be nice after a day at the parks... I'm just wondering if the sections that are available on Fridays have those. Or if anyone knows, which sections DO have them?????

Thanks for any help!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Maybe someone can help me. We are checking in on Friday (which I'm guessing are either Palms or Spas??)... We won this 2BR on SkyAuction.

Friday check-in can get you the following sections : Spas, Palms, Springs, Fountains, Lakes or Cascades.

the nice new tubs they have in the master bedrooms........
I'm just wondering if the sections that are available on Fridays have those. Or if anyone knows, which sections DO have them?????

Some sections have the jacuzzi in the master bedroom (Fountains II, Lakes, Cascades). The others have a whirlpool tub in the master bathroom (Spas, Palms, Fountains).
Either way, you'll have a jacuzzi tub----just depends on whether it's in the bathroom or the bedroom. I, personally, prefer it in the bedroom.
Hope this helps

 

[JeanneBab]

This is our first time to Vistana. Don't know which section. We were booked for 4 nights and yesterday changed it to 5.

Could someone please tell me what to expect as far as supplies. I assume linens are provided--sheets, towels, kitchen towels. What about cleaning supplies like dishwasher soap, dish liquid, bath soap, etc.? Anthing else we should know?

Thanks for any help!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Friday check-in could get you Spas, Palms, Springs, Fountains, Lakes or Cascades. You're not staying a full week so perhaps anything goes in your case.
In addition to this kitchen inventory : http://www.starwoodvo.com/vih?resortID=5&villaID=13 you'll get sheets, towels, dish soap, bath soap. You don't get a kitchen towel last time I was there (2003) but rather a couple of handi wipe cloths. Are you staying as a regular rental guest or guest of an owner ? This will dictate how often you get housekeeping. Since you're staying 5 nights only you may not get housekeeping service if you are on an "owner basis" (ie owner, guest of owner or renting from an owner). But you can always push the housekeeping button on your villa phone if you need to be replenished of toilet paper, soap, dishwasher soap etc. You'll have the washer and dryer so you can clean the towels---just remember to pack laudry detergent and dryer sheets.
Hope this helps

 

[JeanneBab]

I don't know where you found that pdf file...I searched all over the Vistana website for it. But thank you very much! It looks like we don't have to pack the kitchen sink, so to speak.

The list says "ironing board", so I'll assume there will be an iron. Housekeeping is no problem. Like you said, we'll have the washer/dryer for linens.

And now...off to pack! Woo hoooo!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Hi Jeanne,
The pdf file was on the main Starwood/Vistana site under "villa amenities". It was in the bottom right corner of the page.
Yep....there is an iron. You'll find it and the board in a vertical cabinet in the kitchen.
Happy packing ! Have a great time

 

[hellorobbo]

I believe that I read somewhere that if Skyauction lists a 2 bedroom that sleeps 6 this means it is a unit in Courts - can anyone confirm that this is true?

 

[VinnyNYC]

I just exchanged into the Vistana Resort for Aug 11, 2006 on a Friday check in. RCI confirmed I was getting a 2 bedroom, 8 people. Which section would this fall into??? I know they have sections 2 bed that sleeps 6??? How long in advance should I use Diamond check in??? Any suggestions would be great??? I stayed here 6 years ago, but my in-laws did all the planning.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Could be anything Vinny, from the Palms, Spas, Fountains, Lakes or Cascades. The "sleeps 6" would be the Falls and possibly some of the Courts.
This may address hellorobbo's post as well. I'm not familiar with skyauction, but the "sleeps 6" tend to be the Fall and Courts.