Can you convince my wife that Vistana Villages is better than HIFS?

[sandyneck]

well, if those two last posts don't convince your wife nothing will!!

 

[jdm]

I noticed in your above post that you said your wife wanted the indoor halls, and to be within walking distance to different things. If you mean in the area around the hotel, there is nothing within walking distance (that I remember?). Also, there is no indoor halls as far as I know. We were there 2 years ago when it first opened. It's elevators and outdoor walkways and stairways. (Similiar to condo villages). There is some fast food choices (Pizza Hut, I think and A&W) and then their buffet style restaurant. I truly wish you luck in changing her mind... we really did not care for the accomodations in this hotel and it made for a looooong week.
Jenn

 

[jasper577]

There is nothing better than having the opportunity on these boards to plan, discuss, and help others with their vacation plans. In fact, when I was younger, I though I wanted to be a travel agent (I ended up being an environmental consultant - go figure). I even had a part time job in college working for People Express Airlines (remember them?).

Well anyway, I have been trying to tell her that the food reviews for HIFS are almost all on the fair to poor end of the spectrum, and the pool looks nicer at VV. Also, I will go out and get her anything she wants to eat from nearby restaurants whenever she wants it. I remember returning to Wilderness Lodge in December 2000 (our first and only prior trip to WDW) and carrying sleeping kids back into the smallish room after a day in the parks. It would have been nice then to have a 2BR villa with a jacuzzi, CD player, etc., etc.

Maybe if I vow to cook b-fast in the room each morning at VV that would help. I can make b-fast in the "large" kitchen and set out a private breakfast buffet on the "large" dining table in the "large" villa and she can eat it on the balcony looking over the beautiful grounds at VV with her decaff tea.

Sandyneck, thanks for your other post in another thread about Vistana Resorts, though I have heard a few negative posts about the older rooms there.

If anyone can describe exactly what food (and groceries) are available at VV, and how close (and what type) are the nearest restaurants that might help. Do they sell any hot breakfast items at VV? Is there a game room?

I might have to keep this post going, with your help, for a little while longer.

Bring it on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jasper577]

One thing I forgot to say was that she thinks the atmosphere at VV will be boring compared to HIFS. Is that really so? Aside from the obvious difference in accomodations putting VV way on the plus side, how would you compare the other amenities, keeping both kids and adults in mind.

I know our plans are to be at the parks at rope drop every morning so we won't really be spending more than perhaps one afternoon and a few early evenings back at whichever place we stay at. That's why I think the nicer rooms are a no brainer.

 

[KATY BRYAN]

WE HAVE JUST RETURNED FROM FLORIDA(DECEMEBER 8TH THRU THE 18TH). WE CHECKED INTO THE HOLIDAY INN FAMILY SUITES, STAYED ONE NIGHT AND CHECKED OUT. WE HAD THE RAINFOREST THEMED ROOM. THE ROOM WAS PAINTED A VERY DARK COLOR, AND WAS NOT AT ALL WHAT WE HAD EXPECTED. THE CHEAP CURTAIN THAT SERVED AS THE DOOR TO THE KIDS ROOM WAS FILTHY, AND THE HOOKS WERE OFF ALL BUT THREE RINGS. THE PICTURES WERE VERY MISLEADING. WE HAD DINNER THE NIGHT WE CHECKED IN, HOWEVER THE FOOD WAS NOT OF GOOD QUALITY, AND THE SERVICE WAS BAD. THE BINGO WOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT IDEA, ALONG WITH THE FACE PAINTING IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN LESS 17 TO 19 YEAR OLDS THAT WERE OUT OF CONTROL, PUSHING THE YOUNGER CHILDREN OUT OF LINE, ETC. OUR FIRST DAUGHTER IS 7 YEARS OLD AND ASK TO GO BACK TO THE ROOM. WE ATE THE BREAKFAST IN THE MORNING AND THOUGHT THE FOOD WAS COLD AND TASTELESS, AS WELL AS THE WHOLE DINING ROOM BEING VERY DIRTY. WE TOOK OUR CHILDREN TO THE POOL AND SAW, CRACKERS, COOKIES AS WELL AS A SODA CAN FLOATING, YES FLOATING, IN THE WATER. I SAID SOMETHING TO A MAN AT THE RAFT RENTAL STAND AND HE SAID THAT THEY CLEAN THE POOL AT NIGHT, BECAUSE IT IS TO HARD TO KEEP UP WITH THE MESS THE KIDS MAKE ALL DAY. MY HUSBAND, WHO IS NOT VERY HARD TO PLEASE, AND I WILL NEVER STAY AT THE OVERRATED HOTEL AGAIN. IN OUR OPINION, IT IS NOTHING BUT A CHEAP, NEGLECTED MOTEL, WITH A FANCY HOTEL LOBBY.

 

[jasper577]

Katy, first of all, sorry about your bad experience at HIFS. We all put a lot of hard-earned money and energy into planning a great time for our families and obviously some hotels don't seem to realize that. On the other hand, posts like this can only help my cause.

I already have the feeling that the pictures of HIFS are misleading and have been told on these boards that the beautiful pictures of VV are the real deal. By the way Katy, after you checked out of HIFS, where did you go?

 

[sandyneck]

OK Jasper, here is more info since you asked. You can get hot items for breakfast at the deli at VV, nothing fancy, bagels, pastries, and I think they did have cereal and hot breakfast sandwiches. There is a game room but it is very small and not really worth mentioning. During the day, there are lots of activities listed for kids and families. We were never there for any of them but I heard people who were had fun. I am getting scared for you hearing these other posts about HIFS. As far as going out for food, VV is on the quiet end of International Drive, if you take IDrive up a ways there are all the restaurants you could want. I can't imagine staying at the HIFS after the posts I have seen here. Are you letting her see the posts? Also, you are correct about the Vistana Resorts older rooms. Keep us posted!! On another note, how long do you think your 5 year old will stay up anyway? Ours were zonked out by 8pm and they are known to be quite the night owls at home.

 

[tsapen]

Like I had posted earlier---we loved the activities department at VV! They had just the right amount of things that you could take or leave! Having four children, 2 liked to participate, the other two were busy swimming under the fountains of pool. One of my daughters actually won an inexpensive radio playing bingo at VV--she was thrilled! Also, parking at VV was a piece of cake---plenty of parking--right outside of our villa. We hardly had any distance whatsoever to carry our stuff---plus carrying the sleeping children was a lot easier! The children loved the "bacuzzi" (instead of jacuzzi) for their baths---and we enjoyed it after they were fast asleep! Speaking of the hotel lobby---VV has a gorgeous lobby! Also, they have a girl stationed with maps, tickets, info---anything you need---in the corner of the lobby. Very convienent! We went grocery shopping at a little plaza approx. 1 1/2 miles from VV---very easy to get to--and we were there over July 4th----and traffic and crowds were minimal at VV. We had the best time, and cannot wait to go back again! Also, our dishwasher was making a funny noise---the very professional "mr. fix-it" from VV was there and had it working correctly in less than 1/2 hour from reporting it. The grounds of VV are beautiful as well---we have the best pictures in front of the waterfalls and fountains. In fact, we viewed the space shuttle launch from the one bridge---it was kind of far away---but still visible and unforgetable! Sorry long---but we spent 10 days at VV without any complaints!

 

[jasper577]

You did it!!!!!!

She just read all of your detailed posts on this topic and finally said to go with VV. What won her over? Well first of all, having a good ten minutes of provacative reading material on the topic was a nice start. I mean where would you ever find a travel book that would have the kind of information you all provided? Second, after reading some of the "cleanliness" reports about HIFS, or lack of cleanliness, she got a little germophobic. And finally, the kicker was that I said I would prepare breakfast in the room at VV for her and the kids. That part of the deal I'll have to live up to.

So, now that we have seen the light, all I need to do is call hotelkingdom.com tomorrow a.m. and cancel my ressie with HIFS.

Of course now I have a different question . . . .

What is the best type of view to request at VV, realizing that it's just a request and that our family is a bunch of nature lovers. When we stayed at Wilderness Lodge, we requested a pond view where the otters were reported, but were given a courtyard view. We did switch to the pond view later in our stay and the last morning we saw the OTTERS!!!

So is there a nice lake view at VV? Is the pool view nicer? Is the only waterfall right by the pool or are there others? Are there bad views? Love to hear your experiences with the views and thanks for all your help. Gary

 

[CDisney]

Congratulations!

Be sure to do a trip report when you get back! Also, when shopping for your breakfast items, make sure you skip the Goodings Market at the Crossroads. It's highway robbery there!

 

[Gillian]

Cool! You've also all convinced me to try VV. Now I just have to convince my family that it's time for another Disney trip, LOL! I think the units are too big for a solo trip.

 

[sandyneck]

YAHOO!!! Congratulations!! Ok now on to other things, there are no bad views at the VV and they are all water views. We were in Building #5 overlooking a pond. The ducks had just had babies and they were right outside our room so that was kind of neat. The way the resort is set up you see the pool from every building it is just how close you are to it. We were at the far end of the buildings and it was nice not to be too close to the pool. Buildings 7 and 8 would be the closest to the waterfalls. I love the sound of running water, but I have talked to people who did not and they were not pleased with those buildings. Buildings 2 and 3 are right by the pool and playground and really in the middle of the action. They may have addded more buildings since I have gone. Make sure you let us know about your stay, we are going back in March and staying there again. We requested a top floor room and they did accomodate us but we had to wait until about 3pm to check in,but that is only because we were also trying to get a room next to my sister, we did not mind. There are elavators and the parking is right outside each building which is nice. I am so excited for you. Your wife will love it. Just an idea for your breakfast, I just made pancakes from the bottle where you just add water and pour out the batter. They were very good and very easy with minimal cleanup.
Don't worry, there is a dishwasher and if you forget to start it the maid does it for you. Our maid even made fancy designs with the paper towels. Don't forget to bring a small thing of laundry detergent if you plan on washing clothes. When are you going again?

 

[jasper577]

Sandy, you helped out soooooooooooo much. I made the reservation this morning for late April. For now, I requested a view across the lake from the pool, and near one of the bridges that crosses the lake. I guess something close to the view you see in the small picture on the hotelkingdom.com web site with the bridge in it.

By the way, to see a color aerial photo of VV, try this:

1. start at www.mapquest.com
2. type in the street address for VV (12401 International Drive, Orlando, FL)
3. it will actually plot the star on the wrong side of the road but that's ok
4. click on "big map" toward the upper right of the screen
5. then click on the aerial photograph tab near the top
6. you'll see VV, including the ponds and lake
7. you can click on the photo to center VV on your screen
8. then you can zoom in a little bit more by clicking on the zoom buttons

After you look at the aerial photo, maybe you can describe exactly which building you were in. I see that the parking is on one side of the buildings and the pool/lakes are on the other. Do all the villas have a view of the pool/lakes, or do half have a parking lot view.

Oh, I will definately post a trip report with details of our stay at VV. Maybe we will plan a side trip to visit the lobby at HIFS (smirk).

Happy New Year!!!!

 

[hercamore]

For all of you interested in the Vistana and Vistana Villages resorts,

you may want to know they offer the entertainment card discount of half off the rack rate. This may or maynot be less than the rate offered at hotelkingdom or other travel sites. It just depends on the time of year, I guess. Something to think about if you have the card. Call the hotel direct for rates.

Hercamore

 

[jtryan]

Congratulations Jasper!!

Your wife will love the VV as much as we all did. Just for a little more incentive, you might want to search the Trip Reports Board for a post by "Melynny" who gave a beautiful description of the Vistana Village units. I think your wife will be even more excited. Happy New Year to you also!

roxanne

 

[sandyneck]

Jasper, I am glad I helped out. The people on this board are so great and have helped me out many times I am glad I could do the same for someone else. That aerial map is very cool. We stayed in the bottom left building farthest from the pool. Looks like you will want building 7 or 8. The top three buildings on the right hand side were under contruction when we were there. The top one looks too close to the road for my liking. We will actually be going before you so I will let you know which building looks the best for your preferences. There are no parking lot views. They are all water. The side of the building that faces the parking lot are the exterior halls to get to your room and also where the stairs and elevators are located. Anymore questions feel free to ask. By the way, if you are staying 7 nights or more make sure you ask hotelkingdom for the 7th night free. They did not give it to me when I booked over the internet so I had to call them and they gave it to me right away.

 

[Lisa P.]

Coming in late to this thread but wanted to add something. When you save money by staying at a beautiful timeshare resort like VV, you're able to afford an extra character meal and/or nice upgrade(s) in the quality of the restaurant meals and/or a lot of convenience foods for your kitchen. Get some scrumptious bakery items, yummy snacks and special coffees/teas/beverages/mixers, ice cream for making blender shakes or a box of mickey dove bars. Have the kids' favorites handy too - microwavable mini-pizzas or mac-n-cheese.

Take advantage of the full size kitchen appliances, including refrigerator-freezer w/icemaker, dishwasher & microwave. Freeze juice boxes and/or water bottles. The jacuzzi is terrific and you'll have a balcony or patio besides the spacious living room for relaxing in the evenings. You will probably be surprised at how nice the place (2nd bath and quality furnishings) makes your vacation. You won't regret this choice a bit! Enjoy!

 

[jasper577]

Lisa, thanks for all the good ideas. They will definately come in handy. I have absolutely no doubt (and neither does my wife now) that VV will be beautiful. Since we are driving from New Jersey and will have a cooler of food/drinks for the trip down, it will be nice to have a full-size refrigerator/freezer when we get there.

Sandy, aren't the aerial photos neat. I was using them to look at WDW, it's easy to pick out Epcot, MGM and the other parks. I was also able to see where VV is in relation to HIFS. You said you were in the VV building at the bottom left of the photo, do you recall what the building number was? Do the building numbers increase as you go counter clockwise around the lake? After your trip in March, I would love to hear about your stay at VV and any helpful hints you might have such as driving shortcuts to WDW, best grocery store, good restaurants nearby, etc. And I will definately post my trip report when I get back in early May. Oh, by the way, we did get the seventh night free when I called hotelkingdom.com today, though I won't get my email confirmation until tomorrow. The 2BR villa is $129.90 for the first 4 nights, $109.90 for the next two nights, and the seventh night free. When I called VV directly, I was quoted $204 for each night (no free night) and they did not have an entertainment card rate. The people I spoke with on the phone at hotelkingdom.com and VV were all very nice.

Everyone in this thread was very informative and made my weekend enjoyable. Thanks.

 

[sandyneck]

Jasper, the building we stayed in is #5, as you go around the lake and start up the right side that is #6,7, etc. When we checked in they gave us great directions to get in the back way to MK. It was much less congested and only took us about 5-10 minutes to get to the TTC. You got a great rate, mine was a little higher since we were going in March but still excellent. I'll be praying for you as you drive from NJ. That is a long way, but the anticipation will make the hours fly by. Talk to you later.

 

[sandyneck]

Jasper, I hope you are still following this thread, I just checked my resv. from last year and we were in Building 3 not 5. Just wanted to let you know. I wanted to be in Building 5 but could not get it because of the fact I was trying to get near my sister. Didn't want to mix you up.Sorry.