These were the directions on the Vistana site that we followed:
From Orlando International Airport:
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Follow airport exit signs to "Orlando/Area Attractions."
Take airport exit road to 528 West (BeeLine Expressway).
Go towards Tampa for approximately 10 Miles.
Exit onto I-4 West (Tampa/Disney World).
Proceed on I-4 West to Exit 68 (27 old) (State Road 535 Lake Buena Vista/Kissimmee).
Turn left (south) onto State Road 535.
Sheraton Vistana Resort is one mile south on the right.
This was very easy, however, I have no idea about the other route - 417. When you state you want to go to a convenience store, what do you need? There is a wallgreens right next to the Vistana and a Publix about 5 - 6 min. away. When we checked in, the employee at the desk advised us not to use the "supermarket" across the street from the Vistana as they are very expensive. We did all of our shopping at the Publix. The general store on the Vistana grounds is not overly expensive. Prices were a little higher than publix but if you just need a few things before you arrive, you might want to try the wallgreens or the general store and then go to Publix after you get settled. Also, if you follow the above directions, there is a shopping plaza called crossroads on 535 just off I-4. Instead of making the left onto 535, make a right and you will find a lot of stores. I didn't realize this till our 2nd to last day. Coming from the Vistana, this is also an alternate way to get to WDW and a short cut to DownTown Disney. The entrance to WDW property would be on your left side if you were coming from the Vistana; it's about 1/2 mile on your left after you go under I-4. The most direct way to get to all the parks is making a right out of the Vistana onto 535 and making the next right, approx. 1/2 mile or so, onto 536 which will take you right into WDW. I just got back on the 9th of Oct., so if you have any other questions, let me know. BTW, where in Middlesex are you? My sister is in Old Bridge and I'm around the corner in Hazlet. Jim
http://www.starwoodvo.com/resorts/guests.jsp?resortID=5
The above is a link to the guest services page. Follow it down to grocery stores and click on the short cut where it says click here. This will bring you to a heading of items. Click on each list to view the items under each heading and the prices for each item.
Also, I had a Saturday check in. I requested cascades or lakes and they wrote back saying nothing was available. When we arrived, I was in Cascades. You never know. Out of the rest of the resort, I thought the fountains area was the next nicest.
