Doubletree or Sheraton Vistana Resort?

[Carolina Beth]

We are going to Disney next year- first time as a family (4 of us). I like the idea of staying on property, but have decided to stay offsite so we can have more space. A separate bedroom I think is the only way to go for us. I have narrowed my choices down to two. Doubletree sounds good for its spacious, clean rooms, and shuttles every 1/2 hour. (We'll have a car but would like to take a shuttle occassionally). Mousesavers sometimes has offers for free breakfast here. I already know about the excessive parking charge- ok with that as long as I get in on a good deal. Sheraton Vistana Resort sounds like a fantastic place, too- having 2 bedrooms and a full kitchen seems nice. I just can't decide. Is there a big difference distance-wise to the parks? Are the resort shuttles any good? Looking for advice from those who have stayed at one or both of these places, or who know the area.

 

[kathy884]

The Vistana is a personal favorite of mine, but I've never used the shuttles and shuttles would definitely not come close to Downtown Disney shuttles. The Vistana is about a mile and a 1/2 from the Doubletree (Downtown Disney area) -- not big deal if you are driving. I love having a kitchen, big common area, a washer and dryer, and lovely patio or deck overlooking a little lake (they have nice landscaping and have almost all units set up with a pretty nice view in the outside area). They have nice pools, tennis courts, etc. Also, you might to save some $s want to look at doing a timeshare owner rental vs. retail. I often rent these condos for a week from people I contact on TUG2.net classified ads section or Redweek.com. Note: You don't get daily maid service with this -- just a midweek towel exchange. If you are new to staying at a condo or timeshare also just say no to the resort tour/timeshare presentation when they ask if you would like to attend.

If you care about a shuttle more than these other things and don't want to drive or would prefer a hotel to a condo, the Doubletree would be the way to go.

 

[Mr & Mrs DD]

We stayed at the Doubletree by DTD and we were satisfied with our stay there. We didn't have any problems waiting on the buses to come around. The staff was very friendly to us. I am not familiar with the other Hotel. I would guess that there would not be a big difference in distance to the parks. Perhaps someone else can give you more info on the other hotel you mentioned.

 

[Carolina Beth]

The Vistana is a personal favorite of mine, but I've never used the shuttles and shuttles would definitely not come close to Downtown Disney shuttles. The Vistana is about a mile and a 1/2 from the Doubletree (Downtown Disney area) -- not big deal if you are driving. I love having a kitchen, big common area, a washer and dryer, and lovely patio or deck overlooking a little lake (they have nice landscaping and have almost all units set up with a pretty nice view in the outside area). They have nice pools, tennis courts, etc. Also, you might to save some $s want to look at doing a timeshare owner rental vs. retail. I often rent these condos for a week from people I contact on TUG2.net classified ads section or Redweek.com. Note: You don't get daily maid service with this -- just a midweek towel exchange. If you are new to staying at a condo or timeshare also just say no to the resort tour/timeshare presentation when they ask if you would like to attend.

If you care about a shuttle more than these other things and don't want to drive or would prefer a hotel to a condo, the Doubletree would be the way to go.

Is it easy enough to get to and from the Vistana for mid-day breaks?
Thanks for the info on the owner rental. We typically don't bother with maid service anyway, even in a hotel, so that wouldn't bother us!

 

[HopperFan]

Stayed at both. Last stay at DTS was in September and just stayed at SVR in May. They are completely different since one is a hotel and one is a condo resort.

DTS just finished a renovation of their suites last year and they did a beautiful job. I love their suites are side by side rooms so both have huge walls of windows. Only downside is those sleeping on sofabed have to go through the bedroom to get to the bathroom. The living area is spacious with a table in chairs, mini fridge and microwave. The breakfast if you get free is nice, cold foods - not as varied as it used to be but still good - for free. I would not pay for it. My issue is that it is held in their restaurant so you are seated by hostess and a server brings your drinks etc. If hotel is busy the wait to get in can be long and by end of our trip we skipped it. Better off eating cold foods in the room. Location is great but if driving to parks (which we did because I park for free) we turned right and went to 535 then got on I-4 to head to parks. We even went that way to drive to DTD due to the bad traffic on Hotel Plaza Blvd on weekends and evenings and came back in other side by Typhoon Lagoon. They do have parking fee but at least no resort fee like some others. Pool area is not large but nice and good place to cool off.

SVR is just down 535 from Hotel Plaza Blvd but the fastest way to parks is go to World Center Drive which is just past SVR. You can leave condo and be at park parking lots in 10 minutes if lights work for you. We had a two bedroom in Fountains and the interior was new and beautifully decorated. HUGE condo, way bigger than our 2 bedroom at Wyndham Bonnet Creek. Master bedroom and dressing area was bigger than some hotel rooms. Love the extra bathroom, the extra real beds, full kitchen and laundry. It included a screened porch but we were on first floor next to a stairway and feet from a path so there were people right there looking at you. Lots of pools but other than your "village" pool others were too far away to walk. We will surely return, great prices, great interiors and great location. Their brochure they gave us of activities were unbelievable and lots to do if you hang around and do that stuff. When in Orlando we are on the go and just looking for home base to chill. We drive to parks, I'm not sure where or what the shuttles look like we only saw small van type shuttles. With money saved for more space, I'd gladly pay the $17 for Disney parking lots.

 

[Carolina Beth]

Hmm, it seems like I'd really like the space at SVR. And the drive doesn't sound too bad. Thanks for the responses!

 

[bankr63]

If you are thinking seriously about SVR, we have a thread going here http://www.disboards.com/threads/the-sheraton-vistana-resort-thread.3148502/ with lots of great information and pictures about the resort. Grab a coffee, stop by and join us...

 

[Carolina Beth]

If you are thinking seriously about SVR, we have a thread going here http://www.disboards.com/threads/the-sheraton-vistana-resort-thread.3148502/ with lots of great information and pictures about the resort. Grab a coffee, stop by and join us...

Wow, this is fantastic. A wealth of information- thank you!