Got Mystic Dunes through Hotwire...

[mckennarose]

Hope you don't mind me jumping in here...
We stayed at Mystic Dunes through timeshare exchange last October and we enjoyed it. We had a one bedroom, newly renovated unit with a full kitchen, washer dryer, and a pull out in the living room.

We went to Disney again last week, and when I called Mystic Dunes before we booked, I asked about a renovated room again, but was told they could not guarantee it. We decided to stay at Marriott Sabal Palms instead because I didn't want to risk getting an older unit. We REALLY LOVED the Marriott and will definitely stay there again.

Mystic Dunes is great for the price if you can get a renovated unit. As a previous poster noted, they push the time share presentation spiel hard.

 

[dashofsunshine]

Hope you don't mind me jumping in here...
We stayed at Mystic Dunes through timeshare exchange last October and we enjoyed it. We had a one bedroom, newly renovated unit with a full kitchen, washer dryer, and a pull out in the living room.

We went to Disney again last week, and when I called Mystic Dunes before we booked, I asked about a renovated room again, but was told they could not guarantee it. We decided to stay at Marriott Sabal Palms instead because I didn't want to risk getting an older unit. We REALLY LOVED the Marriott and will definitely stay there again.

Mystic Dunes is great for the price if you can get a renovated unit. As a previous poster noted, they push the time share presentation spiel hard.

They "cannot guarantee" it until you are on property. We called ahead of time and she said that they couldn't make any promises until we were checking in; however, she did make a note on our reservation. When we arrived, I asked for a refurbished room and got the classic hotel "I will have to check and see if we have one available" answer. They have been renovating for over a year now, and there are like 31 buildings on property. It is enormous. Unless it is the middle of summer and they are booked solid, your chances of getting a renovated room should be pretty good. They are trained to give you the "let me see if one is available for you..." spiel because they want you to feel like they are going above and beyond and really sacrificing for giving you an updated room. Our room was renovated and for $60ish/night on Hotwire, WELL worth it.

Also, just skip the timeshare desk altogether. We didn't even go near it, haha. We used express check out as well. It was glorious! Good luck everyone!

 

[spiceycat]

I asked about a renovated room again, but was told they could not guarantee it. We decided to stay at Marriott Sabal Palms instead because I didn't want to risk getting an older unit.

Mystic Dunes is great for the price if you can get a renovated unit. As a previous poster noted, they push the time share presentation spiel hard.

that is probably why Mystic Dunes is almost listed as much as Festavia in the RCI last minute deals

 

[happily single]

Thank you for the tips! We don't check in for another 16 days and am glad to hear you are enjoying the room!

Have a wonderful vacation!!!

We are finally home!! So while I enjoyed Mystic Dunes it is very unlikely we will return simply because it seemed so far away from everything.

As stated above, I requested a renovated room and was given a renovated room in building 19, 4th floor. It was a one bedroom with a full size fridge/freezer. Cannot remember the stove, but the unit had a nice blender, coffee maker and microwave. The entire unit was spotless and well appointed. My only disappoitment was that while we had a balcony door which opened there was no balcony to sit on.

At check-in I was directed to the other desk "to receive my free gift". From reading reviews I knew it was a timeshare presentation so I just walked by. The attendants at the desk were not pushy, but seemed disappointed I did not stop. On our departure day I received a call in the unit reminding me to stop by for my free gift. I went to the front desk to check out (and to be sure they removed the $100 hold on my credit card) and was again directed to the timeshare desk. I stopped by the desk and was given a blue draw string bag. The lady asked if I was interested in their return deal, which was a 4 nice stay for $99. I politely said no and she wished me a nice day and out the door we went.

 

[Arich01]

Thank you for your review- it's nice to know a bit ahead of time what to expect About how far was your drive to the parks?

 

[dashofsunshine]

Thank you for your review- it's nice to know a bit ahead of time what to expect About how far was your drive to the parks?

Most of the parks were 7-10 minutes away for us (using google maps, with no traffic). I think Epcot was more like 13 minutes. We didn't think it was far from the parks at all. But we never stay on property, so maybe 13 minutes is far for some people?

 

[Arich01]

Most of the parks were 7-10 minutes away for us (using google maps, with no traffic). I think Epcot was more like 13 minutes. We didn't think it was far from the parks at all. But we never stay on property, so maybe 13 minutes is far for some people?

That's not bad at all! We live in FL and are AP so we stay both on and off... just depends on the costs. I think the drive is really short compared to having to wait on a bus

 

[dashofsunshine]

That's not bad at all! We live in FL and are AP so we stay both on and off... just depends on the costs. I think the drive is really short compared to having to wait on a bus

Yeah, I didn't think it was bad in the slightest! I guess maybe he was referring to it being further away from like...grocery stores? The nearest grocery store/target is like 20 minutes or something like that away, maybe 25. But I mean Mystic Dunes is literally right off of Irlo Bronson, and there's restaurants and gas stations and what not right there. We thought it was super convenient!

 

[mckennarose]

Most of the parks were 7-10 minutes away for us (using google maps, with no traffic). I think Epcot was more like 13 minutes. We didn't think it was far from the parks at all. But we never stay on property, so maybe 13 minutes is far for some people?

We didn't think it was too long to drive into the parks either and didn't have any traffic issues in Sept/Oct. Well....except for Downtown Disney!

 

[Judique]

Yeah, I didn't think it was bad in the slightest! I guess maybe he was referring to it being further away from like...grocery stores? The nearest grocery store/target is like 20 minutes or something like that away, maybe 25. But I mean Mystic Dunes is literally right off of Irlo Bronson, and there's restaurants and gas stations and what not right there. We thought it was super convenient!

There is a nice Publix if you turn right on Old Lake Wilson Rd (from Mystic Dunes), go under Interstate 4 and cross 532. It is in a small shopping center on the right. Can't be more than 10 minutes unless you go between 4pm and 6pm and then all the Disney workers are trying to get home on this road. There is a nice CVS on your left as you approach 532. Reunion Resort is on both sides of Old Lake Wilson after you go under I-4. Seasonally, to the left on 532 (you can see it from Old Lake Wilson) there is a fruit and veggie stand that has excellent produce for cheap prices. He's not there every day, but if you need peppers, melon, oranges, whatever - he is excellent. 532 takes you down towards Championsgate and the exit to I-4 as well.

 

[happily single]

Wow. I didnt realize how close things were! We relied on my dd's iphone and Siri who apparently took us "the long way" to everthing. She had us turning left out of MD and using the toll road! That must be why everything seemed somfar away

 

[dashofsunshine]

Wow. I didnt realize how close things were! We relied on my dd's iphone and Siri who apparently took us "the long way" to everthing. She had us turning left out of MD and using the toll road! That must be why everything seemed somfar away

Ugh, that sucks!!! I always knew Siri is really out to get us all... Lol!