Has anyone stayed at the Fountains Resort on S. Int'l Drive?

[Victoria J]

Hello,
My DH, DS (who will be almost 3) and I will be staying off site for part of our trip in early December and are currently booked at the Sheraton Vistana Resort. I have not stayed off site as an adult and frankly, it scares me a little bit. At least with Disney properties I know what to expect. I came across a place called the Fountains that appears to have what we are looking for in terms of the "villa" scenario. Does anyone have recent info on this place? The Bluegreen Vacation Rentals site sure makes it look pretty good, but you know how that goes...... I have found plenty of info on the Vistana (Resort not Villages), both good and bad, and it really seems like a hit or miss in terms of what you get there. The only info I can find on the Fountains is somewhat dated. I really like the idea of an indoor pool in case of bad weather and the location seems pretty good. Any info or opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Melynny]

Hi Victoria, This place is very nice! We are Bluegreen owners and have stayed there several times and it compares to our other Disney Timeshares! They are decorated in blues and greens.. and have dragonflys as part of the decor. They are relatively new ( if you are renting, from bluegreen rentals, you will be in the newer sections) only about 3 years old at the oldest. They have an indoor/outdoor pool a nice snack bar/bar area and are situated on a very nice lake. If you do a search there are several other threads here on this subject, and also if you have any other questions just ask!

 

[luvdisney14]

If you are deciding between fountains and sheraton vistana, I would pick vistana. This year we stayed at the villages across the street from the fountains. We walked over to fountains, the pool was just ok. Also, the place looked empty. I thought it was sorta spooky because there was hardly no one around in august. Last year we stayed at vistana resort and loved it. We will be returning there in 2007.

 

[Victoria J]

Hi! Thanks for the responses. I have a few questions for both of you.
Melynny, Have you been there recently? Do you know the best area to request a room and if there is any construction still going on (and if so where)? I am new to this so maybe I am not searching correctly, but the threads I found for the Fountains were over a year old. Also, I had read that some of the rooms are quite far from the pool. That factor is not necessarily a deal breaker; I am just curious.
Luvdisney14, We are planning to stay at the Resort although it seems like I read a lot of reviews from people who were very unhappy with their accomodations (broken appliances, uncomfortable beds, mold issues). It's always hard to tell, because you never know what type of person is sending the review. Are the Villages better than the Resort? I do know that a clean room with working appliances and comfortable bed are important to me. I would definitely agree that the pool at Vistana looks way cooler but since DS is still pretty young anything with water will do as far as he is concerned.
Again, thanks for your input!

 

[Kay7979]

The pool at Vistana Villages is bigger and somewhat more impressive looking, but I don't know that it's especially nicer. The Fountains has a very nice pool. It is much better than "just OK" unless you are used to very elaborate pools with rock grottos and water slides. The indoor section of the pool is large and very attractive. Granted it was about 3 years ago when I stayed there, but the unit was well kept, and as far as quality of construction and furnishings, it was one of the nicest timeshare units we have stayed in and we have been doing three weeks of vacation for the last ten years, so you do the math. There will always be people who find things to compain about, but I have a hard time imagining anyone disliking this resort.

 

[Melynny]

I have stayed there within the last year ( my last stay there was last thanksgiving). All of the buildings at the Fountains are close to the main pool, within easy walking distance. They are beginning construction on a newer interactive pool, ( i'll have to check on the completion date) which will cut down on the walk from some of the newer villas. I have stayed at the Fountains and at Vistana Villages. BOTH of these resorts are nice. I do think however, the interior furnishings are more luxorious at Vistana Villages. BUT, I personally like the atmosphere at the Foutains. The interiors there are nicely done, but with a more contemporary flair. The Fountains has an indoor pool area, VV has not. THe grotto pool area at VV is beautiful, but the lakeside view at the Fountains can't be beat either. VV has more of a selection at their "Snack Bar" area, although I have never eaten at either. I do believe that the units at the Fountains would all be closer to the main activities than at VV.

 

[Big V]

Here are a few photo's of The Fountains:

 

[Victoria J]

Well, it sounds like I probably can't go wrong either way. I am really starting to lean toward the Fountains though. The main reason is that they will guarantee a non-smoking room and Vistana will not (DS has potential asthma/allergies). Also, I am a fan of the more contemporary style. I do have a few more questions (Sorry! My husband thinks I am crazy due to all the time I have spent planning this trip!). How is the check-in process? Do they have any kiddie/toddler type pools? I found a great rate through Bluegreen's site. It is called the "promotional rate". Does anyone know if I will be required to do a timeshare tour? I just really don't think that will work with DS in tow!!!! If anyone has any thoughts, I would appreciate it. Thanks again for all the wonderful input!

 

[Big V]

Yes, they have a kiddie pool and I would say you would have to take the "tour" with the promotional rate.

 

[Melynny]

Victoria, The pics posted are of The older units, If you are renting, you will be getting a newer, and more contemporary unit. You can't go wrong either way though. I have stayed in both older and newer units at the Fountains and I LOVE them both, they both have little things that make each style special. I don't think you will be dissapointed. They have a kiddie pool with small fountains in it, If you are renting from "Bluegreenrentals.com" I do not think you will have to do a timeshare tour, but they may be persistant asking you to, when you check in. Blue green rentals are weeks that owners turn in to rent out to get cash for (mostly to pay their maintenace fees with). Checkin is quick, and easy, you go to a desk, plunk down your confirmation, with your card and you are then sometimes given your car pass or sent to another desk where they try to get you do to a tour.

 

[luvdisney14]

If you trade into fountains, where do they put you? Also when will the pool be completed?

 

[Melynny]

When you are trading with RCI, there are 2 different resorts, One is "The Fountains" "7605 , The other is "Oasis Lakes at the Fountains" #4852. Oasis Lake is the older but remodeled section, most of those are closer to check in and closer to the lake and pool area. The older ones have 3 bedrooms available also. The newer section " The Fountains" will a new interactive pool area sometime this year. Both of these are still nice I'll stay in either, whatever is available, they are comparable.

 

[riu girl]

Does anyone know if:
1) the new interactive pool will have a water slide
2) if the current indoor/outdoor pool is heated during the winter months?

Thank you

 

[KLAIT]

Jumping in late here, but can anyone tell me where this is located, how far from Disney and which route you would take to get to Disney?

 

[Victoria J]

The Fountains is located at 12400 International Drive South, Orlando, FL 32821. Phone is 800-456-0009 (I think). According to others, it is 10 or so minutes from Disney property. I have not been there so I can't say the best route or actual time to Disney. I have heard it is across from the Sheraton Vistana Villages if that helps at all. You may want to check the bluegreenrentals site. I think they have a map and directions. Seems like a cool place. I sure hope the pool is heated (per Rui Girl's question)!!! Happy Trails (or insert some equally friendly ending statement that seems less dorky)!

 

[Big V]

I know when we were there last January the pool was very warm!

 

[Xfile]

Hi folks, I haven't been on here for a long time.
Yes I would recommend The Fountains as a Bluegreen owner and it certainly was nice and warm last January. The indoor pool is great when the weather is cool in the cooler weeks.
Bill