Help With Sheraton Vistana Resort

[DISNUT21]

I was thinking about planning a trip to the Vistana for March of this year. I am wondering if it is a good choice or should I really consider staying at a different resort or onsite. I've heard various comments about the resort from friends about the resort not heating pools when it is cool out, that the rooms are drab, also that you need a rental car to get around and on a side note that the weather isn't good in march. If you guys have any good reviews or comments about the hotel which could help me that'd be great! thanks alot!

 

[Taratink]

I have stayed at the Vistana resort and the vistana villages. we had a great time at both. I belive that you do need a car when you stay offsite. We even rent a car when we stay onsite. We stayed in a new section at the Vistana resort and we loved it. The place was huge and there were many activies and great pools to enjoy. My favorite is the vistana villages. It is closer to Seaworld and Universal. It is much smaller and quieter. I would stay at either again. The only problem with the Vistana Resort is that there are some nice new units and there are some older units that are not as nice. I have heard that they have updated most of the units but been there since then.
Tara

 

[MiaSRN62]

I've been to Vistana in Nov and Dec and the pools were so warm it was like being in a bath. Now this was a few years ago....not sure if they cut back on heating or not. But when I was there, the pools were so warm that steam was coming off the water as it hit the cool air.

Perhaps the oldest units could be described as a little drab/outdated. Would you be exchanging or renting (cash) ? If you rent, you can request to be in a newer section. The Cascades are quite bright and modern. The next newest, the Lakes are just finishing up a major rehab and the Fountains I should be done by the end of the summer as well with the Fountains II to follow as well as the Springs. The latter two won't be complete until early to mid 2009 though.

As for the time of year....March can be iffy. In-laws went many years ago (maybe 1998 ?) and it was cool and rainy. We went the end of March 1999 and it was 72-80 all week. By the weekend we were leaving (now April 2 or so), it was 90 during the day. I've been during the month of February 3x now. Only one visit was cool. The other two Feb's were warm (low 80's during the day). It was downright hot during the days this past Feb while we were there right after Pres Week.

Yes, the Vistana resort is large. I highly recommend a car to get around though most sections will be close to a pool and most are within walking distance to one of the onsite restaurants. They do have room service too.

So if you are a cash customer, request the Lakes or Cascades.

 

[shamrock30]

We stayed at the Vistana Resort about 14 months ago, and wouldn't do so again. We were renters, and we joined Diamond Lane in advance. It was a less busy time of year, but we were still put in an older unit. They initially tried to put us in an even older section, so I guess we should be grateful it wasn't even worse.

I might try the Villages, as the reviews seem more consistently, but I wouldn't risk the Vistana Resort again.

 

[MiaSRN62]

shamrock,
May I ask what time of year you went and what section you were in ?
Thanks.......

 

[iluvflorida]

Vistana Resort is my absolute favorite resort. We always go the last two weeks in Feb to third week of March. The pools are warm. Lots of activities for kids and adults. Mature grounds with lots of landscape, fountains, steams ducks, birds, fish etc. You will not regret staying here. Even the so called older units (now mostly refurbished) beat the overpriced motel rooms of disney hands down in my opinion for the sake of room and full kitchen if nothing else especially if you have kids with you.

 

[MRussell]

We just stayed there in December, 2007 through an RCI exchange and loved it. We were in the newer section, Cascades and it was beautiful. The resort is huge and has many activities for the whole family.

 

[DISNUT21]

Thank you guys so much. I have not decided yet what I am going to do because a travel agent friend of mine told me to wait for the Disney florida resident rates to come out so thats my only concern. But I would be renting if I were to stay there so requesting those two areas would make sense. Thanks alot for all your help... now its a matter of asking the rest of the gang if they want to do Disney. Thanks again!

 

[BrerRabbit_fan]

We just came back from there. We were in the fountains section and our villa was great. We didn't use the pools. I wouldn't stay there without a car.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

shamrock,
May I ask what time of year you went and what section you were in ?
Thanks.......

Mia,

How are you? Have not seen you on line for a while but then again I have not been here all that much either.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Hi Bella ~
I've been off for a bit due to various illnesses I just keep getting (Flu, GI bug etc). I'm good though. Hope u are the same.

I've scheduled my next Vistana stay for Aug 3-10.....then 3 nights in the Animal Kingdom Villas....then 5 days at Disney's Vero Beach. So looking forward to that.

Any future trips for you at Vistana or other place ?

 

[calgarygary]

We stayed at the Vistana Resort about 14 months ago, and wouldn't do so again. We were renters, and we joined Diamond Lane in advance. It was a less busy time of year, but we were still put in an older unit. They initially tried to put us in an even older section, so I guess we should be grateful it wasn't even worse.

I might try the Villages, as the reviews seem more consistently, but I wouldn't risk the Vistana Resort again.

Diamond Lane has nothing to do with which part of the resort you will get. Owners will always receive priority over renters. Many people on the boards have been suggesting the Cascades area but I believe that the upgrades in the Lakes area is complete and Fountains & Fountains II will be completed this year.