I checked into Vistana Resort last night...

[Robinrs]

.... and yes, I have DIED and gone to heaven!

I lucked out and got a week from the TUG2 classifieds for $600! Best $600 I ever spent!

We got a 2BR in the Lakes section with an awesome view of the pool! The place is HUGE and beautiful! My son lamented all the way here about not staying onsite Universal but this place changed his MIND and MOUTH! That jacuzzi in the master is now his own personal water ride!

Last night we sat out on the patio eating dinner, (yes, it's hot but the patio has a ceiling fan!) and Michael said in his 10yo way.."Mom, this is the LIFE!"

Thanks, Maria, for the recommendation! You were right!

 

[Belle1962]

Great to hear you and Mike are having a great time. We stayed at Vistana about 6 years ago and enjoyed it. We had a loft unit and my son thought it was cool that he had his own "floor".

 

[Robinrs]

Hi, LouAnn!

I hope you're doing alright!

Yes, it's amazing here... parks? What parks??? I'm staying right here!

 

[Alihall]

Glad to here your review. We just booked president's week in Feb. 2004 thru Tug. Can't wait to here all about your trip! and especially the reosrt. Have a blast!

 

[NancyIL]

Hey, Robin! Glad you're back in Orlando - enjoying your fabulous digs! I hope there will be no mishaps this trip - just pure enjoyment.

 

[Robinrs]

Alihall, you will love it here. So wonderful, so peaceful. We decided to spend Memorial Day here since the parks are so crowded. It's like a little piece of heaven...

Thanks, Nancy my dear friend! No falls, trips or errors this trip! I intend to have a ball this time!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thanks, Maria, for the recommendation! You were right!

Cool ! Happy to help out ! Glad u got the Lakes (my personal fav). I just posted on the "vistana villages/vistan" thread and asked where they placed you......I should have read on ! Glad you and the family are enjoying the resort.

 

[Robinrs]

Yes, Maria, you were right!

My son likes the resort MORE than the parks! I can't believe it! There is so much to do in the resort we don't have to leave! Today we were at the pool when it opened, played basketball, ate breakfast and are now cooling out in the condo. We're going to play Bingo at 2, ride surrey bikes and there's a dive in movie tonight, showing Spiderman! What a great place!

Tomorrow we go to Seaworld, much to my son's chagrin. He said, "but MOM, its' our last day here!" Looks like I have to book this place again.

Thanks again for all of your help!

 

[Gillian]

Thanks for the report! I'm glad you're both having so much fun.

Take lots of pictures.

 

[mamabear3710]

Robin, Glad you're having such a great time. We're going to be at Vistana (Cascades Section) at the end of June. Would you be able to tell me a little about what is supplied in the kitchen? Thanks so much!

 

[MiaSRN62]

We're going to be at Vistana (Cascades Section) at the end of June. Would you be able to tell me a little about what is supplied in the kitchen? Thanks so much!

Hi Mamabear.......
I'll answer for Robin if that's ok. There are plates, cups, silverware etc. In addition, pots, pans, coffee maker, toaster, salt & pepper packets, stainless steel strainer, muffin pan, spatula, plastic pitcher (I believe).
If something specific you were wondering about is not listed here, feel free to ask. I tried to recall everything I could. You'll have a terrific time at Vistana---the Cascades are very nice and the newest section on the resort. Keep in mind though, that some Cascades villas are a bit of a hike to the pool.

 

[Robinrs]

I agree with Maria, the Cascades are very nice.

The kitchen is very well equipped, I just needed some dish detergent, plastic bags and aluminum foil.

We move to the Portofino tomorrow and we will MISS our kitchen! We're trying to go through what we have left in there now so we don't have to throw it away.

We did the Surrey bikes yesterday and boy am I still hurting! That was a work out! We skipped the bingo because it was outside by the Super pool and it was 92 degrees in the shade! No thanks!

Today we get out, much to my son's dismay... I can't believe he never wants to leave! This place has brought out another side of my kid!

Gillian: I am taking LOTS of pctures! My son is doing a scrap book of our vacations for a summer project. I figure if I don't take pictures, no one will EVER believe this place!

 

[MiaSRN62]

The kitchen is very well equipped, I just needed some dish detergent, plastic bags and aluminum foil.

Robin....did housekeeping bring up the dish detergent ? Vistana is supposed to proved liquid dish detergent and also the automatic dishwasher soap. Just have to give housekeeping a ring. The plastic wrap and foil is not provided though----don't get it from the General Store though---a little pricey. I use the Publix down the road or bring it from home (but we drive down so it's easier to pack stuff like that).
Sounds like you're having an awesome time ! Enjoy Portifino---gorgeous resort.

 

[MichelleK]

What is TUG2 classifieds, sounds like something I should check out?

 

[MiaSRN62]

What is TUG2 classifieds, sounds like something I should check out?

TUG is Timeshare Users Group. It's a site on the web, where timeshare owners from all over, get together and post reviews and tips for various timeshares around the world. Owners can also places their timeshares for sale or rent here. Alot of people can get decent deals on Orlando weeks here......rarely, you can get lucky and find a DVC resort for rent/sale. But Vistana is often posted on the classifieds. This site requires a paid membership of an initial $15/year, and then $10/year renewal after that. I've been a member since 1998. I get such good information from this site. Some areas, such as the "for rent" and "for sale" sections are free to the general public. Check it out here : http://www.tug1.org/tugads/adshome.php3

 

[crazyme5kids]

Hey Robin!!!!!!! Glad you're loving your trip! My kids keep asking to go back to Horizons, and they tell me we don't even need to go to the parks. Makes me think about buying one LOL!

 

[Bell Family]

I saw that there is a coffee maker - are there coffee filters? If not, what kind do I need to bring (cone shaped or basket shape). We are going to do most meals out, but breakfast in the room so coffee will be very important to us.

Also, is there a wine opener?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Mjasp]

Bell Family...Last time I was there it was basket type filters and a cork screw was there.

Robinrs...Glad you are having a great trip. The bad thing is you'll never be happy in a standard hotel room again. We absolutely LOVE Vistana Resort also. When we went to Animal Kingdom, my kids kept asking us...how much longer do we have to stay here, we want to go back to Vistana. So lo and behold, we bought a unit. If anyone is interested check this site out.

www.resalesmart.com

Is it August yet?

Joanna

 

[Robinrs]

Originally posted by Bell Family
I saw that there is a coffee maker - are there coffee filters?
Also, is there a wine opener?

Thanks for the help.

Yes, there is a coffee maker, and my filters are the basket type. I brought my own. And yes there is a wine opener!

Maria, I always bring my own liquid soap, didn't know they could give me some! We had several packets of dishwasher detergent, and boy does that dishwasher work! Makes me want to throw mine out!

Margie! Your kids are like mine. My son likes this place WAY more than doing anything else! I know how to get a real vacation when I come to Orlando now!

Michelle:I wouldn't hesitate dealing with TUG2. The whole process was so professional and easy, and I still can't believe the price. Well worth a look.

Well, folks, I'm about to jump in the jacuzzi!

 

[Daisy57b]

Ok, I need help!!


Where do I go to make these reservations? I'm confused about the Tugs thing - still don't know what to do!

How far in advance can you make reservations? I'm planning my honeymoon for next march!

Can someone please direct me on where to go to get reservations to this place?

And how do I know what section to stay in? Someone mentioned the Cascades???

Any help would be appreciated! I have no idea what to do with this timeshare stuff - and I don't want to sit thru one of those timeshare presentations.
Thank you!