I got It!!! I got Sheraton Vistana on Skyauction!!!

[PhotobearSam]

I am so pumped... I got the Sheraton Vistana on Skyauction. It's a 2 bedroom sleeps 8 for the week of October 29th!!!


I can't wait...

I bid up to $103 but I got it for $26!!!!

So with taxes and fees it was only $236 for the 7 nights...

NOW

What section do I request????


I really can't wait

I love the DIS...If it was not for all of you, I would never even have tried Skyauction in the first place...Now I have used it 6 times....I LOVE THE DIS!!!

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

WoooooHoooooo!!!!! That's great PhotobearSam!!! I am SO happy for you.

Don't forget to sign up for Diamond Lane check in on their website. I requested Lakes, Fountains (either section) or Cascades. I have a Sat. check in time. Oct. 29th is a Sat also, right?

We stayed in Lakes last time and I really liked it. I don't have to have the newest section (Cascades), in fact, I really don't want it unless it's that or something like the Springs or Courts section, because Cascades is smaller. Since there will be 6 of us, I would like the most room I can get.

Congrats again! I don't know what my family would do without Skyauction.

 

[Blondiex46]

never used skyauction maybe I should check it out

 

[PhotobearSam]

Which section has the biggest units?

Which sections are the newest?

Are there any sections I should avoid?

Also how do I do the Diamond Check in thing? Where do you sign up? Is it a Starwood prefered guest thing or is that something different...Please help...



Thanks for any advice...

 

[DianeV]

Cascades is the newest followed by the Lakes...the Courts are the ones everyone tries to avoid

I think the Diamond lane thing is on the sheraton website under the Vistana information..I cant remember but we used it before and it worked great. You have to wait until close to you (I think it tells you)

 

[magiroux]

Sam;

Congrats on your big score. Saturday Check in and your unit configuration could put you anywhere in the resort. The section to avoid is The Courts because they are old and dated(although I understand they are in the process of being remodeled) and the Springs. We stayed there years ago and were in The Fountains(Phase I, I believe) and I loved the unit and location.

It is rumored that Skyauction exchanges are not given preference to where they will be put but it doesn't hurt to register and request with Diamond Check in. Also Diamond will save you time waiting in line to check in.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Congrats Photobear !!!
Awesome bidding.......
The Cascades is the newest, but also the smallest section. The size difference is most noted in the living room/dining area. I thought it felt a little cramped in this area compared to the other sections. But the loss of size is made up by the fact that the decor is very pretty. Sort of white/blue/pale yellow/floral dominate the decor. You can check out my link to my pics of Vistana here : http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4287948459

The Lakes is the next newest and probably close in size to the Fountains I. The Lakes (last time we stayed there in '02) was more tropical in decor. Greens/reds etc. This is my favorite section. It is in a more quiet area of the resort as opposed to the Cascades. Fountains II is very nice but probably slightly smaller than Lakes/Fountains I but larger than Cascades. The only thing I'll point out with Fountains I that sets it apart from the Cascades, Lakes and Fountains II is that there is no jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom. There is, instead, a whirlpool tub in the master bathroom. Also, the Fountains I has no in-room safe. Anything older than the Fountains II has no safe if this is important to you.
Oldest to newest sections :
Courts
Falls
Palms
Spas
Springs
Fountains I
Fountains II
Lakes
Cascades
With a Saturday check-in, you won't have any chance of getting the Falls or Spas.
Diamond Lane online registration : https://www.svosecure.com/starwoodvo/diamond.jsp?resortID=5
Have fun ! I'd make my requests known at least a week prior to arrival, but you can actually fill it out now.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Diamond Lane : You have to wait until close to you (I think it tells you)

It states "at least 72 hours prior to arrival". Photobear could fill it out now or they can wait a little longer. I filled out mine about 3-4 weeks prior to check-in.

 

[spiceycat]

I stayed in Springs - nice big units. Loved it!!!

great resort and close to WDW.

 

[southtown]

I have stayed in an older section and had no problems at all. I wouldnt be worried at all. If there is a problem with the room, complain and maybe you will get switched. But they might not be to sympathetic to someone thats paying less then $35.00 a night.

 

[spiceycat]

Sheraton Vistana does not know what you paid.

Skyauction and RCI are member companies. So RCI will - SV doesn't.

SV gets nothing.

I have been treated fine when I used skyauction or RCI exchanges or last minute deals.

 

[bunny213]

We've never used sky auction....I've read through the site..but still don't understand? If you bid $103 - how did you get it for $26? I understand the part about the daily charge per day that is added. . but don"t understand the other. Thank you in advance! Barb in Texas

 

[Mudd77]

We've never used sky auction....I've read through the site..but still don't understand? If you bid $103 - how did you get it for $26? I understand the part about the daily charge per day that is added. . but don"t understand the other. Thank you in advance! Barb in Texas

Barbara,

He actually set his maximum bid (a.k.a. auto bid) up to $103, but never needed to go that high. So in other words, someone would of had to bid at least $104 to out bid him. Hope this helps.

 

[PhotobearSam]

I set my MAXimum bid as $103...There was someone else who bid before me and she was at $7 but as soon as I bid, it sent he to her max of $25 and that is how I got it for $26.

I had a max of $103 but it only bid until it surpassed the present bidders highest bid...It's a proxy bid.

So I got the bid of $26 plus taxes and fees of $210 (this is always the case with a weekly rental, at least all the ones I have had...It's $195 taxes and fees and $15 Skyauction fee=$210+ plus your bid)


I got my confirmation today that says Fountains 3rd floor room....My DH has mobility issues and there is no elevator there so I hope the resort is easy to deal with on these issues...

 

[PhotobearSam]

Psssssssst:

I'm a GIRL!

 

[Elisa]

It says you've used SkyAuction 6 times already. What other great deals have you had ? I've never used it .Is it like Pricline where you can't back out once it's accepted ? Do they charge you immediately ? Elisa

 

[disneymom3]

Hey, congrats!! That is an awesome deal! I think I would contact the resort directly about the mobility issues. I can't imagine they would be difficult about this. And you are going in a month, so I think it would be wise to call them soon.

I am sure you will love it! I might have to check out the auctions around the time of our trip and add a week!!

 

[vhoffman]

Are you talking about Sheraton Vistana Resort or Sheraton Vistana Village? I do believe the Village has elevators. If mobility and stairs are a concern, rewquest a handicapped room. It would have to have elevator access or ground floor.

 

[MiaSRN62]

PhotobearSam says : I got my confirmation today that says Fountains 3rd floor room....My DH has mobility issues and there is no elevator there so I hope the resort is easy to deal with on these issues...

Vistana has always worked with us Photobear. Before my mil passed away last year, we always traveled with her. In her last 3 years of life she was undergoing chemo and radiation. She had lung cancer and would get winded easily. Vistana always gave us a ground floor Fountains. One year, our ground floor Fountains villa was undergoing more extensive cleaning and our getting into the room was delayed. By 6 pm, I told them I wanted a room and would not wait any longer. They put us in the Lakes which is elevator access. Just let them know on the Diamond Lane form that you require ground or elevator due to medical reasons. They have always accomodated us on this matter.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

We stayed there the last two weeks in August and LOVED IT. We were in Falls and to tell the truth, I almost want to say that I would choose it over the newer ones. It was newly renovated and the best part is there are only four units per building. While it is not as flashy as the others and the decor is kind of beach cottage-ish it was very nice. Only a few steps to your condo and there is ALWAYS parking right outside your door. ONe suggestion do not let them give you the first floor. I did not like the way that they are street level.

I did enjoy the pools and even the small restaurants were pretty good for just plain food. We ate at Zimmie's a couple of times since it is beside the pool. I got Chicken Caesar Salad and it was huge and loaded with chicken. My son got a crossiant sand with turkey and bacon and it too was really good.

You will flip when you realize what you paid and what you are getting.

Have fun.

I took pictures but I do not know how to put them on line. If I can I will have my son pm' them to you.

Just read your last post and see your son has mobility issues. I agree with MiaSrn62. They will definately give you what you want. IF you want the first floor then there will be no problem. I am kind of surprised that the Falls has buildings with three floors. From what I saw there were only two. Just call and tell them the problem and I KNOW they will fix it.