I'm an idiot--what would you do?

[Fargoman2]

As our family prepares for our 8th trip to WDW in less than 2 weeks, I am more than a bit concerned.

We have always stayed on site in Deluxe accommodations. But this year, thinking I needed to be a bit more thrifty, I accepted a SPG offer of 4 nights at Sheraton Vistana Resort (and then booked the last 3 at the Poly).

However, I have come to read numerous POOR REVIEWS on many sites for Vistana Resort--slow check in, dated, dirty accommodations, loud, obnoxious partyers, etc. Not my idea of a relaxing vacation! I should have known better!

So today...thinking I would salvage the situation...I looked to extend my stay on-site, but the ENTIRE DISNEY PROPERTY FAMILY (at least deluxes) IS COMPETELY BOOKED (Who says we're in a recession?!)

So now what do I do? I really fear keeping my reservations at Sheraton Vistana Resort--even at the great price. Do you know of any good (read Deluxe, pleasant, etc.) options off site that are close to the World?

Thanks, in advance, for any ideas you might have. We leave on the 9th, so I'm running out of time.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Oh, now that's a bummer!

What about the Swan or Dolphin or one of the DTD Disney Resorts?

Buena Vista Palace is a very nice Resort, right across from DTD - they are having some good prices right now too.

Maybe a moderate on site would be fine, then switch - if you'll not have a car Disney will send your luggage over to the Poly. Also, keep checking - remember guests can cancel up to 6 days out.

Also have not heard good reviews of Sheraton Vistana - but all hope is not lost!! Sounds like you'll be much happier on site at almost any resort - so would we.

Good luck and let us know what happens?

 

[ajk912]

As our family prepares for our 8th trip to WDW in less than 2 weeks, I am more than a bit concerned.

We have always stayed on site in Deluxe accommodations. But this year, thinking I needed to be a bit more thrifty, I accepted a SPG offer of 4 nights at Sheraton Vistana Resort (and then booked the last 3 at the Poly).

However, I have come to read numerous POOR REVIEWS on many sites for Vistana Resort--slow check in, dated, dirty accommodations, loud, obnoxious partyers, etc. Not my idea of a relaxing vacation! I should have known better!

So today...thinking I would salvage the situation...I looked to extend my stay on-site, but the ENTIRE DISNEY PROPERTY FAMILY (at least deluxes) IS COMPETELY BOOKED (Who says we're in a recession?!)

So now what do I do? I really fear keeping my reservations at Sheraton Vistana Resort--even at the great price. Do you know of any good (read Deluxe, pleasant, etc.) options off site that are close to the World?

Thanks, in advance, for any ideas you might have. We leave on the 9th, so I'm running out of time.

I wouldn't cancel that ressie till you have something else. Did you call CRO? They don't have anything at all on property? I would just take what you can get, at this point. If you are staying at the Poly, high prices don't shock you..there has to SOMETHING open on site somewhere.

PS- I know nothing about the Sheraton, but it's a Sheraton, right? How bad can it really be? People talk smack about every hotel, I wouldn't necessarily believe everything you read...

 

[lilyv]

As our family prepares for our 8th trip to WDW in less than 2 weeks, I am more than a bit concerned.

We have always stayed on site in Deluxe accommodations. But this year, thinking I needed to be a bit more thrifty, I accepted a SPG offer of 4 nights at Sheraton Vistana Resort (and then booked the last 3 at the Poly).

However, I have come to read numerous POOR REVIEWS on many sites for Vistana Resort--slow check in, dated, dirty accommodations, loud, obnoxious partyers, etc. Not my idea of a relaxing vacation! I should have known better!

So today...thinking I would salvage the situation...I looked to extend my stay on-site, but the ENTIRE DISNEY PROPERTY FAMILY (at least deluxes) IS COMPETELY BOOKED (Who says we're in a recession?!)

So now what do I do? I really fear keeping my reservations at Sheraton Vistana Resort--even at the great price. Do you know of any good (read Deluxe, pleasant, etc.) options off site that are close to the World?

Thanks, in advance, for any ideas you might have. We leave on the 9th, so I'm running out of time.

Did you check the Doubletree Suites (Down Town Disney)? They have some great rates for what seem to be your dates- Aug 9-13?
http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US.../en/hi/&xch=241265312,KCSR2STCCXWIOCSGBIU222Q

Scan down, they even have some good rates for bed and breakfast.

 

[Disney Fool]

Take a deep breath and calm down. The Vistana is a very nice resort. It has some buildings that are somewhat dated in decor, but the newer buildings are very, very nice--plus there is a complete renovation going on. The place has 7 pools including a superpool; Pizzahut delivery on site, tennis courts, fitness center, etc. It is very, very close to Disney --5 min.drive, 3 min to downtown disney. Don't panic. If you, for some reason, are not happy with your accommodations, let the management know. They will gladly move you to another unit. THe units are spacious, well-planned, and convenient. As for the loud party-goers, that can happen anywhere, even on Disney property. There is a Walgreen's right next door; down the road, there's a Publix supermarket, and further a super Walmart.

 

[Aliceacc]

Can you try for a split stay??

I bet if you call CRO and give them your dates, along with some lattitude as to which 2 resorts you want, they can come up with a combo you can live with!

 

[mousefanmichelle]

I have stayed at that Sheraton resort 3 times and yes some units are a little outdated but all in all I think the resort itself is wonderful! They are doing a remodel just like the PP said and I saw pictures this weekend - they are wonderful updates trust me. Our friends own in the Fountains section and those rooms were re-done and fabulous - flat screen tv's new dining furniture, new couches, new kitchens, bathrooms are very nice - large spa tubs (removed from the bedroom areas too!!). I think you might be suprised!

Enjoy whatever you do - afterall it's a vacation!!!!!!!

Michelle

 

[MusiqChic99]

I would try for a moderate resort at Disney. Port Orleans Riverside is really a nice hotel and so is Coronado Springs. In fact CS has the feel of a deluxe resort..in my opinion.

Also don't cancel until you have something else set!!!

Hope it all works out for you.

 

[Fargoman2]

Thanks for your replies...good thoughts..

As to talk to CRO and be flexible...been there, done that--even worked with a manager-level...they are indeed completely booked at multiple (read virtually all, if not all) resorts...

As to deep breath, calm down stay with Vistana Resort...I have tried that mantra for several weeks but have just read way too much negativity about that resort (Normally, I throw out the most extreme reviews on either side positive or negative and see what the consensus is.) What I've gained from reading all of this is that it is a very RISKY game of Russian Roulette. We MIGHT get favorable placement in one of the "better" units, but there is NOTHING we can do to ensure that. And if you know my luck at all, I wouldn't be banking on favorable placement.

As to loud party goers can be anywhere...true enough...but in 7 straight years at the Dolphin, I have not had ONE noise problem. And it isn't just the loud partying that bothers me, it's the fact that reviewers seem to agree that SVR is ill-equipped/understaffed? to respond to such issues.

Bottom line: I am still in panic mode and wondering what my next move should be...

 

[disneysnob]

Stop worrying.....We've always done a week at the Vistana Resort, and then 3-4 nights at a Disney property (to get the onsite fix) I was actually bumming because the Vistana Resort had NO availability for our dates, so they put us at the Vistana Villages. This will be our first time there,I hear it's very nice, but it's a little bit further away. I don't know why the Resort gets such a bad rap. I've never had any real problems with it, and they are always very accomodating to us. Believe me, I am considered a 'resort snob' by some of my family members, and I've always been satisfied there. Anyway, it seems like our dates are similar..we are at the Vistana Villages Aug 10-17, then heading over to GF for a few nights
I also can't believe that they are sold out....I tried adding a couple of dates on to ours, too, but no availability

 

[proteus]

Just want to comment on the full bookings. From what I can tell in reading posts here WDW is doing gangbusters. Foreclosures, high gas prices, cost of travel, food seem to have no effect on vacations plans at WDW. Amazing.

 

[MickeyNicki]

What about the Gaylord Palms? I hear that is fantastic!

We stayed offsite (for the first time in 6 years) at the Staybridge Suites and it was awesome. Huge super clean rooms, very friendly staff and a quick drive to everything, including a STARBUCKS

 

[Detailor]

I'd have to agree with those who suggest that you not worry too much about Vistana. In our experience we've found Vistana to be a nice resort and the fact that the oldest phase of the resort (Courts) has finally been updated lessens your chances of being placed in a truly unacceptable section. This resort was built out over a number of years and each section has its own timeshare owners' association that decides on refurbishment so there's no set process for when a section gets worked on. I think that on an overall basis Vistana is a really nice timeshare resort - it was our experience at that resort that led us to finally start purchasing timeshare weeks (though we didn't buy there). While I agree that nicer is better, my family doesn't really require granite countertops to have a great Disney vacation.
I'd follow the suggestion that you use the Diamond Lane request form and ask for one of the newer resort sections - Cascades, Lakes, Fountains - as that should enhance your visit to a resort that's loaded with amenitites.

Dick Taylor

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

Stop worrying.....We've always done a week at the Vistana Resort, and then 3-4 nights at a Disney property (to get the onsite fix) I was actually bumming because the Vistana Resort had NO availability for our dates, so they put us at the Vistana Villages. This will be our first time there,I hear it's very nice, but it's a little bit further away. I don't know why the Resort gets such a bad rap. I've never had any real problems with it, and they are always very accomodating to us. Believe me, I am considered a 'resort snob' by some of my family members, and I've always been satisfied there. Anyway, it seems like our dates are similar..we are at the Vistana Villages Aug 10-17, then heading over to GF for a few nights
I also can't believe that they are sold out....I tried adding a couple of dates on to ours, too, but no availability

Lucky you! I LOVE the Village and they just completed the third phase of their expansion and put in another pool also.

 

[Nie0214]

Try to keep in mind that many people who decide to review something like a hotel online will probably only be motivated to do so if they had a bad experience. I know I am much more likely to complain about something and review it badly if I hated it. People who fall in the middle and enjoy the place (but aren't completely enamored with it), probably wouldn't spend the time to review it.

 

[jeff968]

I wouldn't worry too much. First off, they made you that special offer because they want to sell you a unit. Most likely, they won't put you into one of the older units because of that. We stayed at the Vistans Resort many years ago and ended up in the new Cascades section. It was very nice. The Cascades pool was great as well. Yes, some of the other sections are older but overall, the resort is fine. Do your research, find out which are the newer (cascades, falls, lakes) and older sections (springs, spas?) and then call a few days before you get there. Always impress upon them that you might buy, then hopefully you'll get into a new section. I'm spoiled by the Marriotts now but I still like the Vistana Resort better then orange Lake. I would give it a B- overall.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I posted on the other Vistana thread...
We too stayed at Vistana a few years ago... got a very nice unit in Cascades, and all was good!

To the OP, I am picky about accomodations.. I know just how you feel... I did the same thing that you are doing.. researched every section of Vistana, and worried myself silly.... ALL FOR NAUGHT!!!

You have three nights at the Poly after Vistana, where you can look forward to the accomodations that you have your heart set on!!! You won't be 'doomed' to the resort from *** for a whole week!!! And, even if your unit is not the most super nice... Like another poster just said.... I don't think I just NEED granite countertops to enjoy a Disney vacation.

Jeff968, We have stayed at Vistana. And now we have an exchange for our next trip at Orange Lake. (NORTH section, smaller two level buildings, with the Splash Lagoon pool area) As one who can compare, I would LOVE to hear your comments! We are looking forward to our trip. The River Island area sounds great. (BETTER than the Cascades pool at Vistana, with the lazy river, water slides, bars, restaurants, etc...) Send me a PM if you do not want to post on this thread!!!

 

[disneyagogo]

I was very concerned about the Vistana before our stay this past June, but I found that there were very balanced reviews with the negatives being trumpeted by a few people. Any resort can have an unacceptable room and things can and do go wrong, people are more likely in this day and age of internet anonymity to focus on all the missteps of the resort. Few of us are willing to acknowledge that our own choices might play a role in unpleasant situations.

From my searches on this board, I found extremely knowledgeable (Maria and spiceycat ) members who know a ton about the Vistana and are willing to share. Armed with the knowledge gleaned from this board such as the Diamond Lane and the best sections and possessing reasonable expectations, I went to the Vistana with an open mind. All that being said, we had a newly redone unit in the Lakes that was outstanding and an incredible value. Having stayed at WL, Poly, AKL-Concierge, GF, POR, Shades of Green, POFQ, and BC-Concierge, I feel confident in saying that the refurbished areas of the Vistana compare favorably to the Deluxes and that you might miss the resort benefits less than you might expect.

Be easy in your choice and know that the money you are saving is money you can spend at WDW.

Good luck!

disneyagogo

 

[swilshire]

We've stayed in many nice Orlando resorts, but Vistana continues to be my kids' favorite. If you get a bad unit, ask to be moved.

If you're really concerned, reserve a backup hotel that allows you to cancel up until 6PM and check out Vistana before that.

As mentioned, many of the sections are getting a total renovation. I'd say you've got a very good chance of getting an acceptable unit. I've never had a bad one there.

Sheila

 

[Del]

We've been to the Vistana twice--loved both of our units. We are going back in Nov. We've been to Poly, CR, and PO ....on-site. I would go there with a good feeling....you'll love all the extra space and the proximity to the parks.

Del