Just back from Vistana Resort

[ttfn3]

We returned last night from our first spring break trip to Orlando. We stayed for a week at the Vistana Resort. We checked in on Saturday around 2:30 and it was very packed. Luckily, we had signed up for Diamond Lane checkin, and that line was much shorter than the main line. The staff in the reservation area were very nice. One man was walking around handing out VR info papers and welcoming people. They had an area set up for kids - ballons sculptures, mardi gras bead necklaces, and coupons for free small bags of popcorn (and maybe snow cones). The first unit we were assigned was in the Springs. It was awful - smelly, couch stained, and looked out over the rec center a/c unit. We went back and were reassigned to a newly refurbished unit in the Fountains area. It worked out great (fyi - we have previously stayed in the Falls - summer of 2004 - and loved it - and also the Springs about 6 years ago - I don't think it's been updated since). While the weather was bit cool at first, the pools were heated. We had one great pool day and participated in many activities - mini golf, pool games, basketball, dive in movie, BINGO, etc. If anyone has any questions, let me know. We will be back to the VR. Great location and nice family resort.

 

[MiaSRN62]

The first unit we were assigned was in the Springs. It was awful - smelly, couch stained, and looked out over the rec center a/c unit. We went back and were reassigned to a newly refurbished unit in the Fountains area. It worked out great (fyi - we have previously stayed in the Falls - summer of 2004 - and loved it - and also the Springs about 6 years ago - I don't think it's been updated since).

Glad you had a nice time and glad u got switched to another villa. I'm not a Springs owner so don't know how often they do rehabs there---sure sounds like either they're way over due, or had a couple of guests there that were pretty tough on the unit. We own in the Fountains but haven't been there since 2003. I know our Fountains villa in Aug, '03 had new living room furniture and draperies.
Too bad about the weather.....it really does seem like FL's been on the cool side for awhile. I was there Feb 10-13 of this year, staying at POP Century and it was very cold (I'm talking hats and gloves) the entire 3 days. But believe it or not, at night when it was like 40 degrees there were kids in the pool !!! I was joking they must have been from Canada to be able to handle that chill !
We've been to WDW in Jan and Feb before where it was in the 80's and we could wear shorts.
Thanks for the report TTFN3

 

[SammieG]

wow.. you were lucky!

We went the week after 9/11 and were in the Falls section i think. I was extremeley disappointed with the apartment.. in fact I absolutely hated it. It was dark.. and awful! Circa 1985... and the bath was gross... PLUS - it had bugs in it.. and cockroaches outside. We asked 3 x to be moved and they completely refused to move us. We spent 2 weeks in that apartment and I will never go back there..

What made me so cross was that the entire complex was deserted as it was just after 9/11 - That apartment ruined our vacation...

 

[booyaa68]

Can anyone provide any information on how the court section is???? We're heading down there the first week of May and are a little leary due to what has been discussed on these boards and others.

 

[MiaSRN62]

The Courts are the oldest section on the property. In fact, Vistana didn't even build this section......it was a preexisting condo development and already existed back in 1980 when Vistana took over the land. These units are like townhouses and none have no water view. Some people like them, but I find them outdated---they are roomy though.

 

[ttfn3]

We checked the outside of the Courts section and it does look like an apartment building. I didn't get a peak at the inside so I can't comment on the condition of the unit.

Sammie - sorry to hear about your experience. Yes, we were lucky but we also had some medical reasons to request a newer unit. Corry you didn't like your Falls unit. We had a Falls unit last summer right across from the Falls pool. We had a couple of minor maintenance issues and the staff was great about taking care of the problems very quickly. The only "negative" was the whirlpool tub was just the bottom of the master tub/shower - so we didn't use it. We got that unit with a GREAT deal from Skyauction. Our neighbors just stayed in the Falls last week and we looked at their unit. They had one in the same general area as ours (from last summer) and they were pleased. It looked clean to me. It has more of a woodsy decor than the Fountains unit we had. Our Fountains unit was very Floridian in decor.

 

[tony64]

Hi ttfn3
we will be visiting as owners next summer for the first time ( very excited)
and were wondering what is supplied and what we will need to bring eg towels for room and or pool, toilet paper, hairdryer and anything you might expect to be there but isn't

 

[MiaSRN62]

what is supplied and what we will need to bring eg towels for room and or pool, toilet paper, hairdryer and anything you might expect to be there but isn't

Hi Tony,
There are towels supplied in each bathroom. If you need more, just call housekeeping. You do have a washer and dryer to wash towels as you need. There are pool towels specifically but you have to sign them out at one of the Rec Centers (usually located at the pool area) and then return them there when you leave the pool. We like to bring our own for the pool so we don't have to do the sign in/out procedure. Toilet paper, soaps are supplied (you will need your own shampoo/conditioner)----again just call housekeeping if you need more and yes, there is a blow dryer (the built in to the wall type).
You can click on the bottom right corner to see inventory of the kitchen on this page : http://www.starwoodvo.com/resorts/villa.jsp?resortID=5&arg=13

 

[ttfn3]

tony64

We have stayed at VR both as "owners" (actually renting) and via sheraton. You do not need to take towels - there are plenty in the unit and you can sign out towels at the activity centers near the pools for use at the pools. Toilet Paper and paper towels are supplied. As an owner, they will have a trash/cleanup day midway in your stay - if it's a week's stay. I believe it's the 4th day. There's dishwasher detergent in the unit plus some hand dish/soap. Tiny bars of soap are supplied in the bathrooms. You may want to pack a bar if you have a lot of people. Tissues/kleenex are supplied in the bathroom also. There is a hair/blow dryer in the main bath - but it's a huge wall device that is pretty weak, so if you may want to pack your own. I don't use one in the summer since the heat dries my hair so quickly!

The kitchen is well stocked in terms of dishes/pots/pans. I always take some plastic bags (ziploc) of various sizes so we can pack leftovers - and snacks for the pool/parks. We also find a small collapsable cooler handy for taking some drinks to the pool. Oh - if you have a small child I would recommend packing a night light for getting up during the night - and a plastic drink cup.

We always go to the grocery store for breakfast/lunch/snack items. There's a near Publix right off International Drive that's nearby. This time we visited the Winne-Dixie on 535 down the road from Downtown Disney/Crossroads area. It's a bit smaller so it was easier to navigate. There's also a nice Walgreen's store nearby that has some good sales (and a liquor store attached!).

Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

[tony64]

Thanks TTFN3 and MiaSRN62
Can't wait to go!!!!!

 

[erinch]

We've stayed in the Springs a couple of times, and love that section, including the funky Miami Vice 70's decor. But I echo the hairdryer alert. It's the size of a small vacuum cleaner mounted on the wall, and doesn't have enough ooomph for any styling.

We make sure to bring a salt and pepper shaker, and we bring a nonstick frypan and saucepan for cooking. You need your own laundry detergent. If you're driving, bring some cheap bags of bread for the birds.

There's a Bennigans right across the street which has a generous happy hour, and is a good place for a cheaper less stress meal, if you're going to a park, want a sit-down meal, but don't want to blow the bucks/time for a PS.

 

[MiaSRN62]

You need your own laundry detergent

Glad u remembered this erinch ! We usually pack powdered detergent in a large ziplock bag (and double bag it) and then bring dryer sheets. There is also a Walgreens practically right next door to Vistana where you could buy it down there fairly inexpensively----at least cheaper than the Vistana General Store sells it for.

 

[Wishing on a star]

We too will be at Vistana the first week of May!

I hate to be a picky traveler, but I just know that I would not be happy in one of the older units that has not been renovated in the past few years. Just dust-mites and mold alone would be enough to cause major migraines and illness for me. We actually checked out of a time share condo early once before because of this. I simply have to have fresh air!

Does anyone feel that mentioning this to Diamond Lane would help? Would it backfire, as they would see me as just another 'demanding' guest, requesting a newer unit?

We will be checking in on a Saturday, and the entire Courts section is designated for Saturday Check-ins.

Would it help to request a unit with the whirpool tub in the Master Bedroom??? Do only the newer units offer this?

I am soooo looking forward to this trip, and Vistana!!! I just do not want a bad unit to ruin it for me!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Hi Wishing ,
I definitely think you should do the Diamond Lane. Are you renting or using a timeshare week ? I'd come right out and request 1)Cascades 2) Lakes 3)Fountains II. These are the only sections that have the whirlpool tub in the master bedroom. But keep in mind that there are several Fountain II units that do NOT have a water view. Rather, they back up to a small grassy area and a fence. These units are : 1601 thru 1672 (this is 42 villas). So, while I love the Fountains II area, I make sure I always request "water view". Actually, if you request "water view" they shouldn't put you in the Courts because they have no view like this. It's a tough call, because just about every other area on the resort (including the older Falls, Spas, Palms, Springs) do have water view.

 

[csmommy]

Hello all we will be visiting for 4 nights in April as part of a promo. I have just started to research the Vistana Villas & do not really know what questions I should be asking of what facts I should know. I am hoping to show up armed with enough info to make an informed decision. Could you please direct me to a website that answers questions & has all the facts.

I have seen 2 bedroon, 2 bathroom, opem week at the Lakes/Cascade section going for under $5000! I mean, it seems really cheap, but I am scared because I do not know the right questions to ask.

 

[ttfn3]

Forgot about the laundry detergent. Instead of packing detergent, I buy a bottle of Woolite detergent at the grocery store and use it. I don't use fabric softener with it. We had nonstick skillets in our Fountains unit. Good suggestion on the salt/pepper. We just picked up few packets when we were out to use.

We ate at the Benigans 2 weeks ago and HATED it. The food was yucky, and the service slow - and it wasn't a particularly busy night! If you want restaurant recommendations in the area, let me know.

Wishing - Definitely sign up for Diamond Lane, especially with a Saturday checkin. It was crazy in the regular line when we checked in on Saturday. The Diamond Lane was very manageable. My requests before we arrived were to be away from 535 and I-4 (too noisy for us), and near a pool. This time we got a really bad unit in Springs and was able to make a change due to my husband's medical issues. If you have medical issues, please make sure VR knows them in advance. IMHO I would make sure to also request a recently renovated unit, more than a specific area.

Do not hesitate to call VR housekeeping with any problems, etc. We have always found the staff at this resort very helpful in resolving problems promptly.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Hello all we will be visiting for 4 nights in April as part of a promo. I have just started to research the Vistana Villas & do not really know what questions I should be asking of what facts I should know. I am hoping to show up armed with enough info to make an informed decision. Could you please direct me to a website that answers questions & has all the facts.

csmommy,
I think here on these boards as well as TUG (Timeshare User Group) is where you will get the best info if you are interested in purchasing. It does cost an initial $15/year to join, but well worth it. You will get a wealth of information. It is $10 thereafter to renew each year : http://www.tug2.net/
They have message boards on TUG as well : http://www.tug1.net/cgi-bin//Ultimate.cgi?action=agree You'll need to register there just as you did here on DIS. Good luck.

My requests before we arrived were to be away from 535 and I-4 (too noisy for us), and near a pool. This time we got a really bad unit in Springs

TTFN,
Just a friendly suggestion.....you perhaps made too specific a request when you stated you wanted to be away from 535 and I-4. Vistana is essentially surrounded by this area, yet even buildings that are on the edge of the resort aren't too noisey. The balcony/patio always faces the inside so you always have a pool or water view (except with the Courts which has no water view and a select amount of the Fountains II buildings). Though the funny thing, is that part of the Springs is next to 535. I agree with you about being more specific with naming a newer section (Cascades or Lakes), but there are never any guarantees. Hoping your next visit might be better.

 

[ttfn3]

MiaSRN62 - We had a great visit at Vistana - and it was our 3rd stay. Our requests to be in an unit away from the highways has always been met Even with the Springs unit it was not facing the traffic. That said, we were much more pleased with the Fountains unit we were assigned. I have always found the VR staff to be very good about trying very hard to meet your requests if you are very nice to them. We were in an "older" section last summer in the Falls and actually liked the location since it was right across from the pool. We found our unit clean and in good condition.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Our requests to be in an unit away from the highways has always been met Even with the Springs unit it was not facing the traffic. That said, we were much more pleased with the Fountains unit we were assigned.

Oh good....I'm glad. Because a portion of the Springs does back up to the road. They have distance with the parking lot and also a fence though. Even the newest Cascades have a few buildings that you can see very well from SR 535. The kitchen and second bedroom would face that direction.
I also stayed in an older section once---the Spas. I agree it was clean and had an updated kitchen/bathroom, but the living room, particularily, was direct from an 1980' showroom..... It just wasn't our preference and was quite obviously "decor challenged" when we compared it to our Fountains where we own.