Just back from Vistana Villages

[Sharmaine]

Great info - very useful to read your impression of DR deluxes vs offsite suite. We tend to think we'd feel more or less the same way, but as this is a one-time trip, we really want to get it right. It easy to find the pro-DR at any cost reviews. Not so easy to find the other perspective .

 

[jjjbennett]

Could you tell me is the Whirlpool jacuzzi bath in the two bedrooms big enough to be comfortable for 2 persons to soak in at the same time?

 

[jeff968]

We stayed at the Vistana Resort in February (see my earlier post for a review) and I was very pleased with the location in Lake Buena Vista. The enterance to Downtown disney was 2 minutes out of the resort enterance on 535. If we visited one of the parks we would get on Route 4 south and we would be there in minutes. I recall that the traffic always got bad just when we were ready to get off Exit 27 heading north and I always said to myself "thank goodness we weren't staying in Downtown orlando or else I would be in that traffic". I know the Vistana village is located in Orlando. You never hit any traffic going to and from the resorts? I always thought that was a plus with staying in Kissimmee or LBV.

 

[Lisa P.]

The drive between lower/South Int'l Drive (where Vistana Village is located) and WDW does not involve I-4 at all. It's just a regular road (two lanes each way, plus center left turn lane at times) with almost no traffic lights. This is the same area as HIFS - very easy, direct drive to the parks.

 

[sandyneck]

The whirlpool tub in the 2 bedroom did fit both my husband and myself. We are both average size people. Hope this helps.

No, we never hit any traffic, as the post above states you never have to get on any major road to get into the parks. It was great. And if you are doing Sea World it is about one minute away. When we drove to Universal we went down Int'l drive and it was fine. Just remember, we did not go during a holiday or vacation time so take that into consideration when thinking about how traffic will be.

Also, another poster had asked about jacuzzis in the one bedroom. I do recall now that they had a few one bed that had a seperate Jacuzzi but you had to ask for them and they were limited.

I am glad I have helped you guys out. Glad to answer anything else you can't find here.

 

[jtryan]

We too are debating between Vistana Villages and Vistana Resort. We had previously decided on Resort and then I found this wonderful posting on the Villages. It seems to be just as nice although newer and smaller than the Resort. Since we spend most of our time in WDW we probably won't do much more than sleep at the condo. My main concern is the additonal distance and traffic. Can anyone tell me if it is no more than 5-10 minutes farther than the Resort? By the way, the difference (through hotelkingdom.com) in costs would cover a round trip plane ticket for one of us - Villages is less by over $160.00. Is it worth the distance?

 

[sandyneck]

There are a couple posts that say the same thing about the distance. It is not bad at all. I don't know the distance from the Vistana resort, but as I said before, it took us about 10 minutes to reach MK. Also, for people who have not been before, it is very difficult to judge exact times to parks. First you get to the main entrance, then there is the actual park entrance, with the MK this entrance only takes you to the TTC which then takes you to the actual park. Unless you are going at high season, there is not much I have not found much difference in times to get to parks from different areas. Hope this helps.

 

[jtryan]

Hi Sandyneck
Thanks for your help. I think we are going with the Villages. Can't wait for December! Do you know if they heat the pools during the winter months?

 

[sandyneck]

The first day we arrived the pool was not as warm as I would have liked it. I heard other people complaining and the next day it was like bath water and stayed that way. I have read a post from someone who went in Feb and said the pool was not warm enough. I have never found the temp of pools to be very consistent anywhere so I don't know what to tell you. They do say the pool is temperature controlled, what that means I am not sure. There is always the hot tub!!

 

[Scotch]

sandyneck: Thanks so much for the detailed info on Vistana Villages! I had a hard time finding detailed info on the resort on the web; and Starwood/Vistana's web site was not very helpful -- hardly any pictures of VV. I'm thinking of staying there next year on a timeshare exchange and I'm bringing my in-laws along so I really want to impress them. Based on your description, it sounds like I will. Could you tell me more about the grounds -- i.e., nice walking/jogging trail?, lots of trees/shady area? How about the lake you mentioned? Is it just a small lake or big enough for boat rides? I'm also looking at Marriott's Cypress Harbor. It looks wonderful on the web site, with that big lake in the middle. Have you stayed there? If so, I'd appreciate hearing your views re VV vs. CH.

By the way, for those who are concerned that VV is "smaller" than Vistana Resort, it shouldn't be too big a deal. While VR is around 130 acres, I read that VV is on 90 acres -- which is still huge. Though I understand construction is ongoing so I don't know what percentage of the resort has been built/opened. Perhaps sandyneck or others can shed some light on that.

 

[SHMommy]

Sandyneck,
Thank you so very much for posting about Vistana Villages and for all your helpful info. I had ressies for HIFS but cancelled them and booked the 2 brd. villa thur hotelkingdom.com got it for 119.90 a night can't beat that great price!!! We are so excited about our trip we leave in one week 5-31 and will be there for 5 nights.

You said you stayed in building 3. Did you request that before you arrived? I called and they said it was first come first serve bases, and once there you could choose from what was available. Should I call back and insist on a certain buliding? I want to be close to the pool but maybe not in builings 1 or 2 if they are noisy--cause I have a DS 3 and DD almost 2. Which building would you recommend? Oh, I also what a nice view.
Thanks again for taking the time to post and answer questions.

 

[SHMommy]

I guess Sandyneck isn't checking this post for questions anymore. Oh, well thought I'd post again to let everyone know that I called V.V back and asked them which building I should request? I told them I wanted to be near the pool with a nice veiw. The guy told me if it was him he'd stay in building 6 or 7 on the 5 th floor. He said there is a veiw of a lake with a fountain in it. These buildings aren't the most closest ( I think sandy said 1 & 2 are but the guy said the pool stays open until 1:00 am. and it could get pretty noisy. I told him to go ahead and put me down for builing 6 or 7 but not the 5th floor since I have 2 little children I think the 2 or 3rd floor is better for us. This place sounds great and we are very excited about being there in 4 days!! I'll post when I get back and let you know how everything went. HAVE A DISNEY DAY!!!

 

[Scotch]

SHMommy: I'm looking forward to your report when you return. I'm also interested in the best building for view and convenience to pool yet away from the noise/crowd at night. Hope you have a terrific trip.

 

[jtryan]

SHMommy,
I too am interested to hear your first hand report on V.V. We will be staying the 1st week of December. I would really like to know the most convenient building to the main entrance since we don't plan on swimming. Also, if you try any off-site restaurants, please post what they were and your opinions. Have a great time.

 

[babla]

Have a great time, SHMommy! We're going the last week of September. I'll be looking forward to your review of the VV, too!

 

[SHMommy]

Scotch, jtryan,and babla

Thank you for all your well wishes. I will be happy to answer any of your questions when I get back from V.V.
We will be returning on 6-5-01. So I probably won't get to post until the 6th or 7th because I'll have to unpack and get settled in to our routine.

Well, I'd better go pack some more--my husbands says I take everything but the kitchen sink LOL! I wish I knew how to pack lighter-- I always take too much! Guess its better to be safe than sorry I don't have something I need.

Bye for now.