Just returned from Vistana Resort

[DeeCeeSW]

Just back from a 7-night stay at VR. This was our first time there and we were very happy with our accomodations. We checked in at 1:30pm. and our unit was ready. All of our requests were met (do Diamond Lane!). We were put in a 1-bedroom unit in the Cascades, away from traffic noise and close to both the Springs and Cascades pools. Housekeeping came on the third day; we did laundry almost every day just so that we would have none to do at home, this was convenient. We did not get a single marketing call--I attribute this to avoiding the "welcome packet" at check-in. Overall, it was a great place to stay and you can't beat the price!

Any questions? Ask away!

 

[cdpa4d]

Same here...stayed at Vistana for 4 nights Sat - Wed. We were in the Cascades. We own at the Cascades. I've considered selling because we love staying on Disney property, but Vistana is great and keeps making me reconsider that decision.

 

[Del]

Good to hear ....we are headed back on the 18th of the month.

Del

 

[KevinM]

We will be arriving on the 26th.
2 questions:
How far from Orlando Intl Airport is Vistana?
How long does it take to get to the Parks from Vistana?

Thanks

 

[MiaSRN62]

We did not get a single marketing call--I attribute this to avoiding the "welcome packet" at check-in. Overall, it was a great place to stay and you can't beat the price!

Glad you enjoyed your stay and that all your requests were met !
As for the marketing calls........we have avoided picking up the "welcome" packet for the past 4-5 years and still get those persistant calls. Got 3 during the week in August during our stay.
I've also considered selling my Vistana week, because despite the fact that we really enjoy our stays there, it seems renters can get a week for less than my yearly maintenance fees every year.

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

We will be arriving on the 26th.
2 questions:
How far from Orlando Intl Airport is Vistana?
How long does it take to get to the Parks from Vistana?

Thanks

Hey KevinM........we'll be there the same day!

so glad everyone is having great trips to report.

Airport:.........we drive, so I can't answer that one......I'm guessing 30 minutes??

Vistana to parks............We made it to the TTC parking lot in 15 minutes. Epcot was a little closer, I think. We didn't go to MGM or AK. If my memory serves me right, I think MK is the furthest away.......so I would think under or around 15 minutes for all parks depending on traffic. We were there end of Aug/beginning of Sept. so we didn't have any traffic.

Anyone else have any idea? SpiceyCat would know........or MiaSRN62??

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

I've also considered selling my Vistana week, because despite the fact that we really enjoy our stays there, it seems renters can get a week for less than my yearly maintenance fees every year.

Maria, I can understand how you feel....totally. Frankly, it would rot my socks.


BUT...........and this is a big but.........I am not guaranteed that I will always have the Skyauction option, or any other "cheaper" options. You, on the other hand, OWN your week/weeks and the price (ofcourse, not the maintenence fees) will never go up. And it is deeded, right? So your children can enjoy it? Ofcourse, I know you already know all this and more, but just pointing it out.........................honestly, each year I plan and look at what Skyauction has to offer, I hold my breath. I'm just waiting for the day that these deals dry up.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Pamela is correct.....it's about a 25-30 min drive to Vistana from the airport. We usually drive, but when we fly, we opt for the Greenway or SR 417. Follow the "south" exits out of the airport. Then take 417 to exit 6 (SR 535/536/I-4). You should receive directions with your Vistana reservation. But the longest it's ever taken us to drive was 35 min (heavy traffic on a Friday).
Also, have to agree with Pamela on the amount of time to the parks. MK/AK may be the furthest (15+). Allot for extra time actually getting into the MK park from the TTC parking lot. The tram and then monorail or ferry could take another 30 min total. I've gotten to Epcot/MGM in 10-15 depending on traffic.

You, on the other hand, OWN your week/weeks and the price (ofcourse, not the maintenence fees) will never go up. And it is deeded, right? So your children can enjoy it? Ofcourse, I know you already know all this and more, but just pointing it out.........................honestly, each year I plan and look at what Skyauction has to offer, I hold my breath. I'm just waiting for the day that these deals dry up.

This is true and very rational Pamela. Yes, this is a deeded property. It just stings a bit when I hear folks getting into Vistana (and the newer Cascades and Lakes for under $300-$500 week). As an owner, I feel it devalues our investment.......but such is life

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Maria, I guess it's better than I not mention how much we paid....
I can completely understand your position. We were able to get our great deal due to my friend being an RCI member--this was a "last call vacation." However, my neighbor owns in Springs and tells me that she's been trying to sell for two years (!).

P.S. Kevin, we took 536 to the parks most days and got there quickly (under 15 minutes). The trip from the airport was about 25 minutes, we also took 417.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Maria, I guess it's better than I not mention how much we paid....

LOL....yes, don't know if I could handle hearing the amount, if ya know what I mean !
Glad you got a nice rate though......

However, my neighbor owns in Springs and tells me that she's been trying to sell for two years (!).

Wow ! Is she using TUG ? Has she dropped her price any ? Without knowing the details, I can only wish her well. I'm sure she'll have to take a loss in the sale. I know the resale amounts are pretty poor for Vistana because the Orlando area is just flooded with so many good timeshares that they're almost a dime a dozen. It's the reason why, when we needed more "timeshare time", we bought DVC. Disney resales really hold up well in comparison. Vistana sales people just can't understand why every year we turn them down for purchasing more time. We love our stays at Vistana, but should we ever want to sell, I know we'll take a big loss from our original investment. Wonder if Vistana buys weeks back ? We purchased our prime floating week in the Fountains section as a resale through Vistana directly in '94.
Apologize for getting off topic......glad you had a nice trip again !

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Thanks, we did have a nice time.

I have no idea how my neighbor is attempting to sell, but I will ask and let her know about TUG if she doesn't already.

We are seriously considering a DVC resale (as Disney is only selling Saratoga Springs and for a ridiculous amount). However, we can't decide on OKW or BWV. I love the room size (1-bedroom and higher) at OKW but love the BWV area and its convenience to Epcot and MGM. Our DS will be starting kindergarten next Sept., so I anticipate that we will be making fewer trips to WDW (or maybe not, LOL!!). I guess we need to weigh the pros and cons. What is your home resort?

 

[MiaSRN62]

We are seriously considering a DVC resale (as Disney is only selling Saratoga Springs and for a ridiculous amount). However, we can't decide on OKW or BWV. I love the room size (1-bedroom and higher) at OKW but love the BWV area and its convenience to Epcot and MGM.

My home resort is OKW DeeCee. But we've stayed at BWV and VWL using our OKW points. OKW is good for the large rooms (and large balcony)....we like the serene atmosphere there as well. But if you're even thinking about BWV, I'd buy there. We only had the option of Vero, HH or OKW when we bought and we're not all unhappy with OKW. But, it's easier to trade into OKW with BWV points vs the opposite (particularily around Oct/Nov/Dec time period). We were able to trade into BWV during the summer no problem (just not for standard points).
As for SSR....there is an incentive running now and you do get the extra 12 years of membership. The special is :
"Extend" the Magic of Membership

To thank you for being part of our magical community, Disney Vacation Club has created two limited-time opportunities for you to "extend" the magic.

First, you're invited to "extend" your piece of the magic by taking advantage of a limited-time 15 percent discount on your purchase of an additional Ownership Interest in Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa equal to 120 or more Vacation Points. Call your Vacation Club Guide for details.

Second, Disney Vacation Club invites you to "extend" that same discount to friends and family members who purchase a new Membership. Simply ask them to call (866) 382-3577 and provide your name to utilize this limited-time offer.

So if you're interested in SSR, I'll be happy to be a reference for you. But like I said, if you have serious ideas of wanting to stay at BWV, I'd buy a resale there so you can get the 11 month window to secure rooms with "standard" (lower) points.
In addition, we traveled much more easily to WDW when our kids were small. Missing kindergarten was no big thing for a week....or even the elementary grades. Now that they're 12 and 14 it's more difficult because they get so much more work (and harder). We prefer traveling in Oct/Nov/Dec but it's been tough lately. We are planning on the DVC Member cruise next Oct. The kids will miss 4 days of school (our district allows 5 fully excused for vacations, thank goodness).
Good luck in your decision.........