K, so we leave in three weeks....?'s about Vistana Resort

[harvey]

Namely, should I do the Diamond Lane check-in dealy online to be sure they know our requests/requirements? We booked thru Hotel Kingdom.

Also, what do I need to pack as far as toiletries (shampoo, soap), cleaners (dish detergent?, laundry stuff?). And how stocked are the cupbaords as far as dishes and such? Should I bring some paper plates/etc.? How about linens....towels for showers, swimming (if we get lucky enough to swim in January)?

Also, we're requesting the Spas....anyone just back stay in those? How are they these days? Any areas we should avoid? What specifically should we request?

Thanks for bearing with my bazillion questions! We've always stayed on property, and this is the first experience with the entire crew (6 kiddos, dh, and I) staying off-property. I'm confident our stay will be great as reviews are almost entirely positive, but I just need to know particulars as I begin planning our packing.

 

[disneymom3]

Well, I can answer some of your questions.

Can't tell you about diamond lane checkin--stayed once on an RCI exchange and were assigned our villa ahead of time and stayed once when arriving in the middle of the night and another resort had lost our reservation.

You get a couple of loads worth of laundry detergent, and hand dishwashing soap in a bottle. There are paper towels and plenty of regular towels, but you may have to call to request hotpads.
You won't need soap, but you will need shampoo. All the pools have an area where you can check out pool towels and the villas are amply stocked for showers etc. I am sure with your large party they would be happy to bring any extras you need.

With lots of kids, I would bring Dixie plates and plastic cups. Everything is glass/china and they have tile floors--enough said. They also didn't have any plastic storage containers, so if you will be using the kitchen and may have left overs, those gladware-type containers are a good thing to have on hand.

There is a store on site that has lots of essentials and the prices aren't TOO outrageous--for some things, it was definitely worth saving the hassle of the drive.

Have a great time--I am sure you will love it!

Oh, and we stayed in the spas last Feb and had no complaints about it at all. Our previous trip we had stayed in Fountains right near the gaurd gate and we found spas to be much quieter.

 

[DianeV]

I would do the Diamond Checkin because then they will have your requests again and there is a separate checkin line for people who have filled it out. As long as you check in during certain hours (like not late at night)

 

[Scotfan]

I always take washing powder, tumble drier sheets and dishwasher powder with me (even from the UK as the packs they sell at walmart are too big for a week!) Also take my own toiletries as I dont like the soap they provide - I'm allergic to some brands.
We do a clothes wash each night and have it ready for the morning. This means we dont need to bring as many clothes.

It wouldn't hurt to do the Diamond land check in - imagine its like fast pass - if its busy you can get to the desk quicker.

I'm hoping Spas is OK as we'll be there in 6 weeks.
There is a new carpet down for sure.

 

[Cyndiu]

We always go shopping upon arrival. If you have a car, try the Publix on 192. They have much better prices than the store onsite. Get the fried chicken from the deli there, it's awesome.

At Vistana, every Thursday, the General Store has a sale and that's when you should buy your tee-shirts (if you're going to), you will definitely save money. Also, they have free coffee every morning.

BTW, we stayed in Spas this past August, right across the street from the store, and we were very happy with it. You'll be glad you went.