More questions about Sheraton Vistana Resort!

[mog]

We are going to be at Sheraton Vistana this summer on an RCI trade-in. I have read everything I can find on this resort and I am trying to figure out what (if anything) to do as far as making requests for units, etc. I have a few questions that hopefully someone can help with!

1. I have read in some places that RCI trade-ins get the older sections. Is this true? If I request a newer section will they possibly honor that request?

2. I have also heard that the units in the newer sections are much smaller than the older units. Does anyone have any insight on this? Is it still better to be in the newer section even if it is smaller? (We have 5 people in our 2 BDR unit).

3. It seems that the Cascades, Lakes and Fountains are the newest, most requested sections. Anyone have any opinions on which of these three is better and why?

4. I keep reading something about a "superpool" that is open until 1am and if you are near it sometimes it is too loud. Which section is this pool in?

5. How far in advance do they accept Diamond Lane registration on line and special requests? I still have many months since we aren't going until the summer. Is 30 days in advance the norm, or should I do it before that?

6. My parents are also staying there at the same time on an RCI trade-in. Can we request to be near each other? Has anyone ever had any luck with that type of request?

Thanks for any info! I am trying to organize all my thoughts and notes on this resort!

 

[JenDaveBrendan]

1. I have read in some places that RCI trade-ins get the older sections. Is this true? If I request a newer section will they possibly honor that request?

I had heard that also, but we just went there on a trade and requested the Cascades section and we got it.

2. I have also heard that the units in the newer sections are much smaller than the older units. Does anyone have any insight on this? Is it still better to be in the newer section even if it is smaller? (We have 5 people in our 2 BDR unit).

We had a 2BR in the Cascades and it was plenty big for 5 people. In my opinion, it is better to stay in the new section even if they are a little smaller. You will still have plenty of room. And they aren't "small" units, they are still big.

3. It seems that the Cascades, Lakes and Fountains are the newest, most requested sections. Anyone have any opinions on which of these three is better and why?

We loved the Cascades-- everything was new and clean. Also, the outside of the building was a lot nicer than the older units. I really didn't care for the older units.

5. How far in advance do they accept Diamond Lane registration on line and special requests? I still have many months since we aren't going until the summer. Is 30 days in advance the norm, or should I do it before that?

I am not sure how far in advance they will accept this, but it can't hurt to try now anyway. I would think that the earlier you request special things, the better chance you would have getting them.

6. My parents are also staying there at the same time on an RCI trade-in. Can we request to be near each other? Has anyone ever had any luck with that type of request?

I would try and request this now also. I made my requests a couple of months before we went, then followed up by calling the resort about a week before we were to arrive.

Hope this helps!! Feel free to ask me any other questions about the resort! It is a great resort, you will have fun.

Jen

 

[mog]

Thanks so much for the information. It is good to know that even with a trade-in I can request the new section and possibly get it! We are really excited about staying here. I will check the web site and see what it says about Diamond Lane check in - I think I remember seeing that you can put special requests on that form, too. Is that how you did your requests, or did you just call them in? I'm also glad to hear that the Cascades units are still big! We need all the space we can get!
thanks again

 

[Cyndiu]

Don't be devastated if you can't get into Cascades or lakes. We were in Spas last year, right across the street from the General Store and we were perfectly happy with our stay.

The Superpool is the largest on-sight and is behind the Spas units and Zimmies restaurant. You might be bothered by the noise if you're really close, but if you're going in summer you will have the air conditioning on and it probably won't bother you a tremendous amount.

I don't think you can do Diamond Lane until 30 or 60 days ahead of check-in either, although if you go to their web site you can check it out.

http://www.starwoodvo.com/resorts/welcome.jsp?resortID=5

 

[jdm]

We were there 2 years ago on a RCI trade during Presidents / Daytona race week. It was very busy and although I requested Cascades we were given Fountains. I was initially very disappointed because I didn't want an older unit. It urned out that we loved the area. It was in the Lakes / Fountains area of the resort and it was somewhat quiet and very, very nice with little foot bridges over the little lakes and ducks etc. The pool there was absolutely great and while the unit was older, it was very large. The second bedroom was huge (as was the master) and the kids each had thier own queen bed. The pool was outside our door along with a bar and grill type of place. Our pool was also open until 1am. I strolled around the whole resort and with exception of the Cascade areas (which is fab:~), I thought we had the best spot. The other sections probably had nice enough condos but some of the pool areas were very small and nothing great. You'll enjoy this resort. We had a great time.

 

[JenDaveBrendan]

mog,


I did our requests through the email on their website (I did diamond lane seperatly) I did recieve email back from them within a day confirming our requests, then I printed out the emails and saved them in case when we got to the Vistana something was not done. (it always helps to have documentation!!!) Then I called the resort a week before we went to confirm everything.
When I made our requests over the email, I noted to them that it was a special event (our honeymoon), so I don't know if this made them more inclined to accomodate us. Since you mentioned your parents will be staying there too, make sure you mention that this is a special trip and it is really important to all of you that you are close together (or if there is another special event going on) . Maybe that will help.

Good luck and let us know what happens!

Jen

 

[mog]

Thanks for all the replies so far. I feel a little better hearing from people who were in the "older" sections and still loved it! I also appreciate the advice on making requests! I usually don't do that - just take whatever I get with our RCI trade ins, but this time since my whole family will be there (my parents and brother and sister and their families), I want it to be great!
thanks again!

 

[Disney Fool]

I am an owner at Vistana Resort. If you find that you are disappointed in your unit for whatever reason, call and request to be moved. Mistakes can happen, but remaining quiet about it won't help. By all means, feel free to request that your family be assigned units nearby. And, remember, all the pools and grounds are for your use. Here's a tip: the new Publix grocery store down the road has the best bakery if you want to get a specialty cake to commemorate an event. Ask for their chocolate whipped cream cake with strawberries--YUM! Wonderful staff will be glad to accommodate you. I hope you and your family have a wonderful stay. Remember when exiting Vistana, turn right for Disneyworld; turn left for Downtown Disney.

 

[ChiTownZee]

I don't know about the RCI or trading stuff and we've only stayed in the Cascades. But regarding the superpool, my dh and MIL took dd over there and she wanted to leave because she liked the cascades pool better LOL.
Also, we didn't do diamond lane check in, but when we arrived about 4 on a saturday, there were guests with each clerk, but no one in front of us in line and I only waited about one minute.