More Sky Auction ??? for the experts - Help!

[snoopy]

I posted a couple of weeks ago regarding my less than favorable experience with skyauction. To make a long story short, I bid on and won a Ready Set Go auction on December 27th. Before I bid on the auction, I reserved the resort I was interested in (Silver Lake Resort), and got confirmation back that it was available, so I went ahead and bid on it, and then won the auction.

Unfortunately, the employees of skyauction had the next several days off, and my "hold" on the Silver Lake resort fell out of the system. In the meantime, RCI must have taken my date of arrival out of their inventory, because when I called back after the holiday to find out why my card had not yet been charged I was told that the Silver Lake Resort for that arrival date was no longer available. Many phone calls later, and working my way up to the supervisor at Skyauction, I was told that my reservation at Silver Lake was history, but they could accomodate me at Sheraton Vistana.

I decided to accept that offer, since at this point we are getting very close to our trip (2 1/2 weeks!). I got the voucher in my email confirming my stay at Sheraton Vistana. I read here that if one doesn't request a certain section of the Vistana they might get an old and rundown building, so I went to Vistana's site and made a request for a newer unit. I got an email back from Vistana saying they have no record of my reservation.

I called Skyauction back, and was informed by the supervisor that at this point the reservation is handled by RCI, and that typically RCI does not send its reservations to the resorts until a week prior to arrival.

I am SO confused and flustered! Had I ever known I was going to be so worried about this I would have bit the bullet and paid the higher premium through HotelKingdom! I know virtually nothing about timeshares and trading and RCI, I have no idea who to call to verify this (RCI number????).

Who here has experience with winning an auction through skyauction? Did all go off without a hitch, and is it true that reservations are not sent until the last minute? I am so worried that I will arrive with my family and find that we have nowhere to stay!

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[iluvflorida]

Hi Sorry to hear you are having problems with Sky Auction although I don't think it is skyauction that is the problem.
First of all let me tell you I have booked well over 25 timeshares for myself and friends with no problem with Skyauction. A very few times I have not been able to get the resort I first wanted as they were not available at end of auction. Auction states inventory AT START OF AUCTION. However, they always offer an alternative like they did you. In your case Vistania is far superior resort than Silver Lake. You will love it. If you use the diamond lane check in in advance on the vistana website you can request various buildings etc. but are not guaranteed. When using this or phoning be sure to tell them the confirmation was booked through skyauction and quote the ID # on your confirmation. For some reason Vistana must file skyauction different than others but trust me if you have the confirmation with your name on it and states Vistana you will not have a problem. If you have other questions email me. Sorry that your reservation got lost over Christmas but I quess this happens. I think in the end you are better off with Vistania.

 

[snoopy]

Thank you so much, iluvflorida! You've made me feel better. I guess I should actually call the Vistana, I just tried going through their Diamond Check-In and was told there was no ressie under my name.

As far as skyauction, this was NOT one of the auctions that stated such and such ressies available at the start of the auction. I've seen those, and I didn't want to risk bidding on one of those for fear that the resort I wanted got booked in the meantime of me bidding and winning an auction. This was a Ready Set Go auction that specifically stated that I had to request a room BEFORE bidding, or risk not getting the resort I wanted. Skyauction was definately at fault, they dropped the ball when they left on vacation, that is why they offered me the Vistana - I'm staying there for a week for approx. $250 (my bid on the RSG auction was $52, plus the $195 taxes/service charge). The bids for Vistana are much higher, so I do realize that I was given a break since the Vistana was not even an option on the RSG auctions. And quite frankly, they owed me one, since I spent several days on the phone trying to straighten out their error.

Anyway, I will call them and give them the number - would that be the I.D. #, I wonder? I thought I gave them that number already, and when I emailed the person back they acted like they didn't know anything about skyauction. Perhaps speaking w/someone by phone will put my mind at ease.

I'm glad to hear that you have been satisfied with your skyauction stays in the past. Have you stayed at the Vistana before, and if so, what was your experience like? Were you put in an older part of the resort, or in a newer section?

 

[iluvflorida]

Hi Snoopy. Glad I was some help. I have toured but never stayed at Vistana. However, they are a top resort and even if you are in an "older" building I believe they will have kept them up. You got a real bargain for Vistana. I will be at Vistana for the first time in Feb/04. for 2 weeks. Feb. 7-14 and Feb 28-Mar 6 at OLCC, Westgate Villas, and Wyndam Palms other weeks. All booked thru skyauction except Palms. When are you there?

 

[hawt1]

Snoopy,

Usually resoprts do not even have record of yoru reservation until one week before. Had me scared the first couple of times but all of my reservations have gone off wihtout a hitch.

As for Vistana,

Oldest to Newest

Courts
Falls
Spas
Palms
Springs
Fountains I
Fountains II
Lakes
Cascades

Depends on check in date for which you will get. I recall that you have a Friday and A Sunday check in so you will not get Courts. Falls is only Sunday for 2 bedrooms and Spas is only Friday for 2 bedroom. All of the rest are any day check in.

Good luck...

 

[snoopy]

hawt - thank you so much for the buildings from oldest to newest! That is super helpful for anyone staying at the Vistana. Gonna save that for future reference. I also feel better knowing that its common for RCI to not give their ressies until a week beforehand.

Originally, with the Silver Lake Resort, we had the Friday/Sunday check in thing. However, with the Vistana, its a Saturday check-in. Do you know what buildings have a Saturday check in?

iluvflorida, we will just miss you! We're there from 1/24 - 1/31. We've always stayed on-site, but we took a chance last year on Cypress Point Grand Villas and fell in love with all the space and amenities that the villas offered. I'm really looking forward to staying at the Vistana, thank you so much! I was a little leery since I did a search on this resort and others haven't had such good reviews. But you sound like a real pro with timeshare resorts, so I am going to choose to go with what you say! We aren't terribly picky, I just require someplace that is clean and safe.

This trip includes extended family who have not been to WDW in many years, and a dear uncle who has been very sick and really needs a relaxing vacation. So thanks again, guys! I'll be sure to let you know how it went when we get home.

 

[KimberAnn]

I'm booked at the Vistana Resort (Palms section) in February. So when I get back I'll give you a full report!

 

[hawt1]

Snoopy,
If it si two bedroom unit, then Saturday is any section but the Falls and Spas.

So, you might get the Courts. I suggest that you call ahead and ask not to be put in the Courts as they are the older units....maybe mention a mobility problem as I think these are primarily two storey units.

Good luck....

 

[disneymom3]

Snoopy--If you fell in love with CPGV, I think you will be thrilled with Vistana! I have stayed at both and I liked CPGV a lot, but the overall resort ambience of Vistana totally outweighed CP. Also, I have checked into Vistana on a Sat and gotten placed in fountains which are very nice. Have a wonderful stay!!

 

[Kevs mom]

Hello Snoopy! We will be staying at the Sheraton Vistana Resort the same week as you for the first time also. I was thinking of going on their site and doing the "Diamond Lane Check-In" as well but since we won ours from SkyAuction also I guess that I should wait until next week to try. My parents will be staying there 1/16-1/23 and are going to send me digital pics and info on the resort during their stay (a sneak preview ) I will let you know what section they stay in and what their overall opinion is of the whole place. I can't wait to get there and check it out for myself!!! Maybe we will see you around (I'll be the one with the huge smile on my face because I am soooooo glad to be at Disney once again )