On-Site Vs. Sheraton Vistana Villas

[brandilee8299]

I really would love some help and opinions. We currently have 2 rooms booked at Carribean Beach Club for 12/12-12/19 at $120/night ($240 for both). We were excited to try this resort and the pool, but just saw a deal on here for the Vistana Villas (2 bedroom villa) for $109/night for the week we will be there (oh yeah, that doesn't include and housekeeping--that's not a big deal right?!). That is a huge savings! However, we know nothing about the villas. I've seen that they are in the process of remodeling and would DEFINITELY want a newer room based on pics. The only thing I am worried about missing staying off site is the driving time. We've always still rented a car and used it to go to the parks, even to MK, when staying on site. We have a 2 year old and worry about the time it will take to get back to get her to nap. How much extra time do you think we will be adding on to the drive if we switch? I am thinking it's only about 5-10 mins at most. We aren't in to EMH and wouldn't use them even if staying on site or the package delivery service or Magic Express. Am I forgetting about any other benefits? Am I really going to miss any of the Disney "magic" people say you miss staying off site?

A couple questions we have about the resort--I've seen that it's a big timeshare resort. Are we going to get hounded and asked several times to listen to a timeshare presentation? Where would we want to request for a villa? We would like to be near the pool, is there a zero entry pool? And of course a remodeled villa. We would also like to be closer to a parking area and the food court. View wise, what is nice? A pool view? Are there going to be "hidden fees" on top of the nightly fee? Will they charge a final housekeeping fee at checkout? If we don't have daily housekeeping how will we get new towels?

I'm sorry I have so many questions. We've stayed on site so many times and I know the Disney resorts very well. I've never looked at off site resorts, but think it might be a good choice. I just want to learn all there is to know about the new resort. TIA!!

 

[HeatherC]

I am a huge fan of offsite. We are a family of five (3 kids) and cannot imagine having a 2, 3 or 4 bedroom on vacation. Just our preference. We don't feel like we lose any magic.

As far as your questions, the Vistana Resort is very nice. But it is very large and I would definitely ask for a renovated room.

If you are worried about being closer...even though this resort is very close, you could also check out Bonnet Creek. It is next door to the Caribbean Beach Resort and is very luxurious. We stayed in a 2 bedroom there this past Feb. for about $120 a night...including all the taxes. No timeshare tour involved. There is no housekeeping, but they have a fabulous pool area with lazy river, free mini golf, pool bar/restaurant. I would highly recommend it.

It is owned by Wyndham and you can rent through several places...wyndham.com, extraholidays.com, ebay, vacationresortnetwork, and vacationupgrades.com (who many people on here use).

Hope this helps!!

 

[littlestar]

If you can get Vistana Villages for the same price, I'd go for that since you wouldn't have to worry about a non-renovated 2 bedroom.