Please be honest about the Vistana!!

[wiseguyslovethemouse]

We just won a trip there, and have never stayed offsite before....now I hear that it's in "The Falls", and that might not be so nice?!?!? Is this really true?? I'm getting a little nervous!!! Help!

 

[calgarygary]

Can I ask why anyone would be nervous about what part of the Vistana you are staying in on a free trip?

 

[wiseguyslovethemouse]

Can I ask why anyone would be nervous about what part of the Vistana you are staying in on a free trip?

Ummm....my thoughts exactly!! I was (am) so excited, and now I've heard three times that that part might not be so great, it's dated, etc etc etc....

 

[MiaSRN62]

Hello,
I was trying to help you with suggestions/advice in your first post. You never replied to my questions in that thread and now you've started this one.

Yes....the Falls is one of the oldest (a bit dated) sections at Vistana---but it's clean and free. Can't beat that.

 

[wiseguyslovethemouse]

Hello,
I was trying to help you with suggestions/advice in your first post. You never replied to my questions in that thread and now you've started this one.

Yes....the Falls is one of the oldest (a bit dated) sections at Vistana---but it's clean and free. Can't beat that.

Oops; so sorry about that! That's what I get for putting my husband in charge of that first thread!!! Anyway, thank you for your advice; I am sure that it will be just fine; it's just hard to hear people talking down about it when I haven't even packed yet, you know?? (and it was pretty free....raffle....)

Thanks again.

 

[MiaSRN62]

When compared to the newer sections at Vistana, yes....you will see and "feel" the difference. The last time I saw the interior of the Falls (back in 1999 !), I felt it was a bit 1980's style decor. But all sections are pretty well maintained so hopefully the Falls has been remodeled. If you get a unit that is not up-to-par, just call the main desk and ask to speak to management. Personally, I would stay in the Falls if it was free. Not sure if I'd be happy if I paid $1,000 for the week and someone else paid $1,000 for a week at Vistana and they got the new Cascades section and I got the Falls. And this happens. That is the problem with Vistana. I, personally, feel the older sections should be discounted sharply in comparison with the new sections.

The resort itself is very pretty. Lots of ponds and waterways, bridges and gazebos. The pool near the Falls section is the only one with a slide. But you can use any of the 7 pools on site. Have a nice time.

 

[iluvflorida]

As I have said many times before Vistana is my all time favorite resort and would like to go every year if I could get it. Yes maybe some units have a little older furniture but they are still way way better than a hotel room with 2 beds and a bar frig (if you are lucky). The grounds, activities (for all ages), variety of pools, on site resturants, many other resturants nearby, close to Disney gate (hotel plaza) etc. etc. You will spend little time in the unit anyway. Unless you are using an owners unit in the week they own you will be assigned a unit on check in that may or may not be falls. I have stayed in falls and they are not bad yes other units I have stayed in may be nicer but they never botther me because of reasons stated.

 

[wiseguyslovethemouse]

As I have said many times before Vistana is my all time favorite resort and would like to go every year if I could get it. Yes maybe some units have a little older furniture but they are still way way better than a hotel room with 2 beds and a bar frig (if you are lucky). The grounds, activities (for all ages), variety of pools, on site resturants, many other resturants nearby, close to Disney gate (hotel plaza) etc. etc. You will spend little time in the unit anyway. Unless you are using an owners unit in the week they own you will be assigned a unit on check in that may or may not be falls. I have stayed in falls and they are not bad yes other units I have stayed in may be nicer but they never botther me because of reasons stated.

Super dupe; thank you. Yes, it is an owners unit, so I know it's in the Falls, but I also know the owner, so assume it will be nice. I am definitely excited to have more room than we ever have had onsite!!

 

[GinaBean]

I stayed at the Vistana once, but cannot remember what section I stayed in. We had a two bedroom two bath unit. We really liked the Vistana and enjoyed our stay, but liked Windsor Hills even more.

 

[spiceycat]

I though Courts were the oldest units and the worst.

falls does have the whirlpool tub in the unit right? that the court doesn't.

I have stayed in springs and lakes. lakes had the better view. but springs was bigger and I like it a little better.

it was definitely easier to get too.

of course the service at the Lakes was far, far superior to springs.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I though Courts were the oldest units and the worst.

falls does have the whirlpool tub in the unit right? that the court doesn't.

You are right Pat. The Courts was not even built by Vistana. It was an existing townhome community that Vistana took over when they acquired the land.
The Falls was the first section Vistana built. So it is the second oldest on property. It is the only section, built by Vistana, that has only 2 twin beds in the second bedroom ----instead of 2 double beds.
It is a shame this trip won't be NEXT year because the Falls is in line for a major rehab (million dollar makeover). They will be started Jan 2009 and complete by May 2009. Wish I could find a way to show you the before and after photos from the owner website but it is password protected. If I can figure how to get the photos on here I will post the ones from the Falls.

 

[MiaSRN62]

The photos from the Starwood owner's site are PDF. I tried copying them to a Word Doc and then uploading them somehow but can't do it. I did however find a photo of the current Falls kitchen :

and what is proposed for next May :