Quick Vistana Resort Review

[pamlet]

Hi there!

We were at Vistana last week - 5/22 - 5/27. It is a WONDERFUL resort. While we didn't really take advantages of the "activities" we did use the pool a little and generally just enjoyed our stay!

We checked in around 11:30 am - and our place wasn't ready yet. I'd made a couple requests that got a little confused - but basically they had us on the first level of a Lakes unit. I requested we get a top floor - and viola.. no problem that's where they put us! It was LOVELY! We were in unit 1816 - had a view of the pond and the pool beyond.

My husband and 16 yo son checked out some of the pools, but found they like the Fountains pool best - just beyond our pool.. besides it was open until 1am.. laugh.. perfect for after the parks.

The unit was HUGE ... I LOVED the screened patio... the bed was SUPER comfortable in the master bedroom. The whirlpool tub was great ... I cannot say enough about how much we enjoyed our stay.

The unit and grounds were spotless - and having the little general store open until midnight was handy.

I must admit I was nervous about getting an "older" unit - so was thrilled when we got Lakes! From what I could tell tho' the other sections did NOT look all that bad!

I'd signed up for Diamond Lane - but the line wasn't open when we checked in. However there wasn't much of a line so it didn't matter. The unit wouldn't be ready until after 3 - so we went and grabbed lunch at Burger King, cruised around the resort. I checked back about 3:15 and it was ready!

 

[juggernaut]

I am glad you had a nice stay. We will be staying there in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the review.

 

[darlene9947]

We checked in around 9:30 am the same day!! I also signed up with the Diamond Express but like you say, it wasn't open yet. We were in unit 1852. At first they had me on the 3rd floor, which wouldn't have been that much of a problem, except they told me the elevator was not working. I can't climb down stairs, so they put us in a 1st floor unit. Maybe we had each other's original assigned units!!
I thought the resort was great also. Could not believe how little time it took to get to the parks in the morning. Of course, coming home a few times, we took a wrong turn and took the scenic route home!! LOL
I did miss the Disney magic, however. We're planning on going back in Dec., 2007 and I'm going to try my hardest to stay onsite that time. It will be hard to not have as much room to spread out in, but I guess we'll just have to bear it!!! Of course, it will only be me and my 2 daughters, so other than the bathroom fights, we should be OK!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Glad u both had nice trips ! Thanks for sharing. The Lakes is actually my favorite section at Vistana (and I own in the Fountains).
Pamlet, the fact they moved you ---to a Saturday check-in unit yet---shows that Vistana can be flexible with the color coded check-ins dates. Darlene did get a Sunday check-in villa.

 

[Kitty-chan]

Did either of you use the shuttle from the hotel? I'm staying at the Vestana for the first time this December, and I figure I'll need a rental car but it would be nice to know about the shuttle option anyway, especially for MK since I hate having to do that whole detour to TTC.

And I know I'll miss the Disney magic too. I've only stayed on-site once (Pop Century) and I loved it! But I know I'll really love the extra space, the full kitchen, the washer/dryer in the unit . . . so somehow I'll get by.

 

[slindamood]

We will be staying there in December, also. What is the system about check in days? We will be checking in on a Saturday, with a 2 BR unit. What will we likely get?

Would also like to know about transportation to the parks. we will have a rental car, but not having to drive might be nice.

How much is available at the general store? Or should we stop at Publix first?

Thanks for the help - DH booked and we really don't know much about it.

 

[MiaSRN62]

The shuttle schedule is a little limited. It's not anything like disney bus transportation. I believe it leaves 3 or 4 different times in the morning and maybe picks up 3 different times in the evening. It's about $7.50 pp/round trip per day. So if you have a larger party, that's a little costly and you dont' have the freedom you would with a car to come and go as you like at the parks.
Saturday check-ins could get you the oldest section (Courts) or Palms, Springs, Fountains I, Fountains II, Lakes or the newest Cascades. Make sure you fill out the online Diamond Lane form and request one of the newer sections : https://www.svosecure.com/starwoodvo/diamond.jsp?resortID=5

If you really want to stock your frig like at home, go to Publix first. The General Store has bread, muffins, eggs, butter, milk, bagels, cream cheese, peanut butter, ice cream, beer/wine and pre-packaged lunch meat etc. If you want fresh meats, pastas, veggies, larger frozen food selection---head over to Publix and also save $ too. The General Store is a bit pricey. You can have Vistana pre-stock your villa for you as well (for a price) : https://www.svosecure.com/shoppingItems.do?resortId=5&action=categories&which=groceries
I'd say it has the selection similar to what a 7-11 might have. They also sell soap, shampoo, laundry detergent....
Enjoy your visit. Hope this info helped a little.

 

[disneymom3]

Mia--I am so glad you are on this board. You need a tag that says Vistana information queen or something!!

If we have a 2 BR sleeps 8 does that exclude Courts or anwhere else for a Sat check in? And is there a map online that has the color coded check in dates? I swear the first time we stayed there we had a link to a map of the whole resort but we don't anymore.

Going in Feb and MIL just reserved our exchange for us. Can't wait!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Mia--I am so glad you are on this board. You need a tag that says Vistana information queen or something!!

Thanks Julie ---I'll wear that crown proudly

If we have a 2 BR sleeps 8 does that exclude Courts or anwhere else for a Sat check in?

Technically, there are some Courts that sleep 6 and others sleep 8. You should be getting 2 double beds in the second bedroom, so if you have a confirmed "sleeps 8" I think your chances of NOT getting the Courts are better. Make sure you fill out that Diamond Lane form though and request Cascades, Lakes or Fountains (the 3 newest). Hopefully you'd get one of those.

Here's the map Julie : http://www.starwoodvo.com/flash/maps/5/map.html
RED=Friday; BLUE=Saturday; GREEN=Sunday
It's a little difficult to see that map clearly. Try this as well :
http://www.tug1.net/pics/flpics/vista54.jpg AND : http://www.tug1.net/pics/flpics/vista53.jpg

Hope this helps !

 

[disneymom3]

I will fill out the Diamond Lane request. We are doing Lakes, Fountains and then Cascades I think. We have stayed in Fountains and loved the unit but out location was a bit close to the entrance of the Fountains and Lakes area where the guard shack is. DD was a really light sleeper back then and we found the traffic to be a bit of a problem. And we'd like elevators if poss. Don't actually like Cascades as well. The units seemed a bit smaller to us. We also have stayed in Springs and liked that a lot. It was a very quiet area. But our fav is the Lakes pool so it is nice to be over there on that side.

Thanks for the maps

 

[MiaSRN62]

We have stayed in Fountains and loved the unit but out location was a bit close to the entrance of the Fountains and Lakes area where the guard shack is.

Did u check-in on a Sunday Julie ? That's where those front units are located. I agree, the guard shack area is not my favorite either. Since you're checking in on a Saturday, you've got a good chance at getting into the newer Fountains Two section. We LOVE the area that includes villas 1613 thru 1683. Nice, quiet, water view. The vegetation can be a little thick over there but we like it. If you check-in and see you've been assigned to Fountains Two #'s 1601 thru 1672 ask for a change in assignment if possible. The are nice villas BUT have no water or pool view. The balcony faces a small grassy area with a wooden fence. It is the edge of the resort. So just keep those villas in mind as those you do not want. Though I admit, I'd take them OVER the Courts
We own in the Fountains I/II and our favorite is the Lakes as well. BTW, the units (while pretty and new) are smaller at the Cascades.

Checking in early would probably be helpful. Even though you can't usually get into the villa until 3-4 pm, we like to check-in at noon-ish. Good luck

 

[disneymom3]

Maria--we must have checked in on a Sunday. We were trying to figure that out actually. The time we have stayed at Vistana as a timeshare exchange was 6 years ago, so it is a bit hard to remember.

I am making note of your location suggestions. My main concern is usually not being anywhere with a pool view because if I don't want to be at the pool, I don't want to hear other people's kids there making noise. LOL. We are not too picky so even if we end up in Courts I am sure we will still be happy, but of course we want the best set up we can manage. Our flight probably would not arrive until about 1:30 I think so check in might be a little tough. Diamond lane is sure to be open when we are there I would imagine! We are there the first week of Feb though so it's not like it's high season or anything.

 

[MiaSRN62]

My main concern is usually not being anywhere with a pool view because if I don't want to be at the pool, I don't want to hear other people's kids there making noise. LOL. We are not too picky so even if we end up in Courts I am sure we will still be happy, but of course we want the best set up we can manage. Our flight probably would not arrive until about 1:30

Most pool views at Fountains are a Friday check-in. At the Lakes it tends to be a Saturday check-in but only one Lakes bldg that is actually pool front.
And, yes.....Diamond Lane is open until 7 pm.

 

[luvdisney14]

We are checking in on a Thursday, so does that mean we will get the worse available. We will check in about noon, maybe that will help. What do you think?

 

[MiaSRN62]

No, you def aren't guaranteed to get the oldest units. You could technically get anything that's available. We checked in mid-week one year and got the Lakes. Just make sure you fill out the Diamond Lane form. How did u book the resort ? Yourself or through a travel agent ?

 

[luvdisney14]

I booked it through the spg or sheraton website. Sleeps six - $100.00 per night, which I think is a good deal. I booked it almost a year in advance.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I booked it through the spg or sheraton website. Sleeps six - $100.00 per night, which I think is a good deal. I booked it almost a year in advance.

luvdisney,
Hi. The good news is you got a good rate. On the flip side, you probably will get the older Courts or Falls if your reservation states "sleeps 6". Only those two oldest sections have twin (not full) sized beds in the second bedroom.
Hope this helps.

 

[slindamood]

Thanks, Mia and everyone else for the great information and advice. It sounds like such a pretty and relaxing place to stay - which is what I want. Some laid back family time, with a few visits to local sites for a break. I am now so looking forward to this vacation - and I had been a little worried. I will fill out Diamond Lane, plan on driving over to WDW and elsewhere and stop at Publix after checking in.