Rate the sections at the Vistana Resort

[VinnyNYC]

Please rate the different building at the Vistana Resort with a breif description. Thanks

 

[MiaSRN62]

Vinnie,
I'll try and generalize, as the majority of the villas are set-up the same, it's just the decor that is different.
Some people will find positives or negatives in every section.

Courts: the oldest. Constructed prior to 1980---was already an existing condo community when Vistana bought the land. All buildings 2 stories high. No water views. Found the units to be dark and the one I actually toured was a little musty. Anywhere from 1,000 to 1,400 sq ft depending on the unit. No jacuzzi. Two twin beds in second bedroom. There are 3 bedroom townhouses with a loft as the 3rd bedroom. BBQ grills scattered throughout the court yard.

Falls: constructed in 1982. 1,246 sq ft. Dated decor. Second bedroom has 2 twin beds. Whirlpool tub in master bedroom. All buildings 2 stories high. Nice water views from all villas.

Spas & Palms : Constructed 1984 & 1987. Decor is 80'ish style. Updated kitchen appliances. Spas 1,246-1,280 sq ft. Palms 1,280 sq ft. Buildings either 2 or 3 stories. Whirlpool tubs in master bathroom. All units have lake/pond view. Two double beds in these sections, as well as subsequent sections listed below.

Springs : Constructed 1988. All buildings 3 stories high. Either lake view or pool/recreation building view. This is the only section I have not actually been inside, so cannot vouch for the decor. From reviews I've read, people either love it or hate it based on room condition/decor.

Fountains One : Constructed 1990. 1,280 sq ft. Last stayed here in 1998. Living room had been recently updated (new furniture/draperies). Whirlpool tub in master bathroom. In '98, the master bedroom seemed a little dated. All buildings 3 stories high. Either lake/pond or pool view. Quieter area of resort.

Fountains Two: Constructed 1991/92. 1,211 sq ft. Last stayed here in 2003. Living room furniture/wallpaper border/draperies had been updated. Jacuzzi tub in master bedroom. Large shower stall in master bathroom. Most view are of lake/pond, but there are some that have no water view and back up to a small grassy area and fence. Quieter area of resort.

Lakes : Constructed 1995. Last stayed here in 2002. Decor was tropical colors. All buildings 4 or 5 stories with elevators. Either lake or pool view. Jacuzzi tub in master bedroom. Quieter area of resort.

Cascades: newest section. Constructed 1998 and on. Most have lake view, some have pool/playground view. All buildings 4 or 5 stories high. Elevators. Decor is whites/blues/florals mostly. These are probably the smaller of the villas. The living room/dining area seemed smaller than most of the older sections. Jacuzzi tub in master bedroom.

You can see pictures I've taken of different villas at Vistana at this site (you'll have to register---free) :
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4287948459

Hope this helps some. I didn't really "rate" the different sections, but alot of people feel the newer the section, the better. I find the newer buildings have a more modern design/feel and just seem brighter, but many of the older sections are nice as well. I own in the Fountains sections and prefer the Fountains Two over the Fountains One based mostly on the decor and the jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom vs the master bathroom.

 

[pk1959]

I have been wondering the same thing about the Vistana!! You did a great job explaining everything.

 

[VinnyNYC]

great post. thinking of exchanging into this resort via rci in summer of 2006.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Glad I could help and good luck with your exchange Vinnie

 

[luvdisney14]

Thank you very much.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Thank You!

This is the kind of detailed info that I have been hoping to find here!

 

[disneymom3]

Great and thourough post Mia

I have stayed in Fountains, Cascades adn Springs. Want to stay in Lakes next as I understand that they have the same layout as Fountains, but have elevators and that sounds darn good after a long day at the parks. We liked Springs just fine. We were on the second floor and had a skylight which helped in brightening it up. Decor was a bit 80s but that didn't bother us as it was clean and we had a nice pond view. Our top choice of the ones we have stayed in was Fountains. We liked the quieter side of the resort and the kids liked the zero depth entry pool over in that area the best. Cascades was fine, but our unit smelled a bit odd and was definitely smaller than the others we have stayed in.

Next trip our choices are in this order
Lakes
Fountains
Cascades
Springs

Anyone have a good recomendation for checkin days to get one of our top choices? I am thinking someone said that Spas only have check in on Fridays. Sound right? If so, I personally would avoid Friday checkin just becuase I don't want to take a chance.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Anyone have a good recomendation for checkin days to get one of our top choices? I am thinking someone said that Spas only have check in on Fridays. Sound right? If so, I personally would avoid Friday checkin just becuase I don't want to take a chance.

Hi Disneymom,
Fridays will get you the possibility of just about any section except the Falls and Courts. Saturdays could possibly land you in the Courts along with just about any other section except the Falls and Spas. And with Sundays, you have the potential of getting placed in the Falls, along with just about every other section except the Spas and Courts. So you pretty much have a chance of getting the older sections no matter which day you check-in unfortunately. If you can make your requests known at time of placing reservation, do so. Otherwise, make sure to fill out the online Diamon Lane form : https://www.svosecure.com/starwoodvo/diamond.jsp?resortID=5
Hope this helps