I own at both of these resorts, and have stayed at both. Though SVV is newer, I always find myself staying at SVR. I love the location and how much there is to do on property. Last year, we went down to Orlando for 18 days. Stayed a week at VR and never left the property. NO PARKS! We had SUCH a nice relaxing time! We REALLY enjoyed the resort. Then we moved to POP Century for 10 days. We went from a nice, big villa to a closet...

. But I digress...
Vistana Resort has 3 restaurants (Zimmies, Cascades Bar and Grill and Flamingo Cafe), an ice cream parlor (Edy's...located in Zimmies), a General Store with Pizza Hut, etc. EVERYTHING is right there! Are you looking for activities for the kids? There is TONS to do all day, every day! They have numerous video game rooms, they have a small mini golf course, 7 pools as Maria said and countless basketball courts. The list goes on and on!
VR property actually TOUCHES the back side of WDW property. But that means nothing since WDW property is so big. I can say that before kids, we have walked back to VR from DTD...far walk and I'd probably NEVER do it again! But you get my point...it's REALLY close to the DTD entrance.
The Lakes section has been totally remodeled; I think the entire section is slated to be complete by late summer. I just received a letter about my Cascades section...it, too, will be refurbished soon. No set date, but I'm sure I will see an assessment come January 1st.
Whichever you choose, you will be pleasantly surprised with the comfort of the villas. The 2 bedrooms are quite large and have full sized kitchens with washers and dryers. LESS TO PACK!

Even though you aren't FULLY immersed in the Disney Magic 24/7, I don't think my vacations were less magical when I stayed off site.
Oh, and from the entrance of my Lakes villa, we saw the Epcot Fireworks every night. Not in its entirety, but we were able to see SOME of them from where we were standing each night, right outside the front door of our villa.
