Sheraton Vistana Resort Details, Please

[KevinM]

I keep searching threads and bouncing all over the place, so by the time I'm done I forget everything I've just read. Here are my questions:

1)What are the best sections of this resort and why?
2)What are the worst areas and why are they bad?
3)I've read that if you reserve a 2 bedroom that sleeps 8 you will be in one of the better sections? Is this true?
4)Will you be harassed about buying a timeshare your entire vacation?
5)What section would have units numbered 1800, 1801, etc..?

You people are very nice.....

 

[Emily and Jack's Dad]

I keep searching threads and bouncing all over the place, so by the time I'm done I forget everything I've just read. Here are my questions:

1)What are the best sections of this resort and why?
2)What are the worst areas and why are they bad?
3)I've read that if you reserve a 2 bedroom that sleeps 8 you will be in one of the better sections? Is this true?
4)Will you be harassed about buying a timeshare your entire vacation?

You people are very nice.....

Kevin:

My family stayed in the Lakes section for 6 nights in early April in a 2-bedroom. Great stay. We made a request through Diamond Lanes in advance of arrival, but nothing was available in the newer sections of Lakes or Cascades. Arrived in the early evening and had to switch three times until we got a suite we were happy with. 1st unit was in an older section and on the ground floor, which my wife didn't like with our two toddlers. 2nd unit we were sent to, already had someone in it. 3rd unit was a 3rd floor in the Lakes section - almost at the end before new construction.

I understand all the sections are fine, just depends on what you are looking for. The best pool for children was in the Cascades section, which we drove to.

We were never harrassed about a timeshare presentation, yet my wife was prepared to attend for the perk. We did have a few voice mail messages about time share presentations, but no harrassment.

Wonderful stay and will stay again in the near future at Vistana Resorts. let me know if you need any other answers.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I agree that it can all depend on just what you are looking for.

We really lucked out, and were placed in a top-floor (what I called 'penthouse') unit in Cascades. Which is the newest section!

I know there was a GREAT post on all of this quite a while back.

Cascades is the newest, has the feel of an upscale condo. I agree with the last poster that it has a really great pool!
Lakes is next. Is also supposed to be nice.
Fountains-II has more of the feel of Villas, where you can step directly out into a nice shady area, nice playground for kids, etc.
I am not as sure about Palms and Spas - but they are older
Springs - I have heard needs renovation, you might want to avoid!
Courts is the oldest - but is supposed to have been renovated some, so it should be okay. (no pool or water views, no jacuzzis)

Vistana is GREAT! No matter where you are, you have access to the entire resort. And, unless you happen to get one of the few units that does need renonovation, you should have a great stay.

You can look up those unit numbers on their property map at the Starwood site. You will really have to ZOOM, but the numbers are indeed on there!

also you will notice that the units are color coded. So, your check-in day will probably help determine where you are placed. The Courts section, as you will notice, is all designated with the color for Saturday-Checkins.

You will want to contact their Diamond Lane a few weeks before your trip, to make any requests that you might have. EVERYONE always requests Cascades and Lakes, and they appear to automatically send out a response that states something like "there is no availability in Cascades and Lakes at this time". I don't think that really means anything. We got that too, and we got the BEST unit!

Also, I think that if you are an owner/exchange, your requests will probably have a little bit of precedence over renters, or people who have bid the online travel site. At least it sounds that way from what I have been reading.

Hope this helps, and have a great trip!

 

[juggernaut]

We just got back from the Vistana this week. It is a very beautiful place. We were in the Cascades 2219. I have heard good and bad about all the sections. The Cascades and Lakes are the newest. Our room was very clean and slept 8. I did the Diamond Lane check in, boy was I glad I did. When we got there the check in lane was almost out the door, but the Diamond Lane had 1 person. The Cascade pool was great especially if you have little kids. When you check in they will tell to go and get your welcome package, that is when they push the presentation. We didn't do it at first but later we went back down and signed up. We received $60 in cash for listening. They say 90 minutes but ours lasted a lot longer. We are planning on going back.

 

[gjw007]

Vistana is a nice resort. I own at Orange Lake but I have no problems recommending Vistana. All resorts get their occasional bad reviews but overall the better ones will stand out. Vistana is one of the better ones.

I stayed in the Fountains II area a couple years ago. It was nice, quiet. The pools were nearby. I did attend the timeshare presentation. I never really felt preasure to buy although that push is always there. I've been on presentations where there is such a strong push that it leaves a bad taste about the resort; this was not the case at Vistana. If you're not interested, when they call just tell them that you don't wish to go on the presentation; they should let it go at that. When I stay at Orange Lake, I do that occassionally and never hear from them the rest of the trip. I believe Vistana will do the same. Granted, they may call you a zillion times while you are out, but once you talk to them, you should be okay.

 

[Kitty-chan]

Does anybody know whether the time share presentation is made to those who've exchanged a time share, or only to renters? Also, does it require that if you are married, your spouse attend? DH doesn't do the Disney trips with me so I've got an easy out if spousal accompaniment is required. But if it's not required, I'm going to be tempted by the cash or Disney dollars.

 

[Kitty-chan]

Oh, another question too . . . does anybody have a link to the online map of the resort? I can't seem to find it.

 

[MiaSRN62]

does anybody have a link to the online map of the resort? I can't seem to find it.

Hi Kitty....
try these :
http://www.tug1.net/pics/flpics/vista54.jpg
http://www.tug1.net/pics/flpics/vista53.jpg

To answer #1 & #2: many feel the best sections of the resort are the newest Cascades and next newest Lakes
The Fountains One and Two are in the middle and I've heard mixed reviews about the Springs. The Fountains Two is newer than One. The difference is the jacuzzi tub is in the master bedroom (as with the Lakes and Cascades), whereas the whirlpool tub is in the master bathroom with the Fountains One.

The Falls, Palms and Spas are definitely noticeably older. I personally have stayed in the Spas and was on the phone requesting to be placed in the Fountains where I own. I felt like I was in the 80's as far as the decor went.

The Courts is the oldest section and sometimes stands out as the least desirable location. Vistana did not even build this section, it was acquired when the land was purchased. The Courts had been a preexisting condo development. This section has no water views if that is important to you.

3)I've read that if you reserve a 2 bedroom that sleeps 8 you will be in one of the better sections? Is this true?

No, not true. Most of the sections sleep 8 except some of the Courts and also all of the Falls.

4)Will you be harassed about buying a timeshare your entire vacation?

Not really. Upon checking in, after finishing up with the Front Desk at checkout, you will be "directed" to the back desk to "pick up some coupons" yada yada. Just go. If you go to that other desk, they will "invite" you to a timeshare presentation breakfast. If you don't feel like having to say "no" or get into a discussion about it, best to just avoid this area. The coupons are not all that much for area attractions. You may also receive one phone call about a day or two into your stay "inviting" you to a timeshare presentation. They will ask if they can "schedule" you. A polite, but firm "no" is all it takes and you won't be asked again.

5)What section would have units numbered 1800, 1801, etc..?

This is the Lakes (my personal favorite section).

Does anybody know whether the time share presentation is made to those who've exchanged a time share, or only to renters? Also, does it require that if you are married, your spouse attend?

Yes. Even current Vistana owners get invites (we're owners and they call us every trip....lol).
As far as I know, yes, it requires both spouses attend. They may make exceptions ?
Hope this all helps Kevin & kittychan !

 

[Kitty-chan]

Thanks Maria, that's all helpful information!

 

[luvdisney14]

Does anyone know if they have diamond lane check in during the week? Someone told me it was only on the weekend.

 

[luvdisney14]

Is there a charge to rent movies at the resort? If so how much and for how long?

 

[MiaSRN62]

Yes, the Diamond Lane is only for weekends : Diamond Lane hours are Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
As for the rentals.....hmmm, we rented there last in 2003. I think it was around $4-$5 for several days period. Don't quote me on that. We don't rent movies there too often.

 

[luvdisney14]

We are arriving on a thursday, does that mean I will be in line forever?

 

[MiaSRN62]

We are arriving on a thursday, does that mean I will be in line forever?

Not really....the big check-in/check-out days at Vistana are Fri/Sat/Sun. As owners and exchangers, we are only allowed to check-in on weekends. So weekdays are generally less congested.

 

[erinch]

we'll be there 7/23/-30 for our 4th stay in the Springs. Contrary to almost everybody else we like these units because they're only "3 high" and feel less like an apt complex. We kind of like what are called the "70's Miami Vice" colors--peach/turquoise. We really like having the jacuzzi in the master math, and the master bath which is bigger than some hotel rooms. The whole unit is bigger than the Cascades, which feel cramped to us. We always request a unit overlooking the pond, second floor if possible, and like it that the vegetation is more lush and mature.

 

[Kitty-chan]

Diamond Lane hours are Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Thanks for this info -- I arrive on a Friday night around 11PM, so I won't try to do Diamond Lane. I'll just hope the counter isn't too busy because most people are saner and check in earlier in the day.

Oh, and does anybody happen to know the code for which room numbers are in what section? I'm in a room in the 1900s, and I've been told it's Lakes or Cascades but am curious to know which.

 

[MiaSRN62]

1900's is the newer phase of the Lakes (my favorite section). Cascades villas are numbered in the 2000's.
Even though you can't take advantage of the Diamond Lane reservation due to late check-in, I'd still fill it out and send it and alert them to your late arrival. Make sure they hold that room for you.

 

[erinch]

Does Diamond Lane check in currently send acknowledgement of receipt of request?

I remember getting one the last time we checked in 2 years ago. I haven't heard back from them this time.

thanks,

Erin Cox-Holmes

 

[MiaSRN62]

Does Diamond Lane check in currently send acknowledgement of receipt of request?

Yes, Erin.....you should receive an email acknowlegment. Can take 2-3 days though. When did you fill out the form ?
I always print out my acknowlegment and bring it with me to check-in just in case.

 

[Wishing on a star]

First, just a note... even if a person is not going to be actually checking in at the Diamond Lane when they arrive, this is still the way to get pre-registered and to make any requests beforehand!

Also, if you do have your room number, the map on the Starwood site does list each unit number. (You have to really zoom, but they are there!) But, I have heard that no room numbers are guaranteed. They would not give me a room number, saying that I would get our unit assignment when we check in.
I was so happy to see that we had a WONDERFUL unit!