Sheraton Vistana Resort or Fountains RCI trade questions-traveling w/84 year old with mobility issues

[kathy884]

Looking to do an RCI timeshare trade for March of 2022. Two bedroom units at the Sheraton Vistana Resort and Sheraton Vistana Fountains are both available for my dates. We will be traveling with my wonderful 84 year old dad who has mobility issues (would prefer first floor unit or section that has an elevator for him -- I know most of the sections don't have elevators -- I believe the Cascades and Lakes are the only sections that do). He could climb steps, but I think it would put a big damper on the trip for him if he has to do that (tire him out a lot). He has leg issues (only walks fairly short distances these days, can climb steps, but prefers to minimize this), has handicapped parking, and will rent a scooter for the three days we'll be doing at the parks at the parks for the day at the park we are visiting (taking him to SeaWorld one day and taking him to Epcot (flower and garden is on) for two days. The other days we'll be visiting relatives in the area and enjoying the resort. I'm thinking I may have more options for dad they could put us into that would work better for him if I book the Sheraton Vistana Resort rather than the Fountains?? Your thoughts?? RCI has each of these as choices.

Dad likes a nice view from the patio or balcony as he sits out a lot. That's one reason he has really enjoyed the Vistana in the past. It has been a long time since we've stayed there though. Most units seem to have nice little lakes and fountains that you can see while sitting out. Dad loves to hang out at the pool too. I was thinking of putting in a request similar to the following for our unit too, " If possible for my 84 year old dad who has mobility issues we'd love to get a first floor unit or a unit in a building with an elevator that is close to a pool and has a nice view from the patio or balcony." Does that sound reasonable to request? Are there other things that you would suggest I request to make my dad's stay as comfortable as possible? Appreciate your thoughts

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Hi Kathy!

The only two sections at SVR that have buildings with elevators are Cascades and Lakes. All Fountains buildings (and all the other phases, for that matter.....Courts, Spas, Springs, Falls, Palms, and Fountains II) will have stairs to the 2nd and 3rd floors.

You can always request a ground floor villa in advance of your check-in. The pre-arrival coordinator's name and email address are in the SVR thread in the Hotel & Accommodations Reviews sub-forum, but I can also send it to you if you PM me. Her name is Kayla, and we have found her to be VERY accommodating. We usually reach out to her about 3 weeks in advance, just to be sure we catch her before a villa assignment is made (it's been my understanding in the past that those are done about 14 days out from guest arrival). Of course, requests aren't guaranteed, but knowing your dad has mobility issues that prevent him from navigating stairs, I'm sure they would either assign you a ground floor unit or place you in a building with elevators without any issue.

The Fountains buildings were all being renovated when we were last there in early December. A couple of the buildings had already been finished, and they are beautifully refreshed! We own in Fountains so I know I'm biased, but we enjoy how much quieter that side of the resort is than the south side. But you can't go wrong regardless, it's my favorite resort in Orlando!

 

[kathy884]

Great information Gina. Thanks so much! We stayed at the Fountains last time we were there quite a few years back and really enjoyed it. I might even call to get Kayla's opinion as to which section would be better to request for getting a ground floor unit or elevator (accommodating dad is number one). Thanks for that name. I'll look for her name and address in that thread and PM you if I have any issues finding it.

We love the Vistana too and was super happy to see it available for a trade for our dates.