Sheraton Vistana Resort, Orbit One, or Cypress Pointe Grande Villas???

[poohmickey]

We have the option of staying at any one of these three with skyauction certificates, and are having a hard time deciding. We have a 13 yr old and 11yr old, and it will be their first visit to Florida. Which would you choose?

TIA

Tammy

 

[poohmickey]

Also, do you know if any of these have internet available in their rooms?

Thanks

 

[MiaSRN62]

I'm a timeshare owner at Vistana. Haven't stayed at the other resorts you mentioned so I cannot compare.

But, yes, Vistana has free wireless................

 

[FayeW]

I have stayed at both Cypress Pointe Grand Villas and Orbit One, both with skyauction. We enjoyed them both, but we absolutely loved Cypress Pointe. It had a WOW factor for us that we have not found in another property, however, to be fair, it was also our first trip when we stayed there so we were excited about everything. We stayed there in 2003, and at that time I don't believe they had internet access, but we didn't inquire so I don't know for sure.

Orbit One was very nice and our kids, 10 &12 at the time, absolutely loved it. It was very clean and conveniently located. They have pay per use internet in their lounge area. If I was choosing between just those two, I would choose Cypress Pointe, however, if I had ever had they opportunity to stay at Vistana with skyauction that would have been my first choice because the rooms look gorgeous and it gets outstanding reviews. That, along with the WiFi, would be the deciding factor for me.

Not much help, am I?

 

[spiceycat]

with teens would go with Sheraton Vistana - there is just more for them to do.

this is a BIG resort.

you definitely need a rental car or your own car.

 

[TotoToo]

We have the option of staying at any one of these three with skyauction certificates, and are having a hard time deciding. We have a 13 yr old and 11yr old, and it will be their first visit to Florida. Which would you choose?

TIA

Tammy

Cypress Pointe Grande Villas has the best location by far and does offer Internet (wired) in the units. WiFi is offered in the Clubhouse, Volcano Pool and grounds of Cypress Pointe Resort which shares all common areas with Cypress Pointe Grande Villas. CPR also has WiFi in all units.

 

[Detailor]

I also recommend Vistana.

Cypress Pointe is a very nice resort as well but it's a lot smaller than Vistana so there's a lot less to do there. While I really like the Cypress Pointe resort, the phase II Grande Villas units are in need of refurbishment. If the choice was the phase I Cypress Pointe Resort then I'd strongly consider that as the rooms have recently been upgraded. Many sections of Vistana have been refurbished and are like new, so if you go there you should request a refurbed or newer section (Lakes, Cascades, etc.).

Both Cypress Pointe and Vistana Resort are very nice timeshare resorts, well located for Disney, SeaWorld, Universal, etc.

We stayed at Vistana (many years ago now) for our first Disney visit with our children and loved the facilities there. That stay eventually led us to purchase our first timeshare unit that we use to exchange into Orlando and other places.

Dick Taylor

 

[poohmickey]

Thanks for all of your replies!

I have read reviews on all of them - but most recently Vistana Resort. There seems to be alot of people requesting new rooms at Vistana - but being told that those are reserved for owners, and the rooms they ended up in are disgusting (in their opinions).

I guess what I should be asking (if anyone knows) is if I were to get the old rooms at all of these resorts (worse case scenario) - which would be the worst one to be at - so bad that I wanted to leave and find someplace else. We don't expect 5 star accomodations, but would definitely like it to be clean and non-smoking. Internet is a plus - but not required.

We understand we are getting a great deal, but still want to enjoy the time we spend in our room.

Thanks,
Tammy

 

[spiceycat]

Cypress Pointe Grande villas - my opinion - the worst.

pretty sure Orbit One has been rehab

they are definitely working on the Sheraton Vistana - they have redone the worst of the older section. Not certain where they are now. Also take the reviews with a grain of salt. Stayed in the Lakes section a couple of years ago - one of the nicest timeshares ever - and it has some complained.

not sure that the rehab of CP GV has begun.

now if it was just CP - then it would be different.

 

[MiaSRN62]

which would be the worst one to be at - so bad that I wanted to leave and find someplace else.

I don't think any section would be so bad you'd want to leave.......but that being said, probably the Courts is the least desirable. If you check in on any day BUT Sat, you won't get much of a chance being placed here.

Vistana is undergoing a MAJOR rehab as Spicey mentioned.

From the owner's site....looks like all sections are on board for major refurb in the next 3 years. Some are already complete (Lakes, Fountains I and Fountains II should be done by the end of Dec).

Quotes/articles from the Vistana owner's site :
Today, Sheraton Vistana Resort is on the verge of reclaiming that status—and Sylvia couldn't be more excited. The last three phases at the resort, Cascades, Spa and Courts, have joined five others in approving and launching major, multimillion-dollar refurbishments. "The renovation looks fabulous and I can't wait until it takes place," said Sylvia, who recently toured a model villa.

The Cascades refurbishment, which is the resort's largest, encompassing more than 500 villas, is scheduled to commence in May 2009 and finish one year later. The 250 Spa villas will undergo their transformations from April 2010 to January 2011. Courts will begin construction in its 100 villas in 2011.

Owners in these phases will soon receive a full-color brochure and important details about the transformation. When the remodeling is complete, the villas will boast:

Granite countertops, upgraded cabinets and ceiling fans
Stylish dining sets, bar stools, bedroom dressers and nightstands
Comfortable queen sofa beds, coffee tables and sleek lounge chairs
Cutting-edge, 42-inch LCD televisions with Bose® entertainment systems
Modern linens, tasteful window treatments and lighting packages
A contemporary style with fresh paint, new trim and carpet
"With the state-of-the-art electronics, quality of furnishings and even the color scheme, this is truly setting the new standard in the industry," said Mark Dunham, vice president of facilities management at Starwood Vacation Ownership. "From the kitchen sinks to the toilets, we are replacing virtually everything in the villas."


REHAB SCHEDULE :
Springs : Feb -June 2009
Spas : April 2010--Jan 2011
Falls : Jan --May 2009
Courts : Aug--Dec 2010
Cascades : May 2009 to May 2010 (largest section)
The only section I cannot find mention of for a rehab is the Palms section. So not sure but their owner's association could still be voting on it.

Here are some pics of the newly remodeled rooms from the various sections (some complete and some scheduled for future dates ) :

Fountains I :

Fountains II :

Springs :

Spas :

Courts :

Lakes :

Cascades :

Wish I could send you projected pics from the other sections...but the owner's site has made the photos impossible to copy. I copied the above ones about 6 months ago. But let me assure you, the Courts is going to look awesome when it's done ! I think people may be requesting to stay there after years of avoiding it like the plague !


Also, Toto Too made this comment :

Cypress Pointe Grande Villas has the best location by far

I'm not familiar with Orbit One, but I know exactly where Cypress Pointe is and I don't feel it's location is any better than Vistana's. These two resorts can't be more than a mile away from eachother---maybe 5-6 traffic lights ?


So to the OP....My suggestions for requests would be :
1) fill out the online Diamond Lane form : https://www.mystarcentral.com/services/diamond.jsp?propertyId=01&IM=SVO_RC_DIA_SVR

2) Request either Cascades or any newly remodeled room (which are the Lakes, Fountains I & II). The other sections are in varying phases of remodel. Even though the Cascades have not undergone the rehab yet, they are the newest section at Vistana (built between 1998-2002 approx). So they are no way near as in need of a repair as some of the older sections---but it's great they are being redone.


Hope all this help.

 

[grammynelliebelle]

Have only been to Orbit One. It was fine, but I think the pictures shown above look nicer than what we had at Orbit One. Our room seemed to be somewhat renovated but still had uncomfortable living room furniture and very dated (and somewhat stained) drapes in the master bedroom. It was clean and ok for our purposes. Non smoking. The second bedroom had two twins. There was internet in the breakfast/community room but it was down while we were there. Not much going on while we were there in terms of activity, but the pool was warm and did have two small water slides. I think you can also go over to Liki Tiki for a small parking fee and use there water facilities. Have a great trip with whatever you choose! Grammy

 

[MiaSRN62]

but I think the pictures shown above look nicer than what we had at Orbit One.

Hi...just wanted to clarify. Half of the above photos I posted are for projected remodeled villas. The only sections that are currently complete are : Lakes, Fountains I and Fountains II.

The rest are projected for 2009--2011.
So just wanted to make sure the OP understood that. Alot of the sections at Vistana are still a bit dated and in need of a major facelift.

 

[poohmickey]

I don't think any section would be so bad you'd want to leave.......but that being said, probably the Courts is the least desirable. If you check in on any day BUT Sat, you won't get much of a chance being placed here.
Hope all this help.

This is great info and very complete - just what I was looking for - THANKS!



Thanks everyone for you input! We will be making our final decision later today.

Tammy

 

[ttfn3]

Wow! Thanks for posting the pictures of the rehab. We are headed back to the Vistana Resort in March and will stay in the Fountains I. Looks great.

To the original poster - your kids will love the activities at the Vistana Resort. My family has often stayed here a whole week and never stepped foot into Disney (I know gasp!). It's a favorite resort of DH and DS (age 12). Between water volleyball, bingo, family casino night, basketball free throw contest, mini golf, etc. there so much to do that the week will fly by.

 

[TotoToo]

Also, Toto Too made this comment :



I'm not familiar with Orbit One, but I know exactly where Cypress Pointe is and I don't feel it's location is any better than Vistana's. These two resorts can't be more than a mile away from eachother---maybe 5-6 traffic lights ?

That's my point. There ARE 5-6 traffic lights, and a ton of traffic at each, to get from anywhere at Vistana to anything in the area. You have to drive. At Cypress Pointe you can literally park your car at the resort and walk to 75+ restaurants, stores, whatever including 1 mile to Downtown Disney. It is the most pedestrian friendly area I've ever found in Orlando. It is so relaxing to walk to all the resort features, to walk to a great restaurant like Giardano's, Macaroni Grill, Steak & Shake- there are 25 or more - and have Wynn Dixie next door. It is a pleasant neighborhood as a planned community not just a resort. We give that area a big plus over the remote and/or spread out mega resorts like OLCC, Westgate and Vistana. They are nice but not equally maintained due to the monstrous size and not at all warm and welcoming. Heck, some you have to drive to the pool(s)! Some personal choice I'm sure but we prefer the ability to enjoy the area without a vehicle required.

 

[MiaSRN62]

tottoo : That's my point. There ARE 5-6 traffic lights, and a ton of traffic at each, to get from anywhere at Vistana to anything in the area. You have to drive. At Cypress Pointe you can literally park your car at the resort and walk to 75+ restaurants, stores, whatever including 1 mile to Downtown Disney.

My point was that Vistana was 5-6 traffic light to/from Cypress Pointe. There are shops around Vistana and there is a Wendy's and a Bennigans and a Walgreens right next door. And some new shops just went up across the street from Vistana (this the area that was destroyed by fire a few years back).

My only mention of the 5-6 traffic lights was to show how close Vistana was to Cypress Point. Vistana is also 1 mile to Downtown Disney. CP and Vistana are just on opposite ends of DD. So my point was, these resorts are equally close to WDW. You made it sound like CP was so much better of a location (you said and I quote "Cypree Pointe is the best location by far") and I find them quite similar. So sorry for any misunderstanding of my post.

 

[poohmickey]

I want to thank all of you for you input!

Since we were unable to get any of these 3 places for the whole time we will be there (19 days), we have decided to book a week at each place. I know we will have to move, but we were able to overlap a day (check out on Sunday, but are able to check in on Saturday for the next location) for our first move so it won't be too bad. We always like to rent cars when will travel, so that helps too. We even rented a car when my husband and I went last February to WDW and stayed onsite. We love the freedom!


Thanks again for everyone's help!

Tammy

 

[Teacher03]

I want to thank all of you for you input!

Since we were unable to get any of these 3 places for the whole time we will be there (19 days), we have decided to book a week at each place. I know we will have to move, but we were able to overlap a day (check out on Sunday, but are able to check in on Saturday for the next location) for our first move so it won't be too bad. We always like to rent cars when will travel, so that helps too. We even rented a car when my husband and I went last February to WDW and stayed onsite. We love the freedom!


Thanks again for everyone's help!

Tammy

Sounds like a great plan! We've stayed at Cypress Pointe in the past and loved it. You'll have to let us know how you liked each resort when you return.

 

[MiaSRN62]

We always like to rent cars when will travel, so that helps too. We even rented a car when my husband and I went last February to WDW and stayed onsite. We love the freedom!

Couldn't agree more with renting a car. As far as we're concerned, with offsite it's a must. For onsite it's great with resort dining, shopping and things like that. Have a great time poohmickey !

 

[spiceycat]

with Sheraton Vista turn right go to 536 (world drive) turn right - shortly you will be in WDW.

with CP it is alot more complex. if you go through the DD area or I4.

I4 can be easier. but DD is definitely more entertaining.