Review Sheraton Vistana Resort Questions

[lilpooh108]

Hi everyone,

I've read through a lot of these pages and find the information so helpful I do have a few questions about exchanging into this Resort through RCI. I would appreciate the help of anyone who has access to the RCI weeks membership. I had asked a few questions on Tug but honestly I feel more comfortable on the DIS.

(1) I posted a question on Tug and a poster there said that there is availability in Dec 2013 through RCI weeks for Sheraton Vistana Resort and Sheraton Vistana Resort - Fountains. I didn't know that the Fountains section was a separately bookable "category." Is this right?

(2) Would someone be kind enough to let me know whether there is "ample" availability to be booked at SVR or SVR Fountains for Dec 6/7/8 check in for this year?

(3) What is the TPU requirement for a 2 bdrm at SVR, for Dec 6/7/8?

(4) If it takes us a month to get an RCI account set up, do you think SVR would still have availability to be booked for early December? Does availability go fast?

My father in law is willing to let us deposit his week in RCI to use this December for our Orlando trip. He does not yet have a RCI account. I'm trying to do as much research as I can to determine whether it is worth setting an account up for him since we will be paying all the RCI fees (Guest cert, annual fee, exchange fee).

With the fees, is it worth it to go through RCI? How much would it cost to rent a week (on average) through an owner?

Thanks!

 

[got4boys]

(1) I posted a question on Tug and a poster there said that there is availability in Dec 2013 through RCI weeks for Sheraton Vistana Resort and Sheraton Vistana Resort - Fountains. I didn't know that the Fountains section was a separately bookable "category." Is this right?

(2) Would someone be kind enough to let me know whether there is "ample" availability to be booked at SVR or SVR Fountains for Dec 6/7/8 check in for this year?

(3) What is the TPU requirement for a 2 bdrm at SVR, for Dec 6/7/8?

(4) If it takes us a month to get an RCI account set up, do you think SVR would still have availability to be booked for early December? Does availability go fast?

My father in law is willing to let us deposit his week in RCI to use this December for our Orlando trip. He does not yet have a RCI account. I'm trying to do as much research as I can to determine whether it is worth setting an account up for him since we will be paying all the RCI fees (Guest cert, annual fee, exchange fee).

With the fees, is it worth it to go through RCI? How much would it cost to rent a week (on average) through an owner?

Thanks!

(2) Yes there is ample availability currently for those dates.

(3) - At Sheraton Vistana -
1 Bedroom 4 (4) Full Fri 06-Dec-2013 Fri 13-Dec-2013 Exchange Fee 22
2 Bedrooms 8 (6) Full Fri 06-Dec-2013 Fri 13-Dec-2013 Exchange Fee 24
Studio 4 (2) Full Sat 07-Dec-2013 Sat 14-Dec-2013 Exchange Fee 20
1 Bedroom 4 (4) Full Sat 07-Dec-2013 Sat 14-Dec-2013 Exchange Fee 22
2 Bedrooms 8 (6) Full Sat 07-Dec-2013 Sat 14-Dec-2013 Exchange Fee 24
2 Bedrooms 6 (6) Full Sat 07-Dec-2013 Sat 14-Dec-2013 Exchange Fee 24
1 Bedroom 4 (4) Full Sun 08-Dec-2013 Sun 15-Dec-2013 Exchange Fee 22
2 Bedrooms 8 (6) Full Sun 08-Dec-2013 Sun 15-Dec-2013 Exchange Fee 24
2 Bedrooms 6 (6) Full Sun 08-Dec-2013 Sun 15-Dec-2013 Exchange Fee 24

At Fountains
2 Bedrooms 8 (6) Full Fri 06-Dec-2013 Fri 13-Dec-2013 Exchange Fee 24
2 Bedrooms 8 (6) Full Sat 07-Dec-2013 Sat 14-Dec-2013 Exchange Fee 24
2 Bedrooms 8 (6) Full Sun 08-Dec-2013 Sun 15-Dec-2013 Exchange Fee 24

(4) There should be availability. Hopefully your father in law has a unit with enough TPUs when deposited into RCI.

RCI membership fee is $89 per year, exchange fee is $199 and guest certificate fee is $59 - So just to go through RCI - $349.

(5) Most owners at Sheraton Vistana would like to just cover their maintanenace fees - usually between $750 to $950

 

[2girlsmom]

Hi! We booked on hotwire secret hotel for 1 night 5/11 and the location is Vistana, this is a 1 bedroom which looks like is likely Cascades, right? We live in the Tampa area and drive up with some frequency for weekends, have been reading this thread today and am very excited now for this stay. We have a 15 and 12 year old, who I am sure will want to try out pool(s). How far would it be to a pool with a water slide from Cascades (assuming that's where we end up?)? Thanks for any info!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Hi! We booked on hotwire secret hotel for 1 night 5/11 and the location is Vistana, this is a 1 bedroom which looks like is likely Cascades, right?

Just to confirm.....your Hotwire purchase was for the Vistana RESORT? (remember there are two Vistanas in the area.....the "Resort" and the "Villages").

 

[FrankieDplus3]

Hi! We booked on hotwire secret hotel for 1 night 5/11 and the location is Vistana, this is a 1 bedroom which looks like is likely Cascades, right? We live in the Tampa area and drive up with some frequency for weekends, have been reading this thread today and am very excited now for this stay. We have a 15 and 12 year old, who I am sure will want to try out pool(s). How far would it be to a pool with a water slide from Cascades (assuming that's where we end up?)? Thanks for any info!

The Falls section has a slide and it is a very nice 2-5 mins walk. The Falls pool is very close to the Super Pool and Zimmies'. Zimmies' is right across the street from the Marketplace, which is pretty much surrounded by Cascades. (There is a Resort map somewhere in this thread)

My family of four stayed in a Cascades 1 BR in 2011 and loved it. We walked over to the falls pool many times.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[mrsap]

Hi! We booked on hotwire secret hotel for 1 night 5/11 and the location is Vistana, this is a 1 bedroom which looks like is likely Cascades, right? We live in the Tampa area and drive up with some frequency for weekends, have been reading this thread today and am very excited now for this stay. We have a 15 and 12 year old, who I am sure will want to try out pool(s). How far would it be to a pool with a water slide from Cascades (assuming that's where we end up?)? Thanks for any info!

Hello! I stayed in a 1 br in the Cascades section in 2010 and it was beautiful! You won't be disappointed! The pool is a quick walk, you will be there in a couple minutes. Enjoy!

Also, can I ask how Hotwire works?? I've never used them, and we need a hotel for the 2 extra nights before our stay at the Sheraton starts. How much did you pay per night? Do you remember which deal you picked? I'd love to try to get it! Thanks.

 

[MDsMomma]

I'm trying to read through this whole thread to find my answers but I'm still looking for answers to these questions..

Are there 1 or 2 zero entry pools? Where are they located?

Are there kids pools/splash pads? Where are they located?

What exactly is the diamond lane? I can submit my requests online and then I check in at a special line.. can I use this since I traded in with RCI?

I was reading about some rooms having twins beds in the bedroom. We booked a 2 bedroom which is suppose to sleep up to 8. Do you have to specify this somewhere?

Less then 4 weeks to go and I hate that this is a new resort I know nothing about the OCD planner who normally stays on property is coming out in me!

 

[2girlsmom]

I booked at Hotwire for $85 per night, on the mystery rate, the deal with Hotwire is to get a good price, you don't know where the hotel is until after you book so you are booking on how many stars, general location, etc. Mine was Lake Buena Vista condo for $85 per night, and then after I booked it they told me Vistana resort. Yes, I checked between villages and resort, but it did clearly show as resort. I marked as 4 star or higher properties, and then looked for whether it has a resort fee, just cause I like to know that.

 

[bankr63]

Hi! We booked on hotwire secret hotel for 1 night 5/11 and the location is Vistana, this is a 1 bedroom which looks like is likely Cascades, right? We live in the Tampa area and drive up with some frequency for weekends, have been reading this thread today and am very excited now for this stay. We have a 15 and 12 year old, who I am sure will want to try out pool(s). How far would it be to a pool with a water slide from Cascades (assuming that's where we end up?)? Thanks for any info!

Cascades or Lakes. Both sections have 1BR units. The slide is located at the Falls pool, an easy walk from Cascades, a bit farther from Lakes. The water slide may be too small for a 12/15yo. It really is intended for smaller kiddos.

I'm trying to read through this whole thread to find my answers but I'm still looking for answers to these questions..

Are there 1 or 2 zero entry pools? Where are they located?

Are there kids pools/splash pads? Where are they located?

What exactly is the diamond lane? I can submit my requests online and then I check in at a special line.. can I use this since I traded in with RCI?

I was reading about some rooms having twins beds in the bedroom. We booked a 2 bedroom which is suppose to sleep up to 8. Do you have to specify this somewhere?

Less then 4 weeks to go and I hate that this is a new resort I know nothing about the OCD planner who normally stays on property is coming out in me!

There are 2 zero entry pools; Cascades and Fountains. Technically Cascades isn't zero entry, there is a single step down of about 6 inches (into about 2 inches of water).

There are no kid specific pools. The two kid friendly pools mentioned above have spray fountains in the very shallow areas; quite similar to a splash pad but there are in standing water.

Diamond Lane allows you to pre-register and make special requests before you arrive. It is open to anyone; just use your RCI member number where the form asks for confirmation number. There is a separate DL checkin line, but pay special attention. There are more clerks on the regular line, so it moves quicker, you could find yourself waiting longer for the "special attention". Note that special requests are best effort; the resort may not be able to honor a request for a particular section/area/unit.

There are two sections that have singles in the second bedroom; Courts and Falls. Courts lowers and Falls units are sleeps 6, but the Courts uppers sleep 8. If you are using D/L form you can request 2 double/full beds in the 2nd bedroom.

 

[mrsap]

I booked at Hotwire for $85 per night, on the mystery rate, the deal with Hotwire is to get a good price, you don't know where the hotel is until after you book so you are booking on how many stars, general location, etc. Mine was Lake Buena Vista condo for $85 per night, and then after I booked it they told me Vistana resort. Yes, I checked between villages and resort, but it did clearly show as resort. I marked as 4 star or higher properties, and then looked for whether it has a resort fee, just cause I like to know that.

Thank you so much! What a great price you got!! Did it say "LAKE BUENA VISTA - DOWNTOWN DISNEY AREA CONDO" or just Lake Buena Vista Condo? I will be keeping an eye and hope to get the same!!! Not sure if there is anything comparable that I would be happy with in the area, but i'll hope for the best. Thanks again!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I booked at Hotwire for $85 per night, on the mystery rate, the deal with Hotwire is to get a good price, you don't know where the hotel is until after you book so you are booking on how many stars, general location, etc. Mine was Lake Buena Vista condo for $85 per night, and then after I booked it they told me Vistana resort. Yes, I checked between villages and resort, but it did clearly show as resort. I marked as 4 star or higher properties, and then looked for whether it has a resort fee, just cause I like to know that.

Wow, what a great rate!!! Congrats!

 

[joe-aka-papabear]

I used DL to make some requests for a timeshare week we recieved as a gift thru RCI. I recieved the reply on Wednesday which is 4 days out from our trip. RCI exchanges are in the Courts section i was told. Made a few other request which I hope are honored.

Thanks for everyones help answering the SVR questions. I'll try to post some pics and a trip report when we get back.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I used DL to make some requests for a timeshare week we recieved as a gift thru RCI. I recieved the reply on Wednesday which is 4 days out from our trip. RCI exchanges are in the Courts section i was told. Made a few other request which I hope are honored.

Thanks for everyones help answering the SVR questions. I'll try to post some pics and a trip report when we get back.

Have a great vacation, Joe. I look forward to the photos and report when you return!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Wow, its been sooooo quiet here lately!!!!

I used DL to make some requests for a timeshare week we recieved as a gift thru RCI. I recieved the reply on Wednesday which is 4 days out from our trip. RCI exchanges are in the Courts section i was told. Made a few other request which I hope are honored.

Thanks for everyones help answering the SVR questions. I'll try to post some pics and a trip report when we get back.

Joe......have you returned from your trip yet? How was your stay at SVR?

Do you have any photos you want to share?

 

[teacherlovesdisney]

Hi all,

New to this board, and also new to Sheraton Vistana. My wife and I will be taking our 1-yr-old on our first family vacation this August. We will be staying at the Sheraton Vistana Resort (2 bed room)for 5 nights, booked through Jetblue. (Great deal, FYI.) We are planning to spend most of our time poolside and in the condo, with some trips to Downtown Disney, splash pads and such. We will do 1 day at Magic Kingdom- and I think that will be good for a 1 yr old. That said, I had a few questions that I haven't found answers to:

1. Since we booked through Jetblue and not a condo timeshare, do you know what section we will be in? In other words, are "hotel" type guests placed in the same section or are all sections possible?

2. When we booked on Jetblue, there was a place for requests and we wrote, quiet room, high floor in section with elevator, high chair and crib. Do you think they will grant these requests? Should I also send an email or anything to make this request? Should I request a particular section and if so, how does one do that?

3. Can anyone speak from experience as to the quality or appearance of the resort high chairs or cribs?

4. Any other tips for a toddler at the resort?

5. Any other tips for things a toddler can do in the area for free or low cost?

Thanks so much everyone for your help.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We will be staying at the Sheraton Vistana Resort (2 bed room)for 5 nights, booked through Jetblue. (Great deal, FYI.)

That said, I had a few questions that I haven't found answers to:

1. Since we booked through Jetblue and not a condo timeshare, do you know what section we will be in? In other words, are "hotel" type guests placed in the same section or are all sections possible?

2. When we booked on Jetblue, there was a place for requests and we wrote, quiet room, high floor in section with elevator, high chair and crib. Do you think they will grant these requests? Should I also send an email or anything to make this request? Should I request a particular section and if so, how does one do that?

We also booked our upcoming stay through JetBlue. Couldn't beat the price!

bankr63, the resident expert on this thread, will probably answer all your questions with his typical awesomeness, but in the meantime I will chime in with what I know (which isn't much yet ).

Most sections of the resort have certain days that they accept check-ins (some are mostly for Friday check-ins, some for Saturday, some for Sunday, etc.). What day of the week are you arriving?

Our confirmation from Jetblue states we have a "run of house" room, which means they can basically put us in whatever section they wish based on what's available when we arrive.

As far as special requests go, 3-4 weeks before your stay, you can send in requests via Diamond Lane:

https://www.mystarcentral.com/services/diamond.jsp?propertyId=01

As with most properties, requests are not guaranteed but it doesn't hurt to ask .

 

[bankr63]

I think Gina nailed most of it.

Units booked for hotel type stays can be anywhere in the resort. Sheraton's room stock for this comes primarily from unsold stock in the various resort sections, some of which is made up from their buyback of foreclosed units from each section's homeowners' association. They still try to match up your arrival with the arrival date of the sections; this is probably to maintain housekeeping efficiency. It is easier to change over a bunch of villas in a single grouping than it is to have to run all around the resort.

My kids were well out of cribs and highchairs when we started going, so I can't speak to the quality of those items specifically, but in general Vistana is a top tier resort and owners have top tier expectations of ALL the amenities.

For a one year old, and based on your requests, you are probably aiming for Cascades or Lakes (only sections with elevators). I'm an avowed South Sider so would aim you towards Cascades - the pool in that section has a really great VERY shallow end with spray fountains. The little ones all seem to love that section.


One last suggestion - if you are researching a bit, I found Kim Wiley's "Walt Disney World with Kids" to be a great read, with a bit more specific information than the also wonderful Unofficial Guides. Her 2013 edition is available and the 2014 edition is due out September 10th.

Post back here after your trip with tips and tricks for visiting Vistana with the very little ones; would love to hear about your experience.

 

[teacherlovesdisney]

Thanks so much for the reply. That pool looks perfect for my little girl- I will request "Cascades." (Although my booking did say "run of house.") We actually arrive on a Tuesday, so I am not sure how that fits with the housekeeping schedule.

Are the "diamond lane" requests for everyone or just owners?

Thanks guys!

 

[chalee94]

Are the "diamond lane" requests for everyone or just owners?

everyone.

sometimes the response times are a little delayed, though...on my trip in mid-may a couple of weeks ago, i didn't get a response till the day before i left.

 

[teacherlovesdisney]

everyone.

sometimes the response times are a little delayed, though...on my trip in mid-may a couple of weeks ago, i didn't get a response till the day before i left.

Great, good to know. Thank you.