Review Sheraton Vistana Resort Questions

[briar]

This thread has been immensely helpful! Thank you!

Just some clarifying questions:

We are booked next month in a One Bedroom FULL KITCHEN through an RCI exchange. This should mean that we are in Lakes or Cascades in a Premium One Bedroom, correct? Both of those are renovated and have elevators, right? If all this is right, I have very little to request through Diamond Lane!

I'm trying to see on the map and it also looks like they both have playgrounds and gyms. Is that right?

Is there any reason to request either Lakes or Cascades or are they similar enough that it doesn't matter? We are not that picky as long we have elevator, playground and gym.

Thank you in advance!

 

[*disgal*]

Well, I had wanted to try a Marriott timeshare for our week of April 2nd but nothing available because this is sort of a last minute trip. Then I tried some others(including Vistana). No luck again. We had stayed at Vistana twice in the past.....loved it but just wanted to try something different.

But I was struggling to find anything available. Now, I would be grateful to find anything at Vistana or anywhere that had nice pools.

Then I remembered I had looked at Tug when I was trying for the Marriott and I thought I had seen a Vistana that was specifically for our week. (At this point, the resort is pretty full so I had to find an owner that had already booked his week but was selling it.) Boom! I found one, called and 30 minutes later it was paid for and cert. was in my email. WOW!

The person I'm renting from said an hour after I called someone else called him to rent the week. I almost lost it by an hour!

I spent all last night reading this thread......(why isn't this on the main board though??) and now am more excited than anything to stay there.

One thing, he owns in Fountains II and we check in on a Sat. so according to info on this thread (mostly Maria ) I will have to put in a request to NOT get those rooms in the back of the resort with no water view. On the map ( https://www.mystarcentral.com/flash/maps/01/map.html ) it looks like those rooms are #1631-1642 and #1655-1672.

Is this correct?

Also, the owner said there were two queens in the second bedroom but from my reading I think he is mistaken....two doubles?

TIA I'm really excited for our trip now. We are actually not doing any parks (I know, I don't know how we will survive! ) so we will really enjoy all that Vistana has to offer.

 

[FrankieDplus3]

This thread has been immensely helpful! Thank you!

Just some clarifying questions:

We are booked next month in a One Bedroom FULL KITCHEN through an RCI exchange. This should mean that we are in Lakes or Cascades in a Premium One Bedroom, correct? Both of those are renovated and have elevators, right? If all this is right, I have very little to request through Diamond Lane!

I'm trying to see on the map and it also looks like they both have playgrounds and gyms. Is that right?

Is there any reason to request either Lakes or Cascades or are they similar enough that it doesn't matter? We are not that picky as long we have elevator, playground and gym.

Thank you in advance!

Hey Briar,
I would love to hear about your stay/experience in a one-bedroom. We plan on going in August and I haven't seen or heard a lot about one-bedrooms. Will you be able to post a review?

Enjoy your vacation!

FrankieD

 

[bankr63]

Then I remembered I had looked at Tug when I was trying for the Marriott and I thought I had seen a Vistana that was specifically for our week.

Tug is a great place to find a rental from an owner. For most situations, if you don't see what you want listed, place a "Wanted Ad" I needed one additional unit for a family reunion; I posted and was inundated with responses from owners willing to book the week for me. I understand you were in a short situation.

One thing, he owns in Fountains II and we check in on a Sat. so according to info on this thread (mostly Maria ) I will have to put in a request to NOT get those rooms in the back of the resort with no water view. It looks like those rooms are #1631-1642 and #1655-1672.

Is this correct?

I would add in buildings 44 and 45, units 1601-1612. All of these buildings back onto the I-4 or the ramps from the I-4, not the best spot in the resort.

Also, the owner said there were two queens in the second bedroom but from my reading I think he is mistaken....two doubles?

I agree, Starwood calls them full beds. That would be a double. Haven't stayed in Fountains II, but the sections I have stayed in didn't have queens.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[*disgal*]

Tug is a great place to find a rental from an owner. For most situations, if you don't see what you want listed, place a "Wanted Ad" I needed one additional unit for a family reunion; I posted and was inundated with responses from owners willing to book the week for me. I understand you were in a short situation.

That is great to know! And I had wondered about it. I would see a lot that had "week 1-52", but with this short notice I had to get one that was already booked. I will definitely keep that in mind for next time though.


I would add in buildings 44 and 45, units 1601-1612. All of these buildings back onto the I-4 or the ramps from the I-4, not the best spot in the resort.

Right, but I was under the impression that because it is "red" it is for a Friday check in and we have a Sat. check in which I believe is in the blue. Do they not go by the color codes anymore?



I agree, Starwood calls them full beds. That would be a double. Haven't stayed in Fountains II, but the sections I have stayed in didn't have queens.

Enjoy your trip!

thank you so much!

 

[bankr63]

This thread has been immensely helpful! Thank you!

Just some clarifying questions:

We are booked next month in a One Bedroom FULL KITCHEN through an RCI exchange. This should mean that we are in Lakes or Cascades in a Premium One Bedroom, correct? Both of those are renovated and have elevators, right? If all this is right, I have very little to request through Diamond Lane!!

Starwood identifies the smaller 1BR as having Kitchenettes, and the Sheraton booking site does differentiate between full kitchen and kitchenette. RCI is usually pretty careful about unit identification, but looking on the RCI site and through their Resort Directory they list all units as having full kitchens, so I am confused Interval Internation does not give any kitchen details at all.

Both RCI and and II list Studio/Efficiency units - I am wondering if these are the smaller 1BR's since I am not aware of any floorplans that I would consider a studio (basically a large hotel room) at Vistana at all. But again, RCI maintains that ALL units have full kitchens. I'm guessing RCI considers these kitchenettes to be full kitchens.

I would put that diamond lane request in after all to be sure!

I'm trying to see on the map and it also looks like they both have playgrounds and gyms. Is that right?

Yes there are both in abundance on both sides of the resort.

Is there any reason to request either Lakes or Cascades or are they similar enough that it doesn't matter? We are not that picky as long we have elevator, playground and gym.

Thank you in advance!

I think that the Lakes section is a little bit better than Cascades. This is primarily because a handful of the Cascades buildings are near the main entrance to the resort and the area is quite busy. Others may like this, as it also means "close to the action" - there is better access to the full-serve restaurants, convenience market, mini-putt, etc. Lakes is further back in the resort, and is quieter, but a walk to some of the amenities. It is close to the food court however. Not a huge difference in age or trim of the two areas.

 

[bankr63]

Right, but I was under the impression that because it is "red" it is for a Friday check in and we have a Sat. check in which I believe is in the blue. Do they not go by the color codes anymore?

My map from March 2010 has those two buildings in blue - looking at it right now. I'll be back at Vistana in two weeks and I'll get a new map, things do change over time!

 

[*disgal*]

My map from March 2010 has those two buildings in blue - looking at it right now. I'll be back at Vistana in two weeks and I'll get a new map, things do change over time!

A-Ha!! Well, that would screw things up, wouldn't it?

Ok, thank you for that. Compared to this map, are there any other changes to the blue in the Fountains II section?

https://www.mystarcentral.com/flash/maps/01/map.html

TIA

 

[bankr63]

A-Ha!! Well, that would screw things up, wouldn't it?

Ok, thank you for that. Compared to this map, are there any other changes to the blue in the Fountains II section?

https://www.mystarcentral.com/flash/maps/01/map.html

TIA

Compared both maps, and that seems to be the only difference between the two for checkin dates. I'll see what the resort map shows this year.

Here is a link to the resort map for posted on TUG with the different 44/45 units:
http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=886044&postcount=10

 

[*disgal*]

thank you, bankr63. That's funny that only one building is different.


Can anyone give me details about the Fountains Rec center that has the food court? Did I read somewhere on here that there is a salad bar? That would be awesome.

Does anyone know their hours?

Also, which pool is considered the super pool? Is it the one next to the Spas section?

TIA

 

[bankr63]

thank you, bankr63. That's funny that only one building is different.


Can anyone give me details about the Fountains Rec center that has the food court? Did I read somewhere on here that there is a salad bar? That would be awesome.

Does anyone know their hours?

Also, which pool is considered the super pool? Is it the one next to the Spas section?

TIA

Can't help too much with the dining options as my DS has a food allergy; we don't use them alot. Vistana does change the hours of food service seasonally, so the hours are posted on the weekly flyers. I have seen complaints from time to time that they close too early; that may be during the slower weeks.

The "Super Pool" is the Spas pool, but there really isn't anything Super about it. It is our favorite because it is close to our unit, a good size, sun and shade areas, and easy access to cool drinks at Zimmies. Cascades and Fountains are probably a bit better for fun, offering slides or water falls for the kids.

o2bnoz has a thread going on the parent forum for questions. You might ask them about the current hours and salad bar.

 

[briar]

THANK YOU so much for all of this help. I will put in the request to be safe.

And yes, I will try to put up a reporst. We are a party of 4, DH and I with DS3 and my MIL for most of the week on the sofa bed. We will see how it goes!

-Briar

Starwood identifies the smaller 1BR as having Kitchenettes, and the Sheraton booking site does differentiate between full kitchen and kitchenette. RCI is usually pretty careful about unit identification, but looking on the RCI site and through their Resort Directory they list all units as having full kitchens, so I am confused Interval Internation does not give any kitchen details at all.

Both RCI and and II list Studio/Efficiency units - I am wondering if these are the smaller 1BR's since I am not aware of any floorplans that I would consider a studio (basically a large hotel room) at Vistana at all. But again, RCI maintains that ALL units have full kitchens. I'm guessing RCI considers these kitchenettes to be full kitchens.

I would put that diamond lane request in after all to be sure!



Yes there are both in abundance on both sides of the resort.



I think that the Lakes section is a little bit better than Cascades. This is primarily because a handful of the Cascades buildings are near the main entrance to the resort and the area is quite busy. Others may like this, as it also means "close to the action" - there is better access to the full-serve restaurants, convenience market, mini-putt, etc. Lakes is further back in the resort, and is quieter, but a walk to some of the amenities. It is close to the food court however. Not a huge difference in age or trim of the two areas.

 

[FrankieDplus3]

Just booked a 1 BR using the Dreams' "no housekeeping" rate code. The phone call went very smooth. I requested Cascades and she made a note, but, could not guarantee. She also could not guarantee if there would be a "Full Kitchen"; all 1 BRs were showing "Kitchenette".

Is this an instance where I would use the Diamond Lane to request Cascades and room with an oven?

Has anyone stayed in a 1 BR? in Cascades?

 

[disneymam]

We are staying at Vistana Resort using my parents' time share exchange week. I paid the $179 RCI exchange fee using my credit card and address online. When we get to the resort and check in, will they give me a hassle since my parents have a different last name? I am not sure how strict they are there? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[bankr63]

We are staying at Vistana Resort using my parents' time share exchange week. I paid the $179 RCI exchange fee using my credit card and address online. When we get to the resort and check in, will they give me a hassle since my parents have a different last name? I am not sure how strict they are there? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

The resort won't know anything about the card used to book. That payment went to II or RCI. It is probably advisable to get a guest certificate to transfer the booking into your name. Probably about $55 in the US (they charge us Canadians $60). I don't know how strict they are, but would you want to show up and be refused a place to stay?

 

[bankr63]

Just booked a 1 BR using the Dreams' "no housekeeping" rate code. The phone call went very smooth. I requested Cascades and she made a note, but, could not guarantee. She also could not guarantee if there would be a "Full Kitchen"; all 1 BRs were showing "Kitchenette".

Is this an instance where I would use the Diamond Lane to request Cascades and room with an oven?

Has anyone stayed in a 1 BR? in Cascades?

You can try, but you have reserved a kitchenette unit, so if they have people paying more for the full kitchen units, they will win. It's kind of like asking for an upgrade to first class; there is a chance you may get it, but paying customers will come first. Most Diamond Lane requests are for like-to-like units, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

We have an extra 1BR unit reserved for SIL next week. Anything in particular you want us to check for you?

 

[emily89]

I have just read (between last night and this morning) all of this thread, and it's been extremely helpful! We are heading down there May 7th-14th, and we have booked a 1BR Premium for me, husband and our 2 toddlers (3 & 2). As far as I can read, we will be placed in either Cascades or Lakes, which is what I was aiming for, and the pictures of the rooms in the Cascades are BEAUTIFUL!

We are going to be renting a car, or driving our personal vehicle down to Florida, just for having a car down there & saving money on flight and car rental.

Any advice/insight as far as having 2 young children?

 

[bankr63]

Any advice/insight as far as having 2 young children?

Bring the grandparents, and park the kids in THEIR room?

I think Lakes is marginally better than Cascades for young families. There is a zero entry pool, and that part of the resort isn't as busy if your toddlers tend to wander away or need quiet for naps. Ask for a unit that does not back directly on the pools if your kids are nappers as well.

As far as Disney goes, make sure you come back to the resort for afternoon naps. Vistana really is only about 10 minutes from the parking lot of any Disney parks.

Last piece of advice; relax and go with the flow. Remember you're in the happiest place on earth. We see a lot of people of who lose track of that fact!! Your kids might be more excited by the pool at the resort than they are by Mickey or the Princesses. At that age, you never really know. (Sometimes I really miss that age now that mine are 12 and 14!)

Have a wonderful time!

 

[FrankieDplus3]

We have an extra 1BR unit reserved for SIL next week. Anything in particular you want us to check for you?

Thanks for your help. I asked about a Premium 1BR, but, she didn't see any. She may have just been looking based on the rate code I was quoting.

When we were there last year, in a Springs 2BR, we took advantage of the oven, cooking a lot of our meals and it worked out great. I am most interested to know if the "kitchenette" has an oven.

Thanks again. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

I just checked on Google maps walking directions and it appears that this resort is only 2 miles from Downtown Disney. Half of this distance is on Hotel Plaza Blvd which I have walked the entire length of while staying at Saratoga Springs. My question is there sidewalk the entire way along Fl 535? I walk 1/2 marathons so the distance isn't a concern only the safety issue of sidewalks. Thanks for any help you can give me.