Review Sheraton Vistana Resort Questions

[bankr63]

I have the following units assigned and am wondering a couple of things.

The first two are Falls252 and Falls206. Are these in the same building? Does anyone know what level they are located on? Is there an elevator in the building?

Additionally, I have Spgs844 and FTN 1577 - does anyone know what level they are located on? Elevator?

My husband and I are staying in the Falls one week and then the Fountain the second week. We will have to move because the first week has a maximum capacity of 6 and the second one is 8. My husband's son is in the other Falls and the Springs and the same issue with maximum people. The first week two of the grandsons are staying with us, but the second week they'll have to go back to mom and & dad's condo (so they will need the maximum 8 condo) as we are getting other guests and we too will need the maximum amount.

I may send into the Diamond lane to see if there is anyway that they could put him in the same one. Ours will not work because it's different check in days.

Anyway, if anyone can answer me about the locations I would appreciate it.

I should be clear that the unit that is printed on your reservation is not necessarily the actual unit you will be in. There is a pretty good chance that you will get the same section that shows on your reservation, mostly because of the check-in days and unit sizes.

None of these sections have elevators, those are only in Cascades and Lakes.

The Falls units are nice 2BR's with single beds only in the second bedroom - thus you sleep 2 in the Master, 2 in the 2nd, and 2 on sleeper sofa for a total of 6. Falls buildings have 4 units each, 2 up and 2 down. Falls is probably the quietest section of the resort, although if you actually get unit 206, you may be right across from the Courts renovations. They should be starting in on the buildings directly across this week, but they may be done in the couple of months you have remaining.

Springs is a lovely section as well. They are 6 units to a building, 3 floors, no elevators. The current assignment you show is on the 2nd floor of building 13. We stayed in a 3rd floor unit a couple of weeks ago, and the 2 flights of stairs weren't too bad, plus the top floor units have lovely vaulted ceilings. The main difference in Springs is that the 2nd bedroom has two double beds (sleeps four in the room).

The Fountains section units are a similar layout to Springs. The current assignment is on the 3rd floor.

You might want to ask Diamond Lane to reassign your Fountains ressie to Cascades, Spas, or Springs which all have the same capacity and check-in days for units. If you want to be close to your other party, I think you will find Fountains to be a long way away from them!

 

[denvergirl]

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[denvergirl]

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.

We stayed in the smaller 1 bedroom (the Keys) in Dec 2009 and they only have a microwave/convection oven and SMALL (dorm size) refrigerator. We went to Publix and bought food before checking in. . .BIG mistake. . .we had to eat our pizza and ice cream (all of it!) that night!

***I just checked the Starwood Vacation Club Website (we are owners) and it said "Full Size" refrigerator. . .IT WAS NOT! I thought only the premium 1 bedroom villas had a stove and Full size. Please let me know if I'm wrong. . .my only experience is in the Key West section.

***I just realized that many of you are referencing villas in Sheraton Vistana, not Vistana Villages. Take this post for what it's worth

 

[FrankieDplus3]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has recently stayed in a 1 BR.

How many were you?
Which location? (Cascades or Lakes)
Which building did you have? How's the view?

 

[wotawabbit]

Hi A newbie here !
I am looking to book for April 2012 and I have been considering booking the Sheraton. I can drive but prefer not to and the extra on top of the holiday is approx £400 for car insurance, free car hire included.
So can I get away with using shuttles ? would it be possible to get to a supermarket ? what is local in the area ? Is downtown Disney far and whats there ? We are looking to vist the Disney parks as well as Sea world.
Also I have read on trip adivsor that some of the rooms are poor and dirty and its hit and miss what you get ? I am a little worried about this too ..
Thanks !

 

[DisMomAmy]

Hi A newbie here !
I am looking to book for April 2012 and I have been considering booking the Sheraton. I can drive but prefer not to and the extra on top of the holiday is approx £400 for car insurance, free car hire included.
So can I get away with using shuttles ? would it be possible to get to a supermarket ? what is local in the area ? Is downtown Disney far and whats there ? We are looking to vist the Disney parks as well as Sea world.
Also I have read on trip adivsor that some of the rooms are poor and dirty and its hit and miss what you get ? I am a little worried about this too ..
Thanks !

We've stayed at Vistana twice (and may be there again in April 2012) & I wouldn't want to stay there without a car. We have not used the shuttle service before so I can't speak about that from experience, but I've heard the times are limited.

 

[cruisin' aunt]

In my opinion, a car is needed. Shuttles can be very time consuming and limiting. Can you get to the parks? Sure, but the shuttle is not an on-demand shuttle. It comes at certain times. A car leaves when you want to. Not sure about the SeaWorld transportation.

Grocery shopping at the resort could totally wipe out your budget. Food costs in the marketplace was outrageous! With a car, a Superwalmart is under 2 miles away.

Also, the resort is VERY large. Just getting to the Marketplace or food court (depending on your location) could be a very long walk.

Eating out could be a challenge. There are many, many decent (and some very budget-friendly) restuarants nearby - but you do need to drive to them.

I don't know your circumstances, but driving in Disney is pretty easy. Lanes are well marked and getting to the parks is a breeze. Turn right out of the resort, at the intersection take a right and you're in DisneyWorld in 2 minutes. Just follow the signs.

As stated above, I feel a car is needed. Perhaps you can consider rental for a few days (to stock up on food, go to Sea World, Universal, etc) and get the lay of the land. Hopefully you'll be comfortable. Driving in Orlando area is not too bad.

Good luck with whatever you choose and have a great vacation!

 

[jandm]

Hi A newbie here !
I am looking to book for April 2012 and I have been considering booking the Sheraton. I can drive but prefer not to and the extra on top of the holiday is approx £400 for car insurance, free car hire included.
So can I get away with using shuttles ? would it be possible to get to a supermarket ? what is local in the area ? Is downtown Disney far and whats there ? We are looking to vist the Disney parks as well as Sea world.
Also I have read on trip adivsor that some of the rooms are poor and dirty and its hit and miss what you get ? I am a little worried about this too ..
Thanks !

We stayed there back in May and I thought it was very clean. We were in the Lakes section and the room was very large and nice. All of the rooms are done being refurbished and they looked great! We rented a car, so I am not sure about the shuttles. From what I've heard, there is a fee and it isn't all that reliable (could spent a great amount of time waiting). Downtown Disney isn't far at all..probably a 5 min drive. I will say that we won't stay off-site again...I think having the Disney transportation and dining plan would be nice.

 

[wotawabbit]

Thanks everyone. I have decided to look at the Vista Cay so I can get onto I drive more easily. I will take all my documents just incase I need to hire a car but im hoping to manage with buses I trolley and cabs

 

[tech1984]

Would anyone be able to tell me what organized activities there are at the Vistana? I haven't been able to find any specific lists and wanted to tell my kids (9,7 and 4) some of the things they can expect. We'll be staying there from 7/30 - 8/6.

Also, how often do most people go to the theme parks? I can see myself staying on the resort half the time. Thanks.

 

[bankr63]

Let's give this a try. This link is to a pdf document in the Starwood owners site. I think it will work for everyone however without login. It provides the weekly activities list and is updated weekly. The activities do change over time, but it should provide an indication of what types of activities you can find.

https://www.mystarcentral.com/CMS/en_US/svo/CMSContent/Sites/MSC/Discover/Activities/Sheraton_Vistana_Resort/SVR_Weekly.pdf

With young kids I would suggest that you don't push too hard. Half-time is probably about right, and don't forget that Vistana is only minutes away. Be sure to take a break back at the resort for a nap and a swim, especially during the afternoon heat, then head back to the park when the sun starts setting.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[tech1984]

Thank you so much!

Let's give this a try. This link is to a pdf document in the Starwood owners site. I think it will work for everyone however without login. It provides the weekly activities list and is updated weekly. The activities do change over time, but it should provide an indication of what types of activities you can find.

mystarcentral/CMS/en_US/svo/CMSContent/Sites/MSC/Discover/Activities/Sheraton_Vistana_Resort/SVR_Weekly.pdf(Link deleted as post count must be 10 or greater to be able to post links)

With young kids I would suggest that you don't push too hard. Half-time is probably about right, and don't forget that Vistana is only minutes away. Be sure to take a break back at the resort for a nap and a swim, especially during the afternoon heat, then head back to the park when the sun starts setting.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[tech1984]

Hello, we booked a rental through Sheraton. Are we allowed to use the Diamond Lane form, or is that for time share owners? Thanks.

Hey dtripli...
Sounds good so far. Yes, fax about 3 days before arrival. Also, you filled out the Diamond Lane online form as well ?
w w w. mystarcentral . com/services/diamond.jsp?propertyId=01&IM=SVO_RC_DIA_SVR

You can do that now.

As for a good store. We use the either the Super Walmart or Publix. If you are exiting the Vistana out of the main entrance (nearest the lobby/check in), you would turn RIGHT out of the resort. Follow on SR 535 (towards signs that say Kissimmee) several lights (not more than 7 min down the road for the Super Walmart which will be on your RIGHT. You'll see it....just turn into the parking lot.

The Publix is a little further down (maybe another 2-3 lights ?) and will be on your LEFT. It's just before/at 192.

I'm sure others will chime in with suggestions because I'm pretty sure there is a Super Target nearby too ? Just haven't been to that one. Goodings is the closest store to Vistana but it's fairly pricey.

Maria

 

[bankr63]

Yes, anyone can use the Diamond Lane form.

Hello, we booked a rental through Sheraton. Are we allowed to use the Diamond Lane form, or is that for time share owners? Thanks.

Also, in reading Maria's post that you quoted, I would note that there is a Publix much closer on Vineland (our favorite Grocery in the area), and that the Super Target is just a little farther than the Publix she mentions; follow 535 and turn left on 192 and proceed another couple of lights, Target is on the left.

 

[FrankieDplus3]

Has anyone received the AllEars - Special Value Add? (as described on their website.)

If so, is there anything you can tell me about it?
Did they (Front Desk Agents) understand what your were talking about?
Did Vistana use this as an opportunity to pitch their timeshare to you?
Did you use the Discount Card?

Thanks,

 

[FrankieDplus3]

I noticed, for the first time today, that part of the Room Description on my reservation confirmation says "Spacious 471 sq ft Villa, King In Master." When I checked out the room details on their website, the only 471 sq ft villas are in the Cascades. (I like this because I am hoping to get Cascades when we check-in.)

Has anyone stayed in a 1BR in Cascades?

The layout doesn't show a balcony, but, do they have balconies? (I've only stayed in Springs, and so, I've never noticed if all villas have balconies.)

Thanks,

 

[erinch]

Hi -- Will be checking in in august. I'm trying to remember which of the units that sleep 8 have the jacuzzi in the master bath, rather than the master bedroom.

Thanks!

Erin Cox-Holmes

 

[bankr63]

I noticed, for the first time today, that part of the Room Description on my reservation confirmation says "Spacious 471 sq ft Villa, King In Master." When I checked out the room details on their website, the only 471 sq ft villas are in the Cascades. (I like this because I am hoping to get Cascades when we check-in.)

Has anyone stayed in a 1BR in Cascades?

The layout doesn't show a balcony, but, do they have balconies? (I've only stayed in Springs, and so, I've never noticed if all villas have balconies.)

Thanks,

The smaller 1BR (approx 480sf) do not have balconies. My SIL stayed in one on our last trip. The larger premium 1BR units do have balconies. Note that 1BR units are only in Cascades and Lakes and are very similar layouts. All other sections only contain 2BR units.

 

[bankr63]

Hi -- Will be checking in in august. I'm trying to remember which of the units that sleep 8 have the jacuzzi in the master bath, rather than the master bedroom.

Thanks!

Erin Cox-Holmes

Courts - no jacuzzi (unless changed in new reno? We haven't seen our unit since completed)
Palms - in bath
Spas - in bath
Falls - in bath (but sleeps 6)
Springs - in bath (really nice units, big master bath - we were in Springs last March while our unit was being renovated)
Fountains I - in bath
Fountains II - in bedroom
Lakes 2BR/2BR LO - in bedroom
Cascades 2BR/2BR LO - in bedroom

Enjoy!!

 

[FrankieDplus3]

Dreams and Allears offer 1BR rate codes for $99/night. This is what I've booked.

Does anyone know if this rate code is specific to the standard 1BR or is it possible that it might include the Premium 1BR? If No, does anyone know if there is a special rate code for the Premium 1BR?

I've searched the Sheraton Vistana site for prices (with and w/out rate codes), but, it always only displays the 1BR rates.