Review Sheraton Vistana Resort Questions

[hihohiho]

I am going to be there in a week! Does anyone have a favorite grocery store? I prefer quality over price, would the Publix south on the 535 be the best place to go? Or the one by the premium outlet mall? Or the Target or Walmart down the 535? Also, do the condos have a regular phone number, I have family staying at POR and we would like to call each other. Finally we will be landing at 8:00 at night, will the toll booths on the 417 be manned, should we try to get some quarters in the airport, if so where? Thanks!

 

[bankr63]

I am going to be there in a week! Does anyone have a favorite grocery store? I prefer quality over price, would the Publix south on the 535 be the best place to go? Or the one by the premium outlet mall? Or the Target or Walmart down the 535? Also, do the condos have a regular phone number, I have family staying at POR and we would like to call each other. Finally we will be landing at 8:00 at night, will the toll booths on the 417 be manned, should we try to get some quarters in the airport, if so where? Thanks!

We prefer the Publix at I-Drive and Vineland. Approach from I-Drive if you want to avoid traffic. The Target South on 535, left on Irlo Bronson is nice too, and you pass a Walmart on the way. There is also a Whole Foods at Turkey Lake and Sand Lake if you have any specialty needs.

The phones go through a switchboard, I don't recall any direct dial capability, but you may be able to enter the villa number directly from the main number. I've never called our villa directly.

Not sure about the tolls - but you would be passing through no later than 10:00; that's still pretty early, so I can't see them not having attendants on. I thought they were manned 7*24, but we always seem to land mid-day. We use the toll pass from National now - they only charge for the days you use it, and it is reasonable $$ (other rentals charge every day of the rental, and some charge a lot).

Enjoy your trip! We're jealous - 17 months to our next visit!!

 

[Detailor]

I agree with the PP.

We also prefer the Publix on Vineland Ave, across from the Premium Outlets. It's much newer, nicer and has more inventory than the one down at the corner of SR 535 and SR 192.

I've picked people up at the airport around midnight a few times and the toll booths on both SR 528 and SR 417 have been manned late at night/early in the morning. There will be at least one Change/Receipts booth and one Exact Coins booth open when you go through.

If you decide you need change before you leave the airport I'd suggest that you stop by one of the news stands before taking the tram from the gate area (Keys News & Gifts in Airside 1, CNN Newsstand in Airside 2, Hudson News in Airside 3, and CNN Newsstand in Airside 4).

Dick Taylor

 

[disney4us2002]

Just received an email offer for 4 nights in a one-bedroom for $289. This sounds like a great deal but I have a few questions if anyone knows....

Is this a sales pitch? We're not interested in a timeshare presentation. I did click on the details button and there isn't a mention of taking a tour.

This trip is to see Universal/IoA rather than Disney this time. How far away is Uni?

Of course, we may find no availability since we're looking for the week before Easter but I figured it couldn't hurt to check it out at least.

 

[cakesnjammom]

a BIG thank you to Maria!!! I completed the Diamond Lane form online for our upcoming trip and received an email from SVR with tons of great info!!!

 

[BrerMama]

Since this seems to be the place to ask.... seriously thinking about booking here for 11 nights next June. Have 3 teens plus dh and I. Not interested in being near the kiddie areas. More interested in uncrowded pools and quiet. What should we request? We'll be booking through Dreams Unlimited and not timeshare exchange... will that affect our chance of getting what we want?

 

[TheKatie]

we liked the Falls section -- spacious, quiet opening up on to ponds and walk ways... right next to the Falls pool and from there a short walk to the Springs pool and then onward to the Spas super pool... if you have teens they may like the big inflatable water slid that is not to far from there.. my daughter enjoyed getting a hair wrap while my wife and I had a margaritas in the hot tub at the Spas super pool... but our unit itself was quiet and relaxing.. loved it..

 

[GrillMouster]

We're heading to the Vistana this week. I understand the resort offers free WiFi in the suites. Do they also have free wired internet (LAN cable) in the rooms? I'd prefer to bring my own wireless router and plug it into the wired network.
Thanks!

 

[bankr63]

We're heading to the Vistana this week. I understand the resort offers free WiFi in the suites. Do they also have free wired internet (LAN cable) in the rooms? I'd prefer to bring my own wireless router and plug it into the wired network.
Thanks!

I would call the resort to confirm.

I don't recall seeing a data port in any of the units that we have stayed in. I am pretty sure that the wireless is run in tandem with the cable system rather than using dedicated house wiring. Considering the size of the resort and number of buildings/units it would be a pretty large cabling installation.

 

[haPevraftr]

What types of things do people usually request through Diamond Lane? I am trying to figure out if this is something that I need to do. We have a Sunday check-in for a 2 bedroom booked through RCI (paid for, not exchanged). There are only 4 of us going (me & DH, DD8, DS5) so we don't mind if we get 2 twins in the 2nd bdrm. We will spend alot of time at the pools/kid activities with the kids. So, what do I need to request? Or do I just show up and check in?

Speaking of check-in....We are arriving at SVR on 4/1. we will be at POR from3/30-4/1. We can just hang out at POR and DTD on our SVR check in day, but I am wondering if there are advatages to me going over to SVR early on 4/1 and checking in and then coming back after 4 PM with the family. What do you think?

TIA!

 

[bankr63]

What types of things do people usually request through Diamond Lane? I am trying to figure out if this is something that I need to do. We have a Sunday check-in for a 2 bedroom booked through RCI (paid for, not exchanged). There are only 4 of us going (me & DH, DD8, DS5) so we don't mind if we get 2 twins in the 2nd bdrm. We will spend alot of time at the pools/kid activities with the kids. So, what do I need to request? Or do I just show up and check in?

Speaking of check-in....We are arriving at SVR on 4/1. we will be at POR from3/30-4/1. We can just hang out at POR and DTD on our SVR check in day, but I am wondering if there are advatages to me going over to SVR early on 4/1 and checking in and then coming back after 4 PM with the family. What do you think?

TIA!

Diamond Lane is most often used for people with limited mobility requests, pre-stock unit reaquests, kosher kitchen package, and trying to keep a group together. A lot of people also use it to request a specific section that they really like. If you are a first timer, I would let them select the unit. There really are no bad sections there, if you don't have specific needs, anywhere is good! Get the lay of the resort while you are visiting, and maybe next time you will want to ask for a specific section.

Personally, I don't think there is a bad section in the resort, but there are a couple of specific buildings that I would not want. There are a handful of buildings in Fountains/Lakes that are too close to I-4 for my liking. Not sure that I would want a unit directly overlooking one of the larger pools either (but hey - Disney charges more for this so what do I know? ) - in both cases noise would be a factor for me.

I would suggest popping over to the resort a bit earlier if you can, even before the official check-in time to avoid the lines. That way, if they do assign you to a unit that you don't want, a change is easier. If you are arriving at the end of the day, you are much more likely to get a unit that has been rejected by someone else as things got shuffled around, and the resort's ability to change is much more limited as everyone else has already checked in.

Tip: If your unit is ready, pop up and stick a couple of choice beverages in the fridge. That way they'll be waiting for you after a hot day by the pool at POR.

 

[haPevraftr]

Is there a time that is "too early" to arrive for check in? For me, I would rather get up early and go over to SVR to check in and then just come back later in the day. But I don't want to show up so early that it ends up taking longer to check in b/c of staffing etc...

So, it sounds like I don't need to use Diamond Lane, but rather get there early, see what I get and if I am not happy, request a switch (if it is available).
In terms of noise, I am not concerned about volume, but rather inappropriate language. I want to be able to sit on my balcony at night with my kids and not have to worry about adult partiers being vulgar, etc... Are there certain areas that draw adult crowds or is the whole resort family friendly?

Which buildings/rooms are closest to I-4? I agree with you and would prefer not to be by the highway.

 

[bankr63]

Is there a time that is "too early" to arrive for check in? For me, I would rather get up early and go over to SVR to check in and then just come back later in the day. But I don't want to show up so early that it ends up taking longer to check in b/c of staffing etc...

Well, checkout time is 10:00 (a small rush) so I would plan for some time after that. I don't think I would arrive before check out time. We usually arrive around noon because of flight times and have pretty good luck getting into our unit(s).

So, it sounds like I don't need to use Diamond Lane, but rather get there early, see what I get and if I am not happy, request a switch (if it is available).
In terms of noise, I am not concerned about volume, but rather inappropriate language. I want to be able to sit on my balcony at night with my kids and not have to worry about adult partiers being vulgar, etc... Are there certain areas that draw adult crowds or is the whole resort family friendly?

Well, no guarantees since the mix of guests changes regularly. But this is a timeshare resort, so the majority of guests are owners. The young adults age range is usually underrepresented as a result - most owners are well established in life. I rarely hear bad language, or witness poor behavior, but perhaps I'm just lucky (or deaf and blind ).

Which buildings/rooms are closest to I-4? I agree with you and would prefer not to be by the highway.

I don't have the resort map handy, and searched around a bit trying to find my post with the actual building numbers. It's on here somewhere. If you are staying in a 1BR, you needn't worry as the units in question are in Fountains (1BR's only in Cascades/Lakes). The I-4 backing is at the very North edge of the property; at the top of the map they give you when checking in (and they don't show you where I-4 is on the map). One way to avoid these buildings is to insist on a water view. These are the only units in the Fountains section to not have a pond or pool view.

Hope that helps and you get your Happy Ever After...

 

[haPevraftr]

Well, checkout time is 10:00 (a small rush) so I would plan for some time after that. I don't think I would arrive before check out time. We usually arrive around noon because of flight times and have pretty good luck getting into our unit(s).



Well, no guarantees since the mix of guests changes regularly. But this is a timeshare resort, so the majority of guests are owners. The young adults age range is usually underrepresented as a result - most owners are well established in life. I rarely hear bad language, or witness poor behavior, but perhaps I'm just lucky (or deaf and blind ).


I don't have the resort map handy, and searched around a bit trying to find my post with the actual building numbers. It's on here somewhere. If you are staying in a 1BR, you needn't worry as the units in question are in Fountains (1BR's only in Cascades/Lakes). The I-4 backing is at the very North edge of the property; at the top of the map they give you when checking in (and they don't show you where I-4 is on the map). One way to avoid these buildings is to insist on a water view. These are the only units in the Fountains section to not have a pond or pool view.

Hope that helps and you get your Happy Ever After...

As always, thank you so much for your help!

 

[Minnie's_Dressmaker]

I booked the Sheraton a couple years ago when my son was swimming in Junior Nationals nearby and the girls wanted to spend a day at Disneyworld. It was a great room in a great location. We fixed breakfast in the kitchenette so it saved us there. There was also a little store for snacks and lunch food. There were many pools to choose from and yes we did have a balcony.

 

[keeperof4]

Last Feb.we were lucky to get in early(2days) to Lakes bld.7 there was some truck noise at night,but this was a blessing compared to one night at that place down the road!! I remedy this by turning on the ventilation system.We were moved to Cascades that Mon. Bld.1,(Only because they had an empty unit) during the day late evening there was some noise from the cascades pool if you had your patio door open.Mostly its the flushes,slamming doors and dragging the chairs on the tile late at night that can get to you. Normally during the day the fountains block out any traffic noise. Lakes bld.6 is close to I4.you take a chance here,Lakes village is a great location friends,family own here.Refuse to stay in Fountains 44 thru 56 these units are right on I4 and last year there were a few people at the fountains pool not happy with there placement in those units. There is traffic on the I4 24/7!!. Last year our friends were placed in Springs(March break fully booked) and there was more than a little traffic noise from the 535 .They will try to keep you happy if the place is not fully booked .We are booked in for this year(7 days) and because I was lucky to make a couple of new friends at SVR , I have already been confirmed in the same bld.top floor? We loved the Spas pool area. Allocating a few dollars to tip the staff pays ,these people although over looked by many thousand's of guests have and will be employed here for years and they don't forget generosity.They most likely place you in units that are allocated for that check in day.I had to change my check in day,it would be wise to do this before making plane, car rental reservations,they're not nearly as accommodating. Call to make sure if you have problems or questions.They were very friendly. We are at Floridays Resort for the first two days this Feb.only because we haven't learned that if that deal is two good to be true??,half the nightly reg.price 2bdrm. at SVR and we have tent to stay in if I haven't learned my lesson. Just kidding of course! It is rated no.1 on TA, with so many places available in Orlando we like to try at least one new place yearly. We have again chosen to pass on theme parks this year but to those that will be visiting the parks may you all have a great time!! 51 days to fun in the Florida sun!!

 

[haPevraftr]

Have there been any recent changes to the trend/pattern of check-in day and villa assignments? Last spring when I booked (through RCI with cash, not points/trade) I was under the impression that since we are checking in on a Sunday, we would probably be in Falls. Is that still a strong possibility? What are the villas that are assigned on Sundays now?

 

[BrerMama]

Sunday check in: Falls, Cascades, Palms, Springs, Fountains I and II and Lakes.

I think you could probably request any of those areas and have a good shot at getting it.

 

[haPevraftr]

BrerMama,
I can't recall off the top of my head how old your kids are (based on your other posts). I have DD8 and DS5 and was wondering if you could offer some advice as to a location pick. I am thinking Falls might be a good spot for us, but I really have very little to base it on. I would like someplace that the kids can comfortably walk to the pool (and other activities) from the condo. Another thing that I want to consider is if there is a certain pool that the older kids (12+) gravitate to, I may not want to be closest to that one because my kids tend to "get grumpy" when other kids are rough housing in the pool (and again, maybe it doesn't matter if the pool's are large, but I have never see anything more than a few photos), and should request another area?
Also, are the activities at the resort for kids always in a certain area/pool or are they spread throughout? Aside from going to Epcot on the Monday when we are at SVR, we will just be enjoying the resort and I know we will take part in the crafts, games, etc. so maybe their location should factor into where we request?
We are going to be there 4/1-4/8 so I know it will be busy and when all is said and done, my requests/planning may not matter, but I thought I would at least think about the best possible scenario.

 

[BrerMama]

BrerMama,
I have DD8 and DS5 and was wondering if you could offer some advice as to a location pick. I am thinking Falls might be a good spot for us, but I really have very little to base it on.

From my research, it looks like the main activity areas are in the Cascades area, Fountains/Lakes area and then near the Super Pool (which is nearest Spas). Falls rooms have 2 twins in the 2nd bedrooms (vs 2 queens) but since you only have two children that might not be a concern for you. Honestly, in your situation I'd probably just do Diamond Lane Check-In a few weeks before arrival and let them know you want something close to the children's activities as that's your focus. They can place you somewhere that will meet your needs for the time you will be there.