Review Sheraton Vistana Resort Questions

[haPevraftr]

For those of you who have been to SVR before, do you prefer ground floor with a patio or upper floor with a balcony and why? I know we will want to sit outside with our 2 kids and I am wondering which we would like better.

 

[DisMomAmy]

A couple years ago, we stayed in one of the first buildings in the Lakes section. We were on the ground floor & it was GREAT! We could walk out the door & we were really close to both the quieter Lakes pool & the large Fountains pool. The basketball court was right there too.

Last year we were in one of the first buildings in the Fountains section, on the top floor. I actually requested the top floor because I heard they had vaulted ceilings & I didn't like the kids sleeping in the second bedroom on the ground floor where people could walk by or look in if they wanted to. When we were in Lakes we had my MIL with us so it didn't freak me out so much because she was in there with them. The unit did have the nice high ceilings but it didn't seem much brighter than the Lakes unit. And it was such a pain to drag everything up & down those stairs. I'm not sure what we'll request next time... We also had to cross the road to get to the Fountains pool.

Both buildings had screened porches that looked out over some water.

Not sure if that helped...

 

[haPevraftr]

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.

What makes the pools different (other than location and size)? Do certain pools have better features for kids? for adults (i.e. pool bar proximity and clear viewing of kids from chairs, etc.)?

 

[bankr63]

What makes the pools different (other than location and size)? Do certain pools have better features for kids? for adults (i.e. pool bar proximity and clear viewing of kids from chairs, etc.)?

Eaxctly. Brermama mentions the 3 bigger pool areas. All those have access to food/drink and are "free form" shaped. Spa Super Pool isn't very good for the little ones; it is a fairly consistent mid-depth throughout so adults can stand easily throughout. On our two last March trips there was a giant inflatable water slide (25-30' high?) on the Tennis Courts next door. Hope it's still there!

Cascades is great for the kids from 8 mos. to 80 yrs. It has a waterfall that the older kids love, lots of curves so it is good for hide and seek or water tag, and the shallowest end (about 2 to 6" depth) has a bunch of sprays that toddlers could splash around in all day. It is big enough to lose sight of the kids from time to time.

I can't say too much about Fountains/Lakes as we are avowed South siders. I've been over there a couple of times; they are nice big pools with the food court/rec center between them. I can't remember too many of the other features.

The other smaller pools on the South side have their advantages too. They tend to be a bit quieter, so if you want quiet relaxation with a quick cool dip, that is often a better bet. They are rectangles so if you are an early morning lapper, you can get your exercise in - hard to do in a free-form pool. You can bring your own snacks/drinks to any pool, but for some reason I feel less guilty about doing it at the pools without the bars

As to patio/balcony, it is probably a matter of preference. We've stayed in a 3rd floor unit, and the only time I was annoyed by the stairs was when barbequing. I think I forgot at least 3 things, and locked myself out of the back door once, having to run around the building too. I really got my exercise that dinner!Then again, we stayed in a 4th floor with an elevator once and used the stairs more often than not too.

 

[keeperof4]

Banker has lots of great advice, thanks for the previous help( check in days,units). Being our first time last year,I am an early riser(6am) so I do believe I have been all over the resort. Lakes pool is 0 to around 5 feet, this is where my sister stays and this is her favorite pool. A quiet pool most of the time? Just through the gates is the Fountains pool , , very large pool active but not overly crowded. If I recall in one far end there are steps down to around 2 feet and then it goes to around 6/7 feet in the middle and then back to around 3 feet at the other end. We spent a fair amount of time here and the kids liked the take out options. There is another small pool in the fountains 2 section but we never made it to that one. The Cascades , I would say is the most active, loud and busiest pool and if you don't get there early, forget about getting a place to spend the day(on the days we tried after noon it was packed). In my opinion the Spas super pool was the best for our kids and myself.They do have a small infant pool. There was always a lounger to be found and this is close to the rec center.The sauna, steam room were great. Just on the other side of the rec center is what they call Courts/Falls pool which is stretched out over a fairly large area with several small pools ,sauna's I do believe the Falls has the water slide for the kids but again this particular area is usually quite busy but getting a lounger was not a problem, there's a lot of shady spots. There is also another small pool in Springs but when we went it had older people that didn't seem pleased with our kids splashing around.The guys at the super slide were great with us,$10 each,hr.($90 total for three kids,week) and they don't count the min.! money well spent. The only thing I found inappropriate was those that became intoxicated around the young children so early in the day. Something about an alcoholic drink lowers a persons IQ!!
Concerning units, it's all depends on who is above you and if they respect their surroundings. I think most units do have views of small ponds or lakes , the only ones that I would be very weary of is the before mentioned. Cascades bld.2 is right above the pool and there are usually teenagers until midnight - 12:30 partying. Were counting the days to the end of February and we are only hoping that we have as wonderful an experience at SVR as we did last year. It looks like a helicopter tour this year.

 

[haPevraftr]

Thanks to all of you! You have helped tremendously! I originally thought that I didn't need to make any requests with Diamond Lane because I didn't really care where we ended up. You have all offered various tidbits that have me thinking in more detail about what I do want. So here is what I think I would like for myself, DH, DD8 & DS5:

2nd Floor (b/c I would also sleep uneasy if my kids were sleeping near an outer door with no adult in the room)
Falls (we are only a group of 4 and I think this space will be near the pools that my kids will like)
Pond/Lake view (so I can enjoy the view while sitting outside and I think it will be quieter)
Near a pool (so my kids & I can walk back and forth as needed throughout the day)

Now, all that having been said, is that too specific for Diamond Lane? I can prioritize if needed. I am used to making requests at Disney and there I would never be as specific as the above and ever expect to get it. How soon before arrival do I submit the request?

Also, am I right in understanding that I could drive over to another area for an activitiy if it is too far for my kids to walk? Is there a problem with parking availability in any of the areas?

Is there a table and 4 chairs on the balcony? My kids love family game night so I am thinking that would be a great spot for it in the evening if the furniture is adequate.

Thanks again!

 

[keeperof4]

Every thing depends on how booked they are. Keep in mind last year was our first time at SVR so I am sure there are others who are more knowledgeable. We booked Diamond Lane 60 days before but we didn't receive the email until 3 days before we left. I would guess at least 30 days. Keep in mind this is Starwood Resorts , they want to keep you happy and unless the place is fully booked they will do exactly that. Remember if you are not an owner,exchange this is all about time share sales. They want to sell you a time share. In our case we try to arrive around 10-11 in the morning, give them the credit card information( tip?) and a cell where they can contact you when the unit is ready.Make sure you remember the name of the rep. so when you return to get the key they will flag you over,don,t wait in line twice. In the past usually between 3 and 4 pm. SVR is completely renovated and it's almost impossible , I would think , to get a bad quality unit. Regardless of where you are in any resort you are liable to get noise from other units day and night. If you are at a family oriented resort, this is to be expected. I don't think?? they will let you choose a unit that is not on that check in day. If you don't like where you are placed the first night they will do everything they can to keep you happy. With our situation last year we were able to get in two days early , placed in Lakes bld. 7.That we gladly took!! They had all our DL requests ready to fulfill. We were scheduled to be moved to bld.10 but after my kids found the Spas Pool/Rec Center,I asked and they moved us to Bld. 1 Cascades,(smaller unit!!) which worked wonderfully for us. If you are on a lower floor don't look for spectacular sunrises/sunsets.Balcony had small table four chairs, sorry but plan on enjoying the smell of smoke from smokers (POT?)language? beside, under you!! Last year I was able to enjoy(sarcasm) from the top floor. Concerning parking, If you arrive back late in the evening plan on a fair walk to the unit. I don't think in the past we have ever arrived at any place we have stayed late in the evening and not had to park out of our way. The great thing about Florida, the evenings are usually a great time to get out and enjoy the resort. So make the best of it. What I make a point of doing before I arrive at any location is to make sure they know you are coming. If you don't receive an email within a few days of your checkin date simply call the resort. I hope this has helped.

 

[keeperof4]

SVR is not a small resort, it's basically large neighborhood. If you are, for example, placed in Lakes and you want to go to Cascade Spas, it would be about a 15-20? minute walk with small ones It's probably easier to just take them in the car. During the day there was never a problem finding a parking spot. The resort is a gated community so don't forget your pass key. I made this mistake more than once and I will say this for the staff at gate they will not let you in whether you are driving or walking. They will ask to see this. If you are expecting guests go to the gate yourself and tell them DON"T CALL! let your guests know the right gate(1-3) your bld.unit. or the will not get in if they can,t get a hold of you.

 

[bankr63]

Thanks to all of you! You have helped tremendously! I originally thought that I didn't need to make any requests with Diamond Lane because I didn't really care where we ended up. You have all offered various tidbits that have me thinking in more detail about what I do want. So here is what I think I would like for myself, DH, DD8 & DS5:

2nd Floor (b/c I would also sleep uneasy if my kids were sleeping near an outer door with no adult in the room)
Falls (we are only a group of 4 and I think this space will be near the pools that my kids will like)
Pond/Lake view (so I can enjoy the view while sitting outside and I think it will be quieter)
Near a pool (so my kids & I can walk back and forth as needed throughout the day)

I would suggest requesting Falls, upper, Buildings 1-2, 18-22, or 27-28 (easy walk). Actually 19-20 are right across from the pool. Falls buildings are only 2 storey; remember that Falls section is Sunday checkin.

Now, all that having been said, is that too specific for Dimond Lane? I can prioritize if needed. I am used to making requests at Disney and there I would never be as specific as the above and ever expect to get it. How soon before arrival do I submit the request?

You can always try even if they can't nail it, they should get you close. About 30 days out is plenty. They don't actually start assiging units to the ressies until a few days prior to arrival.

Also, am I right in understanding that I could drive over to another area for an activitiy if it is too far for my kids to walk? Is there a problem with parking availability in any of the areas?

During the day, parking is easy throughout. Many, many people head out of the resort to the parks. Falls has easy access parking to your unit. The newer sections (bigger buildings) get congested for parking in the evenings. I would only drive if going between the North and the South side, otherwise the resort is very walkable.

Is there a table and 4 chairs on the balcony? My kids love family game night so I am thinking that would be a great spot for it in the evening if the furniture is adequate.

Thanks again!

Yup, fun place to spend an evening, we often eat dinner and breakfast out there. Courts is only section to not have screened balconies, and not enough room for a full table and 4 chairs (unless they were added in the recent reno's).

 

[haPevraftr]

I would suggest requesting Falls, upper, Buildings 1-2, 18-22, or 27-28 (easy walk). Actually 19-20 are right across from the pool. Falls buildings are only 2 storey; remember that Falls section is Sunday checkin.

Yes, we are a Sunday check-in. I have an interactive map that I accessed via this thread, but it only has three digit unit numbers for Falls. Some are 200s and some are 300s. Is there a map with the unit numbers on them so I can see what you are referring to? Thanks so much for all of your help!

 

[bankr63]

Yes, we are a Sunday check-in. I have an interactive map that I accessed via this thread, but it only has three digit unit numbers for Falls. Some are 200s and some are 300s. Is there a map with the unit numbers on them so I can see what you are referring to? Thanks so much for all of your help!

The Units for those buildings are:
Falls 1-2 Units 201-204
Falls 18-22 Units 269-316
Falls 27-28 Units 337-240

Each building has 4 units. When you are looking at the map, the ones that face the "left" edge of the resort are looking at the parking garage of the resort next door (Marriot?) Not a big deal as the money views are generally out the back of the unit. I am suggesting these particular units as they are a really quick walk to the Falls/Courts pools.

 

[haPevraftr]

The Units for those buildings are:
Falls 1-2 Units 201-204
Falls 18-22 Units 269-316
Falls 27-28 Units 337-240

Each building has 4 units. When you are looking at the map, the ones that face the "left" edge of the resort are looking at the parking garage of the resort next door (Marriot?) Not a big deal as the money views are generally out the back of the unit. I am suggesting these particular units as they are a really quick walk to the Falls/Courts pools.

And so if I am reading the map correctly, all Falls units have a balcony/patio that faces the pond (since there are 4 units in a bldg - two up and two down)? There are no parking lot side vs. water side units? They all enter from the side opposite the pond and rear face the pond? Just double checking so I know whether I need to specify water view.

Thanks for the unit numbers. On Diamond Lane should I request units numbers or bldg numbers? Does it matter (other than bldg numbers are a lot easier to list)?

 

[bankr63]

And so if I am reading the map correctly, all Falls units have a balcony/patio that faces the pond (since there are 4 units in a bldg - two up and two down)? There are no parking lot side vs. water side units? They all enter from the side opposite the pond and rear face the pond? Just double checking so I know whether I need to specify water view.

Exactly! The kitchen and 2nd bedroom have windows at the front of the unit overlooking the parking, while the master and living area overlook the ponds at the back.

Thanks for the unit numbers. On Diamond Lane should I request units numbers or bldg numbers? Does it matter (other than bldg numbers are a lot easier to list)?

I would just go with the building numbers. And again, they may not be able to fulfill your request, but they will do their best. Falls (and Courts and Spas) sections are all deeded week ownerships, so the Resort has a little less leeway there the assign units. They can only assign a unit if the owner has decided to trade it with RCI or II. It is a bit odd, but some units do sit idle in these sections as the owners decide not to use the week, but don't deposit it or rent it or give it away. In the other sections with floating ownerships, owner reservations are required and the Resort has a LOT more leeway to move people around and fill things up!

I think there is a high probability they will fill your request, but don't be too disappointed if you don't get it.

 

[keeperof4]

haPevraftr When we were researching last year I think we found that the Falls master bath only has a jacuzzi tub, no shower or walk in shower. If this matters to you. Since the renos they may have been installed, I know this is a must for myself and I also prefer the large jacuzzi in the bedroom area . It is a great place to relax watch some tv after the kids are finally asleep. Palms 17,18,23,24 are also Sunday check in. Although they are a little farther away from the pools they have a walk in shower. Unit floor plans can be found on the starwood ownership site.

 

[haPevraftr]

haPevraftr When we were researching last year I think we found that the Falls master bath only has a jacuzzi tub, no shower or walk in shower. If this matters to you. Since the renos they may have been installed, I know this is a must for myself and I also prefer the large jacuzzi in the bedroom area . It is a great place to relax watch some tv after the kids are finally asleep. Palms 17,18,23,24 are also Sunday check in. Although they are a little farther away from the pools they have a walk in shower. Unit floor plans can be found on the starwood ownership site.

Thanks for giving me the heads up on the shower. After looking at the map and the floor plans again, I think for us proximity to the pool will outweigh the need for the second shower. Our kids are still little so they take baths and I will concede to having to use the kids' shower if it enables me to get to and from the pool more easily each day

ETA: I just spoke to DSIL (who is not the planner and detail WDW person that I am--they just pick a condo a month in advance and go) and she thinks they were in Falls a year and a half ago (right after it was refurbed--and yes, they just stumbled upon SVR because it was listed as available in MIL's RCI right before they wanted to travel) and she remembers there was a shower in the master bath. That having been said, either way it isn't a deal breaker for me... but I will report back after my trip as to the accurateness of the posted floor plan.

 

[TheKatie]

And the master bath has a gorgeous glass walk in shower and the second bath has a big lovely jacuzzi tub... We LOVED the location -- we were two steps to the Falls pool and from there could walk to three other pools... we loved it...the Falls pool is great for little ones.

this year as my daughter will be 13 we decided to try the fountains side of things...but i'm sure we'll drive over to our favorite Falls pool again!

 

[MnMomW3Boys]

Is there somewhere I can find out which locations are Saturday check-ins? We just booked a 2 bedroom for late April through II...I thought we wanted Cascades but not sure if that is possible with a Saturday check in. Thanks for all the tips so far!!

 

[GrillMouster]

Is there somewhere I can find out which locations are Saturday check-ins? We just booked a 2 bedroom for late April through II...I thought we wanted Cascades but not sure if that is possible with a Saturday check in. Thanks for all the tips so far!!

Yes, Cascades has Saturday check in. We were just there at the end of November.

 

[keeperof4]

When we were there last year (Feb) the Courts were being upgraded so maybe Falls were last to be done.I am sure they are lovely.I will also check things out in a month. Family , friends are exchanging at other resorts this year. Why? When we stayed at SVV two years ago, the unit was brand new, and in my opinion SVR units are larger and nicer than what we stayed in at that time. I am curious to see if all of our requests which have already been confirmed, will be fulfilled seeing that the first two days we are there the resort is booked.I know there are a lot of people from our area traveling to Disney this year because of the high Can.$$ -32 right now.

 

[MnMomW3Boys]

Yes, Cascades has Saturday check in. We were just there at the end of November.

Thank you!