Review Sheraton Vistana Resort Questions

[BKMETV]

Well it took a while but I managed to make it through the thread...there is so much good info...thank you Maria and M Ross for sharing all your knowledge. We are heading down the first week in May...2 condos (2br & 1br). Thanks to you guys I know to Diamond Lane a request to be in the same building...since we are Sun. check-in that would mean Lakes or Cascade.

Just a quick question...I'm OK with either area, we were going to request to have the condos close together and preferably the top floor...do the condos stretch the width of the building or do I need to ask for pond view as oppose to road view?

Thanks

 

[bankr63]

Well it took a while but I managed to make it through the thread...there is so much good info...thank you Maria and M Ross for sharing all your knowledge. We are heading down the first week in May...2 condos (2br & 1br). Thanks to you guys I know to Diamond Lane a request to be in the same building...since we are Sun. check-in that would mean Lakes or Cascade.

Hi Ev, I am glad the information has been useful. Vistana Resort is one of our home resorts, and we really love our time there. I want to provide the kind of information that will help others enjoy it as much as we do!

Just a quick question...I'm OK with either area, we were going to request to have the condos close together and preferably the top floor...do the condos stretch the width of the building or do I need to ask for pond view as oppose to road view?

Thanks

Yes, all the units run the depth of the building. Your front door is always on the parking side; with most sections there are stairs up to a shared landing at your door (except ground floor). In the taller Lakes/Cascades buildings, there are two central elevators that open onto a balcony/breezeway that runs the width of building with front doors off it (kind of classic motel style). The back of the unit will generally overlook a pond or pool. Most units (but not all 1BR) have a screened balcony/patio with table and chairs off of the living area to enjoy the views.

Don't forget to stop by after the trip and let us know how it was!

 

[Lee23]

I have a question about the lock-off villas vs. the regular villas.

I'll be staying here in 2 weeks with my SIL -an owner- who always stays in Falls, but was told she'd be moved to Lakes because the Falls pool is under refurbishment during our stay.

She assures me that we'll have a comparable unit, but with everything I've read, I'm not so sure!

So my question is, how do we know if we're getting a lock-off villa or a 2 BR villa?

Another question... has the activity calendar been released for February yet?

Thanks for all of the great and valuable information

 

[haPevraftr]

How long is the Falls pool "out of commission" for refurbishment?

 

[Lee23]

My SIL was told the pool in Falls would be done on February 10th, which is the day we arrive.
The Starwood or Sheraton person my SIL spoke with said, to be on the safe side, don't stay there, in case there was a delay in finishing....

 

[bankr63]

My SIL was told the pool in Falls would be done on February 10th, which is the day we arrive.
The Starwood or Sheraton person my SIL spoke with said, to be on the safe side, don't stay there, in case there was a delay in finishing....

That sounds like some kind of line to me. Guests have access to every pool; the Courts pool is maybe 50 paces away from Falls, so I don't see this being an issue at all. If you really like Falls, stick to your guns.

As far as villa sizes go, you might be lucky to be in a 2BR LO in Lakes. These units are much larger, and really could be thought of as a 3BR. Total space about 1400sf (Falls and Lakes regular 2BR are both around 1200sf). The only down side to the LO is that both bedrooms are king beds, so if you need two beds there, you would use your 2nd Living Room as a 3rd bedroom with the pullout sofa.

Check the villa floorplans at:
https://www.mystarcentral.com/resorts/villafeatures.jsp?propertyId=01

The biggest change from Falls to Lakes is that you are on the other side of the resort, and in a taller building. The vibe can be a bit different there. Not as laid back as Falls tends to be.

 

[Lee23]

It does sound like a line, doesn't it?

Our group is me (41), SIL (31), DD (13) and DNephews (5 & 2).
We don't need the extra room we'd get in the LO villa, and only King beds wouldn't be a big deal.
So what about this "vibe" you speak of?
Less quiet? More families?

 

[bankr63]

It does sound like a line, doesn't it?

Our group is me (41), SIL (31), DD (13) and DNephews (5 & 2).
We don't need the extra room we'd get in the LO villa, and only King beds wouldn't be a big deal.
So what about this "vibe" you speak of?
Less quiet? More families?

It's kind of hard to describe, and I don't want to steer you wrong. These are purely subjective feelings...

The South side (Falls side) of the resort is older, more spread out (roomy?), and yes, I get a more laid back vibe there (except in Cascades). Kind of old style resort.

North side is newer, with taller closer spaced buildings (but many with elevators). Most people see this as a plus, but to me it is not. The buildings kind of crowd in around the pools a bit. Dining options on North side revolve around a food court, vs. sit-down on the South side. I haven't stayed on the North side, but we stroll over occassionally. I would say that there are probably more young kids over on the North side when we've been there.

This is kind of like comparing two Disney resorts from the same class. Each is a bit different, but both are great! Regardless of where you land, you'll enjoy it!

 

[Lee23]

Thanks for that assessment. I think I get what you're saying

We're sure to happy with where ever we end up!

Any word on the activities calendar for February?

 

[bankr63]

Thanks for that assessment. I think I get what you're saying

We're sure to happy with where ever we end up!

Any word on the activities calendar for February?

Activities calendar is published weekly. The link to the current week is:
https://www.mystarcentral.com/CMS/en_US/svo/CMSContent/Sites/MSC/Discover/Activities/Sheraton_Vistana_Resort/SVR_Weekly.pdf

This should update weekly unless Starwood/Vistana changes the link.

Updated: Should mention, don't miss the "flea market" in front of the Marketplace. Looks like it has moved to Thursdays now (was on Wed), but we found some pretty interesting stuff. If you like hot sauces, get some Dragon's Breath from the vendor there (hope he's still there!). It's a family favorite now for us...

Have fun!

 

[Lee23]

Updated: Should mention, don't miss the "flea market" in front of the Marketplace. Looks like it has moved to Thursdays now (was on Wed), but we found some pretty interesting stuff. If you like hot sauces, get some Dragon's Breath from the vendor there (hope he's still there!). It's a family favorite now for us...

Have fun!

Thank you again. Great info!
Will check out the vendor area for sure. My brother, who is NOT allowed to come with us this trip (and whines about it hourly) loves hot sauce. I'll get some for him as a consolation gift!

 

[FrankieDplus3]

We are headed back in September!! This year we are going for two weeks.

We will be vactioning with friends, who are owners in Springs. My family will be booking our own room and we are hoping to get into Springs with them. Our current plan (as a group) is to check-in on the Saturday.

I need some feedback, I'm hoping you can help. If we make the request at time of booking, will SVR be able to set us up with our friends?

Is something that could be requested through Diamond Lane?

 

[BrerMama]

We are headed back in September!! This year we are going for two weeks.

We will be vactioning with friends, who are owners in Springs. My family will be booking our own room and we are hoping to get into Springs with them. Our current plan (as a group) is to check-in on the Saturday.

I need some feedback, I'm hoping you can help. If we make the request at time of booking, will SVR be able to set us up with our friends?

Is something that could be requested through Diamond Lane?

I noted my request on my reservation and plan to use Diamond Lane. Everyone here has reported that they really work with you on Diamond Lane requests, so good luck!

 

[snowwhitesmom]

I just read the whole thread - great info - thanks everyone!
This will be our first trip off Disney property and not using Disney transportation - we have a car - but no sense of direction! Can someone give me easy to understand directions from the resort to the Disney parks, Boardwalk, and Islands of Adventure? I know this is alot to ask and I truly appreciate any and all efforts. TIA!

 

[bankr63]

I just read the whole thread - great info - thanks everyone!
This will be our first trip off Disney property and not using Disney transportation - we have a car - but no sense of direction! Can someone give me easy to understand directions from the resort to the Disney parks, Boardwalk, and Islands of Adventure? I know this is alot to ask and I truly appreciate any and all efforts. TIA!

My best directions would be:
1) Hop in your car
2) Drive to Costco or Circuit City or Best Buy
3) Purchase a basic GPS (<$100) - our Garmin Nuvi works great

A little tongue in cheek perhaps, but actually I am SERIOUS. A GPS is a godsend in Orlando. We borrowed one from a friend (another option to consider) for our first trip, and I was hooked. You can also rent one if you are getting a rental car, but the cost nearly adds up to buying your own.

Second tip if you go the GPS route is to download the custom POI (Points of Interest) file from Mousesavers.com. For IOA it knows a "back-way" that cuts 15 minutes off crawling through the front way.

Okay, so I haven't convinced you yet? From Vistana Resort, the easiest way to get to all things Disney is to Turn RIGHT as you exit the resort onto 535 (S. Apopka Vineland). Proceed to the first light and turn right again on 536 World Center Drive. As you pass under I-4 this becomes Epcot Center Drive and you are aimed right at the heart of Disney. Follow the signage from there to whichever park you are going to. Note: This is the best route to all parks except AK. There is a slightly faster way to AK, but not enough faster to have to memorize another set of directions. This is also not the shortest route to DTD, but due to heavy traffic on the shortest route, it IS the QUICKEST route to DTD. BTW - Don't forget to leave a trail of breadcrumbs. It is really easy to get TO the parks in the morning because of the great signage. There are NO signs pointing the way back to the resort, and you are tired, so that is the tougher route (yes I missed a turn in the dark on our second trip 'cause I figured I didn't need the GPS anymore - ended up halfway to Tampa...)

For the Uni Parks and City Walk, turn left out of the resort, hop onto I-4 East (more North than East, but they call it East). Follow the signs for Uni that start about 4 miles up. That will not take you in the "sneakret" way (only the GPS users get that - no seriously, I don't think I could find it again without the GPS), so plan for a bit of time to make the turn into the front gate.

Why do I always answer a simple question with a "War and Peace" sized answer? I do hope that helps!!

 

[snowwhitesmom]

My best directions would be:
1) Hop in your car
2) Drive to Costco or Circuit City or Best Buy
3) Purchase a basic GPS (<$100) - our Garmin Nuvi works great

A little tongue in cheek perhaps, but actually I am SERIOUS. A GPS is a godsend in Orlando. We borrowed one from a friend (another option to consider) for our first trip, and I was hooked. You can also rent one if you are getting a rental car, but the cost nearly adds up to buying your own.

Second tip if you go the GPS route is to download the custom POI (Points of Interest) file from Mousesavers.com. For IOA it knows a "back-way" that cuts 15 minutes off crawling through the front way.

Okay, so I haven't convinced you yet? From Vistana Resort, the easiest way to get to all things Disney is to Turn RIGHT as you exit the resort onto 535 (S. Apopka Vineland). Proceed to the first light and turn right again on 536 World Center Drive. As you pass under I-4 this becomes Epcot Center Drive and you are aimed right at the heart of Disney. Follow the signage from there to whichever park you are going to. Note: This is the best route to all parks except AK. There is a slightly faster way to AK, but not enough faster to have to memorize another set of directions. This is also not the shortest route to DTD, but due to heavy traffic on the shortest route, it IS the QUICKEST route to DTD. BTW - Don't forget to leave a trail of breadcrumbs. It is really easy to get TO the parks in the morning because of the great signage. There are NO signs pointing the way back to the resort, and you are tired, so that is the tougher route (yes I missed a turn in the dark on our second trip 'cause I figured I didn't need the GPS anymore - ended up halfway to Tampa...)

For the Uni Parks and City Walk, turn left out of the resort, hop onto I-4 East (more North than East, but they call it East). Follow the signs for Uni that start about 4 miles up. That will not take you in the "sneakret" way (only the GPS users get that - no seriously, I don't think I could find it again without the GPS), so plan for a bit of time to make the turn into the front gate.

Why do I always answer a simple question with a "War and Peace" sized answer? I do hope that helps!!

Thank you so much for all the effort and advice - I was going to look into the GPS even before I posted - but DH is resistant - I will try harder to convince him now!

 

[BrerMama]

Thank you so much for all the effort and advice - I was going to look into the GPS even before I posted - but DH is resistant - I will try harder to convince him now!

My suggestion? Get someone to give you one as a gift. We knew we'd be renting a car and we knew we'd need help getting around. We'd resisted a GPS for years because we just don't drive without knowing where we're going (I'm a researcher) but wanted one for the trip. My mom gave one to my DH for his birthday and we've ended up really enjoying that little thing. Since we're staying at Vistana as well, I did download the file and load it onto our Tom Tom a few weeks ago. Can't wait to get there and start using it!

 

[FrankieDplus3]

My best directions would be:
1) Hop in your car
2) Drive to Costco or Circuit City or Best Buy
3) Purchase a basic GPS (<$100) - our Garmin Nuvi works great

A little tongue in cheek perhaps, but actually I am SERIOUS. A GPS is a godsend in Orlando. We borrowed one from a friend (another option to consider) for our first trip, and I was hooked. You can also rent one if you are getting a rental car, but the cost nearly adds up to buying your own.

Second tip if you go the GPS route is to download the custom POI (Points of Interest) file from Mousesavers.com. For IOA it knows a "back-way" that cuts 15 minutes off crawling through the front way.

Okay, so I haven't convinced you yet? From Vistana Resort, the easiest way to get to all things Disney is to Turn RIGHT as you exit the resort onto 535 (S. Apopka Vineland). Proceed to the first light and turn right again on 536 World Center Drive. As you pass under I-4 this becomes Epcot Center Drive and you are aimed right at the heart of Disney. Follow the signage from there to whichever park you are going to. Note: This is the best route to all parks except AK. There is a slightly faster way to AK, but not enough faster to have to memorize another set of directions. This is also not the shortest route to DTD, but due to heavy traffic on the shortest route, it IS the QUICKEST route to DTD. BTW - Don't forget to leave a trail of breadcrumbs. It is really easy to get TO the parks in the morning because of the great signage. There are NO signs pointing the way back to the resort, and you are tired, so that is the tougher route (yes I missed a turn in the dark on our second trip 'cause I figured I didn't need the GPS anymore - ended up halfway to Tampa...)

For the Uni Parks and City Walk, turn left out of the resort, hop onto I-4 East (more North than East, but they call it East). Follow the signs for Uni that start about 4 miles up. That will not take you in the "sneakret" way (only the GPS users get that - no seriously, I don't think I could find it again without the GPS), so plan for a bit of time to make the turn into the front gate.

Why do I always answer a simple question with a "War and Peace" sized answer? I do hope that helps!!

Great directions! I was just going to go with:
Turn Right,
Turn Right,
go Straight and follow the signs

 

[blondietink]

Those directions are very good. Getting back can get tricky, yes, but you know you are on the right road when you see the huge Mariott Conference Center on your left. Then turn left at the next light after the Mariott Conference Center light.

You can get groceries fairly close to the resort either at Super Wal-Mart or Public on International Drive.

We are staying at Vistana Resort in April on our Starwood points. Nice resort, although parking can sometimes be an issue depending on which building you get in. Have a great time!

 

[denas]

I've looked through a lot of this thread. My question was answered - but it was in 09 and didn't know if the answer had changed. Sorry for re-asking!

I will need a crib and highchair. Are these still available? Do I call? Or do I use Diamond Lane (which brings up my next questions)

A lot of people have talked about the Diamond Lane. Is this only for owners? I booked our stay through resortime, so not sure if I can put in requests on this? And the really stupid question - where do I find the Diamond Lane request form??!!