Review Sheraton Vistana Resort Questions

[bankr63]

So I should call Diamond Lane? Or can I do my requests online?

I would just do the online form (link is posted a couple of pages back). With 3 weeks on your ticker, this is just about the right time to put that request in. They will probably e-mail a confirmation that they have the request a few days later, but I have read that the confirmation is pretty sporadic.

 

[bankr63]

We will be here the 3rd week of March. Does anyone know if the game room issues "tickets" on games like ski-ball. If so, is there a counter to redeem those tickets for prizes?

In one of the pictures it looks like they offer ski-ball, but my son loves collecting tickets and exchanging them for the prizes. Also, in what section of the resort would this be located.

Thanks!

Pretty sure not. We've only peeked into the arcades there, but the machines are pretty much the standard coin-op variety. There is an arcade on both the North (Fountains) and South (Springs) side, but the North side was bigger (maybe 20 machines?)

If that is something he really loves, try a trip to Dave and Busters on I-Drive. They are all about tickets and prizes. Also , the world's largest McDonalds on I-Drive at Sand Lake has a huge games section. I am pretty sure they offer prizes based on a trip report I read a while back. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43808853&postcount=11) They don't mention prizes, but there is a prize cage in the photos, and a lot of the games that are often ticket games.

Hope that helps!

Have a ton of fun!

 

[bankr63]

Stupid question time, but this inquiring mind wants to know......Is it possible to make payments on this resort, like Disney, that way its paid off way inadvance? If not, thats ok. Would just make my life a little easier if its possible.
Thanks!

That probably depends on how you go about renting your villa. Direct from Sheraton/Starwood I would think that installments probably aren't the norm. If you are renting direct from an owner; a lot of them prefer installments in advance. If you book through a TA, they might accept payments as well. Anything is possible...

 

[haPevraftr]

After lots of questions and lots of help from many of you here (especially bankr63), I am proud to announce that I have submitted my Diamond Lane request and we are 25 days from arriving at WDW. We will be at AKL for the first 2 nights (which is a surpirse to DH, DD, and DS) and then we will be moving to SVR. We are so excited! Thanks to everyone who helped along the way. I know this trip will be fantastic and couldn't have done it without your help!

 

[bankr63]

After lots of questions and lots of help from many of you here (especially bankr63), I am proud to announce that I have submitted my Diamond Lane request and we are 25 days from arriving at WDW. We will be at AKL for the first 2 nights (which is a surpirse to DH, DD, and DS) and then we will be moving to SVR. We are so excited! Thanks to everyone who helped along the way. I know this trip will be fantastic and couldn't have done it without your help!

That's getting close - enjoy yourselves!

Don't forget to report back on your experience. Would love to hear your impressions after a back-to-back with AKL. We'll be waiting...

 

[haPevraftr]

That's getting close - enjoy yourselves!

Don't forget to report back on your experience. Would love to hear your impressions after a back-to-back with AKL. We'll be waiting...

Here is the preview of our trip. I planned it to have a Disney feel, but guaranteeing that we have plenty of resort time. I can't wait! We have some NE WPF&M tix left from a previous trip so we are using those for parks and enjoying other places that we don't get to see when we have many park days scheduled.

Arrive Friday, 3/30, check in at AKL then spend the evening there seeing the animals, swimming etc...
3/31 MK
4/1 Spend the day at AKL doing all of the fun activities that they have at the resort. Go to SVR around 4 to check in. Await my delivery from Garden Grocer. Return to the Contemporary at 8PM for the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage.
4/2 EPCOT with lunch at Akershus and dinner at Tokyo Dining
4/3-4/4 Play at SVR and go to Blizzard Beach at some point. On 4/4, I want to go to Bonefish Grill for Bang Bang Shrimp Wednesdays. (Sadly, we don't have a Bonefish Grill near us at home.)
4/5 Play at SVR then go to Cirque De Soleil for the 6 PM show
4/6-7 Play at SVR
4/8 Go home ;(

I will definitely post a review and pics of the resort (from a parent with young children, DD8 and DS5, perspective) in hopes that it will help others!

Again, thanks to all for the help along the way!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Probably a stupid question but, are there resort towels at the pool?

 

[FrankieDplus3]

Probably a stupid question but, are there resort towels at the pool?

They have lots of towels at the pools (with blue & white stripes).

 

[keeperof4]

Just returned from an amazing visit to SVR.It even surpassed our expectations! We arrived to find traffic like we have never seen in Orlando NBA/Daytona/Marathon.We arrived at resort 11am Sat. for check in. Diamond lane was empty no one but myself , reg.check in line backed up 12/15 deep but fully staffed,moving quickly. ,unit requested was not available in Cascades bld.1,so we had to wait for another unit in bld,16.it was another amazing bright unit.5th. floor spotless/ clean!,only three units on that floor two 1bdrm.,and one 2bdrm.,we could not believe how dead the pools area's were,88f-90f+ ,almost to hot to stay in the sun most days,we bounced to the pools from 10-2 most days,and back 5-8pm there were always lots of loungers.We used Cascades every day this time and it did start to fill up around noon.Spas Fountains,Falls pools were never crowded.My kids had lots of other kids to play with. The only problem we had with the kids is one morning at Courts pool an old girl made it very clear that noisy kids were not welcome! It would appear this is the designated seniors pool.It just so happens that that pool was the warmest and the spa the hottest.So we came back every evening and had the hole area to ourselves.Our first night, below us there were a group slamming doors,partying on the patio flushing toilets all night.I reported this the next morning and the following night just as we were returning from shopping it appeared security was escorting them out,we were not the only ones upset by this.If you plan on partying this may not be the spot for you.I had a chance to meet great people this year that have been owners for years,and it seems things have changed concerning some guests that think this is a hotel,and expect the same services ,its not.This is a time share resort. The only complaint I would have is those that became intoxicated and acted idiotic in front of my kids a well as there own.We had an excellent time again this trip and are already planing next year.I was surprised of how many used the restaurants(there not cheap here) this year,we bought more than enough for the week at Walmart for under $120 If I can give anyone help please fell free to ask,I highly recommend this resort .I hope ye'all have as wonderful stay as we did.

 

[haPevraftr]

Just returned from an amazing visit to SVR.It even surpassed our expectations! We arrived to find traffic like we have never seen in Orlando NBA/Daytona/Marathon.We arrived at resort 11am Sat. for check in. Diamond lane was empty no one but myself , reg.check in line backed up 12/15 deep but fully staffed,moving quickly. ,unit requested was not available in Cascades bld.1,so we had to wait for another unit in bld,16.it was another amazing bright unit.5th. floor spotless/ clean!,only three units on that floor two 1bdrm.,and one 2bdrm.,we could not believe how dead the pools area's were,88f-90f+ ,almost to hot to stay in the sun most days,we bounced to the pools from 10-2 most days,and back 5-8pm there were always lots of loungers.We used Cascades every day this time and it did start to fill up around noon.Spas Fountains,Falls pools were never crowded.My kids had lots of other kids to play with. The only problem we had with the kids is one morning at Courts pool an old girl made it very clear that noisy kids were not welcome! It would appear this is the designated seniors pool.It just so happens that that pool was the warmest and the spa the hottest.So we came back every evening and had the hole area to ourselves.Our first night, below us there were a group slamming doors,partying on the patio flushing toilets all night.I reported this the next morning and the following night just as we were returning from shopping it appeared security was escorting them out,we were not the only ones upset by this.If you plan on partying this may not be the spot for you.I had a chance to meet great people this year that have been owners for years,and it seems things have changed concerning some guests that think this is a hotel,and expect the same services ,its not.This is a time share resort. The only complaint I would have is those that became intoxicated and acted idiotic in front of my kids a well as there own.We had an excellent time again this trip and are already planing next year.I was surprised of how many used the restaurants(there not cheap here) this year,we bought more than enough for the week at Walmart for under $120 If I can give anyone help please fell free to ask,I highly recommend this resort .I hope ye'all have as wonderful stay as we did.

Thanks for the review! So glad that you had a great time!

A couple questions... Can you confirm that the inflatable slide is no longer there? Did you have time to take advantage of any of the "scheduled" activities around the resort? If so, any favorites/recommendations?

Also, I see that you used Diamond Lane check-in. How long after you registered did you receive an email from them? I just completed min and I am wondering when I will hear back from them.

 

[keeperof4]

Yes! the slide is no longer there! Lets be honest here,like every thing else its always the bad that ruin it for the good.You figure out what happened. Diamond lane should contact you a few days before arrival, if not call the resort itself.It is in the back and to the left when you arrive.Go right there ,if you ask they will try to get you at the time share desk ,after check in they will try to take you to the same desk, just thank them and tell them you will pick up your starter gift later,don't go to the desk!(unless your willing to play the time share sales game) I was confirmed my unit, but when we arrived the owner decided to stay longer using his starwood points ,so we had to wait to get the other unit.If you are willing to take there choice of unit you can get in by noon or so.If not it is around 3-4pm before you get in,but your welcome to stay at the resort while you wait.The kids loved the movie at the Fountains pool.Go to the dollar tree across the street and get popcorn,drinks.Most things(snacks,balls, golf ) at this resort have a charge,or rental fee.This year it was so easy to fill the time because of the weather the kids could swim at night,that really makes it easy on the old boy! If you plan on eating a lot at the food court it can get very expensive.If the owners are there you may not get you request filled. Avoid if you can Palms units12-5 Springs15-10 Fountains II 44-55 the traffic is non stop on I4/ rt.535 and you will not be happy with the traffic noise.During the day the fountains run but they shut off at 10pm .

 

[haPevraftr]

Yes! the slide is no longer there! Lets be honest here,like every thing else its always the bad that ruin it for the good.You figure out what happened. Diamond lane should contact you a few days before arrival, if not call the resort itself.It is in the back and to the left when you arrive.Go right there ,if you ask they will try to get you at the time share desk ,after check in they will try to take you to the same desk, just thank them and tell them you will pick up your starter gift later,don't go to the desk!(unless your willing to play the time share sales game) I was confirmed my unit, but when we arrived the owner decided to stay longer using his starwood points ,so we had to wait to get the other unit.If you are willing to take there choice of unit you can get in by noon or so.If not it is around 3-4pm before you get in,but your welcome to stay at the resort while you wait.The kids loved the movie at the Fountains pool.Go to the dollar tree across the street and get popcorn,drinks.Most things(snacks,balls, golf ) at this resort have a charge,or rental fee.This year it was so easy to fill the time because of the weather the kids could swim at night,that really makes it easy on the old boy! If you plan on eating a lot at the food court it can get very expensive.If the owners are there you may not get you request filled. Avoid if you can Palms units12-5 Springs15-10 Fountains II 44-55 the traffic is non stop on I4/ rt.535 and you will not be happy with the traffic noise.During the day the fountains run but they shut off at 10pm .

Thanks for the tips! I requested a few of the Falls buildings closest to the Falls pool. Hopefully, we will get one of those and won't have to worry about the traffic noise/ I will write these buildings down though, and have them with me in case I get reassigned to one of them and can ask for a different location.

 

[denas]

Thanks for the tips! I requested a few of the Falls buildings closest to the Falls pool. Hopefully, we will get one of those and won't have to worry about the traffic noise/ I will write these buildings down though, and have them with me in case I get reassigned to one of them and can ask for a different location.

I notice we will be there the same week as you! Where did you find the building numbers on the maps??

We are arriving on Sat the 31 and Leaving on Sunday the 8th (8 nights overall). No Disney for us this time - just SeaWorld/Busch/Aquatica and lots of resort time!

 

[denas]

I notice we will be there the same week as you! Where did you find the building numbers on the maps??

We are arriving on Sat the 31 and Leaving on Sunday the 8th (8 nights overall). No Disney for us this time - just SeaWorld/Busch/Aquatica and lots of resort time!

Read then post...read then post. I didn't see the very nice map just ONE PAGE back with all of those building numbers!! I was so excited to see someone there my same week, I didn't look back through the thread to see any new postings from my last visit! Sorry about that

 

[Suzyq9241]

We are going May 13-20... and any information would be great....I have not been at Sheraton Vistana Resort in like a few years... has anything changed...

 

[Jfstorm]

hello, everyone. Noob to the Sheraton Resorts with the ususual questions. I've done some research on here but just dont have the time to really process the boundless information! My first time in a vacation villa; but it seems the best route for us to take, as our family has grown by 4 over the last year and a half! We have myself and GF; 3 teen boys and an infant (6 mo. at trip time in June) On site would be preffered due to the new baby, but the cost is just too high for even the values this year. I've been looking at Wyndham Bonnet Creek, Westgate properties, and found the Vistana (both of them). From what i have read and the maps this resort seems to be the choice for good location and amenities we are looking for. On outside sites i've seen a few things that scare me a little, but no inkling of those things on the DIS boards. Safety is #1 as GF will be coming back to the resort at times by herself with the infant for rest. So far I'm leaning towards the Fountains and Cascades (newest/recently remodeled and 2 BR Villa with double beds in 2nd bedroom) How is the shuttle service? we will have our vehicle but parking each day for 2 weeks is steep. May just get 1 annual pass; but we are getting tix thru a school function that are heavily discounted. Only trip this year so would rather save the $$ for these ravenous teens who eat me out of house and home!
Advise from the Pros?

 

[keeperof4]

I see in your post you are considering Westgate, things may have changed over the last few years but our first visit to Florida we stayed at their facility up on Turkey Lake Rd. The unit itself was great , I am not sure if you are an owner going through exchange but unfortunately for us they made our vacation a living hell trying to sell us a timeshare. Every day even when we were at the parks they called trying to push the sales pitch to me.I do believe they have recieved another poor rating. As far as the Vistana Resort this is our second visit and I highly recommend it. Banker is usually up on these things, must be on vacation so perhaps I can be of help.
Security at this facility is top notch. They patrol area continuously and they make their presence known 24/7.The neighbor hood is the resort it self very safe as I see it They do provide a shuttle service to the theme parks but I do believe you have to book before hand and their is one in the morning and return at night. As far as the cost just call the resort directly , I have spoken with them several times and their goal is to please. They do have shuttle service throughout the resort and from my calculations they usually make the rounds every 30 minutes. As far as your teens they will love either the Fountains or the Cascades pools. They seem to all gather early in the evening and from what I could see teens get along well. If you are planning on staying at the Fountains perhaps check out my previous post there are some units that are right on the highway and may be a problem at with the traffic noise. I do not believe that there is a bad unit at this resort now, they are continuously upgrading and refurbishing units. This year are unit,as was last trip meticulous.

 

[mama2ella]

are you booking directly through Sheraton? If so my understanding is that the shuttle is free (but I am far from an "expert" so someone correct me if I am wrong) and I think it runs fairly often.

 

[BrerMama]

are you booking directly through Sheraton? If so my understanding is that the shuttle is free (but I am far from an "expert" so someone correct me if I am wrong) and I think it runs fairly often.

The shuttle is free if you book through Sheraton (although I think most people here are timeshare owners are exchangers). The times are the same. From what I'm seeing on the internet, they won't get you there for rope drop and the last shuttle is long before parks close. I wouldn't depend on shuttles if you stay at Vistana. Renting a car is always my advice if staying off site.

 

[keeperof4]

I do believe there is a charge for the theme parks shuttle, unless you are a Vista Resort owner.This dose not include exchange guests.Which I go under. Almost every thing here has a fee , can't see they would offer free shuttle service to none owners?