Review Sheraton Vistana Resort Questions

[disrev]

Room works great. It seems a little smaller than the Falls room was, but 2nd BR has 2 beds. 7mo has her pack n play in the living room area. Had to rearrange the furniture a tad to make the most of the room.
There's elevators at Cascades. Very short walk to the pool on building 17. 5th floor has a skylight which is really nice.

 

[tots05]

Room works great. It seems a little smaller than the Falls room was, but 2nd BR has 2 beds. 7mo has her pack n play in the living room area. Had to rearrange the furniture a tad to make the most of the room.
There's elevators at Cascades. Very short walk to the pool on building 17. 5th floor has a skylight which is really nice.

thank you so much Im trying to see what will work best for us. Is Falls a little bit farther away from the pools for younger kids? Im thinking of requesting for a Cascades when we go in June.

 

[disrev]

thank you so much Im trying to see what will work best for us. Is Falls a little bit farther away from the pools for younger kids? Im thinking of requesting for a Cascades when we go in June.

I'm sorry. I said it wrong. We were in FOUNTAINS, not Falls last year. There was a zero-try pool in that area which we like, but we LOVE Cascades. The Falls pool is the one with the waterside. Really, section isn't the key to getting close to pool as much as building number. For instance, Cascades 7 is very far from pools, but 2, 15, 16, or 17 are right beside it. Every section could have that scenario repeated. So if you want to be close to the pool, check out the map and request a building number close to a pool.

 

[keeperof4]

My sister just returned from her first week , when she arrived requested a change and was placed in Cascades building 1. They only stayed the one night because of the loud music that day and late night partying at the cascades pool. They were then moved to building 12 , although it was much quieter they again had to tolerate a couple of days late night partying. After that everything was fine. As far as accommodations and the general condition of the resort this year, she was very satisfied. The only real complaint is that in her opinion the restaurants , I am presuming one at the cascades and one at the superpool, have gone downhill as far as quality of the food. I wouldn't say that she is overly fussy but if she refuses to eat at a place the second time it normally has to be pretty poor. She is not big on the takeout so if there is a new facility in that area , I doubt she was aware of it. As far as the A&W Pizza Hut, that was actually a plus for many . For a minimal expense it kept the kids happy. There are plenty of great places to eat within minutes of the resort. 12 days and counting til fun in the sun in Orlando. -38 C with the windchill factor here today. Blistering cold.

 

[disrev]

My sister just returned from her first week , when she arrived requested a change and was placed in Cascades building 1. They only stayed the one night because of the loud music that day and late night partying at the cascades pool. They were then moved to building 12 , although it was much quieter they again had to tolerate a couple of days late night partying. After that everything was fine. As far as accommodations and the general condition of the resort this year, she was very satisfied. The only real complaint is that in her opinion the restaurants , I am presuming one at the cascades and one at the superpool, have gone downhill as far as quality of the food. I wouldn't say that she is overly fussy but if she refuses to eat at a place the second time it normally has to be pretty poor. She is not big on the takeout so if there is a new facility in that area , I doubt she was aware of it. As far as the A&W Pizza Hut, that was actually a plus for many . For a minimal expense it kept the kids happy. There are plenty of great places to eat within minutes of the resort. 12 days and counting til fun in the sun in Orlando. -38 C with the windchill factor here today. Blistering cold.

We had no noise issues at all in Cascades 17. In Fountains last year, however, we were on the ground floor and it was like a herd of buffalo from the family above. It was so bad we went up and asked them not to stomp (something we rarely do) and they said they weren't doing anything out of the ordinary. That, along w/ having a skylight, is why we requested top floor this time around.

Finishing up our drive back North now, and already missing the pool!

 

[tots05]

for anyone who have done the diamond lane, can we request it even if the reservation is under my in-laws' names? we are borrowing their timeshare but they are not coming with us. as of now, the reservations are in their names and they told us that they will put it in my DH name one month before the reservation. do I request via diamond lane after they have transferred it to us or can I do it even before that one? this timeshare is through Interval International. Thank you so much

 

[disrev]

for anyone who have done the diamond lane, can we request it even if the reservation is under my in-laws' names? we are borrowing their timeshare but they are not coming with us. as of now, the reservations are in their names and they told us that they will put it in my DH name one month before the reservation. do I request via diamond lane after they have transferred it to us or can I do it even before that one? this timeshare is through Interval International. Thank you so much

I'd wait till name switch since it (diamond lane) asks for both reservation# and guest name. We've done our visits on guest certificates through Interval and it's been a smooth process.

 

[tots05]

I'd wait till name switch since it (diamond lane) asks for both reservation# and guest name. We've done our visits on guest certificates through Interval and it's been a smooth process.

thank you so much. you have been very helpful this will be our first time there but based from all the posters here, it sounds wonderful

 

[keeperof4]

It was announced that Canadians who will be visiting FL. will be required to hold an International Drivers Permit. Like others I rushed to CAA to obtain this document at approx. $35. When I returned home , news reports were released that many law enforcement in FL. will not be enforcing this law. If you haven't visited this area before you should be aware that almost every county has it's own local enforcement. Also it was reported that most car rentals will not be asking for this document. As in previous posts I have mentioned the importance of extra insurance and proper documentation when driving throughout FL. As a family member has been in the insurance business for many years he informed me that although law enforcement may not be enforcing it , this will most likely but not in all cases be a loophole for insurance companies not to pay out claims to non US residents who are involved in an accident. It is strange with all my research this was not brought to my attention until yesterday when some of our friends emailed us and informed of this new law. Until clarity is brought to this new law it might be wise to obtain the document.

 

[o2bnoz]

Hi all,

We are planning to stay at SVR next December. We have stayed before and honestly believe that there isn't a better spot in the area

Am I able to ask questions about a voucher deal here? I am not sure if that's forbidden, but I have recieved something through email and would love some feedback, but don't want to break any rules.

Thank you!
Dee

 

[bankr63]

Hi all,

We are planning to stay at SVR next December. We have stayed before and honestly believe that there isn't a better spot in the area

Am I able to ask questions about a voucher deal here? I am not sure if that's forbidden, but I have recieved something through email and would love some feedback, but don't want to break any rules.

Thank you!
Dee

Well, I would read the post rules to be sure, but there are certainly enough people that discuss pin codes and bounceback offers on other Disney threads, and car deals on the transportation board. I don't know why it would be a problem here...

 

[o2bnoz]

OK, I'm going to ask

Has anyone ever used "Resort Stay Vouchers" (.com) to buy a voucher for a hotel? They have a voucher for $499 for a week at SVR. There is an additional upcharge of $100 so it would be a total of $599. This seems extremely good. It mentions the Fountains as the area. We've stayed in the Fountains before and been very happy. It also specifies that you do NOT have to attend a sales presentation.

There are a lot of hotels listed, and many don't require an upgrade. I would really like to buy this, but I'm nervous because I haven't heard of it before. It was a "Living Social" deal, but then I went to their website and see that it's a normal price, so it can be purchased whenever you like. The voucher is good for a year, I think.

Anyone have any experience with this company? Thoughts?

Thanks everyone!

Dee

 

[keeperof4]

One thing I have learned in the past is if it looks to good to be true then chances are that it is. I would contact the resort directly or if you would like, I am going to be there on Thursday and I have a few contacts there that I can ask about this and then I will post my findings for you. I am soooooo looking forward to getting to the resort and out of this miserable, stinking rotten weather that we have had in the last two weeks.

 

[o2bnoz]

Keeperof4, I would be ever so grateful!

I am of the same mind as you... looks too good to be true

Anything you could find out would be very helpful to me. I know that there has to be something that I'm missing.

Thanks again and again!

What area of miserable weather are you leaving? I'm in Ohio. Cold and snowy. However, I have to wait until NOVEMBER! I guess I will get our summer here, though, so I shouldn't complain. That's only a few months away!

Dee

 

[mrsap]

OK, I'm going to ask

Has anyone ever used "Resort Stay Vouchers" (.com) to buy a voucher for a hotel? They have a voucher for $499 for a week at SVR. There is an additional upcharge of $100 so it would be a total of $599. This seems extremely good. It mentions the Fountains as the area. We've stayed in the Fountains before and been very happy. It also specifies that you do NOT have to attend a sales presentation.

There are a lot of hotels listed, and many don't require an upgrade. I would really like to buy this, but I'm nervous because I haven't heard of it before. It was a "Living Social" deal, but then I went to their website and see that it's a normal price, so it can be purchased whenever you like. The voucher is good for a year, I think.

Anyone have any experience with this company? Thoughts?

Thanks everyone!

Dee

That seems expensive. Have you tried looking up sites with owners who rent out their own units? You might be able to get a better deal. Good luck!

 

[todd222222]

OK, I'm going to ask

Has anyone ever used "Resort Stay Vouchers" (.com) to buy a voucher for a hotel? They have a voucher for $499 for a week at SVR. There is an additional upcharge of $100 so it would be a total of $599. This seems extremely good. It mentions the Fountains as the area. We've stayed in the Fountains before and been very happy. It also specifies that you do NOT have to attend a sales presentation.

There are a lot of hotels listed, and many don't require an upgrade. I would really like to buy this, but I'm nervous because I haven't heard of it before. It was a "Living Social" deal, but then I went to their website and see that it's a normal price, so it can be purchased whenever you like. The voucher is good for a year, I think.

Anyone have any experience with this company? Thoughts?

Thanks everyone!

Dee

I would buy via Living Social as they have a 100% guarantee. Once you have the cert call and make your reservation, if you have any issues making the reservation you can contact Living Social and get a refund.

Here is there policy for "escapes" which I'm guessing this is what you are talking about:

Escapes 30-Day Promise

LivingSocial gives you up to 30 days to return your unused voucher for a full refund. Once you've made a reservation, you are subject to the merchant's cancellation and refund policy. If you want to secure your preferred dates of travel, we strongly recommend that you complete reservation with the merchant within 30 days of your purchase—after that, LivingSocial will not issue any refunds.

Of course read the fine print on the specific deal, but I think I wouldn't have a problem buying via Living Social.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I don't suppose anyone would have a Zimmie's menu at their disposal?

If not.......bankr63, would you be willing to get me an idea of the menu items and prices when you are there in March? Pretty please?

Assuming there's something there that will appeal to my fellas, I thought we'd dine onsite on arrival day since our plane doesn't get in until 6:30 pm. By the time we check in, I'm doubting anyone will want to go any further than the hotel pool .

Also.....can we pick up an order from Zimmie's and eat in our villa? Or is it dine-in only?

 

[joe-aka-papabear]

Has anyone stayed in the Courts 2 bdr town house villas at this resort. We will be staying in may thru an exchange week vacation thru RCI ($199) and this is one that is available. We have never stayed here as we usually stay on site at Disney at a value resort. We are doing Universal 3 days and a beach on a day, so we will be spending sometime at the resort. Good pools and other amenities are a plus. Our other choice is Vacation villages at parkway, but I think I'm leaning torwards the Sheraton.

 

[bankr63]

I don't suppose anyone would have a Zimmie's menu at their disposal?

If not.......bankr63, would you be willing to get me an idea of the menu items and prices when you are there in March? Pretty please?

Assuming there's something there that will appeal to my fellas, I thought we'd dine onsite on arrival day since our plane doesn't get in until 6:30 pm. By the time we check in, I'm doubting anyone will want to go any further than the hotel pool .

Also.....can we pick up an order from Zimmie's and eat in our villa? Or is it dine-in only?

Hi Gina,

I'll do my best to take a picture of the menu when I am there. A guy can't pass up a rose after all....

I'll check the times too, if your flight arrives at 6:30, it'll probably be after 8:00 by the time you are settled into your villa. I expect they will still be serving then, but the on-site restaurants don't stay open really late. On the plus side, there are lots of good sit-down or take out restaurants nearby as well. Your hungry guys might enjoy Steak & Shake for takeout, or one of the many restaurants around the Crossroads that will be open later.

Has anyone stayed in the Courts 2 bdr town house villas at this resort. We will be staying in may thru an exchange week vacation thru RCI ($199) and this is one that is available. We have never stayed here as we usually stay on site at Disney at a value resort. We are doing Universal 3 days and a beach on a day, so we will be spending sometime at the resort. Good pools and other amenities are a plus. Our other choice is Vacation villages at parkway, but I think I'm leaning torwards the Sheraton.

Hi Joe,

We actually own a week in Courts. If RCI lists your exchange as sleeps 8, then it is an upper, if it sleeps 6 it's a lower. The upper units are huge and are closer to a 3BR than a two. Soaring ceilings in the living area with a loft (that can serve as a 3rd BR with pullout sofabed). The lowers aren't quite as dramatic, but still very nice. Courts was the last section to be renovated at Vistana Resort (pretty much a full "to the studs" reno), so the finishes are all top notch. Courts is relatively central in the resort - good access to everything.

The only negatives to the Courts section in comparison to others is that the landscaping is very spartan (lawns rather than gardens and ponds), and the decks/balconies are not screened - usually only an issue during love bug season.

Note, for the benefit of others who think Joe is getting a really great deal, I am pretty sure the $199 quoted is the exchange fee only. Someone has still had to pay for the year's maintenance on the underlying exchange. Don't want everyone getting excited that they can get a week at SVR for only $199.00

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Hi Gina,

I'll do my best to take a picture of the menu when I am there. A guy can't pass up a rose after all....

I'll check the times too, if your flight arrives at 6:30, it'll probably be after 8:00 by the time you are settled into your villa. I expect they will still be serving then, but the on-site restaurants don't stay open really late. On the plus side, there are lots of good sit-down or take out restaurants nearby as well. Your hungry guys might enjoy Steak & Shake for takeout, or one of the many restaurants around the Crossroads that will be open later.

You are AWESOME! Thank you .

I figured we would be cutting it kind of close as far as our timing goes (I think I read that Zimmie's closes at 9 pm), but I was so hoping we could at least order a meal to go (we don't necessary have to dine in....and in fact, we probably would rather eat with our feet up on the sofa in the villa after a long day of travelling). We had considered pizza delivery (we have pledged to try Giordano's for the first time on this trip) but wasn't sure if delivery was possible with gate security at the resort.

What all would we have to choose from at the Crossroads? Steak & Shake is definitely a family favourite. Burgers and humonstrous milkshakes are the ultimate man food .