Review Sheraton Vistana Resort Questions

[teacherlovesdisney]

Hi folks- Should I be concerned that I haven't heard back from Diamond Lane?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Yes, these would be 2BR Lockoffs - really two 1BR units joined together so both BR are masters. They are popular for ownership with TS Owners because they provide a lot of flexibility. Unfortunately they aren't easy to snag on a reservation as most owners split them if not using them. I have a 3BR LO at another resort that I ALWAYS split when I deposit because it gives me almost twice as much trading power when done that way; but if I ever wanted to host 11 of my closest friends in a single unit I could do that. In hindsight now that idea makes me

Thanks for the clarification . I would never request one of the lockoffs for the simple reason that we are a tiny family of 3, and to have that much space (two kitchens, two sets of washer/dryers, two living areas) would be a waste for such a small group. They are best held for those folks who really need that additional room. But two king beds in our villa is nice to dream about .

I think we are going to request a top-floor unit in either Spas, Fountains 1 or Lakes, close to a pool(s) and a basketball court. I am sure they will have no problems accommodating us in one of those three sections, particularly the latter two when those seem to be where they put the generic rental guests (Spas, while that's our first choice, might be harder I know when we check in on a Friday and out on a Saturday). As long as we don't border I-4 or the other highway, I am a happy girl.

One month from right this moment we will be at the airport in Syracuse. Woot, woot!!

Can't wait to read your write-ups once they are posted. I know you've already provided me with most of the pics and the info, but I will admit to reading them in my "spare" time when I'm needing a little pick-me-up .

 

[teacherlovesdisney]

Hi all-

Could I get some more information on the health club/gym(s) at Sheraton Vistana Resort? Specifically, it seems that there are multiple fitness centers. Do any offer classes? Locker room with sauna and/or steam rooms? Is any one fitness center the most equipped? Is Yoga offered? Thanks for any help you may be able to provide.

 

[bankr63]

Hi all-

Could I get some more information on the health club/gym(s) at Sheraton Vistana Resort? Specifically, it seems that there are multiple fitness centers. Do any offer classes? Locker room with sauna and/or steam rooms? Is any one fitness center the most equipped? Is Yoga offered? Thanks for any help you may be able to provide.

Well here's one I might need some help on. Although I hit the gym 3 times a week at home, I don't generally go while on vacation, especially in Orlando. We probably walk about 10k per day at the parks, and that's all the exercise I need.

Classes I'd say probably not. I don't recall seeing any in the activity sheets, and the gyms don't have exercise studios. They do sometimes have aquafit in the pools. Lockers are possible at the gym, I haven't noticed. There are locker rooms and sauna at the Spas Super Pool, and probably elsewhere in other recreation centres.

If you want gym and sauna together, North side probably makes the most sense. The Fountains Fitness Centre has both sauna and gym. On the South side they are separated; gyms in Cascades and Falls Fitness Centres and saunas in Springs and Spas, although if you end up on the South side, they really aren't that far apart (about a one to two block walk).

The fitness centres are nicely, but not extravagantly, equipped. Cardio treadmills, elliptical and upright or recumbent bikes, free weights and some basic exercise stations (lat bar, maybe a smith?).

 

[teacherlovesdisney]

Hi all,

First, thanks for the info on the gyms, if anyone else can chime in, that would be great.

Second, I got my diamond lane confirmation. They said they have received my info, so that is good. I am arriving on a Tuesday, however, so they said Diamond Lane check in won't be open and to use the main welcome center. . . I assume this is no big deal?

Another question I had is this, do we have the ability to spend an afternoon at the other Vistana resort? Use, the pool and such?

Any other tips?

Getting excited, almost there!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Just submitted my Diamond Lane requests .

Today is officially our four week mark.....less than a month to go!

This calls for a banana dance .

teacherlovesdisney.....I will have to use the regular check-in as well, as our flight doesn't arrive at MCO until 6:30 pm, meaning we will arrive after the Diamond Lane check in has closed for the day. Fingers crossed we will both get checked in smoothly and quickly!

 

[mrsap]

Just submitted my Diamond Lane requests .

Today is officially our four week mark.....less than a month to go!

This calls for a banana dance .

teacherlovesdisney.....I will have to use the regular check-in as well, as our flight doesn't arrive at MCO until 6:30 pm, meaning we will arrive after the Diamond Lane check in has closed for the day. Fingers crossed we will both get checked in smoothly and quickly!

I have to be honest with you, last year the Diamond Lane check-in line was SO long and there wasn't wait at a regular check in counter, so we went over there. They do the exact same thing, may be better off. Enjoy!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I have to be honest with you, last year the Diamond Lane check-in line was SO long and there wasn't wait at a regular check in counter, so we went over there. They do the exact same thing, may be better off. Enjoy!!

Now THAT'S the feedback I like to hear!!!

 

[bankr63]

Hi all,

First, thanks for the info on the gyms, if anyone else can chime in, that would be great.

Second, I got my diamond lane confirmation. They said they have received my info, so that is good. I am arriving on a Tuesday, however, so they said Diamond Lane check in won't be open and to use the main welcome center. . . I assume this is no big deal?

Another question I had is this, do we have the ability to spend an afternoon at the other Vistana resort? Use, the pool and such?

Any other tips?

Getting excited, almost there!!

On a Tuesday not having Diamond Lane open is no big deal. The big checkin days at Vistana are Friday/Saturday/Sunday as that is when the timeshare weeks all start. On Tuesday checkin should be a breeze.

And as mrsap points out, Diamond Lane is really an option when you arrive on one of those 3 days. It was intended to be an "Express Lane" registration at the busy times, but if you are faced with a long line at DL you can go through the main line and get the same treatment.

Gina, after 6:00 or 7:00 pm, the front desk is pretty quiet so a late checkin will usually be pretty efficient.

Visiting Sheraton Vistana Villages might be difficult, but you can ask. Really, the resorts are owned by their Homeowners' Associations and Sheraton runs them under contract with each association. It's very unlikely that there is a reciprocal use arrangement with the other resort. However, just ask, you never know. Just be careful because SVV is under active development; they might be happy to take you over IF you'll kindly attend a presentation on the benefits of the resort. This 1 hour presentation generally takes about a half day; no I don't know how these guys calculate one hour either.

 

[erinch]

I posted my diamond lane requests about 5 days ago. Just received this today. Today is one week prior to my check in date, which is a Friday.
---

Dear Mr/Mrs Cox-Holmes:


Thank you for using the Diamond Lane Express check-in service, exclusive to Sheraton Vistana Resort!


When you arrive at the resort to begin your vacation the front desk team will be waiting for you. Our hours of operation are 11am to 7pm Friday thru Sunday. We are located in the Welcome Center at the end on the right hand side just look for the red carpet. As a reminder, please bring your reservation number along with a photo ID and credit card for any incidentals.

Your requests have been noted in your reservation


I would be pleased to assist if your plans are flexible and you would like to extend your stay just give me a call at extension 3402.

If you would like to place a pre-stock order prior to your arrival, please visit our website at www.starwoodvo.com just click on our property. For more information about pre-stock or special occasion baskets, please call 407-239-3399 and The Market Place team will be more than happy to assist you.

For your convenience, I have attached a copy of the resort map. Also, as a reference only, I have attached a copy of our weekly activity and food and beverage calendar to highlight the activities and food and beverage offerings that we have each week. Please understand that these are both subject to change. A current copy of these vital pieces of information will be provided upon arrival.

Thank you for choosing Sheraton Vistana Resort as your vacation destination! We look forward to welcoming you home!



Warm Regards,



Ada Laureano

DIAMOND LANE COORDINATOR

 

[lilyhnkf]

Hi I submitted Diamond Lane Check-in on-line on 7/8/2013, and our check in date is 8/25/2013, but until now I did not hear anything yet. Should I call or fax it again or wait?

 

[bankr63]

Hi I submitted Diamond Lane Check-in on-line on 7/8/2013, and our check in date is 8/25/2013, but until now I did not hear anything yet. Should I call or fax it again or wait?

I would wait. Unless you made your reservation directly by calling the resort or by booking an owners deeded week, they won't have your reservation until about 2 weeks prior. So if you reserved through Sheraton reservation centre or a TA or booked a timeshare trade through RCI or II they are probably holding off on contacting you until they have your reservation in hand.

 

[lilyhnkf]

Thank you for answering my question. I bought a voucher at onsale.com, it shows OnSale tripalertz, and I booked through resortstayvouchers.com. Is it a TA?

 

[bankr63]

Thank you for answering my question. I bought a voucher at onsale.com, it shows OnSale tripalertz, and I booked through resortstayvouchers.com. Is it a TA?

Really good question. I took a quick look at their website, and expect that they are pretty much like a travel agent. It looks like they are selling excess inventory, probably in off seasons. I have no idea what path their reservations would take in getting to the resort however. I will warn you that there may be some restrictions on these heavily discounted offers - but it still never hurts to ask! At that price, did you reserve a 1BR or is it a 2BR? A 1BR unit will keep you in Lakes or Cascades anyway, as all other sections are 2BR units only.

 

[erinch]

We are here now for 2 weeks. I will take a picture Ofthe fitness rooms. My gym rat son says small but emphasis on cardio. If you are a lifter, then fountains does to have weights. Cascades and falls have a lifting bench and a small but adequate set. Cascades is open 24 hrs, the other 2 close at 10.

 

[sportsduck]

In the past I have not used the online Diamond Lane but called the main number. Never had a problem and have gotten what I asked for. We'll see if the streak continues in a few months.

 

[tabby1881]

I'm here now, too. I learned so much from this thread. Lobby was crowded when we arrived, but we went right to Diamond Lane check in and were taken care of with no wait. I would not have known to do this with out this thread. Thank you to everyone who posted great info here The resort is beautiful. We are in Springs, which is what I had requested. Perfect for what we wanted. The outside of the building looks very 1970s, but the inside is so up to date! Just beautiful and spacious. The location of the resort is perfect for us. We have had no trouble getting around the area. Still haven't seen everything at the resort. Only trouble I had was thinking that every card shack the we approached was the one that we needed We went through 3 or 4 shacks and did U Turns to get to the welcome center. The guards were all so nice and understanding.

 

[MadisonsMommy]

SO...we have been staying at Wyndham Bonnet Creek for the past few years and LOVE it there but unfortunately there isn't availability there when we need to go. Sheraton is one of our options hopefully. Just wondering if there are a few "musts" to know about this resort? I know with Bonnet Creek there was a Tower we always requested and tips/tricks we knew if we were to recommend it to another. If anyone could break down the "must have" info I would really appreciate it!! Thanks!

 

[FrankieDplus3]

Two more sleeps until we make the drive from Ontario to Orlando. We're checking in on Sunday!!

My reservation confirmation mentions that Zimmie's will be closed for renovations during our stay.

If anyone is still at Vistana, is Zimmie's restaurant still open, and/or is Zimmie's pool bar open?



Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Two more sleeps until we make the drive from Ontario to Orlando. We're checking in on Sunday!!

My reservation confirmation mentions that Zimmie's will be closed for renovations during our stay.

If anyone is still at Vistana, is Zimmie's restaurant still open, and/or is Zimmie's pool bar open?



Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

I think there may have been a change to the reno schedule. When we booked our stay (we arrive the 23rd) we were also notified of the Zimmie's closure. The SVR website, though, now says that Zimmies will close from November 1st to January 15th:

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/announcements.html?propertyID=5608

Dining Information: November 1, 2013 - January 15, 2014

From November 1, 2013 to January 15, 2014, Zimmie’s Casual Eatery & Sports Bar and PT Lounge will be closed for renovation. The Marketplace, Cascades Bar & Grill, Snack Shack and the Tacky Tiki Bar will remain open and will adjust their hours of operation. Please contact the resort for further information.

Safe travels!!!!