Sheraton Vistana Resort - RCI Exchange

[garris3404]

Has anyone stayed there recently through an RCI exchange? I was told I had a 2 bedroom unit that sleeps 8. I actually have 2 weeks, back-to-back. I know that the units are assigned at check-in. I was wondering how the accommodations were (clean, stinky, old/new, etc). Any sections better than others? Can you see any fireworks? Anything else I should know?

 

[MiaSRN62]

Hi,
I'm an owner at Vistana.
I would not consider any of the villas to be stinky. Some are definitely older than others----less modern than the newer sections.
As an RCI exchanger, you won't have much choice where you are placed, but it may help to request an area via the online Diamond Lane form : https://www.svosecure.com/starwoodvo/diamond.jsp?resortID=5
Nothing is guaranteed as far as requests go.
The Cascades and the Lakes are the two newest sections and are the only buildings with elevators.
I own in the Fountains I/II area which is next newest after the Lakes.
Just stayed there in August. Here are some pics so you can get an idea of what they look like :
Fountains II :

You can see all my Vistana pics, taken over the last 10 years, here : http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4287948459

Can you see fireworks ? Only from select villas. I've got glimpses of Epcot fireworks, but really just the lighting up of the sky. I have had a view of Planet Hollywood in DD from one of my villas one year. Overall, from most areas, no you will not be able to see fireworks.
The resort is very large and strongly recommend having a car. It's perhaps a 10 min drive to the wdw parks and maybe 15-20 to Universal/Sea World.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.

 

[garris3404]

Hi,
I'm an owner at Vistana.
I would not consider any of the villas to be stinky. Some are definitely older than others----less modern than the newer sections.
As an RCI exchanger, you won't have much choice where you are placed, but it may help to request an area via the online Diamond Lane form : https://www.svosecure.com/starwoodvo/diamond.jsp?resortID=5
Nothing is guaranteed as far as requests go.
The Cascades and the Lakes are the two newest sections and are the only buildings with elevators.
I own in the Fountains I/II area which is next newest after the Lakes.
Just stayed there in August. ...
Can you see fireworks ? Only from select villas. I've got glimpses of Epcot fireworks, but really just the lighting up of the sky. I have had a view of Planet Hollywood in DD from one of my villas one year. Overall, from most areas, no you will not be able to see fireworks.
The resort is very large and strongly recommend having a car. It's perhaps a 10 min drive to the wdw parks and maybe 15-20 to Universal/Sea World.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for the information and the pictures!

 

[MiaSRN62]

You're welcome
Also, just in case you weren't aware, there are 2 sit down restaurants onsite, as well as a snack bar area in the Cascades area and a Pizza Hut in the General Store. You can get room service from these places to your villa.
There are 7 pools onsite, and no matter which section you're in, you can use any of them.

 

[spiceycat]

I got Springs thru RCI. loved it

here are my pictures
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/spiceypj/album/576460762336391958

the villa is bigger than Cascades and Lakes - and I like the bathroom by itself than part of the master suite.

no elevators here. but since I was traveling with my mother (she was 82 then) they gave us a first floor unit. Loved it!!! 6 steps from the car to the unit!!!

 

[ccvb]

We stayed at Vistana last summer and it was great. We were in the lakes I think. Great rooms, fully stocked kitchen, over looked a lake. We are going back in March.

Have fun!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Welcome to the DIS ccvb
Glad u enjoyed your stay at Vistana

 

[ccvb]

Thanks!