Sheraton Vistana Resort-Visit Report with Pictures

[disneyagogo]

We got home about 10 hours ago from a wonderful stay at the Vistana. Thanks to all of the great advice of Maria and other Disers , I did a Diamond Lane room request for Lakes, Fountains 1 or Cascades. We checked in on Friday, June 13 around 11:45am and were going to be put in an older Fountains unit, but I very nicely asked if the Lakes were available as I was really hoping to get one of their great new units. The nice check-in person (I forgot her name) looked for a bit and said that a third floor-pool view 2 BR villa was available, but it would be a few hours before housekeeping was done. I said no problem as we were heading to Epcot. We were assigned to villa 1811 in almost the furthest back building. It was perfect!

My parents and son were amazed that we got such a great villa for the rock bottom price of $129/night (allears rate w/o housekeeping). We didn't really use any of the resort amenities except for the pool a few times. We did receive 3 phone calls about the timeshare presentation including a message, a pushy person, and one very nice person. The lobby felt very crowded and there weren't that many people in it. The bell stand was very accommodating and stored our luggage. Sunday afternoon I heard housekeepers outside and they were very nice about swapping out fresh towels.

I can't post pictures so I've done a Picasa web album:
http://picasaweb.google.com/disneyagogo/SheratonVistanaResortJune2008

Thanks to everyone for the advice! We had a very nice stay and I highly recommend the Vistana for families especially if you can get a great rate and newly refurbished villa.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

disneyagogo

 

[spiceycat]

glad you were pleased.

never asked for a different building - might next time.

 

[Disneyvirg]

I cannot believe how nice this place looks. I've been solely looking at on site properties. This is a fraction of the cost and WAAAAAYYYYY nicer looking. I'm a bit stunned. Hmmm...

 

[isla bonita]

Sounds like a great time was had by all. Even better at a great price. Gotta love those bargains.

We had a ball in one of their pools that had a volley ball net. We had strangers from young to much, much older join in and out for about 4 hours.

 

[VinnyNYC]

I like the Vistana a lot, going back for a third time in August, requested the Cascades or Lakes, hopefully I'll be as lucking as you. Nice pools and a great location!

 

[keishashadow]

we too were absolutely shocked that the Cascades area was so nice, not sure what to expect when we accepted a discounted TS offer a couple of years ago
wish they'd send another

surprised how easy/quick to access WDW, who knew there was a whole other world outside of the World?

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

OP, I have never stayed in the Lakes, only Cascades, and Falls. I was kind of surprised at how dark the furniture was just b/c it was a newer condo. I know the Falls is dark but the Cascades is light. It looks nice. Did you have a counter area that you could sit at to eat? You did not show it in the photo.

Also, has anyone ever stayed in the Courts. I FEAR them(lol) and it would help if someone had pix to help ease my fears. That is the only place I do not want to stay at Vistana. We are going the first two weeks in August.

 

[digskat]

Thanks for the Update and the pictures. I am looking forward to staying here in October and having the space. Hopefully we are as lucky to get a newly renovated unit like yourselves. Take Care Kat

 

[disneyagogo]

OP, I have never stayed in the Lakes, only Cascades, and Falls. I was kind of surprised at how dark the furniture was just b/c it was a newer condo. I know the Falls is dark but the Cascades is light. It looks nice. Did you have a counter area that you could sit at to eat? You did not show it in the photo.

Also, has anyone ever stayed in the Courts. I FEAR them(lol) and it would help if someone had pix to help ease my fears. That is the only place I do not want to stay at Vistana. We are going the first two weeks in August.

Hi, Bella,

There were two lower bar stools that were at the counter. They were backless, but substantial. My son enjoyed them, but we sat at the dining room table more than the bar. The counter/bar is large and was a great place to organize papers and whatnot.

I was not pushy in the least when I asked for a different building and they were very nice about putting us where I requested. I wish you the best of luck and will keep my fingers crossed for your visit.

disneyagogo

 

[MiaSRN62]

My parents and son were amazed that we got such a great villa for the rock bottom price of $129/night (allears rate w/o housekeeping).

Thanks so much for the TR and pics disneyagogo ! They really did ALOT of work in the Lakes. You can tell so much is changed (for the better). The Lakes did have a very tropical feel , decor wise, which I did like though.

Also....SO good to know that if a room is available, and you ask, there is a possibility of getting a newer section even when booking on a discount site. I know it's hit or miss....but I think alot is in the way you approach the desk staff.

Bella.......the only indoor photos I have seen of the Courts are from 2005 or 2006 ? Someone on the DIS stayed there and posted these :
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=84871

I do know the Courts has not undergone any "major" remodeling. Their association is in talks with the resort on doing a major rehab next year to follow in the footsteps of the Lakes, Fountains I and II, Springs, Cascades and Falls.

 

[In Luv with Disney]

WOW...the Lakes look GREAT!!!! I am thrilled to be staying there for a couple of nights preceeding our AKV stay! I can't wait to check it out! Glad you had a great time, and even better...got SUCH a great rate!

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

Thanks so much for the TR and pics disneyagogo ! They really did ALOT of work in the Lakes. You can tell so much is changed (for the better). The Lakes did have a very tropical feel , decor wise, which I did like though.

Also....SO good to know that if a room is available, and you ask, there is a possibility of getting a newer section even when booking on a discount site. I know it's hit or miss....but I think alot is in the way you approach the desk staff.

Bella.......the only indoor photos I have seen of the Courts are from 2005 or 2006 ? Someone on the DIS stayed there and posted these :
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=84871

I do know the Courts has not undergone any "major" remodeling. Their association is in talks with the resort on doing a major rehab next year to follow in the footsteps of the Lakes, Fountains I and II, Springs, Cascades and Falls.

Thanks, it really does not look all that bad as long as it is clean. I will however I will try and get the Falls because I like to try for the unit across from the health club(I am such a fitness nut....read with sarcasim).

 

[MiaSRN62]

I will try and get the Falls because I like to try for the unit across from the health club(I am such a fitness nut....read with sarcasim).

Bella....the Falls has not been remodeled yet. Sometime next spring.

However, the Fountains Rec Center as well as the Cascades Rec Center also have fitness/workout rooms.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I cannot believe how nice this place looks. I've been solely looking at on site properties. This is a fraction of the cost and WAAAAAYYYYY nicer looking. I'm a bit stunned. Hmmm...

There are plenty of really nice off site places. Just have to do a little research and keep an open mind. Hilton Grand Vac. Clubs are very nice too. Onsite is great for couples and very small families who want to only do WDW. As a family grows so does a need for space and there is a lot to do in FL besides WDW. I enjoy the freedom that having a car gives us.