Sheraton Vistana Resort

[nmanning19]

Do they give you dishwashing detergent to clean dishes, have sponges, etc.

Does anyone have a list of items they purchase when they stay there? This will be my first time staying in a timeshare, I am used to just going out to eat for meals, etc.

 

[DMOMof3]

Just returned from the Vistana.

My unit had a small bottle of dishwashing liquid, a few single size bags of dishwasher powder, 2 paper towel rolls and 2 dish towels. They did supply a few handi wipes which I guess you could use to hand wash dishes but I brought along a sponge which I prefer to use to hand wash dishes.

When they come in to freshen up towels midweek they ran the dishwasher if it was at least half full and replenished any of the above if needed.

Hope this helps, so wish I were back

 

[nmanning19]

Thanks, not used to having to do dishes and making beds on vacation!

 

[Brian Noble]

You don't have to. Leave the beds unmade. Use paper plates. No worries.

 

[DMOMof3]

Forgot to mention, while they do have a washer/dryer in the unit its a stacked set. Makes for very small loads. We did a load almost every night, didn't have to do laundry when i got home and packed less. Also I brought the Purex washer to dryer sheets(so convenient), they don't provide any detergent.

 

[MinnieForMe]

I second the Purex washer/dryer sheets! It's so easy to take any extra home too!

Don't invest in any trash bags as you can call housekeeping and they will bring them up. My guess is they might bring you more dishwashing detergent if you ask but we always bring a baggie of dishwasher tablets.

 

[florenclong]

This is the great location to stay and get enjoy over there. very clean, rooms all have flat screen TVs and washer/dryer. The renovation has really moved this place to the top of my list for places to stay near Disney. Just a couple minutes in the car and you are at the parks. It is near restaurants and there are plenty of pools for kids and adults to enjoy!

 

[o2bnoz]

I'm sorry to hijack your thread, but this has been very helpful to me, too. I am considering resorts and trying to make that final decision! I think it looks beautiful from the pictures and the recent reviews seem to be really great! I was deciding between Caribe Royale and Vistana Resort (no one replied to my thread yet... ).

I think I will go with Vistana simply because it's cheaper and it appears to be just as nice! Can't really go wrong with that! I don't know if there are any "things" about Caribe Royale that would make it a better choice. I"m thinking not.

I can't WAIT! This is a complete surprise trip for my husband and son, so I am having to keep my excitement contained in front of them and it's HARD!

I'm going to pick up Purex sheets and pack a few of my dishwasher tablets today. I don't want to forget those things.

FUN! Thank you!

 

[tripletmommiesrock]

This is an amazing resort, and yes it's different doing dishes and laundry but I second using the dryer sheets and there is a CVS right next door or at least use to be so you can just go buy paper plates and such when you get there. The DH and I enjoy having the washer and dryer and the ability to cook in the room is such a nice way to save money. Enjoy!

 

[Brian Noble]

Well, you don't have to do laundry either. We like to come home with a suitcase of clean clothes, not dirty ones. But if you'd prefer to do it the other way, you can!

However, be very careful with those Purex sheets. I've ruined a couple of dress shirts with them. For most "park wear" they are probably okay, but I don't use them anymore. Better safe than sorry.

 

[bankr63]

We own a week at Vistana, and return often. Here is my basic packing list for kitchen stuff. I have added a couple of comments. There is an excellent Publix nearby, and a Whole Foods about 15 minutes away - my son has food allergies, so we hit both the first afternoon while waiting for checkin time.

Most items below I just pack in baggies, enough for a week because that is easier than bringing back or leaving behind large quantities. Keep in mind that we fly in, so don't bring too much. If I was driving down, I'd probably pack a few more basics in a small box.

Coffee Filters (basket type; the smallest size at Publix is 200)
Salt & Pepper (we have small ones from our camper, they usually have packets in the unit, but this is easier)
J-Cloths (2 heavy duty)
Med Plastic Bags (for storing leftovers, bringing snacks to the park)
Dishwasher Pucks (the DW deterg they provide is pretty low grade)
Laundry Detergent (Purex sheets)
Dryer Sheets
Bran Buds
Shopping Bags
Batteries
Clorox Wipes (for quick kitchen cleanups)
Hot Sauce (for EVERYTHING )
Tuna (DW's favorite brands are hard to find)
BBQ Utensils (!)
Camp Spices
Drink Crystals (Lite/Gatorade)
Swiss Army Knife/Leatherman (makes up for any missing utensils)

Note that Vistana has charcoal BBQ's throughout the property, but they don't provide any BBQ utensils. I bought this neat hybrid tong/flipper at a dollar store.

We don't really do dishes while there either. I don't think there's anything there that doesn't go in the dishwasher. I hardly call popping the dishwasher on and unloading later "doing dishes".

One other thing for those that are used to hotels; Vistana does not provide shampoo in the baths. There is a bar of soap for the sink, and TP, but you need to bring your own shower products. I always do anyway, but others may expect them.

Note that you can also get daily housekeeping at additional cost, or included if you are booking as hotel type stay through Sheraton. If you want your bed made every day and fresh towels, you can pay for it.

Vistana really is a great resort. Have a good time!

 

[swilshire]

and there is a CVS right next door or at least use to be so you can just go buy paper plates and such when you get there.

Actually, it's a Walgreens right next door. There is a CVS down the road just a bit, but we discovered it's the only CVS around with no pharmacy. Isn't that insame? It's quite a distance to the next closest one. I've had prescriptions called into the Walgreens from home and found them very good.

Sheila