Should I go with the Vistana resort vs. Villages since it's closer?

[momofmikey]

I'm sorry to ask again - I know this question gets brought up a lot. I'm trying to decide between Vistana Villages and the Resort. If I remember correctly, the Villages is newer but a little further away from WDW, whereas the Resort has newer sections but overall is older, but is closer to WDW. As silly as it sounds, I've never stayed offsite before - we're travelling with my inlaws this time and saving $ by staying with them. I'm looking to be as close to WDW as possible because already I feel sad not being immersed in Disney 24 hours a day

Pros/cons of both?

Thanks!

 

[Superman]

Never stayed at Vistana Villages but did stay stay at the resort in january 2004. Alot of the sections are old and some appear to be run down, however, we stayed at the "Lakes" section...2 bedroom villa and I would rate it excellent. Definitely would stay there again!!!!!! Good Luck!

 

[swilshire]

The landscaping is more mature at the Resort and there is more to do. If you'll be spending time at the resort, I would definitely go for the older one. If you or your family prefers every thing to be shiny and new, it might be worth going to the Villages. We've had many happy stays at the Resort and I would choose there, but my family is not too hard to please.

You can be in Downtown Disney from the Resort in less than five minutes if you hit the lights right.

Sheila

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I have gone to the Villages 5 times but am staying at the Resort beginning this Sat. If you want to wait I will let you know. If however, I had a choice in the matter it would be the Village everytime. It is just that we got a good deal on Sky Auction for the Resort. YOu can use the Resort facilities if you are staying at the Village should you chose to. MY first choice is always the Village because at the Resort you have to worry you will get one of the older locations and that is what I think we are going to have.

 

[momofmikey]

Thanks for the quick replies! How close would you estimate travel times to the parks is from the Resort?

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

Travel time should not be a consideration since we are talking about a difference of maybe 5 minutes between the Villages and Resort. Either way the travel time is under 20 min and that is being generous. It is much less I think it is 12 minutes from the Village and 8 minutes from the Resort.

 

[southtown]

I think Vistana Resort is easier to get to them some of Disneys. Make a right out of Vistana,right at the light and then straight to Disney. Its great. It may be old but honestly the first time I when I when to Vistana I think we got one of the areas people complain about the most,but we had no problem with it. I wouldnt want to pay full rack rate when there are plenty of deals out there. If you cant get a week through skyauction maybe go to www.wdwig.com as they have a cheaper rate then normal. I personally like Vistana so much I have been debating about buying into it via a resale for a second week in Florida after my DVC trip. I say go for it.

 

[Scottish-Helen]

I stayed at Vistana Resort on my first visit to Orlando back in '95 and Vistana Villages in 2002.

If I had the choice I would chose Vistana Villages no contest. This is based mainly on the fact that it was newer and when we went into our room it gave us the wow factor, I loved having a jacuzzi in my room.

It was only about an extra 5 minutes to Disney and if you are visiting any of the other parks it is closer to Seaworld (very close, about 5 minutes) and Universal.

We couldn't exchange into the Villages for next year as you can only exchange once in so many years. I would have gone back to Vistana Resort if I could have been guaranteed a newer apartment but didn't want to risk getting an older unit so we are going to try Orange Lake.

I wouldn't have a problem staying at either though and you will love having the extra space.

 

[swilshire]

Scottish-Helen,

There are many Orange Lake fans, but we stayed there last year in July and all I heard all week from my teens was how much they would rather be at Vistana Resort. We got the older section at OL, so there is the same risk. Plus, they were not even receptive to moving us at check-in, which I've been told is not the case at Vistana.

Right now I'd be a bit concerned about the big road construction project that seems to be happening right over them.

We're going back to Summer Bay in October to stay in one of the 3br pool houses. My sons are excited about that.

Sheila

 

[SammieG]

we have stayed at both.

We stayed at Vistana in the week following 9/11 (so it was completely empty)
We did diamond lane check in (obviously, no need for that!) and requested previously a newer apartment close the the pool area. (this was v important to us, as I had mobility issues that vacation)

They put us in the oldest and furthest away apartment they could from the pool area! We asked to be moved.. which they completely refused to do.. and It totally ruined our vacation. (we were there for 2 weeks) - I hated the apartment as it was very old in style and decor..and I just found it dark and depressing.

However, i did ask to see the newer units, and they were lovely.

It was the attidude of the staff that would put me off going again. The resort was deserted.. there was no need to put us in that section!

We would stay there again if they could guarantee we would be in the newer section.. but they wont guarantee that and Im not prepared to take the risk!

We stayed at the villages last April. It was much smaller - and much nicer.. and only a few mins from the Vistana resort (so dont worry about location)

 

[ttfn3]

We have stayed at both the Vistana Villages and the Vistana Resort. IMHO which resort to chose depends on how much time you will be spending at the resort (and the rate you get). Drive time isn't really an issue since they are both close to Disney. (FYI - we timed the drive time from our parking space at VR to the parking lot of the Polynesian at Disney and it was 15 minutes.) If you will spend more time hanging out at the resort, I would chose Vistana Resort. True the units are newer at VV but the VR has more activities to offer. The only stressful time at the VR is checkin. We, fortunately, have been lucky in getting a good unit (even had to switch once - and no problem). We love the staff at the VR (outside of checkin), especially the activities staff. We were NOT thrilled with the staff at VV.

As for Orange Lake, we checked out this resort the end of July. We didn't really like the resort - at all. It pales in comparison to VR. Maybe when they open the new water park/pool area, it will be better.

 

[luvdisney14]

Where abouts is orange lakes located? Are there pictures of the new pool area/water park they will be building.

 

[MickeyMickey]

Villages, hands down

 

[Misa]

Hello

This is my first trip to the board and was surprised to find a topic all about the place we'll be staying in when we visit Disney in October!

Can anyone tell me if all the units have washer/dryers, or only some? My MIL and I were looking at the website and didn't see this option on the list of options, but were told they were there.

Thanks for any info