Some questions about Vistana

[OneMoreTry]

I've read some of the vistana threads and have a couple of questions about the Vistana Buena Vista:

I have found 2BRs for $250 to $350 a night. ARe those good rates?

Do you reserve a specific part of the resort when you make a reservations? Would the Fountains area be worth $100 more per night than the Courts -- if that's what the difference in cost is?

For those other DVC members, how does Vistana compare to OKW?

 

[swilshire]

You can definitely beat those rates. Vistana is a huge resort and there are rentals all over the place. I even rent out one of our units there sometimes.

Check Skyauction.com, Redweek.com, www.tug2.net , or just do a google search. Even in prime times, I would expect to be able to find 2br units for less than $200 a night and much lower in the shoulder and off-seasons.

I've never stayed in the Courts, but have also heard bad things about them. We have stayed in Fountains units many times. They are quite nice. The Lakes and Cascades sections are even newer, but the units are slightly smaller, I believe.

Sheila

 

[MiaSRN62]

I agree you should be able to find much better rates than this from what I've heard here on these boards.
I own at both Vistana and OKW.

about the Vistana Buena Vista:

Are you saying "Vistana in Lake Buena Vista" ?

OKW is similar to Vistana in that most buildings in both are 2 or 3 stories high with no elevators. Where OKW does have 3 buildings with elevators, Vistana has quite a bit more and they are located in the newer Cascades and Lakes sections.
I feel the decor is a bit more modern than the majority of the sections on Vistana property. OKW is more on the scale, decor-wise, with Vistana's Lakes section. This makes sense since OKW and the Lakes were both constructed around the same time (1993-95). The Cascades was constructed post 1997-98.
Some notable differences in my opinion between Vistana and OKW:
1) patio/balcony is open to the air and tiled at OKW. At Vistana the patio/balcony is screened and carpeted. Size-wise they're about the same (OKW's might be a tad larger)
2)OKW kitchen is more open. At Vistana, the kitchen feels a little more like a seperate room, where at OKW it seems to open up into the living room.
3) full size washer and dryer at OKW. Smaller, stackable type at Vistana.
4) At Vistana, the jacuzzi tub is actually in the master bedroom with no half-wall or anything separating it like at OKW. This set-up is found only in the Cascades, Lakes and Fountains Two sections. Otherwise, the jacuzzi/whirlpool tub at Vistana can be found inside the master bathroom.
5) I've never had a top floor at OKW so not sure if there is a skylight in those upper villas, but at Vistana you will find this.
6) no marina at Vistana

Hope this helps

 

[MiaSRN62]

Would the Fountains area be worth $100 more per night than the Courts -- if that's what the difference in cost is?

Personally, I'd say "yes", but I also think you should be able to get a better rate than this. If you're not too particular, the Courts would be fine---it will appear a bit more dark and dated in comparison with the Fountains and there are no water views at the Courts.

 

[spiceycat]

www.mousesavers.com

had a good rate at one time. Sheraton's Vistana Resort

You might also find one at

www.redweek.com

 

[OneMoreTry]

I'll check these out. My only requirement is to be able to cancel up until late November in case my siblings back out on me