Spent 8 days at Vistana Villages - Any ?'s

[iluvtig2]

We had an awesome time and the resort was great!

iluvtig

 

[abbysmom]

tell me all you can, we will be there in 48 days, we are staying in a 1 bedroom deluxe, do you know anything about this type of room? How easy is it to get to universal, seaworld?

How was the onsite little deli/store theyhave.

How are the pools, can you use air mattresses in the pool?

Sorry for all the ? but I am getting very excited about our stay there, have heard almost all positive feedback when it comes to this resort. Oh 1 more ?, did you use the I-ride trolley at all, how convenient was it for going up and down international drive.

Thanks for any info you can share.

 

[iluvtig2]

Hi, abbysmom! You will love the resort!! Although it was too cold for us to use the pool, (we are from south FL and we don't think it's warm til it's 80! LOL), the pool was very warm and lots of other people were swimming and using rafts. You can buy them, and I think rent them, or bring your own. (They are much cheaper at Wal-mart!)

The kids seemed to be having a great time with the kids programs, too. They were tie-dyeing t-shirts, and doing shell art, etc.

They have a great resort photographer who took some outstanding family photos. It was nice to have pictures of all of us. A lot of times our pictures are always missing hubby, cuz he is always behind the camera!

We had a 2 bedroom. It was immaculate. Housekeeping was good about coming back if we were in the room, and trying to get in while we were out. Kitchen was a big plus. Jacuzzi tub was nice, too!

The deli was good for light meals - lots of sandwich type meals, but not much else. Food was good, and not overly pricey. They have a nice patio area right outside where you can sit & eat. As for purchasing groceries and what not, hit the Publix just south of the resort. The deli carries "gourmet" brands for the most part, (read "expensive" ) but you can pick up little things that were forgotten.

We brought some video tapes to watch, but they have a good selection of newer movies in the deli, if you need some down time.

Sea World is super easy! It is just a few stoplights away. (a couple of miles) Universal is easier to get to on the highway - the traffic on I-drive gets pretty outrageous.

We did not use the trolley. I do not even remember seeing it down as far as Vistana Villages, but that is not to say that it definitely doesn't go there.

One word about the buildings. We were in building 6. Very nice location. Right by the bridge to go across to the pool & deli. However, it is right next to the giant waterfall. VERY LOUD! I think that buildings 4 or 5, or 8 or 9 would be better, even if it is a longer walk. We had to practically shout at each other if we were sitting on the patio during waterfall hours. (7a - 10p) We could not leave the sliders open, either, because it was very loud in the room! Let's just say the beautiful waterfall got very annoying!

Oh, and the kids had a blast at the playground. It was very nice, clean, and modern with lots of climbey things and slides, etc.

BBQ grills are also available.

You will have a wonderful time!

If you think of any other questions, let me know!

iluvtig

 

[calgarygary]

We were in building 9 during November and I personally would suggest another building. Don't get me wrong, we loved our room at VV but if you were on the patio in building 9, you definitely heard a lot of traffic on I drive. You would not hear the traffic in the room with windows closed though. By the way, there's a grocery store at the next light so stocking up the fridge is easy.

 

[abbysmom]

Thanks for all the information, we are getting very excited, I have heard many good reports about how beautiful the resort is. Can you tell me what else there is to do on I-drive, restaurants, shopping etc.

Was maid service daily? Do you have any pictures you could share with us?

Thanks again for all your info.

 

[calgarygary]

There's tons to do along I drive. If you have young children, make sure you allow time for them to visit FAO Schwarz. You can't miss their store with the giant teddy and building blocks outside. Even my 18 year old had a great time checking out this store and recreating the piano scene from Big. There are lots of chain restaurants and independents along I drive but none of them are particularly close. We especially liked the chinese food from one of them ( a little pricey but everything was fresh! ). Can't remember the name but it was right beside a Sizzlers. Orlando premium outlets is maybe 1 mile from the Villages with lots of quality stores. There are lots of tourist shops along I drive especially as you go further north. The maid service was daily. Sorry I haven't loaded pics onto the net yet.

Gary

 

[Lorix2]

We stayed in building 8 and thought it was just perfect. A little walk to the footbridge and you were at the pool.

We did not hear the waterfall at all and even though building 9 was to the right of us if sitting on our balcony, we were never bothered by road noise.

We were overlooking the pond and the basketball courts were on the other side...very beautiful sky at dusk!

 

[Vinnie The Pooh]

We plan on taking my Sister and our 12 YO son so we would need an extra bed. Does anyone know if they have them available?

 

[calgarygary]

I'm not sure but remember that the couch is a sleeper sofa and if you are in the 2 bedroom, there are 2 double beds in the second bedroom.