Review The Sheraton Vistana Resort Thread (key links on p.1)

[keeperof4]

Just happened to take a glance here today to see if there are any more updates to the renovations. Zimmies? As far as a children friendly pool , Cascades is most likely the best choice for the young children. I do believe that Lakes pool also has zero entry but it is far smaller and usually after 9 am it is really hard to get a lounger. I should say that if the sun is shining and it is relatively warm the loungers can be scarce on any day. Lakes,Cascade units have elevators . Bankr is usually the ole pro on this site, as far as the units with no stairs I am thinking Courts is a good location ifyou want ground level entry condo style two level master bed on ground?. Old age is taking over but I have been through this resort from one end to another but because I missed one year , I can 't remember the layouts. Just check out my previous posts on the units not to get. Unfortunately if you are going to be in Florida you might find a cockroach I have never seen one during all my trips,Starwood are very well maintained , but if you dislike snakes like I do , you might want to stick to a higher floor, Mind you these are mostly non poisonous.

 

[bankr63]

Hi - Sorry to ask, but I've tried to read through most of the thread and I still need expert opinion about what area to request (I've enjoyed all the learning, but am now a thoroughly overwhelmed). Thank you in advance for any suggestions :

our details:
Saturday Dec 20 checkin
2br/sleeps 8
4 adults, 3 kids (5,3,1)
1 adult cannot do too many stairs (had knee replacement)

we want: quiet-ish and hopefully near small kid friendly pools. I'm leary of some of the reported cockroach sightings I've seen on other boards/reviews on the ground floors (not sure if they are true).

I'm not sure I can comment on what would be a better section for an arrangement like that, it really comes down to how you want to sleep everyone. The first part of your request should simply state your mobility issues; that is probably the most important.

I would actually stay away from Courts. Sleeps 8 is an upper unit, and that can be a lot of stairs. That leaves two possible room configurations; most of the 2BR units will have a King master, 2*Double bed, and a sleep sofa. If you can actually get a 2BR lockoff (rare because they are usually split up to make the two 1BR suites), then you will have both BR with King beds, and 2 separate living rooms with sleep sofas (you will also have 2 kitchens and a whole host of other duplications). Since the second config. is a hard-to-get, you are probably in the first. If you want quiet, the Springs buildings (ground floor) would be good for a Saturday. Most of the Cascades and Fountains I buildings with Saturday would also fit the bill, Some of the Fountains II buildings with Saturday are a bit too near the I-4. Palms is also possible; avoid facing 535.

As for Florida's famous Palmetto bugs (which sounds so much nicer than Giant Flying Cockroaches), I have never heard of any infestations at Vistana, but they are endemic to the region, so yes, an occasional one may find its way in, usually through an open door. I personally have never seen any bug inside my Vistana units. The Palmettos and the Love Bugs explain why most porches/verandas are screened in Florida, and you will find that most Vistana unit front doors are a fair bit away from any plantings to discourage these infiltrations. Keep your main door closed, and you should be fine. I read a really good post about this on DIS a while back from a well informed Floridian who mentioned that, unlike in the North, the Florida bugs would much rather be outside where it's nice and warm and where there is lots of food, instead of inside with the cool a/c. If you do find a bug, and you're not comfortable dispatching it, call maintenance and have someone come over to take care of it for you.

 

[bankr63]

Forgot to post back for Keeper.

We just got our maintenance fee bill for another year, along with the latest newsletter. Lots of news about the resort:

The Welcome Centre is expected to reopen before Christmas, and Zimmie's is to be done late January 2015.

Two Sheraton Fitness by EXOS (R) are scheduled to be complete early February 2015 in Spas and Cascades areas.

Early 2015 Sheraton will start providing Shine for Sheraton Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap and Lotion in the units.

Cascades kids playground is getting new gear which will be compliant with ADA. Completion early February.

There is a new fire pit already open outside the Tacky Tiki Bar & Grill as ZehnJahren reported on her recent TR.

New gas grills, tables and chairs are being added to Lakes and Fountains I mid-December 2014.

 

[pigletto]

Sounds like we will just miss seeing the new things. We will be checking in one week from today!
My husband has become somewhat of a fitness buff in the last 6 months (lost almost 30 pounds and got in great shape!). He said tonight if there is a gym he would like to keep up with his workouts. I know the new fitness centres are slated to open in 2015, but is there anywhere he can still work out when we are there next week?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Sounds like we will just miss seeing the new things. We will be checking in one week from today!
My husband has become somewhat of a fitness buff in the last 6 months (lost almost 30 pounds and got in great shape!). He said tonight if there is a gym he would like to keep up with his workouts. I know the new fitness centres are slated to open in 2015, but is there anywhere he can still work out when we are there next week?

I know there is a fitness center in the Fountains Recreation complex. While we were in the pool every evening, we could see the dedicated folks working out on the second level of the building.

I am thinking there may also be one at the Cascades Rec center as well.

 

[pigletto]

I know there is a fitness center in the Fountains Recreation complex. While we were in the pool every evening, we could see the dedicated folks working out on the second level of the building.

I am thinking there may also be one at the Cascades Rec center as well.

Thanks Gina! It will be interesting to see if he is able to keep up his diet/workouts while in Orlando. We do plan to try to eat somewhat healthy, but I've found vacation is the last place I want to be thinking about fat and calories. We have 51 other weeks a year to worry about that.

 

[bankr63]

Thanks Gina! It will be interesting to see if he is able to keep up his diet/workouts while in Orlando. We do plan to try to eat somewhat healthy, but I've found vacation is the last place I want to be thinking about fat and calories. We have 51 other weeks a year to worry about that.

Just to pipe in that there is also a rec centre on the 2nd floor of the Falls Fitness Centre. I am not sure if the Cascades Fitness room will stay open during its refit.

And don't worry about the diet too much. If you plan much park time you'll be walking off all those extra calories without too much difficulty. I work out regularly at home, but very rarely on vacation in Orlando; I get all the exercise I need at Disney "track and field"

 

[keeperof4]

Hope to see the Zimmies bar open by Feb.They have great non alcoholic drinks. To heck with the dieting in Orlando! there are just to many great places to eat cheap!! You gotta try Krispy Kreme down on the 192 ,go around 630pm for the fresh hot doughnuts .Ps it's -24c here again this morning with the wind chill,Looks like great weather in Orlando for the next few weeks?

 

[pigletto]

Well we are almost at the 24 hour mark! Tomorrow we will be leaving after work and school to go out for dinner and head to the airport hotel!
Right now my house in that lovely pulled apart state while I pack everything and do umpteen loads of laundry. Somehow I got the lovely idea that all of the clean summer clothes I had put away needed to be rewashed so they were fresh. Like I needed something else to do!

We will be at Universal first but we check in to SVR on Sunday evening so I will be sure to come back and tell you where we were placed and give you our first impressions. I think we'll use that first evening to get our groceries and just hang out at the resort. I can't wait! Thank you for all of the help!

ETA) and I can already tell you one advantage of staying at SVR. I don't have to pack nearly as much as usual because with a washer and dryer at my disposal, I can easily wash our things a few evenings. It's allowing me to pack half as much as I usually do and that is wonderful!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Well we are almost at the 24 hour mark! Tomorrow we will be leaving after work and school to go out for dinner and head to the airport hotel!
Right now my house in that lovely pulled apart state while I pack everything and do umpteen loads of laundry. Somehow I got the lovely idea that all of the clean summer clothes I had put away needed to be rewashed so they were fresh. Like I needed something else to do!

We will be at Universal first but we check in to SVR on Sunday evening so I will be sure to come back and tell you where we were placed and give you our first impressions. I think we'll use that first evening to get our groceries and just hang out at the resort. I can't wait! Thank you for all of the help!

ETA) and I can already tell you one advantage of staying at SVR. I don't have to pack nearly as much as usual because with a washer and dryer at my disposal, I can easily wash our things a few evenings. It's allowing me to pack half as much as I usually do and that is wonderful!

Safe travels, my friend . Looking forward to a review of your first SVR experience!

 

[micheypl]

Hey guys ... I know this is posted but I just can't find it... Can you tell me the best and quickest way to get to magic kingdom from the vistana and also the closest grocery store and Walmart
Thanks

 

[bankr63]

Hey guys ... I know this is posted but I just can't find it... Can you tell me the best and quickest way to get to magic kingdom from the vistana and also the closest grocery store and Walmart
Thanks

For all 3, take a right out of the resort on 535 (S. Apopka Vineland). The next light up is World Center Drive.

WDW is a right at World Center Drive; as it passes over I-4 it becomes Epcot Center Drive and you will quickly pass under the sign. From there follow signage to MK, Epcot, or AK. For DHS, you will go one light further up on 535 to I-Drive (right), onto Osceola Parkway, and follow signage.

For Wal-Mart, keep going straight on 535 for a couple of miles, under 417, it's on the right side.

For "best" groceries, take a Left at World Center Drive, next left on I-Drive. It's a few miles up (you are passing Lake Brian on your left, but you can't really see it from the road.) There is a Publix and Walgreens at the corner of Vineland and I-Drive (turn left on Vineland). IMO, that is the "best" full-service grocery store in the area.

 

[micheypl]

For all 3, take a right out of the resort on 535 (S. Apopka Vineland). The next light up is World Center Drive. WDW is a right at World Center Drive; as it passes over I-4 it becomes Epcot Center Drive and you will quickly pass under the sign. From there follow signage to MK, Epcot, or AK. For DHS, you will go one light further up on 535 to I-Drive (right), onto Osceola Parkway, and follow signage. For Wal-Mart, keep going straight on 535 for a couple of miles, under 417, it's on the right side. For "best" groceries, take a Left at World Center Drive, next left on I-Drive. It's a few miles up (you are passing Lake Brian on your left, but you can't really see it from the road.) There is a Publix and Walgreens at the corner of Vineland and I-Drive (turn left on Vineland). IMO, that is the "best" full-service grocery store in the area.

Awesome ... Thanks so much ... You are an amazing help and saviour

 

[kerplop]

And we're back! We successfully completed our first off-site stay at SVR and we had the best time. We're not really resort people in that we are just mostly there to sleep, but this place was amazing and it made me wish we'd had more time just to see all the grounds (or go swimming!). I just wanted to pop back in and thank everyone in this thread - even the people just coming by to ask questions I already had - for their help making me feel comfortable with my choice to stay here. Next time we head to WDW or UA, we will absolutely be returning. Having all that space and such nice space as well was amazing, considering we had only been on-site before in tiny little rooms. Anyway, thanks again guys!

 

[pigletto]

Hi everyone! I thought I would pop in for a mid week update

We checked into Vistana on Sunday around dinner time. I was both excited to try something new and nervous as this was our first offsite stay. My initial impression wasn't the greatest as the temporary check in leaves a little to be desired in the ambiance department, but I knew about it going in and realized it wasn't a reflection on the overall resort. Our requests were not met for a top floor, but I knew that was just a request so not a big deal.
Sadly we went to our unit in Cascades and it stunk. It had obviously had smokers in it previously who had been smoking heavily in the room. It had been cleaned, so it had a chemically smell over top that was just adding to the stink. We called down and asked to be moved.
The front desk couldn't have been nicer about it (I was worried they would think we were being difficult) and after another trip to the front desk we were moved to another building in Cascades.

Now with the negative things out of the way..
As the week has gone on I have become more and more impressed with all of the space and the lovely grounds. I'm sitting on my bed now while the kids play in the living room, just had a big breakfast and we are all spread out and relaxed and not on top of one another. I have a load of laundry going for fresh clothes, the door propped open for the breeze and it is all just SO NICE!!!!

After 9 onsite trips we just had no idea what we were missing. All of this space, all of these amenities, the ability to save a TON of money on food with the kitchen and offsite dining.. it's just wonderful!

In the end, staying here for what we paid could easily mean going back to two trips a year. I won't lie, I will miss some of the things you can only get with a Disney stay.. but they are simply not worth paying four times as much and being squished in like sardines. We like longer trips and 10 days in one room is too much.

We are a stones throw from the parks.. and it's easy to get there and navigate. No troubles there. Coming back from the MVMCP last night was a bit of a pain having to get back to the car but not a big deal.

We haven't been able to use the amenities at all really because it's so cold but we are a 30 second walk from the Marketplace and the Cascades pool. I could see spending hours and hours at that pool in the summer or fall when it's hot.

After we lounge around and recover from our late night dh plans to go use the gym and I'll zip over to the Marketplace for some Starbucks.

We are having a wonderful time and I can't believe the week is half over! We did end up buying Universal Annual Passes, so we already have a plan to come back in October!

 

[bankr63]

Hi Pigletto,

Sorry to hear you had a rocky start, but so glad to hear things are settling in okay. The new reception area/welcome centre should be much more welcoming when it is completed. I am glad that Vistana did move quickly to right your issue with the room.

Also sorry to hear the temps aren't swimmable. Doesn't look like they are going to warm up until next week Do try to get over and check out the Cascades and/or Spas pools even for a short visit. They are usually pretty well heated even if the air is cool, and that is some of the best "vibe" in the resort. Just close your eyes and imagine it's a warm summer's day.

And you have stated one of the main reasons we are offsiters. I would say we visit twice as often as we would if we stayed on site, and to me that means that in the grand scheme I get MORE Disney magic time than on-siters.

Hope the rest of your vacation goes smoothly (and slowly!) Enjoy!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Hi everyone! I thought I would pop in for a mid week update

We checked into Vistana on Sunday around dinner time. I was both excited to try something new and nervous as this was our first offsite stay. My initial impression wasn't the greatest as the temporary check in leaves a little to be desired in the ambiance department, but I knew about it going in and realized it wasn't a reflection on the overall resort. Our requests were not met for a top floor, but I knew that was just a request so not a big deal.
Sadly we went to our unit in Cascades and it stunk. It had obviously had smokers in it previously who had been smoking heavily in the room. It had been cleaned, so it had a chemically smell over top that was just adding to the stink. We called down and asked to be moved.
The front desk couldn't have been nicer about it (I was worried they would think we were being difficult) and after another trip to the front desk we were moved to another building in Cascades.

Now with the negative things out of the way..
As the week has gone on I have become more and more impressed with all of the space and the lovely grounds. I'm sitting on my bed now while the kids play in the living room, just had a big breakfast and we are all spread out and relaxed and not on top of one another. I have a load of laundry going for fresh clothes, the door propped open for the breeze and it is all just SO NICE!!!!

After 9 onsite trips we just had no idea what we were missing. All of this space, all of these amenities, the ability to save a TON of money on food with the kitchen and offsite dining.. it's just wonderful!

In the end, staying here for what we paid could easily mean going back to two trips a year. I won't lie, I will miss some of the things you can only get with a Disney stay.. but they are simply not worth paying four times as much and being squished in like sardines. We like longer trips and 10 days in one room is too much.

We are a stones throw from the parks.. and it's easy to get there and navigate. No troubles there. Coming back from the MVMCP last night was a bit of a pain having to get back to the car but not a big deal.

We haven't been able to use the amenities at all really because it's so cold but we are a 30 second walk from the Marketplace and the Cascades pool. I could see spending hours and hours at that pool in the summer or fall when it's hot.

After we lounge around and recover from our late night dh plans to go use the gym and I'll zip over to the Marketplace for some Starbucks.

We are having a wonderful time and I can't believe the week is half over! We did end up buying Universal Annual Passes, so we already have a plan to come back in October!

Hello my friend,

Sorry to hear about your stinky start, but glad to know the resort found you a more acceptable room. Why can't smokers just go outside????

I am glad to hear that you have enjoyed all the space that the villas provide . Its sure hard to go back to a regular hotel room after you vacation in an SVR villa (and I think the Cascades units are actually some of the smallest 2 bedroom units within the resort). Too bad that Mother Nature didn't bring you some temps warm enough to enjoy the pools. Fingers crossed that maybe the latter part of your vacation turns out to be warmer than the start.

We're headed back to Orlando in October as well, and we too have bought Universal AP's. I could see a Dismeet happening here . We'll be there October 10th to 17th.....you'll have to let me know if our dates overlap.

There is actually a Spas unit for sale right now on TUG's marketplace. Its a weeks 1-52 float, so it can be used any week of the year (assuming availability). Low maintenance fees ($138 less than our Fountains unit). The seller is paying the transfer and closing costs. And they are only asking $100 for the unit (with a note that that price is negotiable). I mentioned it to my DH and his first comment was "buy it!!". I said to him, would you want to spend THREE weeks at the Vistana every year? To which he replied "heck, ya!".

Ah, its tempting. So tempting.

Enjoy the rest of your getaway!!!

 

[keeperof4]

Why can't smokers just go outside???? Disgusting!! Even if they clean the room you can still smell the filth right in the sofas and the beds. Just had a chance to check the board to see how everything was going. Last year it was quite upsetting that we had such beautiful evenings and it was ruined by people smoking (pot) out on their patios.Had to close patio door!! My contact at the resort told us that as soon as cleaning staff enter and determine that smoking has been going on in the unit , I do believe? it is a $300 US bill right on their credit card. That should be a deterrent. Our friends up in Winter Haven have been posting that it is a little cool this week .but far better than the weather we are having here in Atlantic Canada.DA! Just booked the Westin Ka' anapali villas for fall 2015 amazing price! Ps can fly there cheaper than leafs game TO lol !

 

[got4boys]

There is actually a Spas unit for sale right now on TUG's marketplace. Its a weeks 1-52 float, so it can be used any week of the year (assuming availability). Low maintenance fees ($138 less than our Fountains unit). The seller is paying the transfer and closing costs. And they are only asking $100 for the unit (with a note that that price is negotiable). I mentioned it to my DH and his first comment was "buy it!!". I said to him, would you want to spend THREE weeks at the Vistana every year? To which he replied "heck, ya!".

Ah, its tempting. So tempting.

Enjoy the rest of your getaway!!!

Gina - FYI - Spas does not float at all. It is a fixed week. Even if it says float, most likely it is part of the Starwood Vacation Network (SVN), which does NOT transfer on resale sale at the Sheraton Vistana Resort.

If you are looking for float, Lakes, Cascades and Fountains are the true float true week if you purchase resale.

Have you thought about joining Interval International or RCI to access the getaways? Orlando (Sheraton Vistana) shows up quite a bit for less than your maintenance fees on Interval International.

For example if you do not go during prime summer, holiday weeks or spring break, I have seen two bedrooms at the Sheraton Vistana for as low as $477 per week.

 

[micheypl]

Well I must say ...this resort is absolutely beautiful. The check in was quick and easy and my requests were met except I am next to the road but the noise is not bad at all. We received a top floor in springs for two weeks; simply amazing. Lots of room and everything we need is here..even a blender for our smoothies. There is a pool. hot tub, and sauna right in our back yard. We only used it twice because of the weather..hopefully the weather will get warmer in the next few days: I have absolutely no complaints about this place..they called me when my package came in that I was expecting and not once did anyone ever even mention timeshare to me. This is our new vacation spot when we come to Florida.