Vistana and Skyauction question

[26555]

I won a week for checkin the Fri before Memorial Day. It says 2BR that will sleep 6 or 8. (Different from some of the current auctions that say sleep 6 and pay $50 extra to get one that sleeps 8.) It does specify that it will have "up to 3 floors and no elevators". I was going to take the Diamond Lane advice and make a request for the Cascades/Lakes but it seems like I would be wasting my time. Has the auction wording changed such that they are trying to make sure the skyauction winners get the older section? I'm assuming the newer units have elevators. Should I just plan on getting an older section and make a request for a "renovated" older unit? Kids are 4 and 6 so I'd like to stay near where there would be activities for them. (We have a pool so it takes a slide or some friends or a play area to excite them.) Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

 

[ttfn3]

I brought back a map from the Vistana Resort. It's got all the units colored-coded. It's at home, so I'll try to remember to bring it to work tomorrow so I can help answer your questions. IMHO I would not request the Lakes nor Fountains area. It's too far from the main Vistana section. Lakes/Fountains is a separate gated area from the other areas. I believe the Cascades are more than 3 stories so that would put you in the other areas (I believe Falls, Courts, Springs,??). Yes, they are "older" but a lot of the units have been recently renovated. If you are worried about not having an elevator, you can request a first floor unit. You can access the Vistana Resort map via the starwood vacation website. I would suggest you both call ahead and also sign up for Diamond Lane - and note your most important requests (upper/lower floor, near pool, etc). My DS (age 8) declared the Falls pool his favorite (it's the one with the pool slide) - very small and near lots of activities. And believe me, we checked all the pools out.

 

[26555]

Thanks for the info!

 

[ttfn3]

Sorry for the delay, but I just found my Vistana info from our trip. Fridays checkin's are color-coded red on my map. For units up to 3 stories, that would be Palms, a few Springs, and the Spas. Fountains also has 3 story red areas, but my guess is they are not included on the Skyauction you won. Just looking location wise to the activities, I would suggest that you stay away from the Palms area. None of the units are near a pool. Springs is near a small pool (units abut the Cascades Village Circle road) and within walking distance to the Cascades Pool. The Spas is near the Super Pool and some units are near Cascades. If you get a unit in the Spas section near the Super pool, you can also walk to the Courts and Falls pools (Cascades too) plus are near the minature golf course, tennis courts, basketball courts, etc. You can check out the Starwood site and see the map. I haven't stayed in the Spas so I don't know what the condition of the units. The units are only 2 story in the Spas. You might want to request near a pool if that is important to you. Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

[26555]

Thanks again! I'll try to request the Spas based on your recommendations. Back when I was bidding I actually thought Lakes/Cascades were a possibility but I'll consider them pipe dreams and just hope I don't get Palms! Thanks again!!