Vistana expert advice

[pixelpixie]

Hello all. I have really enjoyed reading all of your posts! Due to your combined advice I got a great deal from SkyAuction on a 2 bedroom unit at the Sheraton Vistana this month and am taking my "almost 5"-year old daughter to MouseWorld for the first time. We are so excited!

I did the Diamond Lane thing and of course they are telling me they have no availability for the Cascades/Lakes during my stay, but that I may make another room request other than those buildings. So what should I request? It will be my daughter, my husband and I. We plan on using the pools as much as possible. Would like a room with a balcony overlooking one of the "lakes", as luxurious as possible, and with little to no traffic noise. Those of you with experience, what would you request?

Thanks so much!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Welcome pixelpixie,

On what day will you be checking in? That will make a difference.... You have looked at the color coded map, right...

First, do not completely give up on Cascades or Lakes... I think that the 'no availability' thing is standard speil....

It looks like Lakes is more removed from the main pools and main areas. Also, I hear that in parts of Lakes you can hear the Highway noise that you mentioned. Cascades sounds like it may be what you are looking for. But, hard to get! If you are checking in on a Friday, then Spa's will be available. It sounds like it may be a good choice for you. If you check in on a Saturday, then Courts might be where they will put you. I hear that they are renovated, and nice... But no jacuzzi, no ponds to overlook, etc.... Based solely on what I have heard, I would want to avoid Springs. Palms might be nice, but some of it (the Saturday check-in units in particular) look like they are right on the main highway. I have heard good and bad about Fountains. I think that perhaps some of Fountains may be in need of renovation??? There is Fountains I and Fountains II.

I would make my specific requests.. like top floor, or first floor, close to main area, pond view instead of pool view, non-smoking prepared, etc... And then I would mention what sections you think you would prefer, (including Cascades or Lakes, just in case....)

Have a GREAT trip! And, be sure to drop back here on this board and let us know how everything went at Vistana!

 

[pixelpixie]

Thank you for your advice. I appreciate it. We have a Friday check-in and I had read here that Friday check-in's are usually assigned to Spas.

Does anyone know of a really great room in Spas to request or if this part of the resort has been renovated? Any other helpful hints?

Thanks so much!

 

[mog]

We were in the Spas section the last week of July. (Friday check-in). Our unit was 404 and the location was very good. Right out of our front door was the Super Pool and Zimmies. Our screened porch was overlooking the pond. We were right across the street from the General Store and Cascades Poos - all within walking distance, as was the pool with the water slide. We were near the road through the resort, so it was convenient - didn't have to drive all the way back in to our unit. We were very happy in that building!

 

[monarchsfan16]

Anywhere in Spas 1 is a great location. There are actually 2 Spas sections if I remember correctly. We stayed in Spas 1, in unit 472, and loved it. They really don't let you request specific units, but absolutely request Spas, if possible. Lots of ponds and you can't get any closer to the best pools on property. Also very close to Zimmies and the General Store, which you will soon discover are very important places.
Have a fantastic trip! We love the Vistana, and if we had not bought into DVC we wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.

 

[luvdisney14]

mog

Was the spas section redone. I just want to make sure that it is not too worn. We also will have a friday check-in and I was thinking of requesting spas. That sounds like to perfect area to be in for us.

 

[mog]

Originally posted by luvdisney14
mog

Was the spas section redone. I just want to make sure that it is not too worn. We also will have a friday check-in and I was thinking of requesting spas. That sounds like to perfect area to be in for us.

I don't know when it was last redone, but our unit was in very good condition. I would not consider it worn at all. It was very clean and the furniture/carpets seemed in very good condition. We were very pleased (and I am very picky about hotels, etc and how they look!) You should not have any trouble requesting Spas for a Friday check-in. When we checked in they told us that Friday check-ins are in the Spas section. Of course, other people have been told differently, so I think Vistana just tells people what they want to tell them to suit their purposes to some extent!
But I would think you should be able to get Spas with a Friday check-in since that's what we had.
Good Luck! We really enjoyed our stay there - it was a wonderful week!

 

[pixelpixie]

Thanks to all of you! I love this board! I will be sure to come back and post a report of our trip when we return. It's fine to see the hotel ratings on Expedia, Travelocity, etc., but I value the shared experiences on this board so much more!

By the way, anyone ever visited igougo.com? Pretty neat travel site where people report on all aspects of trips they have taken. They can post pics too. I think I will post a report there too.

Thanks again everyone. Please feel free to make any suggestions you like. This will be our first trip with the little one. We're staying 7 nights at the Vistana and 2 nights at the Animal Kingdom lodge (savannah view).