Vistana Resort Diamond Lane check in?

[Jessmela]

Does anyone know how I go about arranging this? Do you have to be an owner or can you use it if you've exchanged through RCI? Also, any recommendations on buildings, etc. to request?

 

[Taratink]

There is a link to the Diamond lane check in. I don't have it but many others do and I am sure that they will post it. The best units are Cascades and Lakes. I believe that the Fountains section is nice too but it would be my third choice. We had a Lakes unit that was on the top floor. we loved it.
Tara

 

[BillSears]

I signed up for the Diamond Lane check in when I stayed there in 2004. It was very fast and easy to check in. My Aunt owns a timeshare in Daytona which she traded for the Vistana Resort then she gave me the week at Vistana. They let me the guest of my Aunt sign up for the Diamond Lane stuff so I think pretty much anyone can.

 

[spiceycat]

click on the diamond lane (right side)

http://www.starwoodvacationownership.com/resorts/sheraton_vistana_resort/welcome.jsp

when are you going?

 

[MiaSRN62]

Jessmela,
Anyone can use the Diamond Lane (it used to be just for owners). I know owners complained about it and I think they're trying to remedy the situation by allowing owners to bypass the main lobby and go to the Cascades Activities Center and check in. At least this was how it was for 2006 and they told me in August they were trying to do this as a special perk for owners. It was nice.
But anyone can still go through the link that Spicey sent and sign up. It's all done online. My only concern is you mention "late" check in ? How late ? The Diamond Lane is only open certain hours (from the Sheraton Vistana website) :
Diamond Lane hours are Friday—Sunday, 11 a.m. — 7 p.m. Before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m. please use the regular registration line.

As someone mentioned, most prefer the newest Cascades and Lakes. I own in the Fountains and love it there. But, if you have anyone in your party that would be comprimised by having to climb stairs, you'll need to request and elevator building (only Cascades and Lakes) or a ground floor with all the other sections.

 

[Jessmela]

Thanks for all the replies .

My dad and I will be there Sunday April 29- Sunday May 6. We'll actually try to check in early (the thread title is actually lane not late). My dad has to fly from CA so that's pretty much a whole day for travel. Right now I'm thinking of flying down from VA on Friday night after work and staying at Pop century Friday and Saturday. That way I can use ME, and my dad can just meet me at Pop after he gets in on Saturday. An extra full park day for me and eliminates the hassle of trying to meet up at the airport.

So if Diamond check-in is open at 11am, does that mean you can actually get your room at 11am (even though regular check-in is at 4pm)?

 

[MiaSRN62]

(the thread title is actually lane not late).

omg ! Sorry....must have read that too fast !

So if Diamond check-in is open at 11am, does that mean you can actually get your room at 11am (even though regular check-in is at 4pm)?

There is a chance of getting into your room early. The absolute earliest I've ever gotten in was 1:30 pm. And that's in over 10 years of vacationing there. But I have gotten in around 3 pm a decent number of times. There was one time, where it was 6:30 pm and we still had not gotten in. I got on one of the resort phones and demanded to speak to a manager. We were traveling with my mil who was undergoing chemo treatments at that time and she needed to rest after a long drive. They immediately upgraded me to a Lakes unit (I own in the Fountains). But that was only 1 time in over a decade of trips where I got in late.

 

[spiceycat]

they made you an owner wait until after 6:30 pm to get your room. that is just bad.

did they send you something? Disney does when they something like this.

I have stayed at Vistana and staying again this March.

my first trip was in the Springs - which had twin beds - believe I know the different between a full (double) bed and a twin - the unit we had it was definitely a twin.

the unit was nice and big.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Yep....we had to wait. If I didn't get forceful and call management from a resort phone, we would have waited longer. They initially didn't offer me an upgrade. All they said was the guests who checked out, left a mess and they had to shampoo and steam clean the carpets. They told me the carpets were very wet but they had high powered fans on them. I was like........"ok......and you think I'm going to continue to wait ?" I asked for an upgrade....was put on hold for a few moments and then offered a Lakes unit. I really feel I should not have had to ask. It should have been offered. I felt so bad for my mil who didn't have a whole lot of energy due to the chemo and was exhausted. I was offered nothing else. Because I was so involved in helping my mil through her battle with cancer, I never followed up. But under different circumstances, I would have.
Also, Pat, I'll be honest. The Springs is the only section I've never toured inside of at Vistana. But when I did take a full tour of all sections many years ago (1999), I was given literature than had specs on all the sections. My paperwork states the Springs has 2 double beds in the second bedroom. I'm not doubting you had twins, I was just going by what the Vistana information booklet states (which they could be wrong). Thanks for the head's up.

 

[spiceycat]

you know I was surprised. the room is definitely big enough for double - heck it is big enough for queens - so why they put twins is a mystery to me.

so sorry you had such a bad time checking in. I know how much you love Vistana - so that was a big shock for you. How is your MIL?

 

[MiaSRN62]

so that was a big shock for you. How is your MIL?

Spicey....so nice of you to ask. My mil always loved our trips to WDW and our stays at Vistana. That was our last trip with her (11/02). Sadly, she lost her fight in 2004. That stay at Vistana where we got upgraded due to their problem, was a fun trip. We had just gotten off the Disney Wonder that day and wanted to unwind a few more days at Vistana before heading home. We have great memories from that vacation.
As for the beds in the Springs.......I agree......they need to get with the program ! How many timeshares have only twin beds in the second bedroom ? The Springs Owners Association would have to vote on that and then agree to spring a little extra in dues for an upgrade. Each section at Vistana has it's own owners association so I don't know what upgrades the Springs might be planning but the beds should be top on the list.

 

[deniden]

Thanks for all the replies .

My dad and I will be there Sunday April 29- Sunday May 6. We'll actually try to check in early (the thread title is actually lane not late). My dad has to fly from CA so that's pretty much a whole day for travel. Right now I'm thinking of flying down from VA on Friday night after work and staying at Pop century Friday and Saturday. That way I can use ME, and my dad can just meet me at Pop after he gets in on Saturday. An extra full park day for me and eliminates the hassle of trying to meet up at the airport.

So if Diamond check-in is open at 11am, does that mean you can actually get your room at 11am (even though regular check-in is at 4pm)?

How did you make out with the Diamond Check-In? Were you able to check in early? What kind of unit did you get?

Thanks!

 

[Jessmela]

We actually ended up arriving at Sheraton about 3pm (after spending the morning at MGM). It just worked out that way. We did use the Diamond Check In and it worked well except that they forgot the parking pass, which required an extra trip back to get it later.

We were in a two bedroom unit, I think in cascades. It was nice. I still prefer staying on property, but I'd do it again someday. Can't beat the cost (free for me)

 

[deniden]

Good to hear things went well!!!

 

[luvdisney14]

Does vistana resort only allow one car per room?

 

[MiaSRN62]

Does vistana resort only allow one car per room?

No limit on that.....you could have 2 cars per room. I believe there is a policy on oversized vehicles like RV's. We have a conversion van and have never had a problem having a second car when relatives come along with us.

 

[luvdisney14]

Great, in case my brother rents a car too.