Vistana Resort Review

[WEN]

We just came back from 4 nights at the Vistana Resort. We were mailed a deal from Sheraton 4 nights for $199. It was an unbelievable deal, there was no requirement for the "sales presentation".

We requested Cascades section and were given a 1 bedroom unit on 3rd floor, it was near the highway 535. We did not hear any noise inside. I believe it was the smaller unit, but enough room for a family of 4. It was beautiful! Fully equiped kitchen, king bed, pull out sofa.

They did call us at home 2 days before our trip wanting to know what they could do for us and when we would be arriving. Of course I knew from this board to skip the "welcome desk". Our phone did ring several times, but we didn't answer. One day after being out at the parks, a note was left on the table offering us $175 cash to tour the other location - Vistana Villages. We did not take the offer, although it was tempting. They were more persistent that I thought they would be.

I would recommend this resort. Great pools - although we had to drive to them. Location very good, down the road is a SuperWalMart. Picked up groceries, water bottles, even noodles for the pools ($1.00). Bring frozen water bottles to the parks. Many good restaurants nearby. We walked to Bennigans one night from our unit. I would definately go there again.

 

[Taratink]

Thanks for the review. We will be there in March. What a great deal. How did you get the info. on the deal? Do you belong to a time share?
Tara

 

[WEN]

Tara -
We received the offer from Starwood addressed to myself, probably because I have a Starwood card. We do not belong to a timeshare and travel infrequently.
The rate did not include maid service, but we did not mind throwing the towels in the wash and making the beds.

Have a great time in March!

 

[DreadpiratK]

Thanks for the review, we will be at Vistana Villages next week. If they offer me $175, I'll take it (w/trade we only paid $150 for the week so..) Anyway, I hope the villages are as nice as you decribe Vistana to be. I know it's a little further away from Disney, but it looks so nice on the web site..

 

[disneymom3]

Our phone did ring several times, but we didn't answer.

One day after being out at the parks, a note was left on the table offering us $175 cash to tour the other location - Vistana Villages. We did not take the offer, although it was tempting. They were more persistent that I thought they would be.

This is my favorite timeshare avoidance technique! I know no one who would be calling me in Orlando. Anyone who needs to get ahold of me while I am on vacation would call my cell.

I am thinking that $175 would have gotten me over there! That is a LOT of cash. Maybe they will offer us that when we go in Feb. That would pay for the entire week's exchange fee!

 

[In Luv with Disney]

$175 would be a lot to pass up!!! I would have taken it!!!

I am so glad you enjoyed your stay at Vistana. I own there and absolutely LOVE IT!!!! I also own at Vistana Villages and have not stayed there yet. It's not THAT much further from WDW, really. No worries...it will probably take you the same amount of time to get from Villages to WDW, as it does to get from Vistana to WDW.

 

[justplaingoofy]

We got back last month and they offered us $75 cash plus 50% off our next stay. When I didn't get back to them they went up on the offer to $150 plus the discounted stay. I would've done it, but they left us the message at 4pm and we left the next morning at 9am...

 

[MiaSRN62]

I am thinking that $175 would have gotten me over there!

I would have done it for that amount as well ! The most we were ever offered was in '94 (when we actually decided to buy in) and it was $100 plus 2 large plush Mickey and Minnie dolls. Ever since then, the most I've been offered is $40-$50. Guess they figure they "got" us already ? They were VERY persistant this past August. They called us 3-4 times which I found to be harrassing. They didn't want to take "no" for an answer.
Glad you had a nice stay WEN ! Thanks for the report !

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

Thanks for the review. We will be there next month for our second visit and we can't wait.

I would take the money and do the tour but DH is adamantly opposed to doing this. He says no way! But $175 would almost pay for half of our stay. Sounds mighty tempting to me.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Wen - I just received a card for Vistana Villages, 5 days/4 nights for $149, and I'm debating about taking it. I called and they said there was no "sales presentation" I had to go to, but I just can't believe it. Is that really true? They also offer a gift of $100 - is that how they get you to do the sales pitch?

What did you mean when you said you knew to skip the "welcome desk". And if I go to the resort, and don't want the high pressured sales pitch will I feel as though I'm hiding the whole time? For example, would I be able to use their transportation to the park, or would I have to sit through a sales pitch for that?

Trying to figure out if this is a good deal or not.

 

[WIcruizer]

Question for anyone who got this card.... What is the phone number for this offer? I got a card months ago and tossed it. And do you know if the offer expires? I would like to call them and book for March. Finally.... did anyone look into extending the 4 nights to 7?

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Here's the phone number: 800-396-5295. My card says I need to call within 15 days of receiving the offer.

 

[WEN]

Mouse Skywalker - In my opinion this is a GREAT DEAL!! We did not feel highly pressured. When we checked in, we knew not to go over to the Welcome Desk in the lobby. They direct you to go there, but you don't need to. Also, we did not answer the phone because we knew it was for the sales pitch. One day after the parks a letter was in our room offering $175. We just kind of laughed about it! After saving so much at Vistana, we went to Disney's Wilderness Lodge for 2 nights. The kids were funny because they were like "can we answer the phone now". Yes, the $100 gift is to get you to the presentation, so we did not receive it. We felt the price was a great deal w/o the gift.

These boards were very helpful in planning our trip. Have fun.
Wen