Vistana Resort

[ttfn3]

ALDISNEYFAN Make sure you sign up for Diamond Lane checkin and let reservations know both before your trip and when you checkin that you need a newly renovated unit due to medical reasons - especially with asthma. My DH and DS have some severe allergies (among other medical issues) and we have requested this type of unit twice - and been successful both times. We were VERY nice to the checkin people and explained the medical issues and they really worked magic for us. We were also willing to wait for the right unit.

Taratink I think your chances are pretty slim to get into your unit early since this time of year is normally busy for the Vistana. However, you never know. That said - you have about a quick 10-15 minute drive to O'hana's - so if you get into your unit at 4, you should have plenty of time to make it to your ADR. Oh - make sure you take a right onto 535 (out of the vistana) and then a right onto the next main road. You'll go by the Marriott World Center (with the Nick Hotel across the street), pass under I-4, and then you'll be on Disney property. Follow the directions. Make sure you get in the resort lane at the MK and tell the parking attendant you have ressies at the Poly for dinner - they will wave you through so you don't have to pay for parking. The parking for the Poly is close to the resort, so you should be able to self-park but you could always valet if you feel the need. Don't forget to take a spin on the Monorail after dinner (a favorite of ours!) and ask for the front car.

 

[Taratink]

ttfn3 and other experts- If I get in the diamond lane check in at 2:30 will they assign us a room and give us the keys later? How does that work? I really don't have any plans for those couple of hours. Maybe swim but I know if my kids get in the pool I can say goodbye to Ohana's. I might see if I can push my ressie back.
Tara

 

[MiaSRN62]

Are we cutting it too close if we get into our room at 4:00? Has anyone gotten into their room earlier or is that a long shot? I am traveling with a family of sloths. My DH moves sooooo slowly and I might have to strangle him if he makes me miss my Ohana's Island Sunset frozen drink.

We've gotten into our room early at least 50% of the time. So I think you have at least a decent shot at it.

If I get in the diamond lane check in at 2:30 will they assign us a room and give us the keys later? How does that work? I really don't have any plans for those couple of hours. Maybe swim but I know if my kids get in the pool I can say goodbye to Ohana's. I might see if I can push my ressie back.

Yes, when you check-in, they'll give you the keys and let you know to call back for your room assignment if the room isn't ready. If you're afraid you won't get the kids out of the pool in time for O'hanas (have a great dinner there btw !), then maybe you could do a little shopping/sightseeing at the Marketplace or do some grocery shopping to stock the frig ?

 

[ttfn3]

Taratink If you get the Vistana at 2:30 p.m., it might take you a while to get through the Diamond Lane checkin - so you may not have a lot of time to find something to do. Our experience the last two times have been -even in Diamond Lane - if you have particular requests it can take the checkin person a bit of time to find the right unit. The last time we stayed at the Vistana, they did not give us our keys because our unit was not ready. We had to return to the desk to get our keys. It just depends if your unit is ready.

A grocery stop is a good suggestion to kill some time - or you could check out the activities at the Vistana besides swimming. Make sure you get an activities calendar. There are coupons for buy one, get one free activities such as tie die t-shirts. If you need more coupons, you can always pick up extra activity guides at the Cascades activity center (another tip!)

Relax - you are going to have a great trip

 

[MiaSRN62]

The last time we stayed at the Vistana, they did not give us our keys because our unit was not ready. We had to return to the desk to get our keys. It just depends if your unit is ready.

I wonder if this is a random thing ? Because even the times our unit wasn't available they gave us keys but told us to call back with the room assignment from any resort phone on property. Same way that Disney does. You get the key and then have to call for the room #.
But maybe Vistana doesn't do this with everyone ? Maybe just because I'm an owner there that I always get my key at check-in ?

 

[ALDISNEYFAN]

ttfn3 and MiaSRN62 Thanks to both of you for the info. I will use the Diamond Lane and explain the need for newer unit. I really appreciate your help!!!

 

[IGDDDF]

Hello,
I have been following this post for Vistana Resort. My question, (hope I haven't missed the answer somewhere) is do you have to own a timeshare to stay here or can you just call and make reservations? Is it expensive? What???? Help!!!!.

I have established reservations for the P.O. Riverside and would like to know if there is anything cheaper out there for a family of FIVE!

Thanks!

 

[ttfn3]

IGDDDF You do not have to own a timeshare to stay at the Vistana Resort. We don't own one and have stayed there several times. Check out a variety of sources for the best deal. www.allearsnet.com has some special codes/rates for the VR. Other sites to check (besides directly with the Vistana/starwood is Skyauction, Ebay, Hotelkingdom, Travelocity, Expedia, and Redweek.

 

[IGDDDF]

TTFN3,
That was a vvveeerrry swift response. I appreciate it. I am now going to allears.

Blessings to you!

 

[ttfn3]

Glad I could help!

 

[hercamore]

I cannot get the allears code to work for a 2 bedroom unit at Vistana no matter what the date. Can anyone else? I am looking at June 3 week.

herc.

 

[ttfn3]

Herc I sent you a PM.