Vistana Resort

[chach]

We will be staying in a 2-bedroom unit at the Vistana in a couple of weeks. I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on the following:
What area is the best to be in?
Is there free internet anywhere at the Resort?
What areas should I avoid?
What is the best route from the resort to Disney and Sea World?
Is there a way to drive from the Vistana to Orlando airport without tolls?
If not, what are the tolls to and from the airport?

thanks

 

[bankr63]

Vistana owner and regular visitor, I'll do my best:

We will be staying in a 2-bedroom unit at the Vistana in a couple of weeks. I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on the following:
What area is the best to be in?

Honestly, with the renovations pretty much complete, there are no bad areas. They are different but it depends what you like. There are a few bad buildings, some back onto I-4 or are on busier streets. 5 of 7 sections have walkups, the other 2 are taller and have elevators, but I like the lower rise sections as they aren't as crowded.

Is there free internet anywhere at the Resort?

There is free wireless in all the units, but it is a bit slow. Understand that it is a mega-resort, and providing wi-fi across several acres has some compromises in speed. There are also a couple of locations with free computer access (Marketplace, and main reception, and one other I think).

What areas should I avoid?

None. See above. Without more information on what you want, I can't recommend one area over another.

What is the best route from the resort to Disney and Sea World?

If you have a GPS, look up the POI file from Mousesavers. It really does provide the shortest routes. There are some detailed posts here on best routes, but in general, from Vistana Resort, turn right from the entrance, and proceed to the first set of lights south of the resort. Turn right on World Center Drive, and follow the signs to the various sites. For SeaWorld, turn left at World Center, and left again at I-Drive and follow to SeaWorld, or take I-4 up one exit to Central Florida Parkway.

Is there a way to drive from the Vistana to Orlando airport without tolls?
If not, what are the tolls to and from the airport?

It is possible, but not easy. The tolls are low, about $1.50 if I recall correctly and will save you a lot of time on surface streets. We use tollsaver on our rental vehicle (can be a good deal or rip-off depending on the agency), so it's been a while since I've actually paid cash. Not much difference in cost or time if you take Beachline (north of airport) or Greenway (south).

Vistana is a really nice resort. Enjoy your stay!

 

[Detailor]

What areas should I avoid?

The last section to be refurbished is the Courts section and I don't think that it's expected to be completed by the time that you'll be there, so that's the only section that I'd suggest that you avoid.

Dick Taylor

 

[rvchat]

We stayed here/ 7 days. It was great. Free internet/ nothing bad to avoid. ? not sure on routes, and I don't think there were any tolls but not sure.

We will be staying in a 2-bedroom unit at the Vistana in a couple of weeks. I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on the following:
What area is the best to be in?
Is there free internet anywhere at the Resort?
What areas should I avoid?
What is the best route from the resort to Disney and Sea World?
Is there a way to drive from the Vistana to Orlando airport without tolls?
If not, what are the tolls to and from the airport?

thanks

 

[Beth D]

I agree with Bankr.

It's a great, but large resort. The wi-fi is SNAILS pace in the evening when everyone is back at the rooms.

The pools are great.

I also second his advise about the best way to get to Disney. Right on 535, up one light,and then right again takes you straight in. Avoid crossing I- 4 on 535 if possible. That intersection is a nightmare.

Keep change handy - quarters and $1 bills for the tolls. It's almost unavoidable for traveling anywhere quickly in Orlando. Just pay it, cause the alternative usually has 3x the traffic!