Vistana Villages/Sierra Suites

[laureng]

I have been planning a Disney World trip for my family for November 2003 with all intentions of staying on-site, until my dh and I went and listened to a timeshare presentation in New Orleans and were given free round-trip airfare certificates. The stipulation is that we have to book from their list of hotels. The ones that look good to me are Sheraton's Vistana Villages and the Sierra Suites. The Sierra Suites show a location at Pointe Orlando and LBV. Any thoughts on any of these places? Would a rental car be needed if we stay at one of these? We are a family of 5. I'm thinking now that if we are staying off-site we may visit WDW for a few days, mainly MK, but visit Universal and possible Sea World, also. Any thoughts or comments, positive and negative, are greatly appreciated!

 

[Disney Fool]

I would opt for the Vistana Villages. They are located on International Drive. I would recommend that you rent a car. If you take a left out of parking area, and a right at the end of International Drive, you'll sail right into Disney property. It's a straight line. If you take a right out of the parking lot of the Vistana, you'll come to Sea World, and further on is Universal. The units are very comfortable, with screened porches, full kitchens, jacuzzi tubs, and washer/dryers in unit. Hope this helps.

 

[zaxmom]

I have never stayed at a Sierra Suites, but the Vistana Villages is wonderful. It is a great location for visiting all three parks. From my experience with busses, I would suggest you rent a car. Five of you would be very comfortable in a 2 bedroom and would probably be good even in a 1 BR. They have a very nice pool area. I just wish they had a water slide. The suites are very attractive and it is great to have a full sized refridgerator. I always use it to freeze water bottles and juice boxes. The washer and dryer come in handy for long trips.

 

[Lorix2]

Another vote for the Vistana Villages - you'd be extremely happy in a 2BR villa here with full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, master jacuzzi, screened balcony, 3 tvs, a vcr, dining area for 8 and sleeper sofa and a washer and dryer. Our family loved it.

 

[Melynny]

I'd go for Vistana Villages, if the cost was the same.. usually when you recieve the free airfare from a timeshare presentation, you are required to use a list of preferred hotels that inflate the prices to pay for the airfare. You may, based on the price, be forced to choose the Sierra suites to make the deal worth your while. I'd get prices for both from the place you call to book and then call the hotels directly to calculate the real cost of your airfare, and room.. then make a decision. I'd choose LBV ( lake buena vista location) before the other if you decide on Sierra suites.. good luck!

 

[laureng]

Thank you all very much for the replies!

Melynny - you're right, in booking one of their preselected hotels, we have to book at rack rates. We're still "crunching" the numbers to see how we will come out.