Vistana vs Vistana Villages

[LGithens]

We're DVC members that typically combine 5 night stays with either a AP rate on property or stay at one of the Marriott Vacation Club properties.

This trip, we are going to try one of the Vistana resorts. I have reservations at both resorts for 2 BR villas.

I'm having a tough time deciding which resort would be the best. A Jacuzzi is a priority after a long day at the parks. It appears both resorts offer those, though I plan on calling to call to confirm

I'm studying the Vistana posts here and would love some input!

Thanks!!

 

[Jennasis]

We too are DVC members. No more points for this year but wanted to sneak in a quickie trip before our AP's expire in December so we found a great Mousesavers deal at the Sheraton Vistana Resort. It sounds, from most accounts, like a great place and we are very much looking forward to our stay.

 

[LGithens]

I was reading the Vistana thread here, and the resort seems to have quite a following. So I'm curious what sets it apart from Vistana Villages. I'm kind of leaning toward the Villages. Though I did call Vistana and spoke to someone that was very helpful describing the 2 BR villas and how there are different phases, and she offered to put in a request for a jacuzzi rather than a jetted tub. When we stay at Marriott Vacation Club properties, the rooms are generally the same, so there's no surprises. The Vistana's are all so different, it's confusing! But I'm sure that's part of their charm

 

[Disney Ella]

I have stayed at both and like the Villages better. It's smaller and has more of a resort feel to me. You'll enjoy your stay no matter which one you choose.

 

[bankr63]

There is almost no difference between the Villages and the two newer phases at Resort (Lakes and Cascades). Vistana Resort is the original, and started it's life back in the 70's. I own a week in the Courts phase, which was the original phase built when it was a Tennis Club retreat. The older phases are larger and more spread out than the newer phases, but as the resort built out the phases, the density went up, buildings got closer and taller; but size of unit and quality of finishes is consistent throughout. What I like about Vistana Resort is they have a section for every taste, and they are pretty good about getting their clients into a phase that will match their desires if the guest thinks to ask. Resort is almost best experienced once to get the feel, and then enjoyed from then on in the section that best suits your desires (I personally have experience with 4 of the 7 phases). These differences are certainly not on the scale of OKW vs Poly vs AKL however.

Ultimately, they are both built and maintained to the same luxurious standard, and I would gladly stay at either one. I don't really thing there is a "correct" answer to the OP's question. They are very much the same, but subtly different. Every day waking up in Orlando is a good day for me!

 

[vistana101]

I personally prefer Vistana Villages as it is a bit newer and smaller, but it is all up to personal preference. Note that at Vistana Villages, Bella is the only phase with a whirlpool tub that is a bit larger/different than the standard jetted tub in the other phases. You can view pictures and specific floor plans for the different phases here: https://www.vistana.com/destinations/sheraton-vistana-villages/villas/600#two-bedroom-villabella

As for the phases at Vistana Villages, I like the Key West and St. Augustine phases the best! Both have nice, modern villas. Key West is much quieter and has a more tropical feel, but it is located in the back of the resort and does not have a food/beverage outlet. There is a recreation center, however, with a gym and an arcade. There is also a playground and children's pool for kids. St. Augustine is newer but more crowded. There is a pirate ship in the pool for kids and a water slide and plunge pool. There is also a market, a pool bar, fitness center, and computer lounge area.

Let me know if you have any other questions!