What would you do...Vistana vs. AKL

[JMLBrats]

During Thanksgiving week we booked at the Enclave (near Universal) for 3 nights and then at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for 4 nights including dining for that time. For what'll end up costing about the same including food, tickets, etc we could stay in a 2 bedroom unit in the cascades area of the Sheraton vistana's for the entire time.

I specifically didn't post this on the Resort forum because I know everyone there is likely to lean towards AKL-I used to be the same way and actually we've never stayed off site. But now that our family is bigger, (3 kids-although all young) I have become more curious about the Vistana's. I've read such great reviews on here. So my question really is because it's TG week and the parks will likely be packed, would it pay to be on site for those 4 nights or would it be easier to just stay at the vistana even though that will mean that we have to drive everywhere?

We are torn about the decision right now. I must admit though, I really like the idea of just arriving and settling into a nice big 2 bedroom place for the whole time-but then again we LOVE staying on site, would we enjoy it as much off? We do plan on doing 1 day at Universal and possibly sea world.

Thanks!

 

[JMLBrats]

Anyone?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I would go for the Vistana, we have looked around the resort and it's very very nice.
Plenty of room, excellent facilities and plenty for the kid's to do too.

 

[MiaSRN62]

JMLBrats,
I am like you, in that I love staying onsite, but also love the extra room a 2 bedroom can provide. I have 3 kids as well. It's a tough call, because you'd be able to take advantage of EMH onsite---especially during the busy Thanksgiving week. But moving during a 7 day period with kids could be more of a hassle. The Cascades section at Vistana is the newest section on the resort and very nice. YOu won't be disappointed with the accomodations and extra space but it's not "disney". Not sure how much that means to you. While we love our Vistana timeshare, when it came time when we needed more weeks, we opted for DVC because we love the feeling of staying on property. But Vistana is a very nice resort and very close to WDW. You'll be able to drive to DD/Marketplace in about 5-6 min. You can get to the other parks in about 10-15. The biggest pain will be the MK. We hate having to park in the MK lot/TTC and then take the tram to the monorail and then the monorail into the park. This process can take up to 45 min. The MK is the one park we much prefer just hopping on a disney bus and being dropped right off at the MK entrance. So if you plan on spending alot of time at the MK, then onsite may be preferable---especially if you have real young kids who will require naps/rest breaks. The MK is the one park that is a hassle to leave and return to after afternoon breaks.
If you're ok with the extra time needed to get in and out of the MK (vs staying onsite), then Vistana is a very nice place to spend the entire week (and not having to move). I think Vistana will be so much nicer for your spouse and you to spread out and relax while the kids are napping in their own bedroom. Having the full kitchen, washer/dryer and jacuzzi is an added plus (and this is coming from a person who also loves being on disney property).
Having 5 people in one hotel room can be tough----believe me, I've been there.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[jeff968]

I've stayed at both recently. AKL is a great resort. Beautiful with so much to see. The pool was great. However, there were 5 of us and we were "squished" in the room at night. We have used timeshares through the last 6 years and have become very spoiled with the room. I would base your decision on how you plan your day and your week. If you are going to spend some level of time in the room then I would lean towards the Vistana. We love to put my 6 year old down for bed at 8:30 and then hang out playing cards or watching TV with my older kids until later. Can't do that in the AKL room. If it rains, the larger TS suite is much easier to live with. We don't do the parks everyday and spend a lot of time relazing at the resort. For us, that would also mean the TS suite is the better choice. However, if you are going to spend very little time in the room and haven't stayed at AKL then that might be the better choice.

 

[Taratink]

We stayed at The Vistana this past March and we loved it. I don't think that we can go back to a single hotel room now. It was really so relaxing there and stress free. There were 3 t.v. set, so everyone could watch what they wanted. The extra sinks and bathrooms were the best. We will be staying there agian. We were in the Lakes section and it was perfect. I have stayed onsite 4 times and although it was great, I do not miss it now.
Tara

 

[Brian Noble]

I only have two kids. For a night or two, (maaaaaybe three), we can "rough it" in a single hotel room. After that, I really start to resent pretending to be asleep at 9 every night until the kids nod off. I also can't imagine packing everyone up mid-trip and moving them---that's just more hassle than I'm interested in on vacation.

As for the offsite disadvantages: in that busy of a week, I might be inclined to skip EMHs. The resorts are so full that week, that I'm thinking the extra time will be more than offset by the extra crowds that EMH can draw. I drive everywhere but MK when I am onsite, so that's not a big negative either, for *me*. It might be different for you. We tend to rend privately-owned homes or townhouses, and those can usually be had for the price of a single moderate or value room, respectively. At that price, I don't mind driving myself to the MK.

If I were you, and I wanted to stay onsite, I would consider two value rooms or one of the family suites (which would be less than a Standard AKL room), two moderate rooms (which would be less than a Savannah AKL room), or a Ft. Wilderness Cabin (about the same as an Pool-view AKL room).

 

[JMLBrats]

Yeah, we are leaning towards the Vistana. It will be a first for us and I'm hoping we'll enjoy it as much as everyone else seems to!

It's true, I don't want to have to pack up mid trip and I'm hoping we will have time to relax at the pool and maybe do something like minigolf and stuff like that instead of just straight parks.

Hopefully we'll be decided for sure by tomorrow....

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Just thought that I would add my imput. I love the fact that the Vistana has a full kitchen, & can make sandwiches & frozen lemonade, chips & pack them in a backpack, & off to the parks we go.

We always get AAA parking pass, so we can park hop & park our car in the front. We save lot's of time.

Once in the park, we save so much time, by having our lunch when hungry. The fast food restaurants, in the Parks, are always so busy, & it seems like we waste valuable time, waiting, in line for food. If you have you own lunch packed no wait.

My DD loves the VISTANA kids club. Last February, she participated in the actives & had a blast. The kids age range were 5 & up.

Walmart, is just down the street, & you can buy coldcuts, or what ever you need.

The wash & dryer is such a plus. The outdoor patio is magnificent.

We loved staying at the VISTANA. We will be staying there Nov 19 thru Nov 22nd & off to the Wonder for Thanksgiving.

Hope this helps

Patricia

 

[jdm]

The Vistana is a beautiful resort in a fabulous location. It was our first timeshare experience and we would never go back to a hotel room. Don't be surprised if your kids want to sit out the parks to stay at the resort!! Have fun!
Jenn

 

[mbb]

Welll.....here's my suggestion:

Book Vistana.

Like you say, all the space is fab with the kids.

*AND*!!
Book the middle night of your originally planned 4 nights at WDW..at one of the Values.

For the little bit extra $$, you'll have EMH for 2 of your busy days at the parks...and it's easy to head back to your room for a mid-day break with the kids

HTH!!