Which do you prefer - Sheraton Vistana Resort or Windsor Hills?

[CinderellaDreamer]

I have reserved a 2 bedroom unit at Sheraton Vistana for May, but was reading a lot on this board about the Windsor Hills rentals. I could get a 3 bedroom unit there for less money!

Anyone have an argument either way that would help me know which place to pick? I got a ton of emails from a rental site for numerous 3 bdrm units at Windsor Hills today with lower rates than what I am paying at Vistana.

I'm concerned about the possibility of getting in an older unit at Vistana and the sales pitch stuff could be annoying.

I am also concerned about the pool being overcrowded in Windsor Hills. We are planning on spending a lot of time at the pool this trip as we only have one day at the parks. We are doing some dinners and a pirate cruise on other days, maybe Sea World some other day. But I mostly want to relax and let the kids swim since it will probably be hot.

We are a family of 5 with two 7 yr. olds and a 3 yr. old. We have never stayed off property before.

Thanks for any and all advice!

 

[Taratink]

I have heard that many of the older units at the Vistana resort are being redone but I am not sure when they will be completed. We love to stay at the Vistana Villages. The VV is 4 miles from Sea World and won best family pool in 2005. It is really laid back there and all of the units are beautiful. There are many activities for kids and families. My SIL rents homes from Windsor Hills but she has not used the main pool and she loves it there. I have stayed in the newer section of the Vistana Resort and it was very nice. Good Luck!

I called down to guest services and told them that I do not want any calls or info. about timeshares. I did not have any problems or you can just take your phone off the hook when you are in the villa.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I have heard that many of the older units at the Vistana resort are being redone but I am not sure when they will be completed.

The Lakes is complete (but they were a newer section anyway). The Fountains I should be complete by end of August. Fountains II about 4-6 weeks after that.

Springs and Falls will be complete by mid 2009.

I also heard the newest Cascades and oldest Courts are discussing doing a major refurb. These sections will be surveyed in Dec of this year and then decisions made by those respective associations.

No official word on the Palms or Spas so far. Unless someone else has heard something ?

 

[deejay-55]

Vistana is a time-share condo resort; Windsor Hills homes are privately owned - and if you rent a villa there you get your own private pool!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Vistana is a time-share condo resort; Windsor Hills homes are privately owned - and if you rent a villa there you get your own private pool!

Yes....and there are pros and cons to both. While some love the WH big private homes and pools, we, prefer a place like Vistana. We like more of a resort feel. We like planned activities during the day, kareoke, pool parties, room service, maid service etc. So I really feel each type of vacation home or condo offers something unique and different. You have to evaluate what you want out of your vacation. And to each person, that is something different.

 

[TSRE]

The Lakes is complete (but they were a newer section anyway). The Fountains I should be complete by end of August. Fountains II about 4-6 weeks after that.

Springs and Falls will be complete by mid 2009.

I also heard the newest Cascades and oldest Courts are discussing doing a major refurb. These sections will be surveyed in Dec of this year and then decisions made by those respective associations.

We are going to stay at Sheraton Vistana in June 2009 (I wasn't sure about staying offsite, but the space sounds so nice, and we can be there 2 weeks this way). Anyway, we can trade our timeshare for the Fountains or Cascades. Is the Fountains better because it is newly remodeled?

 

[MiaSRN62]

in June 2009 (I wasn't sure about staying offsite, but the space sounds so nice, and we can be there 2 weeks this way). Anyway, we can trade our timeshare for the Fountains or Cascades. Is the Fountains better because it is newly remodeled?

TRSE,
Having not actually seen the Fountains yet----I'll be there in August, I'd say, from the looks of it, the Fountains is going to look really great. That being said, if you have very young children or even if you are traveling with seniors or physically challenged friends/family, the Cascades pool is zero depth entry and has fountains. The Cascades is in a slightly more bustling area of the resort. So my only point is, you might want to consider the pool area too. I'll post back in August after our stay in the Fountains.

 

[TSRE]

Thanks. I would love to hear how the Fountains turn out for you.

We don't have any disabilities in our family, and our youngest will be close to 7 when we go, so it sounds like either area will work for us.

Thanks again.

 

[savannahcat]

I am also concerned about the pool being overcrowded in Windsor Hills. We are planning on spending a lot of time at the pool this trip as we only have one day at the parks. We are doing some dinners and a pirate cruise on other days, maybe Sea World some other day. But I mostly want to relax and let the kids swim since it will probably be hot.

I was at Windsor Hills for 11 days last May. The pool was NEVER crowded and since DH was in Orlando on business, my kids and I spent a lot of time there.
I love Windsor Hills.