Why am I dreading Vistana Resort?

[MinnieForMe]

Don't worry at all. It's a beautiful resort with lots to do in a great location. We are not owners but stay there everytime we can get an exchange.

I always have a feeling of coming home when we stay there. Enjoy yourself!

 

[Julia M]

We stayed at Vistana during Hurricane Charley. The staff there did an excellent job during that chaos...I was extremely impressed.

My parents, who own 2 Marriotts, visited us while we stayed there. They thought it was nice, also

julia

 

[lippylulu]

Thanks for posting the wonderful pictures. We will be there the end of May with our 11 year old daughter. Which is section is the 2 level building with what looks like rather large patios? We love a nice patio and peaceful view!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Which is section is the 2 level building with what looks like rather large patios? We love a nice patio and peaceful view!

Hi there lippylulu.........
That is the Falls section. It is an older section and will not receive their major remodeling until 2009. So if u don't mind an older section---the Falls is in a quiet area. Glad u liked the photos.

 

[wdwfan101]

Maria,

Thanks for the pictures! I haven't seen that area before. The landscaping and ponds in Springs are noticeably different.

I was in the Springs section last week.

One thing I enjoy about my condo is eating breakfast on the screened-in porch. The landscaping keeps the sun out at that time of the morning and the temp is reasonable. I got to do that a few mornings.

Regarding how crowded it was, the pools were almost as crowded as in previous years but parking was not bad.

Regarding noise levels, I didn't notice any noise from the other units or the common areas in my section of Springs, however, folks in the section of Springs with the pool probably had to deal with the noise of kids playing during the day.

Regarding getting nagged for a timeshare presentation, I told the person at the welcome desk that I have scheduled a 3-day tour package of the new section at Vistana Villages in May (which is true). That said, no more pleas from him and no phone calls during the week.

The renovated General Store, now called the Market Place, is pretty nice. It has a deli and a decent selection.

 

[MiaSRN62]

The renovated General Store, now called the Market Place, is pretty nice. It has a deli and a decent selection.

Thanks wdwfan......I am looking forward to checking out the new store/deli. Is the Pizza Hut still in there ? Or did the deli replace that ?

 

[dislovinfamilyfromCT]

This is our second year of ownership (Lakes Section) we loved our first visit last year and now look forward to our trip in a few weeks. The resort is lovely - lots nearby, real close to DTD and stores, great pools, nice restaurants, great general store. The one and only peeve I had was the overly-aggressive TS "owners meeting", it was horrible and we were made to feel very uncomfortable. Not worth the free gifts we received. I later complained about the manner in which we were treated.

This year, our unit is newly renovated - they are refurbishing throughout the resort - we are so excited to see the new decor...if anyone has seen it already would you be kind enough to report on it?

I hope you enjoy your stay!

 

[wdwfan101]

The Pizza Hut Express moved to where the Flamingo Cafe was in the Fountains section. I didn't give it a try. The butter in the crust of Pizza Hut pizza gets to me so I pass it up.

The Market Place was fairly popular. Vistana advertises they sell hot BBQ'd chicken. I should have given that a try. I wonder how it compares to Wegman's.

Another thing I didn't try but should have is the free WiFi at the Vistana. They claim WiFi is available in every unit. I didn't bring my laptop as I wanted to reduce what I'd have to carry through the airport. I saw what looked like industrial-strength WiFi antennas around one of the lamp posts at the pool but didn't look for one around the pond area in my section.

 

[dizkids]

OP i dont want to say lower the bar but how about change of scene? I am an owner at the Vistana and we bought site unseen through a resale a couple years ago. Marie helped me a lot (HI Maria! ~ You answered many questions for me re: Springs section : ) and she was spot on every time!

I felt the same way. Resort snob all the way. I have 3 kids so we have stayed at 4 Deluxe hotels plus both Swan & Dolphin many times. We travel to Disney 2-3 times per year and i found our stay at the Vistana perfectly fine. It was such a nice change of pace. Everything was super clean. We were on the 3rd floor which i loved because we had vaulted ceiling. My kids were in heaven. They just loved the space and the washer/dryer is great too. We walked to the Cascades pool a lot which was their favorite.

I will be there next week! My kids are packing the gamecube...wont allow the wii ; )

Have fun!
~Chris

 

[MiaSRN62]

The Pizza Hut Express moved to where the Flamingo Cafe was in the Fountains section. I didn't give it a try. The butter in the crust of Pizza Hut pizza gets to me so I pass it up.

Thanks for this info. But.....Oh my ? So now is the Flamingo Cafe gone ? I would MUCH rather have the Cafe vs the Pizza Hut ! Please tell me the Cafe is still there.....used to love the grouper I got there.

(HI Maria! ~ You answered many questions for me re: Springs section : ) and she was spot on every time!

Hi dizkids.... I'm glad I was able to help out and all went well with the sale. I love those 3rd floor vaulted ceilings too !

 

[MiaSRN62]

Ok....found this info on the owner's website about the Marketplace (no mention of whether the Flamingo Cafe is still there) :

New to Property—The Market Place
Designed with your convenience in mind, The Market Place is a combination specialty delicatessen, market and mini gift shop. New features include a "We Proudly Brew" Starbucks® Coffee experience, ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken and a full deli, featuring top quality Boar's Head brand meats and cheeses. The Market Place will continue to feature many of the grocery items and souvenirs previously offered at the General Store.

Pizza Hut—New Location, New Menu
Pizza Hut® has moved to the Fountains Recreation Center. Now featuring an extended menu that includes a salad bar, Pizza Hut offers "America's favorite pizza," wings, breadsticks and the salad of your choice. Stop by or have food delivered directly to your villa.

 

[wdwfan101]

When I checked in, they gave me a new site guide. The attendant went over the food selections in the guide, scratched out the Flamingo Cafe and said it isn't there anymore. I don't know if it's going to come back at a later time in another location, whether Zimmie's will be upgraded to that quality, or what.

 

[dvczerfs]

Ok....found this info on the owner's website about the Marketplace (no mention of whether the Flamingo Cafe is still there) :

hi miasrn62, i was just down in december, we are dvc members but freinds of ours who were at the vist. he said he dont recall the flamingo cafe.

 

[MiaSRN62]

OMG....very sad about the Flamingo Cafe ! We were last at Vistana in early Aug '07 and it was there. What a bummer.

And dvczerfs...."hello" to a fellow DVC'er !

Thanks for the info guys.....Pizza Hut replacing Flamingo Cafe is definitely a downward move.

 

[dvczerfs]

OMG....very sad about the Flamingo Cafe ! We were last at Vistana in early Aug '07 and it was there. What a bummer.

And dvczerfs...."hello" to a fellow DVC'er !

Thanks for the info guys.....Pizza Hut replacing Flamingo Cafe is definitely a downward move.

hi miasrn, i use to deal with a boiler co. on rt 309 in landsdale! i traveled rt 309 from allentown to lands. every wednesday about 20 years ago!! i here traffic is even better now days!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

hi miasrn, i use to deal with a boiler co. on rt 309 in landsdale! i traveled rt 309 from allentown to lands

Wow....Small World ! I am literally 2 minutes from rte 309 (and the infamous Five Points intersection). I hate that intersection.......

 

[littlestar]

Well I can say......having been an owner here since 1994 and staying yearly except for one year, the above is not the norm. Of course, everyne is entitled to their opinions, but we find the resort pretty peaceful. These photos were taken during the height of the day, and during early to mid August both years. I'd say the summer months are usually pretty busy in the Orlando area, and you can see from these photos, there weren't many people around. There are alot of quiet walking paths, bridges, gazebos etc. We've spotted otters here too on several visits.
Here are some pics taken over our last two vists (2006-07) :

Those pictures are gorgeous! What section of the resort are those lake shots?

 

[spiceycat]

OMG....very sad about the Flamingo Cafe ! We were last at Vistana in early Aug '07 and it was there. What a bummer.

that is horrible. Loved Flamingo Cafe - hate Pizza - allergic to goat's cheese - so all pizza are out for me.

guess even more meals will be at Golden Corral, Wendy's or Chick n lay -

how can Pizza hut be an improvement?

 

[MiaSRN62]

Those pictures are gorgeous! What section of the resort are those lake shots?

Thanks littlestar ! They are scattered throughout the resort. Some at the Fountains, some at the Falls and the ones where my daughter & family are feeding a baby ducks is in the very front of the resort (near the lobby checkin)---facing SR 535.

that is horrible. Loved Flamingo Cafe - hate Pizza - allergic to goat's cheese - so all pizza are out for me.

guess even more meals will be at Golden Corral, Wendy's or Chick n lay -

how can Pizza hut be an improvement?

Pat..you took the words right out of my mouth ! I just got an email confirmation via the owners site that Flamingo Cafe is definitely gone ! They called putting the Pizza Hut there an "enhancement" !?? I voiced my displeasure and asked for an address where I could write in regards to this. Pizza Hut vs the unique Floridian/Caribbean dining they had ? This is an improvement I ask ?

 

[MiaSRN62]

Just a little update......
I had emailed via the Vistana owner's site, to voice my disapproval of the Pizza Hut taking over the Flamingo Cafe restaurant. I asked who I could write/email to voice my opinion and just got this email today. If anyone would like to write, I figured I'd provide the name/address. I just don't see how this move was an enhancement to the resort. You don't have to be an owner to voice your concerns. :

Thank you for contacting Sheraton Vacation Ownership. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.

We truly value your oppinions and concerns. You may write to the Sheraton Vistana Resort's Food and Beverage Director John Howard at 8800 Vistana Drive Orlando, FL 32821-6353.