Why am I dreading Vistana Resort?

[Fargoman2]

It's too late to talk me out of it, but I accepted an offer from SPG vacations to take a 2BR Villa at Vistana Resort (4 nights/$150 with a $100 cash back offer). What's that old saying if it sounds too good to be true,...

Now I find myself dreading the whole thing. You see, I've become a bit of a hotel snob for my Disney trips and I have huge fears that I will be incredibly underwhelmed/disappointed by this resort. And those fears are based on relative ignorance--I just feel like I'm going into this so blind.

My only knowledge comes from trip advisor and the reviews there are mixed at best, seemingly dependent on the luck of the draw--updated/renovated vs. older/musty, etc. Sounds like check-in is a real zoo, customer service is sketchy, etc.

Am I worrying for nothing or should I start lowering my bar of expectations for this trip? Are there any Vistana Resort enthusiasts out there who can calm my fears? Can I do anything to improve my prospects for a good experience (other than requesting a "newer" section of the resort?)

Thanks for listening.

 

[spiceycat]

would expect them to place you in one of the newer units.

what do you get a 1-bedroom or studio ?- definitely a new unit.

a 2-bedroom? that could be anywhere.

 

[Goofy2937]

Don't sweat it my wife and I along with our 3 children accepted the same offer last October and used it to extend our WDW annual vacation, The resort is very nice the kids really liked the main pool, the rooms were a little small compared to DVC resorts, you won't get a better deal for 150 bucks!

 

[Metro West]

My parents got a 2-bedroom unit in the renovated section last April and it was very nice and spacious.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I suggest you fill out the online request form and definitely request either the Cascades or the Lakes section. These are the two newest sections and the only sections that have elevators.
This request form will also allow you to check-in at the lobby in the shorter "Diamond Lane" line :
https://www.mystarcentral.com/services/diamond.jsp?propertyId=01&IM=SVO_RC_DIA_SVR

I am both a Vistana owner as well as a DVC Member. While I do prefer my onsite stays, Vistana is a very pretty resort.

 

[dolPhinlovEr83]

My family bought a timeshare at Vistana. We have stayed at it once in the Cascades section and absolutely loved it! It was in August, and I found that it was very quiet. There are a bunch of pools within walking distance so you can pick and choose which one you like or suits your family. We enjoyed the pool with the volleyball and water volleyball nets. You can borrow the balls from the office next to the pool as well. They also have mini golf, Basketball courts, Tennis courts, a water slide, waterfalls, workouts rooms, etc. We did not eat at any of the restaurants there, but absolutely loved our stay! We had a 2 bedroom on the second floor with a small screened in balcony looking over one of the little ponds. I enjoyed going out on the balcony in the early morning and just sitting. It was so peaceful, quiet, and cool (I know, you have to wake up pretty early to feel cool in August in FL!!) Anyway, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. We'll be back there later this month for another week and are going to the Vistana Villages in August.

 

[livndisney]

We visited friends who were staying in a 2 bedroom in the Falls section last week. The unit was larger that I expected. But I was not at all impressed by the resort. The resort was crowded and chaotic. While we were sitting at the table an employee just opened the door, no knock nothing. The family I visited said the resort has changed a lot in recent years and not for the better.

 

[MiaSRN62]

We visited friends who were staying in a 2 bedroom in the Falls section last week. The unit was larger that I expected. But I was not at all impressed by the resort at all. The resort was crowded and chaotic. While we were sitting at the table an employee just opened the door, no knock nothing

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) :

 

[MiaSRN62]

The resort was crowded and chaotic

I just noticed you said you were there last week. Coincided with Easter and Spring Break. This time period, as well as Christmas/New Years are probably THE most busy times in all of the disney area (both on and offsite).
Vistana, on average, would not be anything near what I would describe as "chaotic". We've been staying here for almost 14 years now. I'm just thinking the time period you visited had something to do with the crowds. This is a major crowded time for disney resorts too. We went to WDW during the Easter/spring break week once (1999) and swore we'd never visit Orlando during that time period again

 

[dolPhinlovEr83]

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) :




So you do the bread feeding as well, huh? We loved doing that! Also, where have you seen the otters?? I would love to see them on my next visit!!!

 

[Fargoman2]

Thanks for your encouraging replies. Sounds like this might turn out just fine for us. In fact, we might be pleasantly surprised by it all!

We will be there in August--so I know it will be hot, but I'm trusting the A/C in our villa will be working well.

One other question--how's the overall noise factor, as in...late night partying,etc. that prevents you from sleeping? Issue or non-issue?

(I'm a real crab if I don't get my rest at night!)

 

[MiaSRN62]

Also, where have you seen the otters?? I would love to see them on my next visit!!!

Hi dolphinlovr.....
we've spied otter in the waterways around the Fountains I & II. I have him on some video tape.....but no photos. One morning, one was asleep on top one of the fountains in the pond. They turn them off after 11 pm or so. Well,around 8 am they turn them back on. This poor little guy didn't know that. When the water was turned on, he was shot up and off the fountain base.

One other question--how's the overall noise factor, as in...late night partying,etc. that prevents you from sleeping? Issue or non-issue?

Generally it's quiet. On rare occasions we did have some noisy neighbors (but I've had that at disney resorts too). One time slamming door above us. We called the front desk and asked them to give them a call. Things quieted down after that. Sometimes there are late night kareoke parties by the pool. Usually they end by 11 pm. I'd say the resort is on average pretty quiet at night. We'll be at Vistana also in August. Here's hoping we both have great stays.

 

[dolPhinlovEr83]

When we were there, we were on the second floor. There was no noise from adjacent rooms or from outside.

 

[jctwizzer]

To answer your question.."why am I dreading Vistana"?
Mostly it's because, for some reason, you seem to have been listening to incorrect, uninformed, information

 

[keishashadow]

We had the same offer a few years ago (wish they'd send another postcard! ). The 1st & only we've ever received that didn't include a mandatory presentation, no breakfast, no tour take it & run!

1st class accommodations . We were in 1 BR Cascades-lovely. The only complaint was lots of mulch/bugs in the nearby pool , oh cabana boy! Did drive around to the pool in the back, older-saw ripped screens, etc.

Couldn't believe how close it was to entrance to park. Def. do the Diamond Lane, the checkin line was scary long on Saturday in June, we only had a few people ahead of us.

The TS gent we dealt with (Alex) was the best/most high pressure i've encountered-ever. I'm a realtor & DVC owner, knew I didn't want to purchase...he was a tough nut. He did insist we meet with him the next day in afternoon, jik we wanted to take the tour & to actually get our $100 back. Note they will try & steer you to attraction tix, dining vouchers, etc. PS UNPLUG the phone, he had called twice before we actually entered our unit to check on us.

 

[spiceycat]

One other question--how's the overall noise factor, as in...late night partying,etc. that prevents you from sleeping? Issue or non-issue?

(I'm a real crab if I don't get my rest at night!)

stayed in the first floor at Springs, and the 4th floor at Lakes - no problems at all.

the only problem had was the housekeeper would gather by my room in the morning - but since I was up anyway not a problem.

 

[Del]

We love the Vistana! We've stayed a few times. I would go back in a minute if I could. And yes, I've stayed on-site as well.

Del

 

[eventamy]

We just stayed at Vistana in the Fountains section this past February. We liked it! It was really close to the parks, LOVED the kitchen and having a washer/dryer. The pool was fun on the one day we used it.
Next year we're going to stay someplace different, but only to try someplace different. My parents are owners through Interval International so we get to choose where we want to stay, so we might just try something different to get a different experience. But I would definitely stay at Vistana again.
Oh, by the way, we had a 2 bedroom. With 3 adults and 2 children (4 & 9 months).

 

[spiceycat]

My parents are owners through Interval International so we get to choose where we want to stay,

the dvc resorts are part of II - and you can get them if you search for them.

 

[MiaSRN62]

The TS gent we dealt with (Alex) was the best/most high pressure i've encountered-ever. I'm a realtor & DVC owner, knew I didn't want to purchase...he was a tough nut. He did insist we meet with him the next day in afternoon, jik we wanted to take the tour & to actually get our $100 back. Note they will try & steer you to attraction tix, dining vouchers, etc. PS UNPLUG the phone, he had called twice before we actually entered our unit to check on us.

Truly words of wisdom Keishadow........UNPLUG the phone !
We did this last summer (and on many trips) and guess what ?!!! Last August, they stopped by while we were (thankfully !) at the parks and left a note on our door ! I did not like the insinuation of the note either. She (Dawn P.) made it seem like we owed her something for checking us in "VIP" as they call it for the owners. I am so not happy about it still. It is THE most annoying thing about them. It's a very nice resort, but the Sheraton sales people are truly "hard sell".
They will get an earful from me if they attempt this again this August. I enjoy my stays there but don't need these hassles.