We recently stayed in a 2-Bedroom Villa in the “Courts” section of the resort property (Building 5, Unit 23). The Vistana has been our go-to property in Orlando for years as we have vacationed there 14 times, but that is no longer the case after this stay. Writing this comprehensive review (positives and negatives) while my thoughts and impressions are fresh. My reviews are always fair and balanced, based on my actual travel experiences, and highlight aspects important to the average traveler.
PRO’s:
The Resort Villa: Compared to other resorts in the area the decor of the Villa was somewhat up-to-date, reasonably comfortable, and well appointed. The layout is surprisingly spacious and offers a full-kitchen with coffee-maker, stove, dishwasher, and utensils. Even a small table for dining. The bathrooms are spacious and boast a nice sized tub/shower with adjustable shower head, and excellent water pressure. There is also a washer/dryer in the Villa. The balcony is screened keeping the bugs and other critters out.
Proximity to Disney Springs: The property is literally 8-10 minutes from the Disney Springs area which has great shopping, restaurants, and live performances. Also; for the budget conscious, there is a Walgreen’s, Publix, Walmart, and other stores within 1-4 miles of the property.
Room Rates: In comparison to the "Disney" properties the Vistana room rates are absolutely cheaper, and the rooms are much larger. We rented a car for the trip, and the drive to the Magic Kingdom was only 10-min from the resort, so the proximity of the Disney properties to the parks does not warrant their ridiculously higher room rates. Stay slightly off-property near the Disney Springs area and save $$$.00's on comparable and larger resort rooms like those offered by the Vistana.
Front Desk and Checkin: The front desk staff were friendly, the wait-time was minimal, and check-in process was quick and painless. The concierge desk was also very welcoming and also let us know that we could purchase park tickets there as well. You will be offered the timeshare (vacation club) pitch as is required to pick up your parking pass. If you have to say “No Thanks.” more than once, let the Management know.
Dining: The property has several dining options, including nice bar areas next to the primary pool areas. The restaurants at Disney Springs are only an 8-min drive away and offer a great selection of causal to upscale dining options including the Rainforest Cafe, Planet Hollywood, STK, Cuban Bongos, Deluxe Burger, Wolfgang Pucks, Earl of Sandwich, House of Blues, and many other choices. There are also fast-food options just outside of the property, and walkable.
Property, Pool, and Fitness: The property itself is very well maintained and updated, and the hotel staff are all very friendly and accommodating. There is also plenty of available parking. The pool areas are excellent and open 9a to 11p and feature shallower kids swimming areas, and jacuzzis. It is well maintained, has plenty of available lounge chairs and cabanas, good music, as the pool bar serves iced and frozen beverages, tailored to your preferences. The fitness centers are well maintained, well equipped, and will accommodate all fitness levels. The staff are also friendly and courteous.
CON’s:
The beds, bedding, and pillows were the least comfortable we have experienced in any “resort” property, anywhere! A solid 4 out of 10. By comparison I would rate the bedding at the Hilton Buena Vista Palace in the Disney Springs area a solid 10 out of 10. If comfortable bedding is important for your family, stay somewhere else! It is hard enough to sleep in a strange bed as it is.
The $30 daily parking charge (per-vehicle) is simply a money-maker for the property as the parking lot is uncovered, not monitored, and all liability rests with the guests.
There is a TV in each room, but they are dated, and you are limited to the channel selections provided. You will not be able to login to your Netflix or Amazon Prime accounts via app’s on the TV’s because the TV’s are so dated, as you can at most other resort properties now.
Ground floor Villas at the Vistana are the worst!! You will hear every step the guests in the unit above you make, especially in the older sections of the property like the Courts, as well as the sounds outside of the unit. Our Villa was immediately adjacent to a playground, barbeque grills, and the air-conditioning units for the building. Noise and more noise! As a Gold-Member we were not even offered the higher floor unit that we requested, and we paid a higher rate. Disappointing!
And unfortunately, the front-desk staff made no effort to find our requested higher-floor Villa. Ask for a Villa in a newer and/or renovated section of the property, and not the ground-floor. Better still, stay somewhere else.
Overall, I would rate the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas property a solid 7 out of 10. I would recommend it over the "Disney owned" properties for its room rates and proximity to Disney Springs. HOWEVER, we will not be staying at the Vistana again. Customer service has taken a turn for the worst! Shop around. There are other comparable properties (rooms, rates, amenities) within 2-3 miles of the Vistana more than willing to host your family vacation.
