Sheraton Vistana info

[Firepath]

We are considering an RCI exchange here for a future stay but I see two choices, Sheraton Vistana Resort and Sheraton Vistana Resort - Fountains Villas. They seem to be the same location. What is the difference and is one preferable over the other. We would need a 2 BR.

 

[jabberwocky]

It will be the same location. The resort complex is fairly spread out and has multiple phases. The original phases are in the “main” area and the Fountains/Fountains II/Lakes phases were built shortly thereafter. They are within easy walking distance of each other and separated by a very low traffic road.

Map:

https://www.vistana.com/destinations/sheraton-vistana-resort/map

Both have excellent pool facilities. The original area will have a bit more recreation amenities like mini-golf and also has the convenience store. It’s super easy to get around from each phase. We’ve personally preferred the Fountains section since it is a bit quieter at night and the units tend to be a bit larger and more functional.

Even with an exchange it is possible to request being placed in a different phase than what you are booked in. I’ve been fairly pleased at how accommodating they have been. They seem to treat it as one resort. My BIL traded in through RCI a few years ago and was able to get into the same building as us. There are lots of 2BR available.

 

[CPNY]

We are considering an RCI exchange here for a future stay but I see two choices, Sheraton Vistana Resort and Sheraton Vistana Resort - Fountains Villas. They seem to be the same location. What is the difference and is one preferable over the other. We would need a 2 BR.

I’ve stayed at both. I own at villages. I like villages better. I think resort is closer to Disney springs. Villages is 15 min to Disney and universal

 

[SandyPGravel]

If Vistana Villages is an option for an exchange, I, like @CPNY , own at Villages and prefer it. But Resort is nice too. Someone that is more familiar with Resort could probably speak to this, but I think some of the buildings in the Resort do not have elevators? I could be wrong though. The resort is older, but is very nice. I seem to remember there being a lot more pools at Resort. There is a Walgreens right outside that you can walk to for supplies. Villages doesn't have anything you can walk to.

 

[CPNY]

If Vistana Villages is an option for an exchange, I, like @CPNY , own at Villages and prefer it. But Resort is nice too. Someone that is more familiar with Resort could probably speak to this, but I think some of the buildings in the Resort do not have elevators? I could be wrong though. The resort is older, but is very nice. I seem to remember there being a lot more pools at Resort. There is a Walgreens right outside that you can walk to for supplies. Villages doesn't have anything you can walk to.

Correct, there is a CVS around 3 min away from villages. And I do remember walking up the stairs in resort. Although I hate elevators and will always take the stairs when possible lol.

 

[chalee94]

I’ve stayed at both. I own at villages. I like villages better. I think resort is closer to Disney springs. Villages is 15 min to Disney and universal

Wait....wait. You're making this even more complicated. They aren't talking about SVV at all - even within SVR, there are several components...

I have tended to stay within the Lakes section of SVR for my trips. SVR is a great location near WDW (as stated, SVV is closer to Universal). Different sections of SVR can have different bedding options - some have twin beds, I believe...

More info on SVR is available on the DISboards at this link, if needed:

The Sheraton Vistana Resort Thread (key links on p.1)

Have you tried booking directly through Marriott? I did look but thought that was different than the timeshare side. I guess I was under the impression getting a timeshare rental was a better value.

www.disboards.com

 

[CPNY]

Wait....wait. You're making this even more complicated. They aren't talking about SVV at all - even within SVR, there are several components...

I have tended to stay within the Lakes section of SVR for my trips. SVR is a great location near WDW (as stated, SVV is closer to Universal). Different sections of SVR can have different bedding options - some have twin beds, I believe...

More info on SVR is available on the DISboards at this link, if needed:

The Sheraton Vistana Resort Thread (key links on p.1)

Have you tried booking directly through Marriott? I did look but thought that was different than the timeshare side. I guess I was under the impression getting a timeshare rental was a better value.

www.disboards.com

Ahhh right, it’s all SVR the OP is referring to. I was confused I thought it was between SVV and SVR.

 

[TheHolleys87]

And to confuse things further, doesn't Bluegreen have a resort named The Fountains, across the highway from Vistana Villages? We stayed in The Fountains about five years ago.

 

[CPNY]

Ye

And to confuse things further, doesn't Bluegreen have a resort named The Fountains, across the highway from Vistana Villages? We stayed in The Fountains about five years ago.

i think that’s the name. Yes there is a bluegreen right across the street.

 

[bankr63]

To answer OP's question, there really is no difference between the listings. It is more of a historical artifact because the two sections of the resort originally had dissimilar ownership models. You can book either one, and be placed pretty much anywhere in the resort, well except that the Fountains section should not list any 1BR units as both sections of Fountains did not have any of these. You will probably have a better chance of "getting" Fountains through that section, but can be placed in other sections.

Yes, most of Vistana resort consists of low-rise 2 or 3 story buildings without elevators. Only Lakes and Cascades have high-rise buildings with elevators. Personally, I prefer the much lower density of the sections with low-rise buildings.