This is an exceptional property and as others note, it is very convienient to Seaworld and other attractions. I love the pool complex.

As an owner of a resale unit at this property, thought I'd offer a point of clarification about what does and doesn't transfer with a resale. Having gone to a number of timeshare sales pitches, I find it is good to know all the key facts about their programs, since they may not be very forthright in telling you things that might not help their sale.

So, here's what you should know. Sheraton Vistanna Villages is considered a "mandatory" property, so upon resale, the "Staroptions" definitely do transfer to the new owner. What doesn't transfer is the "Starpoints". The difference is that Staroptions consist of points that you can use to exchange into other Starwood timeshare properties--including some fablulous Sheraton and Westin resorts. You can get a full week or book individual days at these timeshare properties using the Staroptions. It is confusing because although you get points (I get 67,100 per year), they are in the Staroptions program, not Starpoints program.

The "Starpoints" program is where you can convert your week of ownership to a certain amount of points in the Starwood hotel program that you can use to get rooms at their hotels.

In my opinion, not getting the option to have points to stay in their hotels is not much of a loss. The amount of the points you get for hotel stays is not that large, so is a poor value in my book. I think if you want to stay in their hotels you're better off getting the best price you can on the internet.

However, using the Staroptions is a great benefit and great value! I have used mine to book several short stays at many of their fine timeshare properties, getting far, far more value than what I paid in fees. I think this makes a resale at this property a great way to go.

So to summarize: Staroptions = use at Starwood timeshare properties. Resale owners can use this. Starpoints = use at Starwood hotels. Resale owners can not use this.

Note that the Sheraton Vistanna, which is a different property than the Vistanna Villages, is not a "mandatory" property, so you don't get either the Staroptions or Starpoints upon a resale. That's why the prices tend to be lower at that property.

My family has stayed at this resort many times as we are owners here dating back to 2003. This is a great resort, particularly if you are planning on visiting some of the theme parks, the closeness is second to none. I read some of the previous reviews and am glad that it was pointed out that the points do not transfer on the resales. This is true, but with the great prices here on Redweek, these deals should not be passed up. You will literally save thousands on a resale purchase. The Villages are newer than the Resort but the Resort has so much more to offer such as multiple huge pools as well as several restaurants on-site. The Villages continue to be developed and are offering more and more amentities. Either place is a great vacation stay.

We stayed a week in summer '05 on an RCI trade through my brother's timeshare ownership; I've never had such a luxurious vacation! We usually stay in budget hotels but at this resort, truly felt on vacation. I was so happy with our stay and proximity to all the activities/logistical needs (Sea World & Disney right down the road, Super Walmart and outlet mall around the corner).

Now we're looking into buying a timeshare unit there on resale (or at neighboring Vistana Resort - less expensive but the reviews indicate there might be a reason for that??). Appreciate everyone's honest reviews - it's challenging & more than a little scary to buy a timeshare sight unseen!

We stayed in this resort last week on an exchange with II. We were in a 2 bedroom lockoff. It was very nice and would recommend staying at this resort..Watch if you are buying a resale. The sales people said the options do not apply to resale people and I noticed some of the ads on this website imply that you would get the option to trade to other Starwood resorts using options. Check before you purchase.

This place was absolutely beautiful. Our condo was huge, new, well appointed, and had very comfortable beds. The resort was lovely and staff exceptionally helpful. It was close to everything we wanted to do and a great place to kick back and relax.

Our rental through Redweek.com was easy and we are ready to do it again.

We went this April (Easter). Accomodation beautiful, staff attentive, our third time at the resort. I neeed a few different items for the kitchen, they quickly sent somebody with additional trays, pyrexes, etc. Click on pictures, what you see is what you get. Great beds and linens. They do not show the large patio set (all enclosed) for your early or late meals.

Great location close also to outlets (my first time shopping there, and I loved it!). There is stuff for everybody, even if you do not want to go to the Parks.

The swimming pool, if I remember well was voted one of the best or the best of all the Sheraton Resorts network.

When we left, my teenage son forgot his wallet and we received a call upon returning home. Security Staff very polite called us twice and sent him wallet, docs. and money all inside intact.

We went on April Vacation 2006, and loved it! Our unit was in the new area "The Keys"-- absolutely beautiful. Granite Kitchen, UNBELIEVABLE bathroom, walk-in shower, huge double vanity.

Close to everything, & very comfortable. Excellent staff and all areas very new & clean. Lots of kids at the pool, but the unit itself was very quiet & relaxing at the end of crazy days at the theme parks!

We've just returned from Florida and we spent 1 week here. We were treated very nicely, had a great room, and would definetly come back.

Have been to the Vistana Villages about 10 times and love it! Our children are 17 & 20 and enjoy the adult pool and hot tub until 1:00am. Many resorts like HGVC close the pool at 11:00 which does not allow you to enjoy the facilities after a long day . Its close to everything and the pool access is easier for walking to no matter what building you are in.The 2 bedrooms are beautiful as they are all the same but the one bedrooms have about 6 different version of room layouts. So if you are expecting a one bedroom room to look like the 2 bedroom room you may be disappointed as they are no comparison. The do have a premium one bedroom but you very rarely will get this. Go for the 2 bedroom its spacious and gorgeous.The pictures to the right of this review ARE NOT what the 1 bedrooms look like so don't expect that unless you get the Premium one bedroom then what you see is what you get and its beautiful.This resort much great beauty then the Sheraton Vistana Resort as far as rooms and Balcony views. Do your homework on where you want to stay, what you expect and location and you won't be disappointed but if you don't you have no one to blame but yourself..Have a great vacation.

Our family of five just returned from the condo. We had an excellent time. The room was perfect, clean and had everything we needed. The first day we lost a piece of our luggage and they returned it personally to our room. The condo is conveniently located to all of the attractions, Sea World, Disney and Universal. Easy to find and get around town.

Great Place. Was there for a week Jan 2006. Was put in the new buildings - The Keys. Wonderful. The pool area is great. The fitness center is second to none. All Life Fitness machines with tv's right in them, with cable. The steam room at the other fitness center is wonderful. Liked the resort so much, we bought a week. Can't wait to go back.

This is a beautiful resort. Our 2-bedroom 2- bath unit was immaculate. Check-in was fast and easy.

Close to grocery store, Universal Studios and Disney.

We would definitely stay here again.

Spent a week in late May of 2005. When I think Vistana Villages, I think pool! When I think safety for my 7 and 8-year-old, I think Vistana. When I think of my parents enjoying the wonderful walks about the lake, I think there are very few places that GOD created on earth that could compare to a place like this.

Top pleasure and an unforgettable experience. Staff makes you feel like you are on top of the world!!!

THIS IS A NICE PLACE TO STAY IF THE CHILDREN'S PARENTS TRY TO CONTROL THEM. THE PARENTS DRIVE IN TO THE BUILDINGS OPEN THE DOORS TO THE CARS AND LET THE KIDS RUN WILD FOR THE STAY. I TRADED MY NEXT YEARS WEEKS TO GO SOMEWHERE QUITE WITH LESS ANIMALS AROUND.

Hey Bill 9044 - I reckon you've posted on the wrong resort ! How can you not find your unit in 10 buildings around 1 lake? Sawing must have been annoying though.

We have stayed 3 times, and bought twice. This is a great resort, with a great location. We come all the way from the UK, so we wouldn't spend our money carelessly

The resort staff are excellent and very helpful - especially the concierge desk.

We arrived later in the evening and after check in found this resort to be too large to find you unit by yourself, after twenty minutes we went back to the front desk for additional assistance. In the morning we awoke to the sounds of roof repair and sawing directly below our balcony. Units are really starting to show their age. They have a lot of activities available however, I would not stay here again even if it was free, The location is excellent however there are many finer resorts in the same general area.

Wonderful place for a two-week home away from home. One BR deluxe w/large bath, extra sink/dressing area, screened porch, FK, wet bar, dining area. (apx. 882 sq. ft.) Staff friendly and very helpful.

Problems: Cleaning could be better, esp. floors. Initially put in a very small unit but upon request moved to a large unit. (Thanks to Jennifer).

Great vacation, as usual enjoyed Disney World as well as relaxing in our unit.

Great place to stay if you want to visit Disney. Very close to lots of other attractions as well. We loved the rooms and pools. Food was good. The timeshare sales person was not the most honest.

We went last October. It was a nice resort, very clean and brand new. The kids LOVED the pool and loved us dragging them under the waterfalls with the inflatables that we rented. However, there was no restaurant to eat in. We purchased breakfast from the snack bar, and the regular bar was open for about ten minutes one afternoon. It's going to be very nice once everything is built, but we were expecting a lot more, especially from Vistana.

We have stayed here two times. It is clean and very luxurious. The location could not be better, inbetween Disney, Universal and Sea World. Great Pool.

Our first time in Florida. the two bd unit in the back of the complex was wonderful! Great pool, close to nice shopping center, fun bar and snack bar. Will go back soon.

I thought this resort was extremely nice. We stayed in February and had a great time.

There were a couple of days that housekeeping didn't show up (they obviously were short staffed that week).

This is a first-class resort. We were treated very well by the staff and our 2 bedroom unit was in absolute perfect condition. The unit was very large and could easily accomidate 2 families. I found that the quiet pool was very nice for the adults while the kids enjoyed the large pool with the waterfall. Ate at the snack bar and the food was good and the bartender Scott treated us well. Look forward to returning.

This resort is very nice - beautiful pool and rooms. The two bedroom unit was very nicely appointed and layed out. The children could not be heard in their room! We enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it.

Downside is that it is on International Drive and you could hear the traffic from your balcony (especially for those units on the upper floors). Also, we stayed in the resort in Feb 2003. I believe the resort opened in 2000. If more attention is not given to maintenance now (little stuff), I can see this property looking worn in a couple of years. No problem now though. Also, don't rely on the shuttle service to the theme parks. It is very limited in both capacity and pick-up / drop-off times.

Just returned, the first time staying there, and can't wait to go back. Absolutely beautiful pool, and facilities. It was cool when we were there, but the pool was 100 degrees and we swam anyway! This is a quieter resort than the vistana, staff could not do enough for us!