WBC or Sheraton Vistana for February?

PrincessStinkerbell

Earning My Ears
Joined
Jan 25, 2015
Hi Dis folks! I'm very excited to be taking my family of five (DH, and three kids aged 6, 9, and 11) to WDW in the first ten days of February. We've been before in 2013 and enjoyed a gorgeous stay at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, but that trip was without the kids - this time, with them coming along, we love the extra space of a condo. I have price quotes for WBC (Vacation Strategy) and SVR (Mousesavers) two-bedroom villas in hand, and am trying to make a choice between them. WBC is $375 more over the ten nights - which is a bigger difference once I convert it to the Canadian dollars I'll be paying with.

I'm interested in the opinions of those of you familiar with these two places - which might you suggest we should make our first choice? Is WBC worth the extra money and the lack of a good cancellation policy? We are planning a couple of pool days at the resort for playing and relaxing, so I want to get it right . DH likes to stay in nice places, so I'm hoping to find something he will think is terrific as well. Thanks in advance!
 
The easy answer is "it depends". There are a lot more WBC lovers here than any other resort, but I am firmly in the Vistana camp. Speaking in general terms, Vistana (Sheraton) resorts are step above Wyndham resorts, but not a big step, and WBC is one of their nicest properties. I have not stayed at WBC, but have stayed at several other Wyndham properties in the North East. We own at Vistana and Silver Lake in Orlando, so we don't venture past those two.

The biggest difference between the 2 resorts is scale. WBC consists of a handful of highrise buildings on a smaller property. Vistana is a sprawling 135 acre resort with hundreds of smaller scale villa buildings; as few as 4 units in the oldest sections, up to maybe 40 per building in the newest sections. Sounds big, but the amenities (7 swimming pools, restaurants, bars) are well spread out. It is a very walkable resort, and we like the resort vibe there (I'm not a highrise kind of guy).

For the DISboard insider take on the Vistana resort, check out the following thread. Lots of photos and answers to questions.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/the-sheraton-vistana-resort-thread.3148502/

There is a very large thread in this forum for/by all of the WBC lovers as well:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/the-we-loooooove-bonnet-creek-thread-part-4.3366139/
 
Hi Dis folks! I'm very excited to be taking my family of five (DH, and three kids aged 6, 9, and 11) to WDW in the first ten days of February. We've been before in 2013 and enjoyed a gorgeous stay at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, but that trip was without the kids - this time, with them coming along, we love the extra space of a condo. I have price quotes for WBC (Vacation Strategy) and SVR (Mousesavers) two-bedroom villas in hand, and am trying to make a choice between them. WBC is $375 more over the ten nights - which is a bigger difference once I convert it to the Canadian dollars I'll be paying with.

I'm interested in the opinions of those of you familiar with these two places - which might you suggest we should make our first choice? Is WBC worth the extra money and the lack of a good cancellation policy? We are planning a couple of pool days at the resort for playing and relaxing, so I want to get it right . DH likes to stay in nice places, so I'm hoping to find something he will think is terrific as well. Thanks in advance!

I have stayed in both many times and you can have a great vacation at either place. Location is the No. 1 factor for WBC. You know where it is, right next door to the Waldorf surrounded by Disney. You have to drive a bit more get to Vistana, and you won't get a fireworks view.

From a room standpoint, both are fine. I don't think anyone could complain at either place. If you get a presidential level room at WBC, it will be a bit fancier. I kind of like the layout a bit better at Vistana, but this is all taste and matters little in the grand scheme of things.

At Vistana, you have the advantage of parking right outside your unit. It's also closer to cheap restaurants, shopping and a Walmart. Vistana is big and spread out and bit more like a giant apartment complex, which can be a longer walk if you are far from the main pool or minigolf.

The pools and things are a bit more modern at WBC as it's a newer resort. WBC is a much more compact resort with towers. A different feel than Vistana.

Overall my family prefers WBC for Disney trips for the location and the more modern "feel." It's nice to sit on the balcony with a view of Epcot or watch the fireworks go off at Hollywood Studios. It's a quicker drive to Disney Springs or another Disney resort to eat. Of course, you aren't guaranteed you'll get a room with an great view at WBC, but there are none with that view at Vistana.

Now, an extra $400 is a big incentive to stay at Vistana. If you plan to spend most of your time at the parks and your budget is tight, I would take the money. If you still can't decide, look at the photos of the resorts and see what feels better for you.
 
We have stayed at both several times. Make sure you know Sherton Vistana and Sheraton Vistana Resort are 2 different places. SVR is near Sea Worrd but not a bad drive. I like different things about each one. The location of WBC is amazing, pools are neat and the lazy river is a favorite, love the view from the room, and I like that its compact. SVR has screened in balconies which I loved with small children and the pirate pool was great with little ones and I thought their main pool was better.
 
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We just recently stayed at Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort on International Drive - it was a very nice resort with just a few drawbacks. I posted a review on TripAdvisor, if you would be interested in reading it: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Re...ages_International_Drive-Orlando_Florida.html

As pp mentioned, be aware that this resort is different that the Sheraton Vistana Resort off the 535 (closer to Disney).
 
This is all very helpful, thank you. I might end up flipping a coin! It's reassuring to know that we will likely be happy with either place. :tink:
 
GREAT info above, that touched most of what I would say.
I have stayed at both, 3 times at each.
OVERALL I prefer WBC but I wouldn't hesitate to stay at either.
It really depends on your daily plans and other desires.

My view ....

SVR
I've only stayed in newly refurbished units, always Fountains.
We have driven around to check out other things.
Our unit's furniture/decor has been top notch, much nicer than WBC.
Bedrooms very large.
Our units have had screened porches.
We park right by our front door.
The pool area/food area in Fountains is very nice.
The resort is OFF site in busy area so you do lose that bubble effect.
But if you are doing more than Disney and want to eat out, a good spot.
The resort is very large and spread out, feels like apartment complex.
It was too large and broken up to walk anywhere but your area.
Heavily treed, landscaped and many small ponds.
The low rise units plus the trees make the units darker.
If an upstairs unit you walk steps, or at least in Fountains.
Plenty of activities but we are usually at the parks.
It's more homey and low key.

https://www.vistana.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/SVR-map-1-1300x1005.png


WBC
I've stayed in same building every time just different floors.
The entire complex is tight around a nice sized lake.
Have had one and two bedroom units, tasteful and well done.
Bedrooms are not big but fine, it allows the living space to have a nicer dining area.
The balconies are very large and enjoyable, many with great views even fireworks.
It's not a difficult walk to any of the many pools, hot tubs, slides, eats etc.
While the property is technically offsite, it's entrance is onsite so it feels on.
EASY drive to anywhere on property, if using car service, much less expensive.
Well landscaped in resort manner but not heavy.
Because they are high rises the units are very sunny and open.
Lots of activities, we have participated there .. met a gator from Gatorland.
We also used the grills outside, love the bars around the lake.
It's more upscale and deluxe in feel.

http://www.wyndhamgrandorlando.com/interactive-resort-map/#/?view=marker&id=10
 
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We have stayed at both several times. Make sure you know Sherton Vistana and Sheraton Vistana Resort are 2 different places. SVR is near Seaward but not a bad drive. I like different things about each one. The location of WBC is amazing, pools are neat and the lazy river is a favorite, love the view from the room, and I like that its compact. SVR has screened in balconies which I loved with small children and the pirate pool was great with little ones and I thought their main pool was better.
For clarity, there are very many Vistana Resorts, all over the US and Mexico. The one near Seaward, FL is the Vistana Beach Club and would be a major drive. I doubt that is the one you are looking at. The Sheraton Vistana Resort (535/S. Apopka Vineland) and The Sheraton Vistana Villages (I-Drive) are about 4 miles apart. Same Vistana quality; but the Villages is smaller, a bit newer, and a bit higher density. It is about 3 miles further from the parks than SVR. SVR is about 4 miles from WBC, pretty negligible extra drive time to the parks.
 
SVR is about 4 miles from WBC, pretty negligible extra drive time to the parks.

I agree that WBC's closeness is true, but overplayed. From mapping routes, the driving times to WBC and SVR are about the same, some SVR drives may be 2-3 minutes longer. That said, there's something about crossing I4 that makes SVR feel like it's in another world. It's same idea as psychology of a toll bridge. If you tell someone they can save time and net money if they pay a bridge toll to shop across a river, people will still be averse to it. There's just something about crossing a river, bridge, paying a toll, etc.
 
For clarity, there are very many Vistana Resorts, all over the US and Mexico. The one near Seaward, FL is the Vistana Beach Club and would be a major drive. I doubt that is the one you are looking at. The Sheraton Vistana Resort (535/S. Apopka Vineland) and The Sheraton Vistana Villages (I-Drive) are about 4 miles apart. Same Vistana quality; but the Villages is smaller, a bit newer, and a bit higher density. It is about 3 miles further from the parks than SVR. SVR is about 4 miles from WBC, pretty negligible extra drive time to the parks.
Sorry I meant Sea World
 
I agree that WBC's closeness is true, but overplayed. From mapping routes, the driving times to WBC and SVR are about the same, some SVR drives may be 2-3 minutes longer. That said, there's something about crossing I4 that makes SVR feel like it's in another world. It's same idea as psychology of a toll bridge. If you tell someone they can save time and net money if they pay a bridge toll to shop across a river, people will still be averse to it. There's just something about crossing a river, bridge, paying a toll, etc.
This really strikes a chord with me.

I'm an inveterate cross-border shopper, often shopping Amazon.com and shipping to MyUSAddress for the savings, even when I can get things on Amazon.ca. And those purchases involve a 2 hour drive, toll bridge over a very large river, and international border crossing! Agree it is not for everyone, but when the savings are significant, some of us will do it.

2-3 minutes extra drive (maybe 20 minutes for the week) for $400 savings? I'd be all over that!:upsidedow
 
You'll need to do another trip so you can try both. Don't sweat it too much as either is a great choice. The TUG2.net timeshare users group give WBC an 8.67 out of 10 and SVR a 8.53 out of 10. Both have excellent ratings and the difference in ratings is pretty marginal. We are a tennis playing family so the Vistana with 10+ tennis courts trumps WBC with no tennis courts. We usually go with an extended family group, so being able to grab two or three courts and switch around for doubles is really run.
 
You'll need to do another trip so you can try both. Don't sweat it too much as either is a great choice. The TUG2.net timeshare users group give WBC an 8.67 out of 10 and SVR a 8.53 out of 10. Both have excellent ratings and the difference in ratings is pretty marginal. We are a tennis playing family so the Vistana with 10+ tennis courts trumps WBC with no tennis courts. We usually go with an extended family group, so being able to grab two or three courts and switch around for doubles is really run.

Now you're talkin'! I definitely need to try both!

We've decided to try SVR for this trip, due to cost savings mainly - and I got an even more amazing rate at Costco that made the $400 into $600. Woohoo! Thanks again to all of you for your insights. This is a wonderful community. :love:
 
I've stayed at WBC, Sheraton Vistana Resort (SVR) and Sheraton Vistana Villages (SVV). I would rank them:

1. WBC
2. SVV
3. SVR

Your kids are the perfect ages to enjoy the pool and small lazy river at WBC (if you're planning any pool time.) The units at all of the resorts were very nice. I preferred WBC because it's newer, has plenty of pools, is so close to WDW parks and has the resort feel I like. SVV was a close second. SVR was so large and some parts were very old. In some areas, it felt more like an apartment complex than a resort. Obviously, if you're placed in one of the newer sections, that doesn't matter, but I still preferred the other two. SVR does have the best on-site store and is also very convenient to WDW.
 
A bit of an old thread but can anyone clarify whether this is about Wyndham Lake Buena Vista or Wyndham Bonnet Creek.

Everyone is saying WBC, which I'm assuming is Bonnet Creek. But I thought Lake Buena Vista was the one near Disney Springs.
 
A bit of an old thread but can anyone clarify whether this is about Wyndham Lake Buena Vista or Wyndham Bonnet Creek.

Everyone is saying WBC, which I'm assuming is Bonnet Creek. But I thought Lake Buena Vista was the one near Disney Springs.

This is about Wyndham Bonnet Creek, the timeshare resort, which is a short drive to Disney Springs. Its next door to the Caribbean Beach Resort. The hotel you are referring to is a short walk to Disney Springs on Hotel Drive.
 
We own through Wyndham so I guess naturally my vote would be for WBC. I’ve stayed at Sheraton Vistana. It felt like a converted apt complex so I didn’t care for it much. Not to mention there was always a kinda creepy guy smoking at his truck every time I went to my car. Maybe that detracted a bit from my experience. We like how everything is easily walkable at WBC and we can send the kids off to “play” while we cook dinner!
 

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