Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas – Orlando, Florida (Hotel & Room Tour)

The Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista / Orlando is a massive 135-acre time share (vacation club) resort that is located just outside of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.  This resort features hundreds of one- and two-bedroom condominium style units with full kitchen, living area and private patios.

Originally constructed in 1980 and renovated in stages over the past decade (the Fountains and Lakes buildings are being renovated at this time), the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas has one of the best locations in the area as it is within two miles of Disney Springs and less than one mile from the Orlando Premium Outlets.

The resort’s amenities are extensive and for the most part, you never have to leave the property.  With seven outdoor pools, mini-golf, a full-service tennis center, state-of-the-art fitness center, massage services, organized activities, six food & beverage options and more, the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas could be the perfect spot for your next Orlando vacation.

Since the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas is a vacation club property that is part of the Marriott hotel company, there are opportunities to be an owner.  However, the resort also rents rooms by the night like a traditional hotel.

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas – Frequently Asked Questions

What are the nightly hotel rates at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas?

The Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas is fairly well priced with rates ranging from less than $200 per night to more than $400 per night depending on the time of year and type of room.  See our price chart below for specific rates.

How close is the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas to the Disney theme parks?

Every single theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort is within 10 to 15 minutes door-to-door (provided you are driving yourself) from the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas. Universal Orlando is approximately 20 minutes away and SeaWorld Orlando is around 10 to 15 minutes.

Does the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas provide transportation to the Disney theme parks?

The Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas does provide shuttle bus transportation to The Walt Disney World Resort theme parks for a fee of $10 per person (round trip) and to Universal Orlando & SeaWorld for $13 per person (round trip).  Reservations are required and can be made with the resort’s guest services team.

Do the units at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas feature full kitchens?

Each unit at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas is set up like a condominium unit with a full kitchen, living / dining area and an enclosed bedroom.

Does the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas have a nice pool area?

There are seven pool areas at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas which include the Cascades Pool, Spa and Cascades Super Pool, Fountains Pool, Falls Pool, Courts Pool, Lakes Pool and the Springs Pool.  Each pool has its own unique features.

Is the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas a time share / vacation club resort?

While guests can stay nightly just like a traditional hotel, the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas is a time share / vacation club property where guests can purchase an actual ownership interest in the resort.

Is there a Resort Fee or Parking Charges at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas?

There are no resort fees or parking charges for guests staying at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas.

What is the check-in and check-out time for the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas?

The check in-time at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas is 4:00 pm and check out time is at 10:00 am.

The Location of the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas

The Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas has one of the best locations in the Orlando / Lake Buena Vista area.  Access to the resort is via Apopka Vineland Road (SR 535)  and guests can get to the property from Interstate 4 by exiting to Apopka Vineland Road, then heading south to the resort itself.   The resort is adjacent to Interstate 4 on the western side of Apopka Vineland Road.

There are multiple ways to get to the Orlando International Airport from this location.  During non-peak times we would recommend taking the Beach Line Expressway (SR 528) west to Interstate 4.  Head west on Interstate 4 to Apopka Vineland Road (exit 68) and the resort is just south of the exit.  This route will take approximately 20 minutes without traffic delays.

During peak times Interstate 4 could become a parking lot or an alternative is to take the south exit of the Orlando International Airport (527A) to SR 417.  Travelers should head west on SR 417 to SR 536 (exit 6).  Just one block from the exit is SR 535 (Apopka Vineland Road) – go north on Apopka Vineland Road and the property will be on the left (west side) in approximately one-half mile.

Since the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas is located just outside of the Walt Disney World Resort, the four Disney theme parks as well as the two Disney water parks and Disney Springs are a very short distance.  Barring any significant delays, guests can reach the parking area of all the Disney parks in less than 15 minutes. 

Travel time per Google Maps (non-peak hours) to the other Orlando area theme parks and significant destinations include:

• The Universal Orlando Resort: approximately 20 minutes
• SeaWorld Orlando: approximately 10 to 15 minutes
• ICON Park: approximately 15 minutes
• Downtown Orlando: approximately 25 to 30 minutes
• Vineland Premium Outlets: approximately 5 to 10 minutes
• The Mall at Millenia: approximately 20 minutes
• The Florida Mall: approximately 25 minutes

Amenities at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas

Amenities at the this resort are extensive.  With 135 acres to work with, the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas has much more to offer than the traditional hotel.  However, since the resort was originally constructed in 1980’s, it lacks some of the more modern features like large waterside towers, multi-story water play areas and lazy rivers. But overall, most guests will not be disappointed in the amenities offered at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas.

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas Pools

There are a total of seven outdoor pools and eight whirlpools at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, each having there own character, style and design. 

• Cascades Pool
• Cascades Super Pool
• Fountains Pool
• Falls Pool
• Courts Pool
• Lakes Pool
• Springs Pool

The most popular pool area is the Cascades Super Pool which is a 14,000 square foot pool featuring an in-pool waterfall and children’s splash pad area.  Additional pool features throughout the resort include an additional children’s splash pad as well as a small waterside, in-water volleyball court and a pool designed for swimming laps.

All seven pools are fully heated and are open from 8:00 AM to ether 10:00 PM or 1:00 AM.

Additional amenities and things to do at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando

• Three fully equipped fitness centers with a variety of cardiovascular machines and strength training equipment.
  • Cascades: Open 24 hours
  • Fountains: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Spas: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Shuttle bus service to the Disney theme parks (for a fee)
• On-site massage services in a poolside cabaña
• In & Out Escape Game (escape room)
• Basketball, shuffleboard and volleyball courts
• Saunas and steam rooms
• Activity center with organized activities
• Animal Trax mini-golf
• Tennis center (4 hard courts and 9 clay courts)
• An on-site marketplace
• Game room / arcade
• Children’s playgrounds
• Jogging paths
• On-site bicycle rental
• On-site Disney ticket center
• On-site rental car desk
• Link (computer center / cyber cafe)
• Outdoor barbeque grills
• Complimentary WIFI

The Activity Center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and offers a number of games, sports equipment rental, arts & crafts and scheduled activities.  Some of the organized activities include glass etching, canvas by you, tie dye, aqua fitness, bingo and ceramics.

Costs for some of the activities are as follows:

• Canvas & Wood Crafts: $5.00 each
• Ceramics: $6.00 each
• Canvas By You Kit: $25.00 each
• Tie Pillows: $5.00 each
• Mini Golf: $8 per round or $35 for a week long pass (for hotel guests)
• Tennis racquet: $4.00 each
• Pickleball racquet: $5.00 each
• Furry Friends: $12.00 (small) and $20.00 (large) each

Shuffleboard rentals, fitness classes  and the craft bag for the scavenger hunt are complimentary.

Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel

The Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas is a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor hotel which features an on-site guest services desk for Disney vacation planning as well as transportation to the Walt Disney World theme parks (a fee applies).

Theme Park Transportation

The resort provides shuttle bus transportation to The Walt Disney World Resort theme parks for round trip fee of $10 per person.  Universal Orlando & SeaWorld costs $13 per person (round trip). Reservations for the transportation service are required and can be placed through the guest services team.

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas Food and Beverage Options

There are a several different food and beverage options available at the the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas which include grab-and-go, quick service and resort casual dining. 

Zimmie’s Bar & Grill

The newly renovated Zimmie’s Bar & Grill is located at the Spa Recreation Center.  Zimmie’s is open daily and serves an American style breakfast buffet as well as traditional lunch and dinner.  The bar at Zimmie’s is open from 11:00 am to midnight and features two happy hours: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM to close.

Click here to view the menu at Zimmie’s Bar & Grill.

Castaways Bar & Grill

Castaways Bar & Grill is located next to the Cascades Pool.  This Key West themed poolside restaurant features salads, burgers and sandwiches as well as beer, wine and specialty cocktails.

Castaways’s is open daily from from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM with the Castaway’s Bar open until 9:00 PM.

Tacky Tiki Grill

The Tacky Tiki Grill is an indoor / outdoor themed bar and restaurant located in the Fountains Recreation Center.  Tacky Tiki features burgers, salads, handmade pizza and gourmet hot dogs as well as specialty cocktails, beer and wine.

This restaurant is open daily at 11:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM Monday to Thursday and 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.  Delivery is available from 5:00 PM to closing.

Click here to see the menu at the Tacky Tiki Grill.

The Outpost

The Outpost features light snacks, ice cold beverages and hand-scooped ice cream.  This restaurant is located near the tennis center by the Falls Pool & the Courts Pool and is open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Mai Tiki Hut

Located poolside at the Fountains Recreation Center, the Mai Tiki Hut is a Polynesian-themed bar that served frozen and specialty cocktails as well as beer and wine.  This watering hole is open daily at 11:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM on Monday to Thursday (11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday).

The Market Place

The Market Place is the Sheraton Vistana’s grab-and-go food & beverage option featuring regular groceries, ready-to-eat selections and a full service delicatessen.  Guests can also get their hot cup of Starbucks coffee and a morning snack here.

The Market Place is open daily from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

The Rooms at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas

All rooms feature a full kitchen or kitchenette with flatware and cookware, a washer & dryer and a fully furnished living room.  Bedding includes Sheraton’s Signature Sleep Experience beds.  

The room types at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas are as follows:

• One-Bedroom Villa – Lakes Phase: This 480 square foot villas sleeps up to four adults and includes a king-size bed and whirlpool tub, two televisions and a patio.
• One-Bedroom Premium Villa – Lakes Phase: This 920 square foot villas sleeps up to four adults and includes a king-size bed and whirlpool tub, two televisions and a patio.
• One-Bedroom Villa – Cascades Phase: This 471 square foot villas sleeps up to four adults and includes a king-size bed and whirlpool tub, two televisions and a patio.
• One-Bedroom Premium Villa – Cascades Phase: This 855 square foot villas sleeps up to four adults and includes a king-size bed and whirlpool tub, two televisions and a patio.
• Two-Bedroom Townhouse Villa – Courts Phase: This 1,150 to 1,500 square foot villas sleeps up to eight adults and includes a king-size bed in the master bedroom and two twin beds in the guest bedroom.  
• Two-Bedroom Villa – Falls Phase: This 1,246 square foot villas sleeps up to six adults and includes a king-size bed in the master bedroom and two twin beds in the guest bedroom.   
• Two-Bedroom Villa – Fountains I Phase: This 1,260 square foot villas sleeps up to eight adults and includes a king-size bed in the master bedroom and two twin beds in the guest bedroom.   
• Two-Bedroom Villa – Fountains I Phase: This 1,211 square foot villas sleeps up to eight adults and includes a king-size bed in the master bedroom and two twin beds in the guest bedroom.   
• Two-Bedroom Villa – Lakes Phase: This 1,174 square foot villas sleeps up to eight adults and includes a king-size bed in the master bedroom and two twin beds in the guest bedroom.   
• Two-Bedroom Lockoff Villa – Lakes Phase: This 1,400 square foot villas sleeps up to eight adults and includes one-bedroom premium villa an a one-bedroom villa.  

All the villas include an alarm clock(s), coffee maker / tea service, in-room safe, flat panel televisions featuring premium channels and pay-per-view movies and Wi-Fi high-speed internet service.

Internet speeds were excellent and a speedtest found the download speed to be 82.36 Mbps with the upload speed being 67.21 Mbps.  These speeds are more than sufficient for web browsing, video streaming and teleconferencing.

Hotels Rates at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas

Rates are this resort vary for different dates throughout the year. Nightly rates range from less than $200 per night to more than $400 per night depending type of room. 

In addition to the nightly room charges, there is a 6% resort tax on top of a 6.5% sales tax on rates for this hotel.   As of our most recent stay, there were no resort fees or parking charges at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas.

What we liked about the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas

There are a number of things to like at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas. Following are some of the highlights:

• Great Location: The Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas is in the heart of the Lake Buena Vista area with easy access to the Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and the Universal Orlando Resort.
• Spacious Villas:  The villas were quite spacious and well appointment for a comfortable stay.
• Extensive Amenities:  The resort features seven pools an on-site tennis center, three fitness centers, organized activities, a mini-golf course and an escape room.  
• Excellent Value for the Price:  Based on the nightly rates for a condo type room, the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas is one of the best values in the Orlando / Lake Buena Vista area.

What we did not like about the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas

There were a few things we did not like during our stay at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas.

• Property Age:  Although the property has been renovated, the style & design of the buildings is that of a 1980’s constructed property.  
• Theme Park Transportation: Most hotels in the Orlando area have complimentary transportation while the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas has a paid service.
• Traffic on SR-535:  During peak times, the traffic on SR-535 (Apopka Vineland Road) is awful.  It could take quite a while to make the short trip from the resort to the Interstate 4 interchange when traffic is heavy.  Guests must also make a U-turn to to north out of the hotel as there is no direct left hand turn from the resort exit.
• Sales Pitch at Check-in: Since this resort is a vacation club and their goal is to convert hotel guests to owners, there was a bit of a sales pitch at check-in.

What we think the Vistana Resort Villas is perfect for?

This hotel has so much to offer in just about every area and we consider it a good fit for the travelers who are coming to the Orlando area for:

• Theme park vacations: With its close proximity to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal, Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas is perfect spot to stay for your next theme park visit.
• Long term stays:  With private bedroom’s and full kitchens that are not typical of the standard hotel room, guests to be completely comfortable during a long term stay.
• Large Families / Traveling Parties:  The villas are very spacious and can sleep up to 8 so they are perfect for the large family or traveling party.

Our Thoughts

Although a little older than most properties in the Lake Buena Vista area, the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas is really an excellent value and offers a number of features that are not typical of the average “hotel”. 

We would recommend staying at this property during your next visit to the greater Orlando area.