Description: We arrived at the Sheraton Vistana around 6PM after a Loooong day on the road (blown tire set us back 3 hours) and were slightly dismayed at having to climb to the third floor of the condo building, but once inside we were delighted with the coziness of the condo itself. We entered into the dining area and faced the living area (fully equipped with flat screen, dvd player and stereo. A comfy chair and sofa begged us to relax, but first we had to unload the groceries. The kitchen is on the small side but nicely equipped with coffee maker, toaster and can opener along with the range, fridge and dishwasher. A small washer/dryer combo was in the hall closet to complete the appliance ensemble. My favorite spot turned out to be the screened balcony. It even had a separate stairway to the walking path - with a lockable door to preseve security - and made for an easy exit every morning so that I did not wake the rest of the family when I took my walk.
Housekeeping came every day and made the beds, washed the bathrooms, vacuumed the carpeting and replaced the assorted items that were used by us. Shampoo, soap, lotion, dishwasher powder, kitchen towels, paper towels and dish liquid were regularly replaced as were the bathroom towels and paper products. Housekeeping came around 10AM every day and we were able to get ourselves and the family out before then.
Scenic ponds and fountains dot the landscape. Ducks walk around and splash in the ponds during the early morning hours. They sometimes followed me on my morning walk around the complex. Probably hoping that I would feed them bread crumbs or something. I don't know where they go in the afternoon, but then I was not usually around the condo in the afternoon anyways. Too much to do and see.
The resort also has several pools including kiddie pools and hot tubs (one for each of the sections - we were in the Fountains), a small sit down restaurant that also doubles as a night spot, a small grocery store, "soda fountain" where you could get milkshakes, floats and ice cream, several fast food outlets that would deliver to the condo if requested and fitness centers to work off the calories consumed at the restaurant. Very convenient!
Also convenient were the Disney parks, Universal parks and Sea World. It is only a short drive to any of them and the way to each is clearly marked with highway signs. Outlet malls are close by and are nice to walk through if it is not too hot (they are open air malls - more like shopping centers or strip malls). They were a nice diversion from the theme parks and each has several restaurants close by or food courts in the central area for icy drinks.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Sheraton Vistana in Buena Vista. There is another Vistana resort on International Drive, so don't confuse the two. This one is the definite choice for us the next time we visit Orlando.
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