Vistana v Orange Lake for Exchange

[Dani]

Hi,

Given the choice, which resort would you prefer to stay at with 5 year old kids? Why? I have a 2 bedroom 8/6 unit on hold at Vistana? Do both bedroom have queen or larger beds? Is there a pull-out couch in the living room? Thanks.

 

[montygz]

Hi,

Given the choice, which resort would you prefer to stay at with 5 year old kids? Why? I have a 2 bedroom 8/6 unit on hold at Vistana? Do both bedroom have queen or larger beds? Is there a pull-out couch in the living room? Thanks.

At Vistana, we had two full-size beds in the bedroom and a pullout couch in the living room.

As for picking the resort, the room we had at Vistana was more updated, while Orange Lake was a bit dated. This was a couple of years ago when we visited Orange Lake, so by now they may have renovated. I don't know.

Both resorts are large and sprawling, but Orange Lake is much, much bigger and has a ton of pools to visit.

I found driving a bit easier from Vistana as there is more traffic around Orange Lake and you are closer to Animal Kingdom, which is the most distant Disney park.

It you plan to spend a lot of time at the resort, I might pick Orange Lake for its bonanza of various pools. If you are spending more time at the parks, I would likely pick Vistana.

Our favorite resort is Wyndham Bonnet Creek, which has the best location of any non-Disney timeshare and great views.

Either way, you will be fine. These resorts cater to families just like yours.

 

[Dani]

Thanks so much. We decided to go with Orange Lake. It was hard to choose. So many similarities. At one point HGV
Seaworld was in the mix but we went with OL.

At Vistana, we had two full-size beds in the bedroom and a pullout couch in the living room.

As for picking the resort, the room we had at Vistana was more updated, while Orange Lake was a bit dated. This was a couple of years ago when we visited Orange Lake, so by now they may have renovated. I don't know.

Both resorts are large and sprawling, but Orange Lake is much, much bigger and has a ton of pools to visit.

I found driving a bit easier from Vistana as there is more traffic around Orange Lake and you are closer to Animal Kingdom, which is the most distant Disney park.

It you plan to spend a lot of time at the resort, I might pick Orange Lake for its bonanza of various pools. If you are spending more time at the parks, I would likely pick Vistana.

Our favorite resort is Wyndham Bonnet Creek, which has the best location of any non-Disney timeshare and great views.

Either way, you will be fine. These resorts cater to families just like yours.

 

[sfwilshire]

If you are going at a busy time of year, the drive from Orange Lake will take significantly longer to the Disney parks. The traffic light to turn left on 192 seems to take forever. I would have suggested Vistana, but you will be fine at Orange Lake. Just be prepared to drive around the resort. Also the section you are in will make a difference. My kids called the houses "ticky tacky houses".

Sheila

 

[silentg]

We are owners at Orange Lake, so think you made the right choice.

 

[Dani]

Hi,

What section is that? We are in the West section. Thanks.

Danielle

If you are going at a busy time of year, the drive from Orange Lake will take significantly longer to the Disney parks. The traffic light to turn left on 192 seems to take forever. I would have suggested Vistana, but you will be fine at Orange Lake. Just be prepared to drive around the resort. Also the section you are in will make a difference. My kids called the houses "ticky tacky houses".

Sheila

 

[Dani]

Thanks for your thoughts. Now I'm thinking about switching! I'd rather be closer to teh parks. Don't want to lose that exchaneg feethough. ugh.

At Vistana, we had two full-size beds in the bedroom and a pullout couch in the living room.

As for picking the resort, the room we had at Vistana was more updated, while Orange Lake was a bit dated. This was a couple of years ago when we visited Orange Lake, so by now they may have renovated. I don't know.

Both resorts are large and sprawling, but Orange Lake is much, much bigger and has a ton of pools to visit.

I found driving a bit easier from Vistana as there is more traffic around Orange Lake and you are closer to Animal Kingdom, which is the most distant Disney park.

It you plan to spend a lot of time at the resort, I might pick Orange Lake for its bonanza of various pools. If you are spending more time at the parks, I would likely pick Vistana.

Our favorite resort is Wyndham Bonnet Creek, which has the best location of any non-Disney timeshare and great views.

Either way, you will be fine. These resorts cater to families just like yours.

 

[montygz]

With so many great resorts around Disney, its easy to start second-guessing your decision, but there is nothing wrong with your choice. Have a great trip!

 

[PigsDad]

Thanks for your thoughts. Now I'm thinking about switching! I'd rather be closer to teh parks. Don't want to lose that exchaneg feethough. ugh.

Is HGVC Seaworld still a possibility? If so, that one wins over either Vistana or OL in my opinion. Very easy to get to Disney, Universal and (of course) Seaworld from that location, and the rooms and pools are great.

Kurt

 

[mentalbreak]

If you are going at a busy time of year, the drive from Orange Lake will take significantly longer to the Disney parks. The traffic light to turn left on 192 seems to take forever.

I would not turn left on 192 to go to the Disney parks. Take the toll road (429?) 1 exit north to Western Way. Within a few short miles you are on Disney property. Worth every cent to avoid 192 east.

 

[simpsontruckdriver]

With OL, West Village are basically houses, most built in the 1980s (but interiors have been renovated). River Island and East/North Villages are multi-story buildings. Don’t worry about driving around the resort, they have a shuttle that goes everywhere. You would only need a car if you’re leaving the resort.

TS

 

[jl2010]

At Orange Lake, just be prepared to pay $10 a day/$70 a week per tube to use their lazy river. You are not allowed in the lazy river without one and I believe you are not allowed to bring your own. Those were the costs as of 2016 I and depending on where you stay onsite, it can be a long walk to the pool area. That resort is really spread out.

If you do switch, Wyndham Bonnet Creek will give you 2 lazy rivers as well and 5 pools, 9 hot tubs, multiple restaurants on site, a couple waterslides -one themed as a shipwrecked pirate ship, mini golf etc, and it's within the Disney gates. Great resort, and they don't money grab. Tubes at their lazy rivers are free.

I have also stayed at Vistana Villages. That's a great place too. No lazy rivers, but very nice.

 

[Bmatrose]

At Orange Lake, just be prepared to pay $10 a day/$70 a week per tube to use their lazy river. You are not allowed in the lazy river without one and I believe you are not allowed to bring your own. Those were the costs as of 2016 I and depending on where you stay onsite, it can be a long walk to the pool area. That resort is really spread out.

If you do switch, Wyndham Bonnet Creek will give you 2 lazy rivers as well and 5 pools, 9 hot tubs, multiple restaurants on site, a couple waterslides -one themed as a shipwrecked pirate ship, mini golf etc, and it's within the Disney gates. Great resort, and they don't money grab. Tubes at their lazy rivers are free.

I have also stayed at Vistana Villages. That's a great place too. No lazy rivers, but very nice.

You can still go into the lazy river but cant use the tubes without paying.

 

[tschwa2]

You can still go into the lazy river but cant use the tubes without paying.

And sometimes there are those who have a weeks worth of arm bands that are leaving and haven't used them all who will donate them to those in need. HICV owners staying in the signature units get arm bands for the week included and some get them because they took the dreaded update. Last time we stayed a nice family who was checking out the next day gave us 2 days worth of bands when they saw us with our sons enjoying the lazy river without tubes.