Sheraton vistana resort villas LBV NO CAR HIRE

Question

I've booked the sheraton vistana LBV for 4 nights and have no car hire, after doing more research I think the shuttle service around the resort is not that great, has anyone recently stayed with no car hire, what was your experience? Thank you

Answer

The Sheraton Vistana Resort (Lake Buena Vista) is a lovely, spacious property, but it’s true that it is more designed for guests with a car. That said, many people do stay there without hiring one — it just requires knowing what’s walkable, what’s not, and what alternatives you have for transport both inside and outside the resort.

Below is a detailed breakdown of what to realistically expect and how to make your stay smoother without a car.

1. Getting around the resort itself

The Sheraton Vistana Resort is large and spread out over multiple “villages.” While the internal shuttle exists, it is not a frequent, fixed-timetable service. It often runs on a loop, and depending on the time of day, waits can be long or inconsistent. Some people report waiting over 20–30 minutes; others say it’s fine during busier hours.

If mobility is an issue or you don’t want long walks, you can request a villa near the main pools or near the Market Place/Reception area. Walking is usually the easiest method inside the resort.

2. What is walkable from the resort

Even without a car, you are well positioned for food, groceries, and short outings. Within a 10–15 minute walk (using pedestrian-friendly sidewalks), you have access to:

Several restaurants (Olive Garden, BJ’s Brewhouse, Panera, Bahama Breeze, IHOP)
Walgreens and a small convenience store
Publix supermarket (about a 15–20 minute walk depending on building location)
Some souvenir shops
Vineland Premium Outlets (walkable for many, though about 20–25 minutes depending on your pace)

For day-to-day needs, it’s very manageable.

3. Going to Disney without a car

The Sheraton offers shuttles to Disney parks, but:

They tend to be at fixed times that may not align perfectly with your plans.
The return shuttles often have limited slots in the evening.
You may need to book in advance.

Because of this, many guests prefer using Uber/Lyft instead:

To Disney Springs: usually very cheap (often $8–$12)
To EPCOT or Hollywood Studios: generally $10–$15
To Magic Kingdom: slightly higher because drop-off is at the TTC, around $15–$20

4. Going to Universal or SeaWorld

Universal Orlando: $18–$28 by Uber/Lyft depending on time of day
SeaWorld: $10–$15

There is no resort shuttle to Universal, so rideshare is your main option.

5. For the resort pools, activities, and restaurants

The resort has several pools, restaurants, bars, and snack areas. If you’re placed centrally, you can walk to a lot. If not, you might be doing a fair bit of walking — but the grounds are safe, well-lit, and pedestrian-friendly.

6. Tips if you’re staying without a car

Request a villa in a central location — “Cascades,” “Fountains,” and “Springs” areas are the most convenient for walking.
Use rideshare rather than relying on the internal shuttle — it saves frustration.
Get groceries delivered — Instacart, Walmart+, Amazon Fresh, etc. Many guests do this.
Plan park days around Uber peak times — leaving just before or after official opening/closing will save money.
Use Disney Springs as a transport hub — from Disney Springs, you can take free Disney buses to any resort for dining.

7. Should you keep the booking?

Yes — if you’re comfortable relying on Uber/Lyft and doing a bit of walking. Many international visitors stay here without cars and enjoy it because the villas are spacious and well-equipped. But if you wanted a hotel with easy walkability or better fixed shuttles, you might prefer somewhere like:

Disney Springs hotels (Hilton, Wyndham, Holiday Inn) — excellent walking location + reliable Disney buses
Flamingo Crossings hotels — modern, walkable area but farther away
International Drive hotels — very walkable + I-Ride trolley

8. Bottom line

Sheraton Vistana LBV is absolutely workable without a car. You won’t be stranded, and with rideshare being cheap in Orlando, most guests get around without issues. The internal shuttle is just not something you can depend on for tight schedules — but walking and rideshares fill the gap comfortably.