Live in the northeast. My Survey (updated)

I am thinking Wyndam, because of Bonnet Creek, but really not secure in that thought... I've been doing a lot of research which lead me here.

1) Where do you want your home resort to be?
From what I Am reading, -within driving distance.

2) Do you want to visit your home resort at least half the time, or do you want to trade more than half the time?
Stay at my home resort maybe every 3/4 years.

3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?
Orlando, national parks areas, warm beaches...

4) How many people do you usually travel with?
For the next year 4, then the kids head to college.

5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?
Anytime

6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?
Yes

7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?
Yes

8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?
3-4 stars. ( although, recently stayed at Steele Hill Resort and loved it!!)

9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?
3 to 5000.00
10) How much can you afford to spend every year for a maintenance fee that will come due right after Christmas, and increase each year?
1300ish

11) Are you a detail oriented planner?
Yes

12) Do you understand that once you buy a timeshare, it may be very difficult to sell or give away, and you are responsible for all fees, until you do?
Yes

As someone who also lives in Northeast, my advice to you, which I wish someone had shared with me before we bought our first timeshare and before we found TUG.

Simple. If you want 4-5 stars, and can afford $1300-$1500, buy a Marriott in HHI or Myrtle Beach. There are some great resorts, mostly warmish weather starting as early as March thru November, and make great traders (almost anywhere).

Grande Ocean - Gold Season will cost you $5000-$9500 depending on if you go Oceanside or Oceanfront. The advantage is that you get Weeks 13-23 for Gold Season along with Weeks 35-43 and Grande Ocean is one of the best Marriott's in the system.

Barony Beach - Gold Season will cost you $2500 to $7000, depending on view (Weeks 13-21, 35-43). You can buy Oceanside view there (in the middle of the range between Garden and Oceanfront) for $3500-$5000.

Others I would consider (depending on your tastes and what is most important to you at a resort)...

Marriott's Oceanwatch at Grande Dunes (Myrtle Beach)
Marriott's Surfwatch (HHI)
Marriott's Monarch (HHI)
Marriott's Harbour Point at Shelter Cove (HHI)

You can get Getaways from II to some of the best resorts in Orlando most of the year at great prices (between $300-$800). And if you want to go offseason you can get certificates from II that allows you to travel for under $200 for a week at some 2BR/2BA places, including Marriott's and Sheraton.

Never been to Bonnet Creek but looks like a beautiful resort. But you can find rentals all over Redweek for not much more than MF, so maybe just rent from another owner when you want to visit there?

JMO.

If you want 4-5 Stars, then you need to look at the hotel affiliated resorts:

VSE (Westin/Sheraton) Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott.

If you would like to own a 2 bdm. so that you can continue to travel with the kids, then your target maintenance fee is too low.

*With a 2 bdm. lock-off, you get two attached units which gives you the option of reserving a 2 bdm. and inviting the kids, OR making two separate reservations and reserving each side separately for two weeks of vacation in the smaller unit.

If you really want Disney - you should buy Disney.