Newbie - Could use a little guidance

Hi,
First, thank you for this great source of information. I have been considering purchasing a TS on and off for several years and whenever I think about it I always come back to TUG for a reality check. I finally think I’m ready to do this but I have a couple of questions as I get closer to a decision.

We like Orlando and will probably vacation there often but not every year. I’m looking at the Vistana resort as one option and I’m wondering how do I know what the best weeks are in Orlando? It seems like everything is “Red Week”. I would really like to get something that trades well so that I have good options outside of Orlando.

As another option, I’m considering purchasing WorldMark credits and I’m wondering if there is a way to research availability at different resorts. Is it easy to book at most resorts or is it painfully difficult? Overall opinion seems to be high on WorldMark. I’m thinking of doing 7k annual and then purchasing any additional points as needed based on advice on TUG.

Since we want to visit multiple destinations, am I likely to be more satisfied with the WorldMark or a high demand fixed week at a good location trading through RCI or II?

Thanks in advance!

Rick

Rent when you go to Orlando --- too much inventory available, WHY own!

Or check out RCI for Extra Holiday rentals in Orlando.

As for trading via RCI or II -- each time you exchange, you are paying a $209+ exchange fee PLUS the original MFs of your ownership plus the $99+ yearly exchange club fee. Look for a mini-system which you would use MOST of the time within their system for your vacations.

I agree with Linda. Look for a system that has resorts in the areas you want to go. Exchanging is a great add-on, but things change. I own Worldmark and it is a good trader, but things that were an easy trade several years ago are now a very difficult trade. If you want popular times at popular locations, then owning within the system is the only way to go. You might get an exchange, but it would be a long shot.
Look at the resorts you want to visit the most and investigate the systems that own there.
Also realize that each system has places that book up quickly and will be difficult to get into and others that are easier. It depends on what you want. If you are traveling during school vacations or want prime ski areas in ski season or summer beachfront, then a fixed week in those locations will guarantee that you can get what you want. Otherwise, you are competing with all other owners and or all other exchangers for limited units. In Worldmark, getting a spot in the summer on the Oregon or Washington coast is difficult. Getting a summer week in Indio not so much. I see that you are in Chicago; most of Worldmark resorts are west of the Rockies, but there is one in Galena that usually has availability (though it seems to be booking up more recently).

Sue

Sue

As Sue stated, you are not going to find many Worldmark resorts east of the Rockies and I've noticed that Wyndham has not been mentioned by you or anyone else. Don’t write it off before you try it. Since Orlando is one of your destinations I suggest that you try a Wyndham Bonnet Creek rental. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the resort and the fact that it is inside the Disney gates makes it even more appealing. With Wyndham, you don’t need to own at a specific resort to have Advanced Reservation Priority (ARP). Club Wyndham Access (CWA) gives you ARP at all the Wyndham resorts, although there is limited availability at some resorts (Bonnet Creek has plenty of CWA availability). CWA will even get you in to the high demand summer weeks at Myrtle Beach if you reserve early.

Ron2 said:

As Sue stated, you are not going to find many Worldmark resorts east of the Rockies and I've noticed that Wyndham has not been mentioned by you or anyone else. Don’t write it off before you try it. Since Orlando is one of your destinations I suggest that you try a Wyndham Bonnet Creek rental. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the resort and the fact that it is inside the Disney gates makes it even more appealing. With Wyndham, you don’t need to own at a specific resort to have Advanced Reservation Priority (ARP). Club Wyndham Access (CWA) gives you ARP at all the Wyndham resorts, although there is limited availability at some resorts (Bonnet Creek has plenty of CWA availability). CWA will even get you in to the high demand summer weeks at Myrtle Beach if you reserve early.

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Not quite "all" for CWA. Many of the Hawaii resorts are not in CWA and there are some other exceptions, but it is a valid option if ARP is needed. There are usually only very specific resorts at very specific times that require some form of ARP (either through CWA or deeded ownership at that resort).


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