ARDA Timeshare Conference Comes to a Close with Keynote Speaker Dana Perino

Today was the final day of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Fall Conference in Washington DC. ARDA is the professional association that represents the timeshare vacation ownership and resort development industries. The general session breakfast honored ARDA Chairman League members and featured Keynote Speaker Dana Perino, Former White House Press Secretary. Ms. Perino brought her unique viewpoint from her time inside the White House, providing the insight into the current political climate. She is only the second female press secretary in U.S. history and a most widely respected members of President Bush's senior staff.

Her first remarks Friday morning mentioned thoughts and prayers for the victims and families of those caught in the gunfire tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas. Her comments also extended good wishes to President Barack Obama who, as a result of this tragedy, now faces more challenges as he deals with the healthcare vote, Afghanistan troop decisions, and raising jobless rates to mention just a few of the pressing larger issues. As a former White House press secretary, Ms. Perino could identify with juggling the day to day White House plans and being faced with an unexpected crisis that weighs additionally on government leadership. She shared many stories of the President Bush's work style, his patriotism, and her personal struggles when dealing with negativity during election time. This very sharp and spunky speaker helped put in perspective the issues facing business and industry segments as well as world issues in comparison to the inner-conflicts of doing one's job.

Those who were present from the timeshare industry enjoyed a wonderful talk to conclude fall the conference.

ARDA Timeshare Conference Talks of Resales

We have Redweek.com representatives attending the American Resort Development Association Conference (ARDA) Conference taking place this week Nov 4 – 6 in Washington DC. ARDA is the professional association that represents the timeshare vacation ownership and resort development industries.

Yesterday was the first day of the conference and there were many committee meetings, as well as an opening reception. The hot topics for several of the committees was, and lately always seems to be, timeshare resales. There were many discussions on what to do and how to regulate and help stop unscrupulous companies.

In an effort to help clean up a few companies and tactics, ARDA has put together a Resales Task Force to proactively establish suggested legislative language to clarify and standardize resale activity. There are many complaints and unhappy consumers in the resale market as some businesses lack honesty and integrity. Timeshare scam companies hurt not only consumers, but, other reputable businesses in the secondary timeshare market industry. ARDA and those of us acting ethically for consumers, like Redweek.com, want to eliminate these deceitful ways and those who would practice them.

High Demand Timeshare Weeks

Every timeshare resort has what’s called "high demand weeks". This is what is considered their peak season. If you are looking to buy a timeshare resale, you should consider a purchase during the high demand period. You will have more trading value for your week in the long run. Resorts determine their peak season based on their geography. Resorts that offer snow skiing will be more in demand during the winter, whereas those with beach front property are more popular in the summer.

Here are a few examples to better explain high demand timeshare weeks for your next resale purchase. You should always check with the resort to confirm their peak season before you buy a timeshare resale.

Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the locations that is always in demand. Due to their tropical climate and great weather, it’s always a great time to visit Hawaii. No matter what week you choose, Hawaii timeshares are always in peak season.

Colorado
In the winter when the snow is falling and you are waxing up your skis, Colorado timeshare resorts will be in high demand. Summer is considered mid season because there are still plenty of outdoor activities to participate in. Low demand weeks would be during the Spring and Fall when it isn't cold enough for snow and not warm enough to do be outdoors. In mountain regions this time is often referred to as "mud season”.

Desert Resorts
If you are looking for a Palm Springs timeshare or Arizona timeshare resort, the Winter season will be in demand. Other areas of the country are cold and a vacation in the desert is a great way to stay warm in the nice 70 – 80 degree weather. But, a visit in June through September brings 120 degree temperatures that are too hot, so, this would be the low season.

Disney Vacation Club
In addition to a resort being in demand based on geography and weather, location can also play a part. All Disney timeshares are in high demand year round. Vacations to the Magic Kingdom are always popular for family travel, so, no matter what time you choose to visit, it’s peak season.

Timeshare Terms Defined

Are you new to timeshares? Are some of the terms confusing to you? Here’s a short list with a few definitions to help you understand the timeshare terminology.

Accelerated Use:
A right-to-use program that allows the member to accelerate usage of the time purchased. For instance: you have a 10-year right to use one week per year at a resort offering accelerated use. Instead of using one week every year, you may choose to use two weeks every year for five years or five weeks per year for two years (based on availability).

Banking:
Depositing a week into an timeshare exchange company's "bank." If an owner does not use a week in a particular year, they are generally allowed to bank it and use it at a later time.

Fractional:
Timeshare ownership of two or more weeks at the same resort during a calendar year.

Lockout/Lock-off Unit:
Some timeshare condominium units are referred to as "lock-offs." A lock-off, sometimes called a lockout, is a unit that can be divided into two separate sections. The owner of a lock-off can choose to rent the entire unit to one party, stay in one half of the unit and rent out the other half, or rent out both halves to different parties. The lock-off portion will likely look more like a hotel room - with one room, a bathroom, and possibly a small kitchenette. Before renting, make sure to ask whether you are getting a lock-off, and confirm the unit size and amenities in writing (an escrow agreement is the most secure way to do this).

Points Clubs:
A system where owners hold timeshare points which entitle them to use a period (varying from a few days to a few weeks) every year from a choice of resorts. Sometimes points are backed by an actual deed.

Time Division:
A system of establishing the value of a timeshare week typically based upon season. For example: a week 3 (Mid January) purchased at a New England beach resort would not hold the same value as a mid-summer week at the same resort due to the fact that the season in January is not conducive to vacationing on the beach. Time divisions are expressed as high demand or prime time, white time or medium time meaning medium desirability, or blue time or low time meaning the least desirable time. Some resorts, in locations such as Hawaii, consider all weeks as high demand since their tropical climate permits pleasant vacations throughout the calendar year.

See our full list of Timeshare Glossary Terms on our web site.

Five Tips for Your Next Orlando Family Vacation

If you travel with your family and your children are still young enough to love theme parks, a vacation to Orlando will most likely be in your future. Here are 5 tips to make the best of your Orlando theme park vacation experience.

1. Decide Ahead of Time What Parks to Visit
   Orlando is a mecca of wonderful theme parks and attractions. Make sure you decide (before you go) on which parks to visit. With six Disney parks, three Universal parks and three SeaWorld experiences you will certainly not be able to see everything on one trip, and with so much to choose from, you’ll want to have a game plan before you arrive. And remember, you don’t have to visit 1 park per day. Take time to just explore the Orlando area (and even the pool at your timeshare) as well.


2. Rent a Timeshare
   Redweek.com has a large inventory of timeshare rentals and exchanges available in the Orlando, Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee area. Renting a timeshare is the way to go when traveling with family. There’s so much more room to spread out and with the kitchen in your unit, you can save on meals when you are not in the theme parks. Plus, the resorts have so many amenities geared for family travelers, the kids can have lots of fun without ever seeing the theme parks at all.


3. Take Food Into the Parks
   Since you’ll be renting a timeshare, you’ll have your own kitchen, so, you can prepare a few sandwiches to take into the park. This will save you in many ways. Time: Lines at theme parks can be quite long during the lunch rush. Money: Theme park food is expensive. Taste: Even a homemade peanut butter sandwich probably tastes better than the cardboard hamburger the parks offer.
   And don’t forget to pack plenty zipper bags of snacks with raisins, goldfish, cheerios, and even granola bars. You expend a lot of energy walking all day, and you can’t always find a concession stand when the kids are starting to melt. Bring in your own water as well.


4. Don’t Forget the Rain
   Florida gets its fair share of rain, even when it’ looks like sunny skies! Pick up a light weight poncho from a drug store before you get to the park and pack it in your stroller or back pack to be prepared.


5. Manage Your Children's Expectations
   Discuss beforehand what rides they REALLY want to ride or characters they must meet. Then set expectations accordingly. You know you can’t ride everything in one day and some lines are much longer than others for attractions. Not all characters are out for the whole day, or every day. Be honest with our kids about what can reasonably be achieved so no one is disappointed.

See Orlando timeshares.
See Kissimmee timeshares.
See Lake Buena Vista timeshares.
See Disney timeshares.

Display a RedWeek.com Widget on Your Site for a Chance to Win a Vacation

RedWeek.com, the largest marketplace for timeshare rentals, resales and exchanges, wants to send you on a one week vacation if you are the lucky winner in our "Display a RedWeek.com Widget" contest.

Here’s How It Works
To enter, just visit the Need a Vacation? page of RedWeek.com and choose any of the widgets available on that page. Post it to your blog or Web site, then, email learnmore@redweek.com with a link to show the widget in place. All entries must be received by Nov. 30, 2009, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. RedWeek will select a winner at random on Dec. 1, 2009, and contact the winner via the email address provided on their entry. RedWeek will also announce the winner in Facebook, Twitter and on their blog.

Grab Your RedWeek.com Widget now!

Where Can You Go?
The winner can choose from any destination listed on the "Last Minute Exchanges" page of RedWeek.com. They will have up to one year to redeem the vacation.

Legal Stuff
This is not a timeshare "tour" offer. This is a week's vacation giveaway — no strings attached. Accommodations only. Airfare and car rental are not included. The winner is responsible for any local taxes or fees, as well as all incidental charges incurred at the resort during the stay including telephone charges, tours or activity fees, cleaning services, and any similar fees charged to your room. Prize may not be redeemed for cash. Winner may not transfer or sell this week.

VacationBetter.org Announces Winners of Bring My Vacation to Life Contest

As we reported back in May, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) launched the “Bring Your Vacation to Life” photo and story contest and contestants were asked to share a memory from their timeshare vacations that enhanced their lives. This was in an effort to get people to realize that taking time to unwind, de-stress and connect with family is an important health benefit. The large number of contest entrants substantiates the value of timeshare ownership and how pre-paying for future vacations guarantees that owners get away at least once a year contributing to better health, relationships, and job performance.

The American Express gift cards were awarded to first- and second-place photos and one first-place story. The highest award went to Sally Lessig for her the story “Thru the Years”. Second-place photo prizes were awarded to Alexis MacDonald for “Lexie & Dan Love Myrtle Beach” and to Tracy Dunn for “For My Next Act”.

See Sally’s story below: “Thru the years…”

“The year was 1982 and my husband Al and I were visiting Myrtle Beach with friends. While the guys went golfing, the girls shopped and went downtown. On every corner there were people handing out brochures inviting us to visit local time share resorts. If you did go you got a "free" gift. Now 27 years later, I can't even remember what that gift was but, I wanted it. After much discussion my husband said he would go, listen to the sales pitch, get our free gift, and get out of there. We went, toured the property, listened to the presentation and we fell in love with the Beach House Golf and Racket Club. We signed on the dotted line that day. That is where this story begins. We have not missed a visit in 27 years. We bought another unit to accommodate our ever growing family and week #31 has become our yearly vacation together. We don't do much that week other than golf, beach and enjoy each other’s company. We participate in all the activities that the Beach House provides right there in our back yard. It has been such a joy to watch our children grow up, marry, have their own children and this year our Great-Grandson came for his first visit. That makes four generations sharing fun at the Beach House. Over the years we have invited many of our PA friends to travel with us and several families have purchased units and bring their families. We also have made many friends who we only see once a year on week #31 and they have become our South Carolina extended family and we look forward to reuniting with them for many years to come. Now the year is 2009. Our timeshare purchase of the Beach House Golf and Racket Club in Myrtle Beach was one of the best decisions we ever made. Priceless!”

(Photo taken by Sally Lessig - “Al Relaxing")

Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort

Located on Orange Lake in Kissimmee, Florida, the Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort sits on a whopping 23 acres. Rent a timeshare from Redweek.com and spend a week of your next vacation immersed in fun for every member of the family.

The timeshare units range from studios to 3-bedroom villas. All are decorated with soft paint colors and wicker furniture in bright tropical prints. Many units have screened porches to make relaxing in the Florida outdoors comfortable and pleasant.
What does your family want to do? How about water activities! There are three pool complexes, including Splash Lagoon with a wade-in pool, slides and an interactive fountain. River Island covers 12 acres of tropical landscaping and includes a lazy river type pool where you can float along on inner tubes. For more active water sports, River Island also offers water volleyball and a basketball pool. Head down to Orange Lake for boating, jet skiing and waterskiing. There you can also enjoy a day of lazy fishing.

For the golf enthusiast in your family, there are four golf courses. The choices range from challenging courses designed by Arnold Palmer to an easy 9-hole novice course. Other things to keep the family busy include a movie theater, an arcade game room, racquetball and tennis. Child care is available.

As you see, the Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort is an immense resort with a multitude of activities spread out across many acres. Not only are there enough things to do to keep you busy for a week just at the resort, but theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World are close by. The Resort provides free shuttle service through-out the resort, and offers shuttle service, for a fee, to the theme park attractions.

When you rent a timeshare here you'll appreciate the wholesome family atmosphere. And as an added bonus, from many of the timeshare units the Disney fireworks can be seen each night!

See timeshares at Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort – West Village
See timeshares at Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort – East Village
See timeshares at Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort – North Village