Timeshare Industry Applauds Florida Legislature for Passing Bill to Help Timeshare Owners and Homeowners’ Associations June 17, 2013
Posted by Steve Luba in : ARDA, News & Events, Timeshare Resale , add a commentThe following is a statement released by the American Resort Development Association, which is the national advocacy association for the timeshare industry, following the passage of Florida House Bill 7025:
The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) and the ARDA Resort Owners’ Coalition (ARDA-ROC) applaud Florida Governor Rick Scott for signing HB 7025 into law, providing consumer protections for owners transferring ownership of their timeshares. It also helps homeowners’ associations (HOAs) by further reducing time and costs in the lien foreclosure process.
“This legislation gives consumers more power in the transfer process,” said Howard Nusbaum, president & CEO of ARDA. HB 7025 empowers consumers with access to more information, protects any monies paid by consumers for transfer services until the services are fully performed, and weeds out unscrupulous transfer companies by allowing action to be taken against them.
“This legislation demonstrates a continuing commitment to make the timeshare transfer process more efficient for consumers and the industry,” Nusbaum continued.
The legislation, sponsored by Representative Dane Eagle and Senator Kelli Stargel, provides several benefits to timeshare consumers and HOAs. Businesses that offer to assist owners in the transfer of Florida timeshares must first provide a written agreement outlining terms and conditions of the offered services, and must place all funds received from the owner into an escrow account until the transfer has been completed. Businesses that offer transfer services—and participate in a plan or scheme to transfer timeshares to people or business entities that they know are not going to pay maintenance fees—will now be held accountable for their actions.
“With this enactment of reasonable regulation of transfer companies in Florida, timeshare owners and associations will now have additional security in the transfer process,” says Ken McKelvey, chairman of ARDA-ROC. “Owners will also be able to get information about their timeshares that will assist them in selling or renting them. Also, this bill fine-tunes the foreclosure process and streamlines the election process for members of the HOA boards of directors.”
The amendments in HB7025 will become effective on July 1, 2013.
Wyndham To Open Timeshare Units In Chicago as Part of Rebranding Wyndham Grand Hotel June 17, 2013
Posted by Steve Luba in : Travel, Wyndham Timeshares , add a commentWyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest hotel company with approximately 7,380 hotels and part of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), has rebranded the former Hotel 71 in downtown Chicago as the 334-room Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront, expanding the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts® brand footprint in key markets throughout the U.S.
The 39-story property is owned by Hospitality Properties Trust and will continue to be managed by Wyndham Hotel Group’s management company, which began operating the hotel in November 2012 as a Wyndham®-affiliated property. Its addition supports Wyndham Hotel Group’s strategy to strengthen the presence of its flagship Wyndham brand in major U.S. cities, as well as grow the company’s portfolio of managed hotels.
“Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront is an exciting addition to our Wyndham family of hotels in the U.S.,” said Jeff Wagoner, president of Wyndham Hotel Group Management. “This sophisticated, city-center property is a shining example of our commitment to provide best-in-class management services and bring the Wyndham brand to the key markets where people want to travel. We’re confident Chicago visitors will find the high-quality accommodations and hospitality they’ve come to expect from Wyndham.”
The property is in the midst of completing a multi-million dollar renovation project. The first phase, scheduled to be completed this summer, includes redesigned guest rooms, remodeled guest bathrooms and improved elevators. The second phase, scheduled for completion by the end of 2013, enhances the hotel’s meeting and event space by adding a newly constructed, 4,700-square-foot Grand Ballroom and a 1,660-square-foot outdoor terrace connected to the existing 39th Floor Penthouse Ballroom.
The renovation also includes the development of 47 timeshare units in partnership with Wyndham Hotel Group’s sister company, Wyndham Vacation Ownership. The units, which will be operated under the CLUB WYNDHAM® brand, are expected to be completed and available to timeshare owners in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront, located in the center of downtown Chicago on East Wacker Drive, offers unparalleled views of the Chicago River and puts guests just steps from the city’s famed Magnificent Mile, The Loop business district, theater district and world-class parks and museums.
Each over-sized guest room and suite features refreshed, modern décor, free wireless internet, large desks with ergonomic chairs, flat-screen televisions and panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Guests have access to complimentary wireless internet access throughout the hotel, spa services, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a 24-hour business center and the on-site Hoyt’s Chicago, which offers modern American and Midwestern fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Upon the completion of renovations, Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront will offer over 18,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor function space, consisting of 14 event rooms, redesigned breakout rooms and the renowned Penthouse Ballroom, which boasts nearly 3,400 square feet, floor-to-ceiling windows and 360-degree views of Chicago. Professional-grade audio-visual equipment, catering and dedicated convention services professionals are also available.
Guests staying at the hotel who are members of Wyndham Rewards®, the free-to-join guest loyalty program of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and parent company Wyndham Hotel Group, can earn valuable points during their stay. Points may be redeemed for a wide variety of reward options including free hotel stays, air travel, gift cards for leading retailers and restaurants and more. Information is available at www.wyndhamrewards.com.
Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront becomes part of the prestigious Wyndham Grand® ensemble of distinguished hotels within the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand that represent one-of-a-kind experiences in key destinations with refined accommodations, attentive service and relaxed surroundings. It becomes the second Wyndham-branded property in downtown Chicago, joining Wyndham Blake Chicago in the South Loop.
BuyaTimeshare.com Supports FTC Timeshare Resale Initiative June 14, 2013
Posted by Steve Luba in : News & Events, Timeshare Resale , add a commentOnline timeshare resale and rental advertiser BuyaTimeshare.com has announced its full support of the campaign led by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to shut down companies operating illegally in the timeshare resale industry.
The FTC, working with the U.S. Attorney’s office and various state agencies around the country, stated last week it has brought 191 cases against companies over the past two years, with over 180 people currently under prosecution for fraudulent timeshare resales and travel club activity. The State of Florida has sued nine resale companies this year, with a total of 83 civil cases pending across 28 states.
The FTC activity comes as welcome news to Wesley Kogelman, president and CEO, BuyaTimeshare.com, who acknowledges that these rouge operators have made it more difficult for legitimate companies to offer services to owners looking to find buyers.
“We are very supportive of the FTC and law enforcement agencies working to clean up the secondary market,” Kogelman said. “These companies have given the entire industry a black eye and it’s no wonder that owners are hesitant when looking for a resale company with which to do business.”
Kogelman added that there are a few basic points of emphasis that timeshare owners need to be aware of when dealing with a suspect company. They are:
- Ask how the company plans to market their services to buyers. If an owner can’t find the company through a basic Google search for generic search terms such as “buy timeshare”, then no buyer will find them either. They are questionable.
- Do they cold call owners? Any company that makes an unsolicited call to an owner is one to be very careful of when doing business.
- Do they claim to have a buyer waiting for their timeshare? Buyers looking for timeshares review inventory already being advertised on the internet, so if the owner has not advertised their unit for sale, then how would a company know to bring them a buyer? These are companies not to be trusted.
- Do they require a written contract to engage their services? In Florida, it is state law that a resale operator must have a signed agreement from a timeshare owner before providing services. Always ask to sign a contract before engaging a company to advertise a timeshare for sale.
BuyaTimeshare.com has been connecting owners with buyers for 14 years, so anyone with questions about how the secondary market operates can contact the company at http://buyatimeshare.com.
Timeshare Exchange Company RCI Adds 35 Properties to Network in First Quarter of 2013 June 13, 2013
Posted by Steve Luba in : RCI, Travel , add a commentRCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), has announced that it added 35 new affiliated properties to its global network in the first quarter of 2013. These additions join the more than 4,000 affiliated resorts already a part of RCI’s network.
“We have had another great quarter of affiliations, and are proud to have added these fantastic new properties to our exchange network,” said Gordon Gurnik, president, RCI. “These quality affiliations add even more flexibility and choice for our subscribing members with new resort options in amazing destinations all over the world, including some great resorts in Thailand, Brazil, Spain and Las Vegas.”
One of the newest additions in Asia is the Tides Boutique Spa Resort, Samui, which offers luxury and service for visitors looking to explore Thailand. The resort boasts its own stretch of beach from which vacationers can take in views of The Great Buddha statue and surrounding islands. The property was designed with comfort in mind, and guests can relax by the infinity pool or enjoy one of many available spa treatments.
Another new resort destination is Dom Pedro Laguna Beach Villas & Golf Resort, a five-star hotel in Brazil that is part of the luxury eco-resort Aquiraz Riviera. The private and relaxing resort can serve a paradise for guests, with both golf and beach options spread across a beautiful lagoon and the Marambaia Beach. The resort offers access to the Ocean Golf Course, swimming pools next to the beach, fitness facilities, spa treatments, tennis and volleyball courts, and much more.
Royal Sun Resort is a new RCI-affiliated resort in Tenerife. Set on a high cliff, the resort offers stunning views of both the village and the sea. Vacationers can relax by the heated swimming pools, where a sparkling waterfall flows past surrounding sunbathing terraces. The resort also boasts squash courts, a whirlpool hot tub, a fitness center, a playground and game rooms. Evening entertainment is available, and the elegant on-site restaurant features flavorful cuisine and splendid views.
For more information, visit www.RCI.com.
Disney Timeshare Owners Can Now Plan Around 18th Epcot Food And Wine Festival June 12, 2013
Posted by Steve Luba in : Disney, News & Events , add a commentDisney timeshare guests can sip and savor fresh flavors from six continents during the 18th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 27-Nov. 11, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney chefs will debut the authentic tastes of Scotland at the celebrated 46-day festival known for innovative food, wine, beer, cocktails, music and entertainment. The sizzling aromas of more than 25 ethnic and specialized marketplaces including Africa, Brazil and Florida Local will tempt guests strolling the World Showcase Promenade. Celebrity chefs like Warren Brown and Jamie Deen will bring culinary cachet to special festival events and demonstrations.
Festival planners will present a delectable menu of premium programming, plus daily wine tastings and mixology seminars. Nightly Eat to the Beat concerts will keep the party rockin’, and five bands will make their festival debut this year. In Future World, the iconic Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog will return for a third year to introduce families to the cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage.
Fresh for 2013:
New marketplace debuts; favorites return -Traditional flavors with a twist will pair with beers, meads and Scotch at the new Scotland Marketplace designed by Walt Disney Imagineering. Scottish officials were so impressed with the hit Disney film, “Brave,” that they contacted festival planners about participating in this year’s festival. The Brazil Marketplace returns by popular demand with an exciting new menu following a one-year hiatus. Hawai’i is back with its flavorful Kalua Pork Slider, and Terra, which debuted last year, returns with vegan favorite Trick’n Chicken Curry.
Fan favorites rock the house at Eat to the Beat! Concerts – “We Got the Beat” with the Go-Go’s (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) and four other musical acts are set to make first appearances at Eat to the Beat nightly concerts. Also new to the festival stage: Edwin McCain (Oct. 10-11), The Manhattan Transfer (Oct. 12-13), Spin Doctors (Oct. 31-Nov. 1), and Christopher Cross (Nov. 2-3) Nineteen bands are slated, with STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas kicking off the concert series Sept. 27-29. Returning fan favorites include The Pointer Sisters, Smash Mouth, Boyz II Men, Sister Hazel, Air Supply, Hanson and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Celebrity chefs cook and dish - Renowned chefs like Warren Brown, Paula DaSilva, Gale Gand, Jamie Deen, Robert Irvine, Dean Max, Rock Harper, Jeff Henderson, Art Smith, Buddy Valastro, Allen Susser, “Cake Boy” Eric Lanlard, Duskie Estes and John Stewart, Donald Link, Bryan Voltaggio and Emily Ellyn share their talents during culinary demos and premium events.
Festival Welcome Center buzzes with activities – Guests can make the most of complimentary Authentic Taste seminars. Culinary demonstrations and wine seminars feature new tastes and sips for a nominal fee.
Reserved culinary events draw foodies — Special culinary programs showcase a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers like Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson as they participate in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.
Other festival highlights include:
- More than 270 chefs including Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the country
- A complimentary Marketplace Discovery Passport to be stamped at each international marketplace visited for the perfect scrapbook souvenir.
- Party for the Senses grand tasting events Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, and Nov. 2 featuring tempting bites from eminent chefs, more than 50 wines and beers and live entertainment.
- Premium events including “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery on select Fridays, Cheese Seminars on Saturdays and Sweet Sundays on Sundays.
Included with Epcot Admission:
Authentic Taste seminars, Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, special book signings, Eat to the Beat! concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.
Special Programming by Reservation:
The Party for the Senses grand tasting events and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests will be able to call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) to make reservations after an August date is announced. Information and reservations for select events and programs will be at www.epcotfoodfestival.com.
Vail Resorts Closes on Sale of Land at Breckenridge Peak 8 Base for Timeshare Development June 7, 2013
Posted by Steve Luba in : Breckenridge timeshare, News & Events, Travel , add a commentVail Resorts, Inc. has finalized the sale of approximately 2.1 acres of land at the base of Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Peak 8 to an affiliate of timeshare developer Breckenridge Grand Vacations Inc. The sale price was $11.1 million in cash.
Breckenridge Grand Vacations is the developer of several premier timeshare properties in Breckenridge, including the popular Grand Timber Lodge and Grand Lodge at Peak 7. The Peak 8 property will be developed as a 75-unit, ski-in/ski-out timeshare resort with a host of amenities including a public restaurant and full-service spa. The project will also improve skier circulation at the base of Peak 8 by widening certain key ski trails.
The timeshare development is the latest addition to the overall master plan and vision for developing vibrant base areas on Peaks 7 and 8 and creating a strong connection to Breckenridge’s historic Main Street. To date, The Breck Connect Gondola, One Ski Hill Place, Crystal Peak Lodge and The Grand Lodge at Peak 7 have been developed under the Peak 7 and 8 Master Plan.
Breckenridge Ski Resort also recently announced its plans to greatly enhance on-mountain summer activities, subject to applicable regulatory approvals, and is in the final stages of the Peak 6 expansion accessing 543 acres of new terrain which is scheduled to open next ski season.
“This is an exciting time for Breckenridge Ski Resort, with continued investment both on the mountain and at our base areas,” said Alex Iskenderian, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Vail Resorts Development Company. “Improving the bed base at Peaks 7 and 8, and having a gondola taking our guests to and from town, has transformed the Breckenridge experience.”
In addition to enhancing the look and experience at Peak 8, the timeshare project is expected to generate $2.5 to $3.0 million to the Town of Breckenridge through real estate transfer tax revenues, said BGV’s Rob Millisor. “I would like to thank Vail Resorts for the opportunity to bring such a visionary project to life, as well as the Town of Breckenridge for its partnership and thorough development review process,” Millisor said.
The Peak 8 timeshare development will be at the site of the Bergenhof Day Lodge, which will be torn down this spring. Vail Resorts has committed to partnering with the Summit County Recycling Center to recycle materials that are eligible for recycling and Breckenridge Grand Vacations plans to incorporate reclaimed materials into its new building. Some grading and utility work in the area will begin this summer and vertical construction of the timeshare project will begin in the spring of 2014.
“Breckenridge Grand Vacations has been a great partner at the Grand Lodge at Peak 7, and we look forward to continuing that partnership at Peak 8,” said Iskenderian.
BuyaTimeshare.com To Be A Sponsor Of The 11th Annual RCI Christel House Open June 6, 2013
Posted by Steve Luba in : Charity, News & Events, RCI , 1 comment so farThe RCI Christel House Open is the largest charity fundraiser held globally across the timeshare industry every year and BuyaTimeshare.com is proud to announce its participation as a Skills Contest sponsor for the golf tournament, to be held at the Orange Lake Resort and Country Club on June 10, 2013. The Orange Lake event is one of 13 golf fundraisers being held in the United States, U.K., Mexico and South Africa to support Christel House International with 100 percent of the proceeds to go directly to benefit the children of the nonprofit organization.
Christel House International (CHI) is transforming how kids, their families and future generations permanently escape poverty. Much more than a school, CHI was established in 1998 by founder Christel DeHaan and currently serves over 4,000 impoverished children around the world. By providing high quality education, nutritious meals, regular health care, character and life skills development, and career counseling, CHI helps students grow into confident, hardworking and ethical young adults who give back to their families and communities. CHI operates five learning centers in India, Mexico, South Africa and the U.S.A., as well as a career development program in Venezuela.
The Orange Lake event, located in the theme-park corridor near Orlando, Florida, is the largest of the individual tournaments with over 100 participants gathering from every sector of the timeshare industry – having raised $135,000 last year for Christel House. In all, over $7.5 million globally has been raised over the lifetime of the initiative.
“Christel House does an amazing job through its outreach initiatives around the world, not just through its schools but also through adult education programs and helping to build the families that these students come from,” said Wesley Kogelman, CEO, BuyaTimeshare.com. “This is clearly the most important industry fundraiser of the year and we are delighted to support such a worthwhile cause.”
For more information, please visit http://www.christelhouse.org and to find out more about timeshare products on the secondary market, please visit http://buyatimeshare.com.
Disney Timeshare Guests Have Extensive Options For Fall 2013 Activities At Walt Disney World June 5, 2013
Posted by Steve Luba in : Disney, News & Events , add a commentFall 2013 is a grand celebration for Disney timeshare guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort, marked by festivals, special events and other nonstop fun leading up to the holidays. Disney guests will find unrivaled excitement. As temperatures cool, the fun heats up.
Here’s a look around the Florida Vacation Kingdom and beyond:
Fresh Flavors and Scottish Influence Debut at 18th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Disney guests can sip and savor fresh flavors from six continents during the 18th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 27-Nov. 11, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Beers, meads and Scotch pair with authentic new menu items at the first Scotland Marketplace, one of more than 25 ethnic and specialized food-and-beverage stops located around the World Showcase Promenade. Brazil, Ireland, Greece, South Korea and other countries will feature traditional tapas-sized foods to be paired with wines, cocktails and beers. Terra Marketplace, with creative, flavorful vegan dishes, returns following its 2012 debut. More than 270 Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the country will participate in the 46-day tasting extravaganza.
Festival planners also will present an impressive menu of premium programming, such as the grand tasting Party for the Senses events, plus daily wine tastings and mixology seminars. Celebrity chefs like Jamie Deen, Gale Gand and Rock Harper will stir up plenty of Festival Center fun with culinary demonstrations. Music stars of past decades will rock the party with nightly Eat to the Beat concerts at the outdoor America Gardens Theatre. New festival acts will include the Go-Go’s and Manhattan Transfer.
In Future World, the iconic, colorful Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog will return for a third year to introduce families to the cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage.
Authentic Taste seminars, Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.
The Party for the Senses grand tasting events and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests will be able to call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) to make reservations after an August date is announced. Information and reservations for select events and programs will be atwww.epcotfoodfestival.com.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Offers Happy Haunts for 23 Nights at Walt Disney World Resort
This fall, the Magic Kingdom plays host to the ultimate trick-or-treating neighborhood as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns for 23 special nights from Sept. 10-Nov. 1.
Entertainment features the twice nightly “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade,” led by the infamous Headless Horseman, followed by “HalloWishes,” a green and orange fireworks display complete with Disney villains. Also, guests won’t want to miss their Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best. Not to be left out, guests are invited to dress up in favorite Halloween costumes for trick or treating and more from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. for 23 select nights.
In addition to trick-or-treating, meet and greets with Disney characters donning Halloween costumes, and entertainment unique to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, many of the popular Magic Kingdom attractions – including, of course, The Haunted Mansion – are available to experience (but beware of hitchhiking ghosts).
Party dates in 2013 are:
September: 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27 & 29
October: 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, & 31
November: 1
Get Your Royal On! Fall Opening Planned for Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom
A Fall 2013 opening is slated for Princess Fairytale Hall as New Fantasyland, largest expansion project in the history of Magic Kingdom, continues. Princess Fairytale Hall will be the new home for Disney princesses to meet their loyal subjects in the Magic Kingdom. The castle-like entrance will feature walls of stone and stained glass windows opening up into a large gallery – an airy space with a high ceiling – where portraits of the Disney princesses adorn the walls. When it’s time for their royal audience, guests will proceed to one of four elegantly finished chambers to meet their favorite Disney princess. Each chamber accommodates up to two Disney princesses. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will join the New Fantasyland lineup of fun in 2014.
Christian Music Legends Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith Co-star at 31st Night of Joy
Two legends of Contemporary Christian music – Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith – will team up during the 31st Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Resort, September 6-7, 2013. It’s an evening of enlightening proportions—experience the sound, the spectacle and the magic of their individual ministries as these two icons of Christian music perform their own solo sets. Then, watch as they make Night of Joy history and share the spotlight together in service of a much more powerful purpose!
The pair, who have played stages individually at Magic Kingdom Park in past events will play together at the 2013 event for the first time. They have played Night of Joy a combined 18 times, amassed more than 90 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and garnered eight Grammy Awards and countless other accolades.
Night of Joy stalwarts MercyMe also are back for their sixth consecutive Night of Joy (eight Night of Joy performances total); and 2012 Grammy Nominee TobyMac, Central Florida’s own Francesca Battistelli and rockers Skillet and Newsboys return this year to fill out headliners.
The line-up features six new artists to the event: Moriah Peters, We As Human, City Harbor, For King and Country and Jamie Grace. And recently added is Christian Alt-Pop queen Plumb (aka Tiffany Arbuckle Lee), whose haunting soprano and heart-clenching lyrics have led to simultaneous hits on the Christian Music and Dance/Club charts.
The complete line-up includes:
- Friday, September 6: Mercy Me, Steven Curtis Chapman & Michael W. Smith, Skillet, Mandisa, Audio Adrenaline, For King and Country, Moriah Peters, We As Human and City Harbor
- Saturday, September 7: TobyMac, Francesca Batistelli, Newsboys, Matthew West, Group 1 Crew, Building 429, Plumb and Jamie Grace
2013 marks the 31st year for Disney’s Night of Joy, two nights where the best in Contemporary Christian music meets the fun and fantasy of the Magic Kingdom. In addition to their favorite Christian artists, guests can enjoy beloved Magic Kingdom attractions like Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain – along with New Fantasyland, the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.
One-day tickets to Disney’s Night of Joy are $55 plus tax in advance and $65 plus tax the night of the show (if available). Two-night tickets are $99 plus tax (advance purchase only) and group discounts are also available. To purchase tickets or for more information about the event, visit www.nightofjoy.com.
Conservation Awareness Days at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Guests this fall can participate in special activities themed to special critters – and learn how Disney cares for them, how Disney supports their conservation in the wild through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and cast conservation programs, and what guests can do to support conservation efforts. The special days are:
- Vultures – Sept. 5
- Elephants – Sept. 26
- Bats – Oct. 31 (Halloween)
- Rhinos – Nov. 12
While in the park, there’s more new fun in store. This is the first fall for Wilderness Explorers, enabling guests to explore the park more deeply armed with field guides and earning sticker badges along the way. Wilderness Explorers is aimed at young guests ages 7-10 but is fun for the entire family. And at the new Adventurers Outpost on Discovery Island, guests can meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they get ready to set off on their next adventure.
Festival of the Masters Nov. 8-10 Brings Artful Fun to Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney invites guests to the 38th Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels Nov. 8-10. This world-renowned fine arts festival features more than 150 artists showcasing their unique works in painting, sculpture, photography and other categories. This outdoor festival also will offer live entertainment, hands-on activities for kids and unique food offerings. Additional information can be found at www.disneyworld.com/downtowndisney
Eighth Annual Old Spice Classic Continues Holiday Hoops Tradition at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
The eighth annual Old Spice Classic at Walt Disney World Resort continues the holiday hoops tradition with eight teams tipping off Thanksgiving Weekend at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in one of the nation’s premier preseason Division 1 men’s college basketball tournaments.
Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through the bracket. The two teams that remain undefeated throughout will face off in a championship game in the final day of the competition. The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) will serve as the event’s sponsoring conference for the eighth straight year. All games will air on ESPN networks.
The family-friendly tournament is a weekend-long affair at the Walt Disney World Resort where participating teams practice, play and enjoy the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Previous winners of the Old Spice Classic have included Dayton, Notre Dame, Florida State, NC State and Arkansas.
For more, visit www.oldspiceclassic.com
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is Haunting Backdrop for 10-Miler Weekend, Oct. 4 – 5
Disney villains take center stage for TheTwilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend, Oct. 4 – 5. The weekend features a haunting nighttime 10-mile race starting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, running through ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and finishing, appropriately enough, near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Runners and guests who purchase a special ticket can enjoy the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash post-race party. Partygoers will enjoy live music, Disney characters and access to attractions such as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock “n” Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Toy Story Mania until 4 a.m. Families can enjoy the Disney Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run and runDisney Kids’ Races at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Saturday, Nov. 5. A two-day Health and Fitness Expo featuring several vendors and a speaker series takes place on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4 – 5 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. For more: http://www.rundisney.com/tower-of-terror-10-miler
Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend set for Nov. 8 – 9
runDisney serves up Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Nov. 8 – 9. More than 14,000 registered runners will take on this unique nighttime 13.1-mile course starting at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, running through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and finishing at Epcot. After crossing the finish line, runners can join family and friends for a special ticketed post-race party inside Epcot until 4 a.m. The Finish Line Party features more than 25 kiosks offering fine cuisine and wine from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, plus Disney characters, music and the opportunity to ride various attractions such as the newly reimagined Test Track Presented by Chevrolet and Soarin’. New this year is the Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste on Friday, Nov. 8, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This special ticketed event offers runners and fans a private reception on the set of Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, featuring food and beverages from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, music and Disney characters. In addition to the half marathon, Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend features Mickey’s Jingle Jangle 5K at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and runDisney Kids’ Races at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. There’s also Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 – 9, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. For more: http://www.rundisney.com/wine-and-dine-half-marathon
Las Vegas Timeshare Project Is Back Under Construction June 3, 2013
Posted by Steve Luba in : News & Events, Wyndham Timeshares , add a commentWyndham has jump-started its construction plans for the Las Vegas timeshare project Wyndham Vacation Resorts’ Desert Blue.
According to a report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, construction activity at the future timeshare site has resumed after a five year holding pattern following the fallout from the 2008 economic downturn. Originally scheduled for completion in 2010, Wyndham officials provided no details except to say that work on the 19-storey, 281-unit project is in its early stages.
“We’re trying to get movement started,” Wyndham spokeswoman Lindsay Graham was quoted as saying.
Building permits filed so far in 2013 for the project total 22, compared to just six in all of 2009 when the project was on life support. Much of the current work involves tests to measure the structure and how well it held up during the last five years. An inspection in April revealed that some weld connections will need to be redone due to “light surface rust” and engineering firms continue to inspect the tower and develop plans to repair exposure-related issues.
Fortunately for visitors looking for a Las Vegas holiday, there are a number of Las Vegas timeshare options to take advantage of on the resale market – whether to buy or to rent. For more information, please click here.
Timeshare Industry Leaders Set To Convene In New Hampshire May 29, 2013
Posted by Steve Luba in : ARDA, News & Events , add a commentWesley Kogelman, CEO of timeshare resale advertising company BuyaTimeshare.com, will be one of approximately 100 timeshare industry executives gathering for the New England regional meeting of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), scheduled for June 3-4, 2013 at the Sheraton Harborside Hotel in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Attendees will hear the latest industry statistics from the ARDA International Foundation in advance of next month’s expected release of the 2013 State of the Industry report. In addition, New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development Director Lori Harnois will provide an update on the health of the region’s tourism sector.
Speakers are also scheduled to discuss ways that the industry can engage younger demographics now that the Baby Boomer generation, long the target of industry marketing efforts, is moving into retirement.
Surprising to some, New England in general and New Hampshire in particular are very important areas for the timeshare industry. According to ARDA’s 2012 figures, the Northeast region has the third largest geographical concentration of timeshare resorts in the country, behind Florida and the Mountain/Pacific region. Nationally, New Hampshire ranks #16 out of the 50 states for resort concentration, trailing only #11 Massachusetts in the Northeast.
Such recognition comes as no surprise to Kogelman, whose head office is based in Merrimack, New Hampshire.
“We’ve known for years that New England is a major destination for our industry. People automatically think of Florida and Las Vegas when they think of timeshare and, while they are promoted more heavily, the truth is that we are a strong four season location with the ski areas, terrific national parks and the beach communities,” said Kogelman.
“We deal directly with the consumers and see how they interact with the properties we have advertised for sale and for rent on our site. We just had a property sell at Jordan Grand Hotel at Sunday River in Maine just this week, so we see the importance of our area,” Kogelman added.
For more information about the upcoming conference, please visit http://www.arda.org/northeast/. To find out more about the significant savings on timeshare products on the secondary market, please visit http://buyatimeshare.com.