New Members - Please Introduce Yourself!

[Barat Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Barat]

Hello

I'm Barat, a grampa of five, married 40 years and absolutely new to timeshare. My wife and I are retired and footloose. My youngest daughter started talking timeshare to the family after seeing something with Disney. We have been trying to get the family together for a week for a celebration of our 40th. We have been trying to find the 'ideal' place for us for months. We came down to Branson, Missouri because the women had narrowed it down to four possibilities, Branson, Gatlinburg, Disney, or Minnesota/Ontario.

We have been in all these locations for vacations in the past, except Branson. Gramma and Grampa agreed to scout Branson. While here we sat for a Bluegreen sales pitch. We didn't buy the big pitch but did buy a sampler since we're sure that we can use that. We are both retired and able to come and go as we wish.

Branson has the added appeal that we have family close to that area.

After making this buy I started to look around the internet to get the skinny on Bluegreen. There are some very irate people out there! It did seem that the angry folks were not given to understanding the rules that applied to them as 'owners.'

I hope that we can learn the ins and outs of this system and determine whether it is really worth purchasing timeshares and also to figure out what time share system is among the better companies to purchase with.

With that in mind, I'm going to figure out where to post and what to post to get some help answering our questions.

[suesam Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close suesam]

Suesam

Hi! I am Sue from Iowa. I have been reading this forum for a couple of years now and just registered yesterday. We bought a Hyatt Beach House from the developer 10 years ago and wow have I learned a lot since that purchase. I definitely do not regret it because have learned TONS about timesharing and traveling but my next purchase will be much smarter. As for now all of my money will be going to the college my son will be attending next year so one timeshare will have to be enough for a while.

My husband (Sam) and I have been married 20 years and have two teenage sons 15 and 17. I am obsessed with traveling and love to read about others travel plans and trips. Oh yes, as well as Big Frank's new diet!

I am glad to be here!
Sue

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

I'm Barat, a grampa of five, married 40 years and absolutely new to timeshare. My wife and I are retired and footloose. My youngest daughter started talking timeshare to the family after seeing something with Disney. We have been trying to get the family together for a week for a celebration of our 40th. We have been trying to find the 'ideal' place for us for months. We came down to Branson, Missouri because the women had narrowed it down to four possibilities, Branson, Gatlinburg, Disney, or Minnesota/Ontario.

We have been in all these locations for vacations in the past, except Branson. Gramma and Grampa agreed to scout Branson. While here we sat for a Bluegreen sales pitch. We didn't buy the big pitch but did buy a sampler since we're sure that we can use that. We are both retired and able to come and go as we wish.

Branson has the added appeal that we have family close to that area.

After making this buy I started to look around the internet to get the skinny on Bluegreen. There are some very irate people out there! It did seem that the angry folks were not given to understanding the rules that applied to them as 'owners.'

I hope that we can learn the ins and outs of this system and determine whether it is really worth purchasing timeshares and also to figure out what time share system is among the better companies to purchase with.

With that in mind, I'm going to figure out where to post and what to post to get some help answering our questions.

We have a couple or more Bluegreen gurus here that know the system and how to work it and one who even sells resale bluegreen.

[christnme Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close christnme]

Hi! I'm Maryia, a wife and mother. I have two children ages 3 & 7. I have chosen to be an at home child caregiver in order to be home with my own little one. My husband works full time and goes to college at night. We are also very active in our church. To say the least we have a full plate. So like most, this is why we need a vacation!!

I just purchased our first timeshare after going with my bother & sister n law to there's several times, the only difference is they purchased theres from the resort and I got mine off e-bay. I am a little nervous about this new avenue in our lives, seeings how I'm still waiting on all the paperwork to be completed. Hopefully all will go smoothly.

We are very excited to use our new timeshare in Branson, Mo. (DRI-Sunterra Plantation at Fall Creek) and know the kids will love it as well. Neither my husband or myself grow up going on family vacations and look forward to changing that for our own family. Thanks for all information givin to me in these great forums!!

[stiznef Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close stiznef]

Hi I'm Stefan

Hello Everyone.

I've just joined this forum. I know absolutely nothing about TS. (I'm already learning the lingo) That is to say I don't know anything other than that fact that my fiancee and I get a phone call about every 2 days from the company that we gave $120.00 to for a cheap Vegas Vacation. We are supposed to sit in on a presentation. In exchange we will get 3 night stay in Vegas with some bonuses. They sure are persistent in trying to get us down there.

I've been reading around this forum now for a few days and I'm more confused than ever. A TS seem like a good purchase but I can see that you have to really careful because once your in it's tough to get back out again.

Would some knowledgeable person be willing to give us some pointers as far as what we should be looking for as well as be looking out for. There seem to be some real experts in the forum and we sure could use the advice before we let go of our hard earned money.

Hope to hear back soon.

Best,

Stefan

[Jya-Ning Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Jya-Ning]

Would some knowledgeable person be willing to give us some pointers as far as what we should be looking for as well as be looking out for.

Stefan:

welcome. You may want to start a new thread to ask that. You may want to first find out where you picture yourselves take vacation to, and what kind of activities you want to be there. Then it will be easier to people give suggestions.

Jya-Ning

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Hi! I am Sue from Iowa. I have been reading this forum for a couple of years now and just registered yesterday. We bought a Hyatt Beach House from the developer 10 years ago and wow have I learned a lot since that purchase. I definitely do not regret it because have learned TONS about timesharing and traveling but my next purchase will be much smarter. As for now all of my money will be going to the college my son will be attending next year so one timeshare will have to be enough for a while.

My husband (Sam) and I have been married 20 years and have two teenage sons 15 and 17. I am obsessed with traveling and love to read about others travel plans and trips. Oh yes, as well as Big Frank's new diet!

I am glad to be here!
Sue

Glad you registered and are joining us officially - we have several members that I know who own Hyatt points and really maximize that ownership with multiple weeks of travel.

And Frank's latest trip might have blown the diet!

Hi! I'm Maryia, a wife and mother. I have two children ages 3 & 7. I have chosen to be an at home child caregiver in order to be home with my own little one. My husband works full time and goes to college at night. We are active in our church also to help fill our plate. So like most, this is why we need a vacation!!

I just purchased our first timeshare after going with my bother & sister n law to theres several times, the only difference is they purchased theres from the resort and I got mine off e-bay. I am a little nervous about this new avenue in our lives, seeings how I'm still waiting on all the paperwork to be completed. Hopefully all will go smoothly.

We are very excited to use our new timeshare in Branson, Mo. and know the kids will love it as well. Neither my husband or myself grow up going on family vacations and look forward to changing that for our family. Thanks for all input given to me in these great forums!

Welcome to TS4Ms - and from what I have seen - u got a great deal on a great resort.... now stay and learn how to use it to the fullest.

Hello Everyone.

I've just joined this forum. I know absolutely nothing about TS. (I'm already learning the lingo) That is to say I don't know anything other than that fact that my fiancée and I get a phone call about every 2 days from the company that we gave $120.00 to for a cheap Vegas Vacation. We are supposed to sit in on a presentation. In exchange we will get 3 night stay in Vegas with some bonuses. They sure are persistent in trying to get us down there.

I've been reading around this forum now for a few days and I'm more confused than ever. A TS seem like a good purchase but I can see that you have to really careful because once your in it's tough to get back out again.

Would some knowledgeable person be willing to give us some pointers as far as what we should be looking for as well as be looking out for. There seem to be some real experts in the forum and we sure could use the advice before we let go of our hard earned money.

Hope to hear back soon.

Best,

Stefan

Stefan, I have ONE piece of advice for you - DO NOT BUY when u go on the preview!

It is okay to look and listen and ask questions...

BUT - do not believe when they say 'this deal is good only for today.
or 'only people who buy from the developer get this deal'
or 'we can give u A-Z bonuses that no one else can'

If it is SUCH a good deal, then it will still be available in 2 weeks when u think about it - and they will be happy to take your money.
Usually, u can buy the same ownership resale for a large (40-80%) savings.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Hello TS4MS ers,

We need to get a better name to define us. TUGgers is fine for TUG but what are we?, lol. Joe from Queens, NY here. I started with Fern on Prodigy who introduced me to TUG and thru TUG to here. I'm a Lieutenant with the NYPD for 29 years.

I own at Royal Caribbean in Cancun and Lowveld Lodge in S.A.

I have spent more time here lately, than on TUG and am having a great time here. BTW love the wine forum. Latour90 on aol.

Welcome Joe - from one LIer to another

My wife and I bought a timeshare this last February, 2008 at Ka'anapali in Maui at the Westin Ocean Villas. Paid too much but we are extremely happy with the unit we bought. We are empty nesters as of last year and want to travel to Hawaii annually. Have been to Kauai 3 times at my parents timeshare in Kapaa. My parents have 5 weeks (2 in Kauai and 3 in Sedona, AZ)of timeshares a year and they use them. We have been with them several times and thought it would be nice to invite them to our timeshare.

Thanks to those who maintain this site

Greg/Sacramento, Ca

Hi Greg and welcome,
I am a resale owner of 2 Starwood resorts - Sheraton PGA and Broadway Plantation.
Starwood timeshares are really great and although I don't have StarOptions - I trade using Interval International with its 3 day Starwood preference and am very happy with my trades.
Can't wait for the new Westin to open in Princeville as I want to visit both properties in 2010.

[rcoast911 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rcoast911]

Hello All

Hello to all of you good people. My name is Amy and I am from Connecticut. I own at Palm Aire in Pompano Beach, and no, I have never visited my own property! Pathetic! I always switch it into a Wyndham property by Disney, my favorite place on earth! I will be staying at Bonnet Creek for the first time in October and then again in December for a few days each.

My "need to visit" list consists of Pagosa Springs, Colorado and all of the Wyndham properties in North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina.

I love to check out RCI's "last call" choices, and I ususally see Cypress Pointe, so I run down to see my buddy Mickey for a few days.

I love to read all of the posts here, so give me a "hello", you guys rock!

Amy

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Hello to all of you good people. My name is Amy and I am from Connecticut. I own at Palm Aire in Pompano Beach, and no, I have never visited my own property! Pathetic! I always switch it into a Wyndham property by Disney, my favorite place on earth! I will be staying at Bonnet Creek for the first time in October and then again in December for a few days each.

My "need to visit" list consists of Pagosa Springs, Colorado and all of the Wyndham properties in North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina.

I love to check out RCI's "last call" choices, and I usually see Cypress Pointe, so I run down to see my buddy Mickey for a few days.

I love to read all of the posts here, so give me a "hello", you guys rock!

Amy

Hello and welcome to TS4Ms - and I like that your first post already acknowledges that we ROCK - sooooo true!

We have a Wyndham forum with extremely knowledgeable owners so be sure to check that out ......

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

Hello to all of you good people. My name is Amy and I am from Connecticut. I own at Palm Aire in Pompano Beach, and no, I have never visited my own property! Pathetic! I always switch it into a Wyndham property by Disney, my favorite place on earth! I will be staying at Bonnet Creek for the first time in October and then again in December for a few days each.

My "need to visit" list consists of Pagosa Springs, Colorado and all of the Wyndham properties in North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina.

I love to check out RCI's "last call" choices, and I ususally see Cypress Pointe, so I run down to see my buddy Mickey for a few days.

I love to read all of the posts here, so give me a "hello", you guys rock!

Amy

Welcome Amy.

Pagosa Springs is a beautiful resort area. I love it! Because it is in southern Colorado, it doesn't get the publicity that the northern resorts get. But it is a full Colorado mountain experience.
I hope you get there soon.

[Joe L Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Joe L]

Welcome to all the new TS4MSers. I guess that's what we call ourselves. I'm a long time TUG member but feel more at home here. I'm spending alot more time here lately than on TUG. There is a "warmness" here that i don't see lately there.
Joe

[Miss Understood Member Find all posts View Profile Close Miss Understood]

Hello and welcome.

We stayed at your "home resort" a few years ago and enjoyed it. We did a week in Key West, then a week at Pampano Beach.

I, too, am a Disney fan and hang out on the Dis boards by a different name. Orlando is a fun place, even without Disney, but I love the theming and the wonderful imagination that goes into the various Disney resorts and attractions.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Welcome to all the new TS4MSers. I guess that's what we call ourselves. I'm a long time TUG member but feel more at home here. I'm spending alot more time here lately than on TUG. There is a "warmness" here that i don't see lately there.
Joe

I'm touched Joe. REALLY! We are viewed as hard-core almost everywhere on the web. You want an answer to any timeshare question ,you ask on these forums you get it. Specialists abound. I think that is what really sets us apart; that and the ex-ops for EVERY exchange company on a timely basis; but you have seen below the surface! We will, all of us, help anyone make the most of timesharing.

Welcome to all the newcomers. Read, absorb, ask. and we are all here for you.


Must come up for a better membership call name though. TS4Mers is awkward.

[Charlie Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Charlie]

Hello, Finally Made The Leap

Hi,
I am a new member from Long Island. My name is Charlie and I've been lurking
in this forum for quite some time. Don't know why I have not officially joined
until now. My son Craig (Chap7) has been urging me for a while. Besides Craig,
my wife and I have 2 other children, Craig's twin sister and another younger daughter. Between the three of them and their spouses they have given us 9
wonderful grandchildren. I am a former high school English teacher, retired now for 5 yrs. My wife and I purchased our first timeshare in '92, a floating week, Eagle Trace at Massanutten in VA. We traded the very next year to go to the Virgin Grand Villas on St. John in the Virgin Islands. That shows how the timeshare industry has changed. My Massanutten unit could never net such a good trade these days. We also own 2 units at Fox Run on Lake Lure in NC. We've made some decent trades over the years. I look forward to future trades because my wife will be joining me in retirement this June and we can travel outside the restrictions of "school vacations." I also look forward to sharing and receiving timeshare tips, information and advice through this forum.