brand new owners, worried

[mrsdean4 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mrsdean4]

hi everyone, so glad to have found this forum. I have been reading alot and am concerned that my husband and I could do better than we did when purchasing our point package at BG in Gatlinburg last week.

We purchased a 22000 yearly point package for 30k with a June 1 anniversary date. I'm aware that we overpaid significantly, but my main concern is...if we rescind, will we lose all the "perks" that really made us want to be owners in the first place?

Our main reasons for buying are
1. We love having big family vacations and thought this would be a great way to spend the same amount of money as a single family stay and be able to invite siblings and their families to stay with us.

2. The flexibility of no set weeks or set resorts.

3. My husband really wants to use the grand yacht club.

I am primarily concerned that we vastly overpaid and that the flexibility isn't really there. Also, I can't find any reviews of anyone actually being able to use the GYC.

Any advice is definitely appreciated!

Kacey

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Kacey,

You have come to the right place. This is one of the few places where you find directly the happy Bluegreen owners. They are happy because they figured out how to use their ownerships in the best ways possible for their particular travel needs. We know the policies of the Club and can help you with the right expectations for how to use it.

To answer your questions, here are some answers. Others will jump in to provide their views.

The "Perks" also known as "Charter Member" benefits are very important to many owners. They are not important to everyone. It just depends on what is important to you. After hearing the input, you need to decide for yourself.

You did pay a lot for those "perks". But, you should know that the flexibility is there. The average stay at a Bluegreen resort is about 3 days. Bonus time is very popular and you will find the wait list to be helpful for many hard to get reservations.

Stick around for a while and enjoy your ownership.

Jim

[jmc Member Find all posts View Profile Close jmc]

Kacey, we bought 20,000 point our first purchase for similar reasons. 18,000 for 3 bedrooms etc... we now have 62,000 points and the price we paid averages to what you bought. Since there is a new rule going into effect tomorrow resale points will be 1.25/point in order to get the same perks that you mentioned. Grand yacht club use is cash only with a minimum # of people going- not a point adventure- since I am not sure if sales people gave another impression. It is something I want to try myself but BG system has kept us busy. Resale has it price breaks but first time getting in on the club to get those perks....a lot of us purchased direct then found resale options later....I was not as lucky as you...good luck with your decision.
Add- with planning and booking 11 months out for special trips we have not been disappointed. My sister though did try to get Aruba for Christmas and was on wait list at the 13 month mark for her owner level and still did not get her reservation.

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

Boca Bum was accurrate. However, I did a quick search on Pinnacle Timeshare which is an authorized reseller for Bluegreen like Boca Bum. I found several packages at 24000 points which would get you the Silver Premier Ownership(probably minus the "Yacht Club) starting at $9600.00(a savings of 20K) and there are several between $9600-$14000. I could "buy" a number of Yacht Club trips for the difference in what you paid. However, tomorrow the 22000 points will cost you $27500 for the Silver Premier Ownership. The only option I can see for today is to Private Message Boca Bum and see what he has and begin a transaction today if you wanted to take advantage in the difference of price.

I realized the other day, we have been BG owners for 8 yrs. We love it once I learned the system. My daughter in college is thinking about purchase but not being 21 yet she is limited to the places she could check-in. Thus she is going to have to pay the $1.25/pt to get the premier benefits that kick in tomorrow. BG has very nice accommendations and it is much cheaper than an equivilent motel. You will have alot of wonderful memories.

What ever you do, plan your vacations far ahead to insure you get the places you want. You might want to be aware June-August & holidays are the busiest times for vacation travel.

[mrsdean4 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mrsdean4]

Thanks for all the replies and support, everyone! I don't think we will rescind, but we instead will learn the system and enjoy our vacations.

I do have a new wrinkle to discuss, though, and will post a new thread about that. Thanks again for all the help, it's greatly appreciated.

Kacey