I need help deciding on a vacation spot...

[Ediesbeads Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ediesbeads]

Hello all! We are relatively new Bluegreen owners. We bought about 1.5 years ago. We are in central IL so the only really CLOSE resort is Wisconsin Dells. We are kind of Dells'ed out, so we need some ideas of where to go!

Specifically, we need something that is blue/white in week 9 (starting March 8th or so). This is spring break for hubby. I have 5300 blue/white points that must be used up by April 1, 2009. These are special bonus points we got with our last upgrade, and ONLY good blue white, not red. We really need a partial week to allow travel time on the weekends at either end... so perhaps a Sunday - Friday stay?

CMV is an obvious choice, but we are looking for other ideas where there might be something to do besides the Mt Olympus indoor water/theme parks which we've done three times already!

My kids are 9,6, and 3, so we also want some kid friendly entertainment. We aren't afraid to drive a bit. My kids are good travelers. So where should we go?

And another "club rules" questions for you... do the blue/white points have to be reserved for the future, or actually used by the expiration date? I've gotten lots of different answers on this one.

Thanks!
Edie

[RedMan Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RedMan]

Specifically, we need something that is blue/white in week 9 (starting March 8th or so). This is spring break for hubby. I have 5300 blue/white points that must be used up by April 1, 2009. These are special bonus points we got with our last upgrade, and ONLY good blue white, not red. We really need a partial week to allow travel time on the weekends at either end... so perhaps a Sunday - Friday stay?

CMV is an obvious choice, but we are looking for other ideas where there might be something to do besides the Mt Olympus indoor water/theme parks which we've done three times already!

My kids are 9,6, and 3, so we also want some kid friendly entertainment. We aren't afraid to drive a bit. My kids are good travelers. So where should we go?

Might I suggest Big Cedar Wilderness Club? We will be there the week of March 8th which is the last week of white season (also our spring break). This will be our 3rd year in a row for that week at BCWC and I think my kids look forward to this trip more than they do the beach! For 5300 points you could reserve two 2 Bedroom units Sunday thru Thursday (if available) and bring someone else along.

And another "club rules" questions for you... do the blue/white points have to be reserved for the future, or actually used by the expiration date? I've gotten lots of different answers on this one.

I'm 99% sure they have to be used and not just booked.

[RedMan Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RedMan]

BTW...The lazy river would not be running that week but the outdoor pools (and 1 indoor pool) will be open as well as the paddle boats. There's not a lot of Branson shows open that week either but we still manage to have a great time (just relaxing for my wife and I).

[Ediesbeads Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ediesbeads]

Thanks so much Red Man! I didn't realize Big Cedar had white time that week! Awesome! So I ended up getting a studio for a weekend, plus a two bedroom for a weekend plus 2 more nights. My in-laws can come during the weekend and have their own space! Branson is closer to my in-laws than we are (they're in Kansas), so we will get a weekend together, and they won't have to drive quite as far. I think it will be nice.

Edie

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

Hey Edie, I'm new to the group but have been a regular down at Big Cedar for a long time. Just wanted to mention that, if you folks have the time while you're there, be sure to stop in at the Buzzard Bar (part of Big Cedar) to catch Clay Self's show. You won't be sorry!!! He usually plays every Thursday night through Sunday night and, while it is a bar and they do serve alcohol, it is a VERY family-friendly show. People who have been coming for years bring their little ones....Clay does a great job of including them in the show. You might even get picked on yourself. And the parents would enjoy it as well. He does a sort of comedy bit and plays country/rock. He's done a mission trip to Mexico before during that time of year so I'm not sure if he'll be there but it's worth checking out. Show starts around 8:30 so with the little ones you should be o.k. for the first set anyway. Just be sure to get there early because Buzzard's is a SMALL place. If you want, get dinner there so you have a table for the show. They serve the same menu as upstairs (Devils Pool restaurant) but the chef specials are always great. Since I'm new to the group I'm not sure this is o.k. but here's a link to his website .... PaintedValleyRanch. He's been with Big Cedar for over 20 yrs. now...use to work at the stables and actually gave us our carriage ride when we first went there on our anniversary many moons ago. Now he's a Big Cedar legend!!! Don't tell him I said that though. Don't want it going to his head. Just tell him the guy whose wife almost died at Big Cedar sent ya....he'll know what you're talking about!

Brett

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

A few other things that might help to make your trip to BC that much more memorable.

1. I'm assuming this is your first time there, correct? If so, when you drive in on the first day, don't go right at the sign that says "Wilderness Club". Keep going straight until you get to the "Big Cedar Lodge" sign. You'll get to experience that view that makes us always say as we drive down that twisty lane "we're home" feeling (literally, we say that everytime we drive underneath it). You'll know you're there when you see the signs that say "You Shoulda Been Here Yesterday."....."They Were Bitin' Like Crazy". You'll have to drive through the streams/waterfalls if you're on the right track. The first time my wife saw that, she was hooked!!!!

2. You'll be goin' at a time of the year that's kinda "brown" foilage wise and unpredictable weather wise. Be prepared "clothing" wise. We've been there that time of year and it was absolutely beautiful! Other times, its been so-so. But don't despair. Get out and walk. The Wilderness Club side is not as beautiful as the Big Cedar side (not to say that the Wilderness Club side is bad....just that they expend ALOT of effort over on the other side to create a beautiful experience). Fortunately, the two are connected by paved trails and there's plenty to explore. They go to extraordinary lengths at Big Cedar to create a very "romantic" atmosphere. It's a site to behold, especially during the Christmas season but lately they've been leaving the Christmas lights on throughout the nights longer and longer. I'm talking every cabin, building, outhouse......everything has Christmas lights on it! Absolutely beautiful!!!

3. You can do the horseback riding that time of year. We were lucky enough to get bonus time (in a cabin, no less) over Christmas a couple of years ago and the weather was nice enough that we only had to wear light jackets. As for the little ones, they have pony rides that make for a great photo-op. We were there recently and a young couple had two small boys (probably 5 & 7) that had spurs, cowboy hats, six shooters....the whole nine yards on.....getting ready to hop on the ponies.....it was great!!!

4. Keep your eyes open.....you never know who you're going to see at Big Cedar. Due to the affiliation with Johnnie Morris and BassPro Shops, you never know whose going to be there next. Literally. George Bush Sr. has stayed there. Waylon Jennings, the country music legend, was a regular before he passed on...even donated a boat to Big Cedar name after his wife, Jessie Colter, the "Goin' Jessi", that you can get a ride on when you go down there. Since we've been going we've seen Richard Childress (car owner for Dale Earnhardt, the NASCAR driver whose since passed), Joel Olsteen (the preacher from tv whome BassPro had come down to do the Christmas eve service at Dogwood Canyon), Tony Melindez (a man that was born with no arms and plays guitar with his feet. He's played for the Pope and is a personal friend of Clay's). All pretty cool! I mean I was watching Larry King live one night in our room and he's interviewing Joel Olsteen (whome I had no idea was) and the very next night he's standing down at the bonfire at Big Cedar with his wife and kids waiting to meet Santa! Pretty wild!!!

5. I can't emphasize enough how good Clay's show is. Just go!

Above all, just soak it all in. Its a wonderful place. Its not without its faults but it is truely special. I shouldn't be telling you this! We really want to keep it to ourselves, but I can't help it. Enjoy!!!

Brett

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

A few other things that might help to make your trip to BC that much more memorable.

1. I'm assuming this is your first time there, correct? If so, when you drive in on the first day, don't go right at the sign that says "Wilderness Club". Keep going straight until you get to the "Big Cedar Lodge" sign. You'll get to experience that view that makes us always say as we drive down that twisty lane "we're home" feeling (literally, we say that everytime we drive underneath it). You'll know you're there when you see the signs that say "You Shoulda Been Here Yesterday."....."They Were Bitin' Like Crazy". You'll have to drive through the streams/waterfalls if you're on the right track. The first time my wife saw that, she was hooked!!!!

2. You'll be goin' at a time of the year that's kinda "brown" foilage wise and unpredictable weather wise. Be prepared "clothing" wise. We've been there that time of year and it was absolutely beautiful! Other times, its been so-so. But don't despair. Get out and walk. The Wilderness Club side is not as beautiful as the Big Cedar side (not to say that the Wilderness Club side is bad....just that they expend ALOT of effort over on the other side to create a beautiful experience). Fortunately, the two are connected by paved trails and there's plenty to explore. They go to extraordinary lengths at Big Cedar to create a very "romantic" atmosphere. It's a site to behold, especially during the Christmas season but lately they've been leaving the Christmas lights on throughout the nights longer and longer. I'm talking every cabin, building, outhouse......everything has Christmas lights on it! Absolutely beautiful!!!

3. You can do the horseback riding that time of year. We were lucky enough to get bonus time (in a cabin, no less) over Christmas a couple of years ago and the weather was nice enough that we only had to wear light jackets. As for the little ones, they have pony rides that make for a great photo-op. We were there recently and a young couple had two small boys (probably 5 & 7) that had spurs, cowboy hats, six shooters....the whole nine yards on.....getting ready to hop on the ponies.....it was great!!!

4. Keep your eyes open.....you never know who you're going to see at Big Cedar. Due to the affiliation with Johnnie Morris and BassPro Shops, you never know whose going to be there next. Literally. George Bush Sr. has stayed there. Waylon Jennings, the country music legend, was a regular before he passed on...even donated a boat to Big Cedar name after his wife, Jessie Colter, the "Goin' Jessi", that you can get a ride on when you go down there. Since we've been going we've seen Richard Childress (car owner for Dale Earnhardt, the NASCAR driver whose since passed), Joel Olsteen (the preacher from tv whome BassPro had come down to do the Christmas eve service at Dogwood Canyon), Tony Melindez (a man that was born with no arms and plays guitar with his feet. He's played for the Pope and is a personal friend of Clay's). All pretty cool! I mean I was watching Larry King live one night in our room and he's interviewing Joel Olsteen (whome I had no idea was) and the very next night he's standing down at the bonfire at Big Cedar with his wife and kids waiting to meet Santa! Pretty wild!!!

5. I can't emphasize enough how good Clay's show is. Just go!

Above all, just soak it all in. Its a wonderful place. Its not without its faults but it is truely special. I shouldn't be telling you this! We really want to keep it to ourselves, but I can't help it. Enjoy!!!

Brett

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

Crap!!! Sorry for the double post there. I'm not sure what happened. Leave it to a newbie!!!

[kingement Member Find all posts View Profile Close kingement]

Just wanted to mention that, if you folks have the time while you're there, be sure to stop in at the Buzzard Bar (part of Big Cedar) to catch Clay Self's show. You won't be sorry!!! He usually plays every Thursday night through Sunday night and, while it is a bar and they do serve alcohol, it is a VERY family-friendly show.
Brett

Thanks for the recommendation. Although, we've been to Big Cedar several times, there's still things we haven't done there. Just want to experience something new each visit, I guess. Not that that is really the plan, it's just been the way things have panned out. We've had the Christmas Day buffet at the Devil's Pool but still haven't wandered into the Buzzard.

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

Wow, I must have had one too many AB products last night! "Whome"? I need to learn how to spell. Yeah, the brunch is one I forgot to mention. They do a great brunch every Sunday at both Devil's Pool and the Worman House. I don't remember if they're the same but I believe both serve all the champaign or mermosas you can drink! Try the Worman House and get a table by the windows....awesome view.

Also, the sunsets at Big Cedar can be incredible. If your in one of the lodges with a view on the Wilderness Club side you should be fine. But we've found an even better spot. Walk, or take a shuttle, over to Fall's Lodge. Go in the lower main entrance (on the side facing the lake). Walk up the big staircase, through the great room with all the wild animal mounts (also pretty cool), through the glass doors, and onto the balcony. Pull up one of the big rocking chairs, have a seat, and enjoy the show!

If its nice enough, Edie, be sure to tryout the mini golf. The kids should enjoy it. Neat little course.

[crwisconsin Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close crwisconsin]

Watch out for Hole 1 at Big Cedar

Big Cedar If its nice enough, Edie, be sure to try out the mini golf. The kids should enjoy it. Neat little course.

But Hole 1 is a real bear!!!!!

Charles

[SoundQ SVT Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close SoundQ SVT]

Hello all! We are relatively new Bluegreen owners. We bought about 1.5 years ago. We are in central IL so the only really CLOSE resort is Wisconsin Dells.

Hi Edie...

We are also from Central Illinois... not far from Peoria.

My wife and I bought into Bluegreen a little over 2 years ago, and our first stay at a Bluegreen resort was bonus time weekend at Big Cedar. It was the first weekend in November 2006 and the Branson Christmas lights and shows had just started their season. It added a nice touch to the resort feel, but the Branson Christmas lights festival, though nice, was not as good as East Peoria's Festival of Lights if you're familiar with that. As mentioned previously, the first time you go to BC, you must follow the winding path in. The first glimpse of Table Rock lake through the trees will give you that "Oh wow" feeling.... and the little streams that you cross definitely set the mood.

We have since been to Paradise Isle (Gulf Shores... long drive), Mountainloft (9 hr easy drive), and Shenandoah Crossing (flew). I had a good friend from Normal drive up to Mountain Run and stay using my points in March last year for their kids' spring break and they liked that too. I have wanted to get up to CMV or Odessey Dells since they are the closest resorts to home, but we just haven't done it yet.

Bob
SoundQ SVT

[vacation_family99 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close vacation_family99]

Hi Edie,

We're from Central Illinois as well. We've been to Christmas Mountain, Gatlinburg, Pono Kai and Big Cedar through Bluegreen. We're currently in Branson in a Wyndham at the Meadows through a trade that we did when we banked our week with RCI.

We've been to the Lake of the Ozarks through RCI. It seems that a lot of folks from Central Illinois go there to vacation. We really had good luck banking our weeks and trading with RCI.

We'll be at Christmas Mountain a lot because it's close to our house and we've got flex weeks there. We're looking forward to tubing at Christmas Mountain Village this winter.

We really enjoy Bluegreen and Timesharing!