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JLB · 01-11-2007, 06:42 PM

OK, the Readers Digest version.

First, my Orlando/OL credentials.

OL was our first tour, almost 20 years ago, the week we bought our first timeshare. We owned 3 Orlando weeks for about 15 years. We have toured OL five times, watching it grow from the West Village to River Island. We have also stayed there several times.

We have never had a bad unit or a bad experience, enough to make it a bad vacation, including this time. It is a nice resort and a nice place for families who feel compelled to go to Orlando, really one of our least favorite places any more.

But, here's what OL could improve on.

Cleanliness:

There's a lot of filth and trash, especially in areas they brag about, like the natural areas they have set aside and the little lakes. On walkways and stairways at our EV building there was stuff like a discarded cigar, melting candy, spit, and just basic filth that was there when we got there and still there when we left. It's strange that the place has so much litter because there are people riding around in golf carts picking up trash full-time. Most of the trash and litter in the nature areas was not recently dropped and has accumulated over time.

Size:

Too big and no intimacy. The Golden Corral of vacations. Low amenities to guests ratio, so that you had to be concerned about competing with other guests to use things.

However, River Island seems to have cleared out the other pool areas, so you can attain the smaller resort atmosphere by being near another pool and just hanging out there.

Too Many Resort Vehicles:

Maintenance, Engineering, Housekeeping, golf course, Sales Tours. A constant barrage of white vehicles running around, many not observing the 23 mph speed limit.

Noise:

It started at 5:00 AM every day. From the golf course--mowers, blowers, weedeaters, sand trap machines, maintenance vehicles. From the tollway. From AC Units. From adjoining units and units above. Voices, footsteps, water running, turlets flushing, etc. Never quiet quiet.

tonyg · 01-11-2007, 07:41 PM

So what's wrong the Golden Corral ?

I like it and so did all 7 of us on our last trip to Orlando.

JLB · 01-11-2007, 09:31 PM

Oh, I'm sorry. I meant Gold Crown. I get the same initials mixed up.

Guess you haven't been to the Golden Corral in Branson, billed as the largest anywhere. It has a separate tour bus entrance, although everyone winds up in the same serving line. It also has a live show in a separate room, so you can get your buffet and entertainment in the same place at the same time.

Actually I've never seen a tour bus enter the building, but they do have a sign that says tour bus entrance.

Yes, please, I'll take a small slice of roast beef to go with my ham, grilled chicken, fried chicken, fish, shrimp, sausage and kraut, yeast rolls, spaghetti and pizza.

Originally posted by tonyg View Post

So what's wrong the Golden Corral ?

I like it and so did all 7 of us on our last trip to Orlando.

bigfrank · 01-11-2007, 09:37 PM

Jim you do know we have a review section right?

http://www.timeshareforums.com/forums/resortreviews.php

JLB · 01-12-2007, 10:00 AM

I've heard that rumor.

I'd Copy and Paste my own words from OY, from the reviews I have contributed there over the years, but would probably get a nastygram from someone named Bill or Brian, as I have in the past.

I have also taken flak for reviews I have posted there. Sorta makes me gunshy, already having enough on my plate.

Originally posted by bigfrank

Jim you do know we have a review section right?

http://www.timeshareforums.com/forums/resortreviews.php

Carol C · 01-12-2007, 10:10 AM

We need a new smilie, one of a sacred cow being speared.

Sydney · 01-12-2007, 05:38 PM

Originally posted by JLB View Post

I've heard that rumor.

I'd Copy and Paste my own words from OY, from the reviews I have contributed there over the years, but would probably get a nastygram from someone named Bill or Brian, as I have in the past.

I remember a discussion there a few years back regarding that and the consensus seemed to be that if it was your own review, it was ok, as long as you didn't do that with others'. The suggestion then was to keep a copy on your own computer as well.

Keitht · 01-12-2007, 06:25 PM

Originally posted by Sydney

I remember a discussion there a few years back regarding that and the consensus seemed to be that if it was your own review, it was ok, as long as you didn't do that with others'. The suggestion then was to keep a copy on your own computer as well.

I agree. I have posted the same review on TUG and here. If I write it, I'll decide where I post it. If anybody complains it will be that site that I no longer post reviews onto!

The Conch Man · 01-12-2007, 07:06 PM

Know what ya say Sydney ~~

Originally posted by Sydney

I remember a discussion there a few years back regarding that and the consensus seemed to be that if it was your own review, it was ok, as long as you didn't do that with others'. The suggestion then was to keep a copy on your own computer as well.

JLB · 01-12-2007, 07:14 PM

I'm glad y'all have all my problems figured out.

Of course, my experience is that people say things to me, then they tell folks they didn't say those things to me. Anyway, the dealings I have had with those I have had them with have not been all that encouraging.

I am reluctant to go this route because posting truths sometimes gets me in trouble, but here is the directive I have been given, from one of the horse's mouths:

"The only issue I had with it is that all material posted on the
TUGBBS (and TS4MS for that matter) is copyrighted and we simply do not want to set a precedent that would migrate into posting resort review data, or ranking information, or any of the other proprietary information off of any
of TUG's websites anywhere else."

That seems pretty clear to me.

tonyg · 01-12-2007, 08:16 PM

Originally posted by Keitht View Post

I agree. I have posted the same review on TUG and here. If I write it, I'll decide where I post it. If anybody complains it will be that site that I no longer post reviews onto!

Good policy ! I didn't like the fact that anything you wrote on TUG became TUG property, so I just stopped writing them.

JLB · 01-12-2007, 09:24 PM

At least we are not having a brouhaha about my comments about OL.

JLB · 01-19-2007, 06:45 PM

I see they found a way to get the trash picked up. I bet the kids wonder what's up when they get that big orange/yellow plastic bag at the beginning of the walk. When they get back they make craft items out of things they have picked up.

Orange Lake Adventure Programs (Offered 2 to 3 days/week beginning mid-February - These programs are geared for children age 4 to 12)

“Swampy's Great Adventure” takes a look at the natural setting and wildlife that we are so fortunate to have here at Orange Lake. You'll take an interactive nature walk led by our resident wildlife experts, then return for arts & crafts activities that compliment the wildlife theme.

Originally posted by JLB

OK, the Readers Digest version.

Cleanliness:

There's a lot of filth and trash, especially in areas they brag about, like the natural areas they have set aside and the little lakes. On walkways and stairways at our EV building there was stuff like a discarded cigar, melting candy, spit, and just basic filth that was there when we got there and still there when we left. It's strange that the place has so much litter because there are people riding around in golf carts picking up trash full-time. Most of the trash and litter in the nature areas was not recently dropped and has accumulated over time.

Sydney · 01-19-2007, 07:31 PM

Originally posted by The Conch Man View Post

Know what ya say Sydney ~~

Sorry Conchie, I don't understand your comment. (?) Please enlighten.

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