Timeshare Information

Happy New Year!

This last year was full of ups and downs for the timeshare industry. We share our top 10 stories for 2013:

1. ARDA's Annual Fall Conference in D.C. Informative and Upbeat

"2013 has been one of the busiest years ever for us in pushing and strengthening legislation for the benefit of timeshare owners. We have advocated for owners in 14 states this year, all the way from Arkansas to West Virginia, with the thrust of our efforts focused on providing specific guidelines related to resale and transfer company legislation." This quote from ARDA President and CEO, Howard Nusbaum, summed up what ARDA had been involved with this year. It will be interesting to see Nusbaum's analysis next spring in Las Vegas.

2. RCI Raises Fees

In December, RCI announced that fees are going up in January 2014. Exchange fees on RCI.com will rise to $209 and call center fees to $219. Could this cause an owner exodus to alternative exchange companies? Some owners think so.

3. 2013 Timeshare Demand Index

The top ten most in-demand timeshare and vacation properties based on the number of offers received to buy or rent through SellMyTimeshareNow are:
1. Marriott's Aruba Surf Club - Palm Beach Aruba
2. Harborside Resort at Atlantis - Paradise Island, Bahamas
3. Marriott's Newport Coast Villas - Newport Beach, California
4. Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club - Oahu, Hawaii
5. Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas - Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
6. Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort - Orlando, Florida
7. Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort West - Kissimmee, Florida
8. Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa - Lake Buena Vista, Florida
9. Vacation Village at Parkway - Orlando, Florida
10. Marriott's Maui Ocean Club - Maui, Hawaii

4. 2013 Shows Resorts Recovering

All indicators point to the timeshare and travel industry making a recovery from performance drops in 2008 and 2009. Commercial construction and investment transaction volume in the hospitality sector is up, travel providers are joining forces to offer their members more destinations, timeshare companies are coming up with more ways to entice members with value add-ons, and hiring is on the upswing.

5. Luxury and Up-Scale Resorts Lead Industry's Recovery

Luxury and upper-upscale resorts are recovering from the recession at a quicker pace than more moderately priced properties. Since 2009, personal income has recovered to pre-recession levels, but employment recovery is forecast to lag until 2015.  Moody's Analytics shows that, with personal income leading the slow economic comeback, the luxury and up-scale resort market catering to individuals with rising personal income levels, recovers faster than properties in the more moderate price range that cater to individuals who depend on employment recovery.

6. Another Trump Tower -- $360 Million Vancouver Hotel-Condo Tower 

In June, Donald Trump announced his new Trump International Hotel & Tower in Vancouver. Sticking with what the developer knows works best, the $360 million dollar tower features 147 hotel suites, 218 condos, a champagne lounge, banquet and conference center, and Vancouver's first pool bar nightclub. Also included, daughter Ivanka Trump's signature Mar-a-Lago Spa. Residential sales started in October with project completion expected in summer 2016.

7. Disney Company Doesn't Let the Economy Stop Their Expansion

At least one company doesn't accept the view that the timeshare industry is suffering from an economic downturn. Disney's Polynesian Resort at Disney World in Orlando confirmed construction of new timeshare units and broke ground on the project in September bringing Disney's total number of timeshare properties to thirteen. Disney also opened the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in October.

8. FTC Bans National Solutions LLC from the Timeshare Business

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ordered a $6.3 million judgement and banned National Solutions LLC from the timeshare business because of their scheme that allegedly deceived consumers trying to sell their timeshare properties. According to the FTC, National Solutions told consumers they had buyers lined up to buy their timeshare properties, and charged consumers up to $3,150 as an "earnest money deposit" to commit them to the sale or for sale-related expenses. The company promised to refund the money when the sale closed, but customers were often not contacted again, properties were never sold, and refund demands were ignored or denied. The case against National Solutions LLC is part of the FTC's ongoing effort to stop timeshare scams and protect consumers from fraud and deception in the marketplace.

9. Vacation Club vs. Timeshare Ownership

Vacation Club membership seems to be gaining in popularity and may be challenging timeshare ownership's domination of the industry. What's the difference between the two? For one big thing...cost! Vacation club memberships generally cost less than timeshare ownership. A vacation club membership that gives members two weeks to travel per year, plus unlimited non-premium weeks per year may only be a one-time cost of about $2,000. Whereas, the average price of a one-week annual timeshare is $10,000. Vacation clubs have no maintenance fees and no exchange fees. Club memberships last 100 years. Compare that to a typical deed timeshare of 25 years.

10. Manhattan Timeshare Owners Can't Get a Break

Owners in New York's Manhattan Club report their maintenance fees keep rising and they're not getting anything in return, and it's nearly impossible to book rooms or sell their timeshares! The developer of the Manhattan Club, Bruce Eichner, faces a New York State Supreme Court lawsuit in which the timeshare owners allege he sold more than 18,000 ownerships for 286 rooms resulting in a minimum shortage of 69 rooms every week.

Happy 2014!

April 21, 2011 marked a milepost for the Walt Disney Company, and its new Hawaiian resort Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, on Oahu, Hawaii. In a ceremony on the lagoon that fronts the resort local crew members from Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc., joined with Disney cast members (employees) to celebrate the completion of major structural work on the Disney timeshare resort and the beginning of Disney’s “time to add the magic.”

The event was a symbolic representation of the shared efforts of Disney and Hawaiian Dredging in building the new resort, which will welcome its first guests on Aug. 29, 2011. The construction crew and Aulani Disney team met on the beach to exchange gifts – lei from the construction workers to the Disney cast, and Mickey Mouse ears from the Disney cast to the construction workers.

As part of the milestone moment, Hawaiian Dredging “handed over the keys” to the people who will add final detailing, theming, landscaping and all the other magical touches guests expect to find at a Disney resort.

Djuan Rivers, vice president of Disney Vacation Club and Resort, Hawaii, joined with Eric Hashizume, vice president of Hawaiian Dredging and Elliot Mills, managing director of Aulani, to bring the construction workers and Disney team members together to begin “adding the magic” to Aulani.

They gathered on the sand to form the image of the trademark Aulani arch and then transformed it into the familiar silhouette of Mickey Mouse. Mickey, Minnie and their Disney character pals joined in the celebration (see video below from stitchkingdom.com).



As Walt Disney Imagineers continue adding the magic to Aulani, they are weaving Hawaiian stories into the buildings, interiors, art and gardens of the resort with the help of local architects, artisans and historians. The celebrated Disney magic, storytelling and service will create wonderful family vacation memories at the resort, drawing on the beauty, fun, enchantment and traditions of the islands, and the "magic" of Disney.

Start making your plans now for a once-in-a-lifetime Hawaii timeshare Disney vacation to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina.

Disney Fans Insider, a page from the Disney.go.com web site, released this information on March 1, 2011: From March 18 to 21, 2011, Walt Disney World Resort will host the first-ever Magic of Healthy Living: The Weekend - an inaugural experience taking place at Epcot's World Showcase to celebrate the spirit of living well.

The Weekend Event is a natural extension of the Disney "Magic of Healthy Living" initiative, which was launched to help kids and families discover fun and easy ways to focus on fitness, health, and nutrition.

Even First Lady Michelle Obama is on board. Mrs. Obama agreed to appear in a year-long series of public service announcements with Disney Channel's hottest stars after learning that the program's fundamental themes were aligned with the goals of her "Let's Move!" campaign to provide healthy choices for future generations.

After the "Magic of Healthy Living" contest was announced last fall, thousands of eight to 14 year olds across the country entered with hopes of hanging at the Park with their favorite Disney Channel idols during the Weekend Event. Thanks to their eloquently expressed ideas about healthy lifestyles at home, school, and in their communities, 50 winners will do just that.

Kids were asked to "reach for the sky" and write about new ways to add nutritious foods into their diets (particularly fruits, veggies, whole grains, and low-fat dairy), make 60 minutes of daily exercise easy, share information on healthy choices, and schedule rewarding family activities – like planting fruit and veggie gardens. Submissions were judged by a distinguished panel of health and wellness luminaries on how much fun the concepts were, originality, and their ability to motivate others.

Introducing healthy cuisines from around the world is an important part of the two-day itinerary, with cooking demonstrations by Walt Disney World chefs. Food-related activities include "Pass-the-Plate," a mealtime event that teaches kids and parents how to prepare healthy lunches rather than rely on fast food when time is tight.

Participants will enjoy an immersive schedule of games and entertainment inspired by various cultures – from tai chi (Japan) and belly dancing (Morocco) to the culturally diverse "Play Your Way" challenge. "Play Your Way" teams will test their skills at [sepak] takraw, a popular Thai sport that's similar to volleyball but played with a rattan ball, as well as games from South America, the Dominican Republic, and other countries.

You can experience healthy eating in an around the world style yourself by renting an Orlando timeshare or Disney timeshare, and heading to the fun international pavilions in Epcot's World Showcase.

(Photo credit - disney.go.com)

Disney wants YOU! All of those many photos and videos that you've taken over the years from your Disney timeshare rental vacations are now wanted - by Disney! On September 23rd Disney Parks officially launched “Let the Memories Begin” – a special celebration of family vacations and magical memories - with you and your family as the stars!

A new online site has been created where you can upload your Disney vacation memories captured in photos and videos and share them with the world. Mickey's pals promise that getting started is easy - just follow these simple instructions:

1. Choose to share your memory on DisneyParks.com/Memories


2. Describe your memory. Memories can upload as photos, videos or text-only.


3. Then all it takes is hitting the “submit” box and, once reviewed, a lifetime Disney memory is stored and shared.

Who else can best represent the Disney experience than their guests, and there's no better way to do that than to share your favorite memories. When you participate in “Let the Memories Begin” you just might find that your “guest-generated content” is featured in a Disney television spot, in print ads, vacation-planning materials, and in online communications.

So relive your favorite Disney moments, dust off the pictures, and upload them to the new site. Whatever your memory is will work - were you laughing so hard you couldn't breathe on Splash Mountain? Did you think you were going to die on the Tower of Terror? Did your "too cool" teen melt when he saw Tigger? How about when your little princess met her first Real Disney Princess? There's no limit to what your imagination, and your memories, can bring to Disney's share-the-memories campaign.

The Let the Memories Begin site will be a fun place to immerse yourself in all sorts of Disney experiences as you look through the content and share the memories of other Disney guests, too.

And there’s more - beginning in January of 2011, you can also become the star of a nightly spectacular at the Disney Parks. Photos of magical memories made in the park during the day will be projected that night on Cinderella Castle at WDW and at It's a Small World at Disneyland. In both locations Disney photographers will provide images of guests shot during the day. The producers estimate as many as 500 photos will be shown in each location every evening.

So make plans now to head to a timeshare rental near a Disney Park, and your face could be as well-known as Mickey's!

Rent a Disney timeshare in California or an Orlando timeshare now and plan to be part of a great Debut at either Walt Disney World in Florida, or Disneyland Resorts in Anaheim, CA. On October 14, 2010, Duffy the Disney Bear will make his long-anticipated debut at the U.S. Disney Parks.

Never heard of Duffy? Well, he made his first official appearance at Tokyo Disneyland where he's become quite a phenomenon. See, what happened was that when Mickey Mouse was getting ready to go on a trip, Minnie knew he would need a traveling companion, so she got him the perfect one - his own teddy bear! And believe it or not, Duffy has actually gotten to be more popular in Japan than even Mickey!

But there's no denying who Duffy really belongs to. He has a "hidden Mickey" face shape, Mickey's silhouette is on the bottoms of his feet, and he has a very special birth mark on his hip.

In Anaheim Duffy will be introduced at Disney's California Adventure at Paradise Pier. Duffy's debut at WDW will be at a newly created venue inside Epcot across from the Mexico boat ramp. At Epcot the Kidcot program is involved as well. Kidcot Fun Stops are colorful craft stations for preschoolers located in World Showcase at Epcot. On October 14 your youngsters will be able to go to the Kidcot stops and get a unique Duffy that they can take from country to country to color, decorate, and receive country specific Duffy stamps.

In both parks, special activities and events will mark the October 14 celebration. The day will not only introduce the Duffy teddy bear itself, but also other related souvenir items such as key chains, magnets and zip pouches. The launch will also consist of some special treats like Duffy's crispy treat, chocolatey cake, molded dessert cup, a menu placemat with activities, and coming later, Duffy’s very own molded popcorn bucket.

Although Duffy is actually a small toy teddy bear that Mickey carries with him, he will now be inducted into the full-size, walk-around, character family. During his daily visits, he’ll dress for the occasion but he'll also frequently be seen in many of his own outfits, including a sailor outfit and a baseball uniform.

Disney plans to position the Duffy the Disney Bear as a direct competitor to the popular "Build-a-Bear" franchise. You'll be able to dress Duffy in a full line of costumes, including Christmas and Easter, and for special occasions such as birthdays and graduation.

Duffy is a bear of magic and great luck and the perfect traveling companion for your family. Take him along on all of your timeshare rental vacations!

(Photo credit blueskydisney.blogspot.com)

It will soon be Halloween time, and that means its Disney Villains time! You'll want to rent a Disney timeshare, an Orlando timeshare, or a California timeshare and join in the Halloween fun. Hear your own "screams" - of delight at meeting your favorite Disney Villain!

Who is your favorite Disney Villain? Have you ever really thought about it? Well, now is the time to do some soul-searching, and then Vote! Following are the campaign crusades from some of the most deliciously evil villains Disney ever produced, straight from Disney's Campaign Headquarters. Each one is "dying" to become your favorite:

Jafar – The all-powerful sorcerer from “Aladdin” is full of wicked magic tricks.

Maleficent – Self-proclaimed “Mistress of All Evil” she lures an innocent maiden to prick her finger on a spindle and fall into everlasting slumber, then transforms into a monstrous, fire-breathing dragon!

Ursula – This dreadful sea witch will sink to any depths to carry out her evil deeds! She torments undersea creatures, steals King Triton’s crown, and captures Princess Ariel’s beautiful voice. Could you “cast” your vote for someone this slippery?

Evil Queen – Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the most jealous of them all? When the Magic Mirror reveals that Snow White is alive and still the “fairest in the land,” the Queen transforms herself into a hag and convinces the innocent princess to take a bite of a poisoned apple.

Captain Hook – This elegant but vengeful villain anchored his ship and crew in the waters of Never Land, to seek revenge upon Peter Pan. Hook locks up Tinker Bell, sends a ticking package to Peter Pan, kidnaps the Lost Boys and forces Wendy to walk the plank, all the while repeatedly attacking Peter Pan and his crew with swords and schemes to exact lasting revenge.

Cruella De Vil – This devilish lady stops at nothing when it comes to satisfying her need for greed. She plots! She steals! She dognaps 101 Dalmatian puppies just to make the perfect fur coat. The only thing perfect about Cruella De Vil is her name. Like the song says, “If she doesn’t scare you, no evil thing will.”

These villains will be battling each other for the title of the baddest villain of them all, now through October 28. Cast your vote at disneyland.com/halloween. Then rent a timeshare for a great Disney Halloween Adventure to meet your favorite Disney Villain!

(Photo credit disneyland.disney.go.com)

Looking for a fun vacation idea for the fall? Rent a Disney timeshare, or take an Orlando timeshare rental, and head to Walt Disney World's Epcot. The annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will take place this autumn from October 1 -November 14, 2010.

This special event transforms Epcot into a foodie paradise where you'll be bombarded with culinary events, sophisticated parties, and live musical entertainment. Epcot, with its international theme, is the perfect place to try delicious regional foods and wines from around the world.

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, presented by Vanity Fair magazine, offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to learn from world-renowned chefs and winemakers, and indulge in some of the world's tastiest foods - all without having to step foot outside the U.S.A. New additions this year include the tantalizing tastes of Belgium and the robust flavors of South Korea.

It's easy to start eating as soon as you get there - at the Marketplaces and Promenade area more than 25 international marketplace kiosks, representing countries from 6continents, will be serving up tapas-sized portions of regional specialties. Try Steamed Mussels with Roasted Garlic Cream from Belgium, Australia's Seared Barramundi with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes, and Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Lime from Brazil - and that's just the beginning!

You can also start your wine tasting here - how about South Africa's Goats do Roam White, or China's Dragon's Hollow Chardonnay?

Wondering how your waistline is going to handle all of this? Sign up for the first annual "Run Around The Parks, Dine Around The World" Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon. You'll be inaugurating a brand new half marathon course that will take you through the WDW Theme Parks. Enjoy a private after party at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival exclusively for runners and their friends.

The Eat to the Beat concert series is another way to jive and wiggle and keep in shape. You won't be able to sit still as you listen to a varied lineup of classic rock, soul, R&B, jazz and funk hit–makers, such as Kool & the Gang, Air Supply, and Sister Hazel.

An exciting schedule of seminars and demonstrations will teach you the secret techniques of culinary masters. Everything is offered from introductions to wine connoisseurship to demonstrations packed with cooking tips, and sessions where you can sample regional beers and even artisanal cheeses.

It's a good thing you'll be staying in a timeshare rental - you'll want to start trying out your new-found culinary expertise right away - and you'll have a fully equipped kitchen in which to do it!

(Photo credit examiner.com)

Mother's Day is coming up, and it's time for you to start planning where you'll take Mom for Mother's Day brunch. Rent an Orlando timeshare, or plan a Disney timeshare rental "Mother's Day vacation" and head to this delectable selection of Mother's Day brunches offered at Walt Disney World.

Victoria and Albert's
Mother's Day at Victoria and Albert's (see photo) is a way to give Mom a truly elegant feast, and all she has to do is sit and enjoy it. This is a European-inspired gourmet restaurant, located in the posh Grand Floridian hotel. Mom will enjoy a large selection of specialty dishes including everything from succulent lamb to prime Angus beef, not to mention the many decadent desserts created just for her. She'll love trying the Grand Marnier soufflé, the signature dessert. If you book early enough at Albert and Victoria's, Mom could have a chance to be seated at the Chef's table, a more private dinning experience where she'll be able to interact with the chef and staff for a fun and educational experience. What a great Mother's Day gift that would be!

Flying Fish Café
For more casual fun, take Mom to Mother's Day brunch at the Flying Fish Café located in Disney's Boardwalk. This theme area of Walt Disney World is a colorful and relaxing place designed after famous boardwalks such as New York's Coney Island, and New Jersey's Atlantic City. The sherbet-colored building facades and striped awnings along the waterfront will carry Mom back to the amusement icons of the turn of the century. The semi-upscale atmosphere and open kitchen at the Flying Fish is perfect as Mom enjoys a large selection of seafood dishes with a New American "twist," like the signature specialties of potato-wrapped snapper and crisp peekytoe crab cakes. In the evening Mom can kick her shoes off and let her hair down as the nightlife heats up on the Boardwalk, and the entire family will enjoy the street entertainers and midway games.

Epcot – Paris
In Epcot Mom will find many fun, and unique, places to enjoy her special Mother's Day brunch. Here you can take Mom to brunch in Paris where she can dine at the Chefs de France, beginning with Soupe a l' oignon gratinee (delicious onion soup topped with Gruyere cheese) and end with Profiteroles au Chocolate (puff choux with French vanilla ice cream and rich dark chocolate sauce).

Epcot – Morroco
Or surprise mom with a Mother's Day trip to Morroco. Epcot's Marrakech Restaurant offers the Marrakech Royal Feast, fit for your Queen. From the Harira soup to the Roasted Lamb Meshoui with Couscous, Mom will enjoy this exotic twist on her special day.

Awesome. Amazing. Absolutely Unbelievable. Ever wanted to see something that made your jaw drop? That made your kids squeal with delight in wide-eyed wonder? Well, leave it to Disney.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights on the Streets of America at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park is one of the most astonishing sights you and your family will ever see. Rent a Disney timeshare in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and take the family for this once-in-a- lifetime (or perhaps the beginning of a family tradition) experience. Your timeshare may be wonderfully budget, but this spectacular encounter is worth a million dollars.

The Osborne family began in Arkansas decorating the outside of their home with Christmas lights that became more and more elaborate over the years. In 1995 Walt Disney World Resort representatives approached the family with an offer to display their spectacular design for all the world to see.

The "primary Holiday Happening" at Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Spectacle of Dancing Lights is now an annual tradition. Every building along the Streets of America is completely enveloped in lights. In 2006 the lights were set to music, choreographed to dance with cheerful holiday tunes every 15 minutes. The lights dim then blaze, swirl, swing and twirl. You'll see animated displays of carousels, angels, toy soldiers and even Santa and his reindeer amidst the dazzling buildings. You might even be surprised by softly falling snow!

The stats for this breathtaking sight are formidable: 5 million lights, 32 miles of extension cables, 66 snow machines, and 100 gallons of snow fluid each night. And to make this especially fun for you Disneyophiles - there are 43 hidden Mickeys in this spectacle!

If you can't make it to the Dancing Lights spectacular this year - plan now to rent a timeshare next year for one of the most wondrous Christmas adventures you can give your family. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights dazzles Disney Hollywood Studios every year from mid-November through the first weekend of January.

If your intention is to get really stuffed this Thanksgiving Day - and that's a laudable goal! - you can do it while also having a whole lot of fun by eating your way through the Walt Disney Theme Parks, one turkey drumstick at a time! Each area offers its own version of the traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner. Here is a sample:

Magic Kingdom
Liberty Tree Tavern - you'll get an authentic New England inspired meal
Tony's Town Square - traditional Thanksgiving with savory Italian tossed in

Epcot
Akershus - everything from chestnut sage stuffing to pumpkin apple crème brulee
Le Cellier - try the herb-crusted roast turkey with mushroom and cornbread stuffing

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Brown Derby - traditional Thanksgiving served Hollywood glamour style
50's Prime Time Café - roast turkey dinner is finished off with a spicy pumpkin tart

Disney's Animal Kingdom
Theme ParkTusker House - your turkey is sliced just the way you like it at the Carving Station
The Lodge Boma-Flavors of Africa - roast turkey smothered in a cranberry chutney flavored with special African spices

Disney's Boardwalk Resort
Flying Fish Café - roasted North Carolina Hills free range turkey
Spoodles - Thanksgiving Tradition with a Mediterranean influence

Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Captain's Grille - your traditional Thanksgiving meal begins with a serving of international and domestic cheeses and wild rice salad with apple cider vinaigrette

Disney's Contemporary Resort
Chef Mickey's - for starters, roasted pumpkin bisque with caramelized onions!

Disney's Polynesian Resort
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show - traditional Thanksgiving meal served with a south-sea island flare includes roast turkey with pineapple coconut stuffing, and for dessert the Kilauea Pumpkin Volcano Delight!

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
Mickey's Thanksgiving at the Fort - here your traditional turkey feast is accompanied by a live country-western band and line dancing with your favorite Disney characters!

Rent a Disney timeshare so you'll have plenty of room in which to sprawl out and relax once your eating fest has ended and you can move on to the best Thanksgiving tradition of all - the nap! Bon appetite!

Although America's Thanksgiving is quite traditional, you'll find that "tradition" is celebrated in many different ways through-out our country. Here are a few travel destinations you may want to consider for your traditional Thanksgiving vacation.

Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts, is the largest outdoor museum in the northeast. Covering 200 acres this living museum revives life in New England from the 1790's to the 1830's. Rent a timeshare in Boston and just an hour's drive will deliver you to one of the most comprehensive Thanksgiving Day celebrations in the country. The Village re-creates an early 19th century traditional Thanksgiving meal prepared over a hearth. After dinner watch the men-folk enjoy a customary shooting match, and join the costumed Village members at an authentic service at the Center Meetinghouse to give thanks.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, offers a full day of authentic Thanksgiving traditions. The day starts early in the morning when costumed bakers deliver baskets of special Thanksgiving baked goodies to the Raleigh Tavern on Duke of Gloucester Street. Later enjoy the lavish Thanksgiving feast at the King's Arms Tavern which includes wines from French vineyards favored by Thomas Jefferson. Rent a Williamsburg timeshare and you'll have the time to enjoy traditional Thanksgiving activities at nearby Jamestown and Yorktown as well.

Disney Theme Parks Thanksgiving Day celebrations are held both at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Rent a timeshare in Anaheim or find an Orlando timeshare rental and see how Disney magic cooks up Thanksgiving. Disneyland offers the Disneyland Thanksgiving Day Feast, an all-you-can eat buffet with all of the traditional turkey dinner fixings. Held in the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel it's attended, of course, by your favorite Disney characters.

At Walt Disney World many of the popular eating places scattered through-out the Resort will be offering traditional Thanksgiving Day fare. An example is the Liberty Tree Tavern that prepares a New England inspired Thanksgiving meal served family-style at the table. See Disney timeshare resorts.

In an article reported by the Orlando Sentinel, the Walt Disney Company has recently assumed more than $200 million in additional liability due to the fact that more and more timeshare owners have defaulted on their loans. WDC has taken on this financial responsibility in an attempt to preserve a credit agreement between Citigroup bank and its timeshare subsidiary company, Disney Vacation Club.

It all stems back to a 1999 agreement where the Disney Vacation Club was selling the timeshare mortgages it had issued to individuals, to Citigroup. But, with the economic slump and changes in the credit market, Citigroup stopped buying the mortgages last December, 2008, as Citi and Disney were unable to agree to new terms.

In June 2009, new terms were reached and Disney agreed to back up losses of as much as 70 percent of the outstanding principal on the loans. (In the previous terms Disney was only covering 18 percent.) Under this new deal, that equates to $219 million in extra liability. The bank still owns $422 million of Disney Vacation Club loans.

See Disney Timeshare rentals.