Timeshare Information

Orlando-based Club Meliá by Meliá Hotels International, a leading international vacation membership club with locations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and Europe, has announced that its member resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, has received the prestigious RCI Gold Crown Resort® Award for its ninth consecutive year. RCI,
the global leader in vacation exchange, presents awards annually to the top RCI affiliated resorts.

“We take great pride in the continual high service levels demonstrated by our staff at Meliá Puerto Vallarta. It’s their ongoing commitment to excellence that has enabled them to earn this prestigious award year after year,” said Denis Ebrill, Club Meliá Executive Vice President.

Club Meliá is an internationally-branded membership club, with more than 27,000 members, 15 member resorts and 27 associated resorts, focusing on leisure lifestyle experiences that include exotic destinations, designer-appointed luxury suites, exclusive services and unforgettable amenities.

The Orlando, Florida based company is part of Spain-based Meliá Hotels International, a 55-year-old international hospitality company with more than 350 hotels in 35 countries on five continents.

Featured Club Meliá locations include Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico; Puerto Rico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in the Caribbean; Panama in Central America; and the Canary Islands, Marbella and Costa del Sol, Spain, in Europe.

Photo Credit: melia-puerto-vallarta.com

Holiday travel by the Numbers - TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site, today announced the results of its December holiday travel survey of more than 1,000 U.S. travelers. Statistics like these are always fun. See where you might fit as you head to your holiday timeshare rental.

Forty-two percent of Americans plan to travel for the holidays. Among those, 45% are planning to fly, while 51% expect to drive. Among the respondents 22% said they will spend more than $2,000 on their holiday travel alone.

Interestingly, 66% said the economy is not affecting their December holiday travel plans. Among the 34% that are factoring it in, 6% are taking a shorter trip than usual, and 4% are planning to drive instead of fly.

With the increase of airline baggage fees, travelers continue to seek ways to avoid these costs. Thirty-one percent say they will fly this holiday season with an airline that does not charge for checked bags this holiday season; 29% plan to bring only carry-on bags; and 22% will have online gifts shipped directly to their holiday destinations.

Thirty-two percent of respondents said they anticipate being stressed by December holiday travel. Thirty-nine percent of respondents will travel at off-peak hours to limit the stress of holiday travel.

The top 3 travel annoyances during the holidays according to respondents are: airline delays and cancellations - 24%, inclement weather - 21%, and bad traffic - 13%.

The top 3 favorite holiday songs to hear during holiday travel are “White Christmas,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Respondents listed as the top 3 most irritating holiday songs to hear during holiday travel as “Santa Baby,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “The Hanukkah Song.”

What are the dream Christmas travel destinations? Forty-five percent would choose a tropical getaway (see above photo of Oahu) as their dream destination for the holidays; 24% selected a European destination; and 14% would like to travel to anywhere that loved-ones reside.

The number one travel-related gift respondents would like most is the iPad, according to 19%.

According to respondents, the top 5 major U.S. cities travelers plan to visit for the holidays are Orlando, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Las Vegas. Happy Holidays!

We all know that Orlando is famous as the Theme Park capital of the world with its huge theme parks of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. But Orlando also has many other "themes" to be explored from your timeshare rental. Part 2 of our 3-part series on Orlando's "other themes" will look at the theme of "wet and wild - animals!"

All of the following venues do have theme-park related thrill rides, certainly, but each one also offers the unique opportunity to get up close and personal to some of the amazing animals that share our world.

SeaWorld is famous for its Orcas, or Killer Whales. The Shamu Show showcases these beautiful, graceful and powerful creatures. Currently SeaWorld Orlando has six Orcas, including a calf just born on October 9th, 2010.

Other fun animals you can see at SeaWorld are sea lions, seals, beluga whales, pacific walruses, polar bears, and of course dolphins. Currently at SeaWorld Orlando there are 17 adult dolphins, and 11 calves make up the Dolphin Nursery.

Even though Busch Gardens in nearby Tampa Bay is thought of as a thrill ride park, it really is a zoo and botanical garden. Among the spectacular garden displays winds a wonderful menagerie of African animals. Jungala offers great up-close experiences of both orangutan and tiger exhibits. The Edge of Africa exhibit is where you'll be able to see such animals as lions, rhinos, giraffes and even families of cute meerkats.

A special treat at Busch Gardens is the Serengeti Safari Tours *(see photo) which takes you and your family aboard open trucks across the 65-acre Serengeti Plain, for thrilling up-close encounters with the African animals in their natural habitat.

Although Aquatica is a waterpark, the rides incorporate a viewing of an intriguing assortment of animals. Aquatica is home to the only Commerson's Dolphins in the southeast U.S. These small dolphins, measuring only 5 ft in length and weighing only 100 pounds, are agile and playful swimmers.

African Cichlids are fancifully-colored freshwater fish. An extremely diverse type of fish, more than 500 species are known, and scientists find new species every year.
Other amazing animals include Aquatica's "roving ambassadors." These fun animals include a giant anteater, a pink spoonbill, a laughing kookaburra, and a sulcata tortoise, one of the largest species of tortoise in the world.

After you've done Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter, it's refreshing to use your Orlando timeshare rental to get out and get close to nature at these wonderful animal attractions - another great Orlando "theme."

Explore Orlando’s Many Themes - Part 1: Flying
Explore Orlando’s Many Themes - Part 3: Dinner Theaters
(Photo credit dosomethingdifferent.com)

Polk County is one of Florida's best-kept secrets. Less than an hour's drive from Orlando, this Central Florida area is a beautiful lake district (over 500) full of natural wonders. A budget timeshare rental in Orlando will give your family the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and adventure in scenic Polk County.

Over 90,000 acres of Polk County have been set aside for public enjoyment. The gently rolling hills are cut with orange groves and dotted with freshwater lakes. To assist all of you outdoor enthusiasts in enjoying central Florida to its best advantage, a new guide, "Celebrate Nature" is now available featuring all of the nature-based recreation opportunities in the area.

Obtained through the Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau this nature guide will point you in the direction of such fascinating places as the Ancient Islands that provide refuge for rare plant and animal species.

The guide will also tell you how to find Central Florida's best birding sites. Over 300 species of birds can be spotted in such places as Saddle Creek Park and the Circle B Bar Reserve.

The Circle B Bar Reserve is the centerpiece of Central Florida's nature-oriented activities, and is home to the Polk's Nature Discovery Center. Here your entire family will enjoy the wildlife viewing areas and tours. You are also invited to hike or bike through the 1,267 acres of the reserve, and beautiful picnic areas are available. The trails through the property will give you the opportunity to see many varieties of birds including sandhill cranes, bald eagles, and even long-legged wood storks. Along the shores of Lake Hancock are likely to be many alligator sightings.

While at the Discovery Center be sure to attend some of the workshops, including the popular Learning Tree, and experience the hands-on exhibits.

Besides the "Celebrate Nature" guide, you might want to also get the useful “It's waterproof!” Central Florida Lakes Map. This features the nearly 500 lakes available for fishing "The Bass Capital of the World," and other water sports through-out Central Florida.

Tours through Polk County's nature wonderland include Alligator Cove Excursions, Bass Fishing Charters, and Captain Fred's Airboat Nature Tours. Polk County and Central Florida definitely have outdoor recreational opportunities for everyone in your family. An Orlando timeshare rental vacation will not only give you the fun action of theme parks, but also the wonderful adventures that only nature can provide.

(Photo provided by visitcentralflorida.org)

There's a reason that Marriott's Cypress Harbour in Orlando, Florida, consistently ranks in the list of top preferred timeshare resorts. Just 15 miles from Orlando's international airport, and minutes from all of the excitement of Orlando's theme parks, Marriott's Cypress Harbour is an oasis of charm, beauty and quiet relaxation. Rent a timeshare here and discover a wonderful family vacation rest spot.

Designed in the Old Florida style of Key West, this resort has been called "graceful luxury." Lush landscaping that includes elegant live oak trees next to swaying palms surrounds a large lake of sparkling blue water. Repose and comfort are the order of the day, with peaceful views sure to help you unwind after an exciting and hectic day at the theme parks.

Marriott's Cypress Harbour offers three swimming pools, all with hot tubs, a kiddie pool, a children's playground and even a marina on the lake. Picturesque sail boats add to your sense of relaxation, whether you lazily watch them from shore, or out on the water enjoying a boat ride. Stroll the meandering walkways across the water to a serene island. Or enjoy the bike trail that winds through the grounds, a lovely way to truly appreciate the beautiful scenery.

There is an on-site store where you can pick up groceries for your timeshare kitchen. Or call ahead and the resort's staff will be happy to stock your kitchen prior to your arrival. When you want to enjoy an evening eating out, the resort is close to International Drive where you'll find everything from family burgers to gourmet dining.

Rent a timeshare at this tranquil "Hideaway in the Heart of Orlando," where every member of the family, including the littlest ones, have a chance at the peaceful down time so needed to re-charge before jumping back into the hub-bub of Orlando and the theme parks again. See all Orlando timeshares.

Spring Break season generally stretches from the middle of February to the first week in April. There are plenty of budget timeshare rentals available during this time, so start planning and reserve one now. You'll be sure to find one available at just the destination you are looking for when you are finally let out of classes for some well-deserved relaxation and fun.

It's easy to plan your Spring Break vacation by first deciding the kinds of activities you'd like to enjoy, skiing, beaches, theme parks etc... Choose a place where you can find those activities, and then match a budget timeshare rental at a resort there.

Besides sunbathing on a beach vacation, a popular Spring Break activity is snorkeling. See our previous post "Plan a Snorkeling Vacation and Get in Over Your Head" for a list of some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Or rent a Miami timeshare in Florida and enjoy great snorkeling at Coral Cove Park, Red Reef, and Biscayne National Park. And you'll find spectacular snorkeling down in the Florida Keys at the John Pennekamp State Park off shore of Key Largo.

If you want to let your hair down - and let it fly - there are numerous amusement parks from which to choose. Rent a Williamsburg timeshare in Virginia, and enjoy Busch Gardens where the Griffin coaster, with its floorless coaster trains, can brag as being the tallest dive coaster in the world. Here you can also ride the hypercoaster, Apollo's Chariot.

You can incorporate thrilling roller coaster rides with theme parks, too. Rent an Anaheim timeshare in California, for Space Mountain at Disneyland. An Orlando timeshare rental in will get you to the zero-gravity roll of the Kraken at Sea World. Also in Orlando you can experience the unique up-hill launch of the Incredible Hulk coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure.

For those of you who plan to party 'til dawn, rent a timeshare on the beach in Cancun or Puerto Rico - both destinations are famous for their nightlife. No matter where you go, relax and have fun.

(Photo shown is the Golden Shores & Crown Paradise Club)

Most families head to Orlando for the theme parks. There is every conceivable type of entertainment available in this Florida city. The Walt Disney Resorts include the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and the Disney's Hollywood Studios. Universal Studios, Sea World, and even Gaterland also vie for your attention. All of this can create quite a headache when figuring out your travel budget.

What if there was an Orlando resort where the kids had so much fun they didn't even think of going to the expensive theme parks? A budget family winter vacation in sun-splashed Florida can be yours when you rent a timeshare at the Sheraton Vistana Resort.

The Sheraton Vistana Resort facility spreads out over an astounding 135 acres. The "Wow!" factor is definitely present! The lush tropical landscaping and numerous waterfalls, fountains, and even lakes (complete with paddling ducks) all make this a special world of its own. Just visiting all 7 outdoor swimming pools, 8 outdoor hot tubs, 3 video game rooms and 4 children's playgrounds, not to mention the 12 lighted tennis courts and numerous other activity areas including basketball courts, volleyball courts and an 18-hole miniature golf course - will keep you and the kids busy for the entire week!

If all of this wasn't enough, there are many unique activities as well. Attend an astronomy viewing class at night. Your teenaged daughter will enjoy the modern dance classes offered. And, to further save money, send your youngsters to the "Kid's Mall" - everything there is under $5.00!

Your timeshare villa will give you everything you need to have a real home-away-from-home experience. Each villa comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, its own washer and dryer, a Jacuzzi and a patio or balcony. Renting a timeshare is easy on the pennies, too - try a unit for just $139 that sleeps eight!

Here are a few testimonials from previous guests: "The staff was very friendly and we thoroughly enjoyed our time here." "Vistana is the Greatest!" "This resort is a real Gem!" See for yourself, and enjoy a true budget-friendly family vacation in Florida! See all Orlando timeshares.

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.

Theme parks across the United States are adding great attractions to their parks that are already jam packed full of family fun. From extreme rides, to Sesame Street, or American Idol, there’s something new to please everyone in the family. Some parks are even offering discounted tickets online, so, check the Web site before you go. Here’s a list of just a few of the new shows and thrills you can experience on your next family vacation.

Manta at Sea World

In Orlando, Florida, Sea World recently opened a new roller coaster called Manta. As you walk towards the ride in anticipation, you pass through an aquarium filled with rays. The ride is thrilling with spins and twists and turns that give you the feeling that you are a giant ray, swimming the ocean deep. It’s the only flying roller coaster of its kind in the world. Height requirements: 54 inches. “Dive deep and fly high!”
See Orlando timeshares for rent.

Sesame Street Forest of Fun at Busch Gardens
Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby and other Sesame Street characters are now at Busch Gardens, Virginia. Sesame Street Forest of Fun is the newest attraction and just for children and their families. The area includes four rides such as Grover’s Alpine Express roller coaster, and Bert and Ernie’s Loch Adventure water flume ride. There are wet and dry playgrounds and a 4-D Sesame Street movie. Kids can also meet their favorite Sesame Street characters and get their picture taken with them for a great souvenir.
See Williamsburg timeshares for rent.

The American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World
At The American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World, Orlando, you decide who has what it takes as you watch and vote for your favorite performer. Contestants sing their hearts out on a replica stage, just like you see on the hit TV show. Audience members vote via touch pads as actors who play Randy, Paula and Simon make their comments. The winners compete against other winners throughout day for a chance to audition for the real show!
See Orlando timeshares for rent.

Start your birthday off right with the most magical birthday present of all, free admission to a Disney Park on your birthday in 2009. For those who haven’t already heard, you can visit Disneyland® in California or Walt Disney World® in Florida and receive FREE entrance to the theme park on your birthday. All you have to do in advance is go to the Disneyparks website, choose the park you plan to visit, and register your name. On the site you can create a free account where you will register your birthday and anyone else’s in your household as well, including your children. Print the confirmation message you receive and be sure to bring it, along with proper ID to the gate at the Theme Park you chose on the very day of your birthday, 2009. You will also receive an email reminder two weeks prior to the date (in case you misplace your confirmation sheet) which you can also print for entry. What’s great is that if you already happen to be an annual Passholder, or already have a Multi-Day ticket you plan to use on your birthday, just bring the Free Admission on Your Birthday confirmation paper and proper ID with you to a designated Will Call window so you can choose an exciting free birthday gift instead.

Now, you’ve decided you can’t pass up this great opportunity for a free birthday ticket to a Disney Theme Park, but you need a place to stay. Here are a few suggestions for timeshare rentals in Orlando and Anaheim.


Orlando, Florida
Sheraton Vistana Resort is only one mile from Walt Disney World and offers 135 acres of lush tropical landscaping, fountains, lakes, and waterfalls. But that's just the beginning. You’ll be impressed by the seven outdoor swimming pools, eight outdoor whirlpools, three game rooms, four children's playgrounds, and 13 lighted tennis courts to guarantee that you will never be bored at this resort. The villas offer both 1- and 2-bedroom floor plans, and you will appreciate such details as separate living and dining areas, private bedrooms with their own bathrooms, and fully-equipped kitchens (or kitchenette). See other Orlando timeshares.


Anaheim, California
Dolphin's Cove Resort is located within walking distance of Disneyland (less than one mile). It offers delightful, open space condominium style rooms, with large units and balconies. The grounds are well-landscaped and the area is quaint and relaxing. When you are not at the theme park, you’ll enjoy a great kid-friendly amenities package and family oriented pool activities. You can even see the Disney fireworks from the resort. See other Anaheim timeshares.