Timeshare Information

HOLLYWOOD. The famous "Hollywood" sign is recognized the world over and is about as iconic as you can get. You probably can't count the number of movies and television shows where you've seen the sign show up in a Hollywood Hills background. Imagine seeing it in person! Plan a southern California timeshare vacation, and you can.

Wooden 50-ft high letters were placed on a hillside overlooking Los Angeles in 1923 as a simple advertisement that read "Hollywoodland" announcing a new housing development in the hills. It was not intended to be permanent, but was left up when the Hollywood movie industry was on the rise, and the sign soon became an internationally recognized symbol.

Over the years the sign deteriorated badly, with the "LAND" crumbling away completely, until 1978 when shock-rocker Alice Cooper spearheaded a public campaign to restore the sign. Donations funded a project that replaced the dilapidated wooden letters with 45-ft high letters made of steel.

The land surrounding the sign has been privately owned by developers who have made plans to exploit the area by building luxury mansions along the ridgeline. Consequently, an organization, The Trust for Public Land, was created with the intension of raising the $12.5M to buy and protect the 138 acres adjacent to the sign.

In April, 2010, the final $900,000 needed to reach that goal was donated by Hugh Heffner, allowing the group to purchase the surrounding hillside and "safeguard the future of the monument from developers." But the controversy over the use of the land and the sign is not over yet.

Enter Christian Bay-Jorgensen, a Danish architect, who suggests turning the sign into a hotel. His plans include creating luxurious accommodations in each of the letters, as well as offering a spa, a theater, and a performing center where the Oscars and other award ceremonies could be held.

You have to admit that the panoramic view of Los Angeles from atop the "H" would be stunning, especially as the city is laid out like a sparkling carpet of lights at night. However, for now you can enjoy all that glamorous Hollywood has to offer by renting a budget timeshare in a number of cities in Southern California, and visiting "Hollywoodland" - and seeing the Hollywood sign, like an old friend, in person.

(Photo from hollywoodsign.org)

Third in our series on Tips for Visiting Disneyland is about getting help inside the park because "Good help is great to find!" The Walt Disney Corporation has been in the business of dealing with massive amounts of people for a long time, and they've got it down to a science. Besides getting thousands of people on rides and through attractions every day, Disneyland also offers great ancillary support for its many guests. Rent an Anaheim timeshare and find out how well taken care of you are at Disneyland.

1. Lost and Found…for People
   If you and your child get separated, ask any Cast Member (Disneyland employee) for help. Of course, Disneyland reminds us that here it's actually the kids finding their "lost parents," but either way, Disneyland is very efficient at reuniting families. When you first enter the park you might want to instruct your children on finding the nearest Cast Member (look for the badge) if they ever need help.


2. First Aid…
   Disneyland's version is actually an urgent care center staffed with Registered Nurses. Here you can receive help for a headache, a blister, or a scrape. And the center is also equipped to handle more acute problems. There are beds for a rest if fatigue becomes health-threatening. After stabilizing a serious injury the staff will arrange transport to a local hospital. Disneyland also keeps its own EMT team and ambulance on the grounds for swift care when necessary.
   
   Besides providing free ice water, the First Aid Center also offers refrigerated storage for special medications and dietary supplies. And the Baby Center right next door is a quiet, private place for infant care including changing and nursing.


3. Kennels…
   If you're traveling with a dog or cat, Disneyland has kennels that are inexpensive (currently the charge is just $20/day per pet) and convenient - open the hours that the park is (they do not provide overnight boarding). You must have up-to-date vaccination records for your pet. You'll also need to stop by to walk your dog every few hours. You provide the food and the staff will be happy to feed your pet on what ever schedule you request. The staff also encourages you to bring your pet's favorite toys, blanket, etc.
   
   Your pet is allowed to ride on the trams from the parking lots, but is not allowed in Downtown Disney. Even if you are not driving an RV, a tip is to tell the parking lot attendant that you have a pet that you'll be placing in the kennels, and you will be directed to park in the RV parking lot which is within closer walking distance to the kennels.


4. For international guests…
   Are you more comfortable with your own language? Disneyland is here to help. Just look for Cast Members who are wearing small flag pins with your country's flag on it. They will be fluent in your language and are there to assist you in any way they can.

For more information on Disneyland travel, read: On Your Disneyland Vacation, Timing is Everything!
And 4 Tips to Know Before You Travel to Disneyland
(Photo provided by Disneyland.com)

Want to “Play Side by Side with the Sea”? Then you’ll want to visit Aquatica! Designed as a "natural" water park, the 59-acre Aquatica opened in 2008 and was visited by nearly 950,000 guests, making it the fourth most visited water park in the U.S. in its first year.

Aquatica was created as a second sister park, after Discovery Cove, for SeaWorld Orlando. Discovery Cove was built so guests could do more than just watch shows and view exhibits, but could actually interact with a variety of marine animals, most notably the bottlenose dolphin. Guests also interact in a variety of ways with exotic birds, tropical fishes, and graceful rays. Because it was such a hit, the new water park, Aquatica was created where you can interact with aquatic animals and get wet with water park fun!

There are many budget friendly Orlando timeshare rentals in the area where you can plan a family vacation, and visit Aquatica for a truly unique "water park" experience. With its southern Pacific theme, Aquatica features South Seas architecture and Australian and New Zealand mascots. Distinct from SeaWorld's "Shamu," these mascots are Aquatica's own "park ambassadors," and include Roa, a kiwi; Kata, a kookaburra; Ihu, a gecko; and Wae Wae, a takahe bird.

Providing something for all ages and swimming abilities, Aquatica has over 36 water slides and a wide array of water attractions, some of which actually pass through animal habitats. For example, Aquatica's signature attraction, the Dolphin Plunge, is an enclosed double-tube slide that passes through a pool containing a pod of Commerson's dolphins.

Aquatica offers two versions of the Lazy River. For the younger set and those who enjoy peace and quiet, Loggerhead Lane is a traditional lazy river where you'll float through a grotto of cichlids, the family of tropical fish that includes the beautiful damselfish. For something more exciting, Roa's Rapids is a more aggressive version that is fast, and includes geysers and speed zones.

Two wave pools, one with gentle, rolling waves, and the other featuring stronger, taller waves, share an 80,000 sq. foot white sand beach, complete with lounge chairs and umbrellas. There is even something especially for the little tykes. Kata's Kookaburra Cove is designed for younger children, with smaller slides and play features, and Walkabout Waters offers a fun play fortress with slides, ladders and dumping water buckets.

Orlando offers so many wonderful theme parks and activities. When you rent an Orlando timeshare, be sure to make time for Aquatica and experience how much fun a water park can be.

(Photo provided by aquaticabyseaworld.com)

What kid doesn't like animals? A summer family vacation that is definitely kid-friendly is anything that involves seeing exotic animals. This could include zoos with lions and tigers and bears (oh, my!), or getting up close and personal with exotic marine animals. And what better place for kids to do that than visiting SeaWorld. There are three SeaWorld parks in the U.S., one on each coast, and one in the middle. Take your pick: rent an Orlando timeshare in Florida, a San Diego timeshare in California, or a San Antonio timeshare in Texas, and visit SeaWorld!

SeaWorld is a marine mammal park, an oceanarium, and an animal theme park all rolled into one. The parks feature killer whale (orca), sea lion, and dolphin shows, along with zoological displays featuring various other marine animals including graceful rays, slippery eels, sharks and even penguins.

SeaWorld was the brain child of four UCLA graduates who originally set out to build an underwater restaurant in San Diego. When the underwater restaurant idea proved unfeasible, they decided to build a marine park instead, and the San Diego Sea World opened to the public in 1964.

Today all three SeaWorld parks also feature a variety of thrill rides. Sea World Orlando has the Kraken and Manta roller coasters; Sea World San Antonio offers two rides called the Steel Eel and the Great White; and a "splashdown ride," Journey to Atlantis, can be found in all three parks. Because the giant beer brewing company, Anheuser-Busch, owned the Sea World parks for a number of years, each park also keeps some of the famous Budweiser Clydesdales as an additional non-marine type attraction.

SeaWorld has made many contributions to wildlife conservation, including scientists and zoologists who participate in research and marine wildlife preservation. SeaWorld rescue teams routinely save stranded whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions, and have helped raise the awareness of Florida's endangered manatees. SeaWorld's commitment to conservation, research and animal rescue was recently formalized with the creation of the non-profit SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. SeaWorld is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which means that the parks have met and exceeded the Standards in Education, Conservation and Research.

A family timeshare rental vacation near one of the SeaWorld parks will not only give the kids the unique opportunity to see and learn about marine wildlife, and even have fun on some amazing thrill rides, but your family will also be participating, in a way, in marine conservation efforts the world over.

(Photo provided by seaworld.com)

Today is Cinco de Mayo! Celebrations will be in full swing across the U.S. and in Mexico, of course, which means it’s a great time to plan and take a vacation. Here’s a few suggestions on where to travel to for the hottest Cinco de Mayo festivities:

Rent a timeshare in San Diego and visit historic Old Town where you’ll find live music and entertainment on 3 separate stages at Bazaar del Mundo, and great Mexican food too!

When you stay in a Las Vegas timeshare, you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants offering food and drink specials such as The Patron tequila fiesta at Eve nightclub, $5 shots of Casa Noble and Corralejo tequila at El Segundo Sol and $5.55 dinner and $5 margaritas at Macayo's restaurants, with three locations in Las Vegas.

New York City puts a real kid-friendly spin on its Cinco de Mayo celebrations. While staying in your New York City timeshare, visit Staten Island where your kids can build their own piñatas and at NY Kids Clubs, adults can sip a Corona while the kids learn Mexican dances. Ole!

Celebrate in your Phoenix timeshare with outdoor performances of Spanish rock, Latin jazz, salsa, ranchero, and Chicano rock music. Enjoy watching the Mexican dancers that symbolize the color, fun and heritage of Cinco de Mayo.

And, even though Cinco de Mayo is mostly an American holiday, you will feel very “authentic" if you celebrate in a Mexico timeshare rental. Just the Mexican music will get you in the mood to dance and create your own fiesta. The best part will most likely be basking on the beautiful beaches while eating Mexican food and enjoying a margarita! Sounds like the best Cinco de Mayo celebration of all.

(Photo provided by wikipedia.org)

Breckenridge, Colorado, is known as a world-class ski resort. But in the summer it transforms itself into a top rated family vacation destination. As the locals like to say, "Breckenridge: Perfect Mountain. Perfect Mountain Town. Especially in the Summer." Rent a budget timeshare in this beautiful Rocky Mountain historical town, and see how kid-friendly it is in the summer time.

Located high up in the mountains, summer temperatures here are just right, as Goldilocks would say - not too hot and not too cold. A light jacket might be a good idea for those occasional mountain thunderstorms and cool evenings, but otherwise shorts and flip-flops would be in order.

Every member of the family will find plenty of fun summer things to do in Breckenridge. Your Breckenridge timeshare resort will offer such things as swimming pools and tennis courts. The surrounding area offers hiking, horseback riding and fly fishing, amongst breathtaking mountain scenery. For mountain biking enthusiasts there are a wide network of trails of varying levels of difficulty, with the convenience of lift access on Peak 8 via the Colorado SuperChair. Maps and bike rentals are available, of course.

And you won't want to miss taking the kids to Peak 8 for the Fun Park opening June 18, 2010 (see photo). Start with the Alpine Super Slide for an exciting ride that the teens will love and even little ones as young as 2 can ride with an adult. The more experienced riders will enjoy hurtling along the Giant Slalom track with its multiple dips.

The Fun Park has a Climbing Wall that will test the strength and agility of just about everyone in the family, in a safe and user-friendly environment. With three different routes of difficulty, even a youngster that weighs at least 30 pounds can join in the fun.

Another Fun Park activity that the entire family can enjoy together is the Super Putt mini golf course. Advertised as "High Alpine Golf with a View" this is actually quite a challenging course with lots of fun twists and turns.

"AMAZE'n Breckenridge" is Colorado's largest human maze. The kids will love trying to beat the clock as they scramble through this zany two-level entanglement. The Sky Fly Power Trampoline is jumping with a twist - you'll be in a special harness with a bungee cord system. How high can you fly?! This is another activity safe for children weighing 30 pounds or more.

For kids 12 and under the Bounce House will work off some of that extra energy. And when it's time for quieter pursuits, let the kids pan for gem stones, and the entire family will enjoy a scenic chairlift ride.

(Photo provided by Breckenridge.com)

Summer is also known as "Wedding Season," especially the months of May and June. As you plan your big day, consider a "destination wedding." Becoming more and more popular, destination weddings can be anywhere, just so it's out of town and thus as fun for the bride and groom as for "out of town" guests.

This kind of wedding can be more affordable than you might think when you plans include renting timeshares. Here are some reasons why a timeshare wedding is the way to go:

• A timeshare rental is easy on the budget for your guests who have families and need to find accommodations that include room for their children.


• Friends, and relatives, can share a timeshare (you can find units that sleep up to 8) and thus they, too, can cut lodging costs dramatically.


• Each timeshare comes with a living room, allowing space for comfort and relaxation, unlike a cramped hotel room.


• The fully-equipped kitchen not only saves money on the cost of meals, but is also convenient for breakfasts and snacks.

And consider that the timeshares will be attached to the resort. That means you don't have to plan some way of entertaining your guests every minute. With swimming pools, hot tubs, often tennis courts, golf courses, arcade game rooms, and arts and crafts available, your guests will have plenty to keep them busy while they wait for your “Big Day”!

There are timeshare rentals available in such a wonderful variety of locations that you will easily find the perfect destination that suits you. Hawaii and the Caribbean are two places that embody "Romance." If you rent your own timeshare with back to back weeks, you can stay on for your honeymoon, and that would save you money in your wedding budget, too. A Mexico timeshare in locations such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun are also great wedding/honeymoon destinations. Even your guests with families will find these "romantic" spots very kid-friendly.

If you're dreaming of sugary sand beaches and turquoise jeweled water but feel that a Caribbean timeshare or Hawaii timeshare is too far, look no further than Florida. The Paradise Coast on the state's west Gulf side has some of the most stunning tropical beaches in the world. Florida's panhandle also offers white sands and emerald waves and there are so many Florida timeshares to choose from.

The promise of warm weather and the chance that most out-of-town guests will be able to attend are why summer weddings are so popular. A timeshare destination wedding, no matter where it is, will make YOU popular! Enjoy planning your Big Day!