Vacation Village Overview
About Vacation Village:
Vacation Village is a timeshare resort chain that offers vacation accommodations in various destinations across the United States. They provide both ownership and rental options for their properties, allowing guests to enjoy amenities such as pools, spas, fitness centers, and more. Each Vacation Village location typically offers a range of accommodations from studio units to multi-bedroom suites, catering to different group sizes and preferences. The resorts are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for vacationers looking to explore popular destinations or simply unwind.
Vacation Ownership with Vacation Village:
Ownership Concept: Vacation ownership, often known as timeshare, allows individuals to purchase the right to use a vacation property for a specified period each year. This could be a week or more, depending on the specific agreement.
Locations: Vacation Village offers properties in numerous desirable locations across the United States and potentially in other countries as well. These locations are often in popular tourist areas, offering access to beaches, ski resorts, or major attractions.
Accommodation: Typically, Vacation Village properties include condominium-style accommodations with amenities such as kitchens, living areas, and multiple bedrooms. This setup is designed to provide a more spacious and homelike experience compared to traditional hotel rooms.
Ownership Benefits: Owners enjoy the flexibility of using their timeshare week(s) at their chosen location each year. Many timeshare agreements also allow for exchange programs, where owners can swap their week for a different location or time within the company’s network.
Management and Maintenance: Vacation Village manages the properties and ensures they are well-maintained. This includes upkeep of amenities, landscaping, and any necessary renovations or repairs.
Cost Considerations: The cost of vacation ownership varies widely depending on factors such as location, property size, and seasonality. There are typically upfront costs to purchase the timeshare, as well as annual maintenance fees.
Resale and Rental Options: Owners may have the option to rent out their timeshare week if they are unable to use it in a particular year. There are also resale markets where owners can sell their timeshare if they no longer wish to maintain it.
How the Vacation Village Points System or Weeks System Works:
Points System:
Points Allocation: Owners are allocated a certain number of points annually, which they can use to book stays at various resorts within the Vacation Village network or affiliated resorts.
Flexibility: Points can typically be used for different types of accommodations (studio, 1-bedroom, etc.), different seasons (peak vs. off-peak), and different locations (domestic vs. international resorts).
Booking: Owners use their points to book vacations based on availability and the points required for the desired resort, accommodation type, and time of year.
Annual Allocation: Points are usually allocated annually, and unused points may expire at the end of each use year unless the program allows for rollover or banking of points.
Benefits: Owners often have the flexibility to split their points across multiple vacations, extend stays, or even borrow points from future allocations in some programs.
Weeks System:
Fixed Week Ownership: Owners purchase the right to use a specific unit at a particular resort during a specified week or weeks each year.
Predictability: Owners have the certainty of knowing where and when they can vacation each year, as their ownership is tied to a specific unit and week.
Trading Options: Many timeshare companies offer the option to exchange weeks for stays at different resorts or during different weeks through exchange companies like RCI or Interval International.
Usage Rights: The ownership may include the right to rent out the unit during the designated week(s), use it themselves, or exchange it for stays at other resorts.
Maintenance Fees: Owners are typically responsible for annual maintenance fees, which cover upkeep and operational costs of the resort.
Comparison:
Flexibility: Points systems offer more flexibility in terms of when and where you can vacation compared to fixed weeks.
Predictability: Fixed weeks offer predictability and stability in vacation planning, whereas points systems offer more variety and options.
Cost: Both systems involve upfront purchase costs and ongoing maintenance fees, but the cost structures can vary widely.
Examples of Popular Point Levels and Usage:
Silver Membership:
Points: Typically ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 points annually.
Usage: Allows for shorter stays or lower-season bookings at Vacation Village resorts.
Gold Membership:
Points: Generally between 50,000 to 100,000 points annually.
Usage: Enables longer stays, higher-season bookings, or upgrades to larger units or more luxurious accommodations.
Platinum Membership:
Points: Often 100,000 points or more annually.
Usage: Provides flexibility for booking peak-season vacations, multiple vacations throughout the year, or booking larger units for family gatherings.
Diamond Membership:
Points: This level might exceed 150,000 points annually.
Usage: Offers maximum flexibility, allowing for extended stays, multiple vacations, and access to the most premium accommodations and resorts within Vacation Village’s portfolio.
Affordability: Renting or Purchasing from Existing Owners:
Renting from Existing Owners
Short-Term Cost: Renting can be cost-effective for short stays since you pay for the duration of your visit without the long-term financial commitment of ownership.
Flexibility: Renting allows flexibility in choosing different locations and resorts without being tied to a specific property long-term.
Upfront Costs: Generally, renting involves paying upfront for your stay, which may include a security deposit but not significant upfront costs compared to ownership.
No Maintenance Responsibilities: As a renter, you typically won’t have to worry about maintenance fees or unexpected costs that owners may face.
Purchasing from Existing Owners
Long-Term Savings: Buying a timeshare or vacation property can be more economical over several years compared to renting, especially if you vacation frequently.
Property Value: Purchasing from existing owners might offer a better deal than buying directly from the resort, as owners may be willing to sell at a lower price due to various reasons (e.g., change in personal circumstances, wanting to offload the timeshare).
Annual Maintenance Fees: Ownership usually involves annual maintenance fees, which cover upkeep and property management. Ensure you factor these into your budget.
Exchange Programs: Many timeshare properties, including Vacation Village, offer exchange programs that allow owners to swap their vacation weeks with others worldwide, adding flexibility to your travel plans.
Considerations for Both Options
Resale Market: Investigate the resale market for Vacation Village properties to understand typical prices and negotiate a fair deal.
Usage Frequency: Evaluate how often you will use the property to determine if ownership is cost-effective compared to renting each time.
Legal and Contractual Obligations: Understand all terms and conditions, including any potential limitations on usage or changes in management fees over time.
Experience the Difference:
“Vacation Village: Experience the Difference” suggests a promise of something unique and memorable about the Vacation Village experience. It implies that Vacation Village offers something beyond just a standard vacation — perhaps superior service, unique activities, luxurious accommodations, or a distinctive atmosphere. The phrase encourages potential visitors to expect something special and encourages them to choose Vacation Village over other options. It’s effective in conveying a sense of exclusivity and quality.
List of Resorts Owned by Vacation Village:
Vacation Village is a well-known resort brand that operates several properties across the United States. Here is a list of resorts owned by Vacation Village:
Vacation Village at Parkway – Kissimmee, Florida
Vacation Village at Weston – Weston, Florida
Vacation Village at Bonaventure – Weston, Florida
Vacation Village at Berkshires – Hancock, Massachusetts
Vacation Village in the Berkshires – Hancock, Massachusetts (Note: Similar name, but distinct from the above)
Vacation Village at Williamsburg – Williamsburg, Virginia
Vacation Village at Parkway II – Kissimmee, Florida
Vacation Village at Parkway III – Kissimmee, Florida
Vacation Village at Parkway IV – Kissimmee, Florida
These resorts are known for their vacation ownership options and offer a range of amenities and accommodations suitable for families and travelers seeking a relaxing getaway. Each location typically features spacious villas or suites, pools, fitness centers, and various recreational activities.
Disclosure:
The information provided is for general purposes only and may not always be current. GoVillaTravel is not a real estate agency or realtor and does not offer real estate services. We operate independently and are not affiliated with Vacation Village, any of its resorts or hotels, any timeshare resort, exchange company, or similar entities. As a marketing and advertising agency, our focus is on connecting property owners with potential renters or buyers for units listed for rent or sale by owner. Inventory is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and neither GoVillaTravel nor its clients will hold units without a deposit. For the convenience of site visitors, Owners, Guests, potential renters, and potential clients, GoVillaTravel may provide names or lists of providers who offer products and/or services. These listings are not endorsements of any specific provider. GoVillaTravel makes no representations regarding the qualifications or quality of the products or services offered by these providers and assumes no liability for the products or services provided by these independent entities, which have no affiliation with GoVillaTravel.
