posted 03-10-2005 07:16               

I am still in the 10 day recession period, and am wondering if I made a mistake. I hope to have the ability to trade into Harborside, St. John, or Ka anapali quite frequently, and maybe use the Orlando location every 3 or 4 years.

However, from what I am reading, it seems very difficult to trade into these resorts from Vistana Villages. Does anyone have any first-hand experience trading into these resorts during peak times? Should I try to buy Vistana Villages or Harborside directly on the resale market? The only disadvantage to that is the inability to convert the StarOptions to StarPoints, as I understand it.

Also, I’d appreciate thoughts on buying in Orlando, in general, as it doesn’t sound like it trades well in RCI due to the proliferation of timeshares here.

I am getting the distinct feeling that I overpaid and would appreciate candid feedback while still in the recession period.

posted 03-10-2005 10:21            

But you should know, that we bought the same Vistana Villages as you in 03.

Last year we stayed at the home resort. It was beautiful, and we had a great time.

This year we traded into Kaanapali. We are taking a mid-July week. Straight internal SVO trade.
So, it can be done.

posted 03-10-2005 15:08               

You're not muddying the waters at all - we know it is possible. As many know, I just got back from Presidents Week in a 3 BR in St. John with a 2BR Kierland trade. That doesn't change the reality of the fact that I was very, very lucky and that I know I can't count on this being routine (or even close).

posted 03-10-2005 16:38            

Yes, I realize I was very lucky to get Kaanapali...and we weren't really trying either. It was available, and we jumped at it. Very nice surprise.

But I just want the original poster to know that it's not impossible to trade into the more desirable resorts. I made the Kaanapali reservation in January. At the same time there was still availablilty at Desert Oasis,Kierland, and I think Mission Hills. I could have traded into any of them.

I will say, Harborside and St. John were out of the question...no avails. But, I was inside the 8 month window, and I think many owners at those resorts are anxious to get back after last year's hurricanes. I'll try again next year.

The only drawback with Vistana Villages that I can see..and it's not a minor one...is that it is not worth as many star options as other resorts. Of course, this is reflected in the price.

For us, and our budget, it made sense to buy at VV. I'll admit I have had second thoughts while reading these boards. I know one can save money by not buying from the developer. No question.
And I have seen a couple of VV resales on Ebay.

I will say, though, that I'm very impressed with the flexibility of Sheraton's system, and with the resorts. And, for our family, and for the money that we could spend, I'm happy with the purchase.

Plus, the Starpoint incentives..were killer. When we bought, it was 100,000 starpoints.

Down the road, I may add more Star Options. I can only get away with a 1 BR with my kids for so long, afterall.

But for now,we're enjoying it.

I just want the original poster to understand that if he doesn't recind, he should go forward, don't look back, and have a great time!

And I forgot to mention, Vistana Villages is a beautiful place.

BW

posted 03-13-2005 15:47               

quote:

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Originally posted by reddiablosv:
I think you should rescind. I am in the process of buying a resale true 2 bedroom unit in prime season for 9K. It has 81K staroptions at the same MF as your unit with 67K staroptions. Others have purchased your unit with 67K staroptions resale for as little as 6K. Why would you want to pay 10K too much? That amount of money will buy you a lot of airfare and magic kingdom passes. Ben

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Where are you buying this unit? It may not come with the SVN/Staroptions trading network.