Today, Holiday Inn Club Vacations goes online with their newest program. From their press release "Starting today, travelers who are seeking a richer vacation experience can rent vacation villas online at www.hiclubvacations.com, a dedicated website where consumers can book a spacious one-, two- or three-bedroom villa just like they would any Holiday Inn hotel room."

In addition, owners of Orange Lake Country Club will have benefits from the Holiday Inn franchise. Everyone will benefit: Orange Lake owners, Holiday Inn Club owners, and the general public. It will combine the availability of RCI resorts (4,000 resorts), Holiday Inn Club some 4,100 hotels, plus the direct availability of Orange Lake resorts.

Orange Lake Country Club has long been one of my favorites. Not only is it well located near all the Orlando attractions like Walt Disney World, Sea World, Epcot, and Universal Studios, but it has one of the most fabulous on site pool complexes in Florida. Orange Lake also happens to be one of our best selling timeshares on the resales market. So, you really can't go wrong with this improved owners' package of benefits - especially when you buy your timeshare at a discount.

Check out these deals on Orange Lake Country Club timeshares for sale by owners!

By the lake at Orange Lake Country Club, timeshare in Orlando Florida.

Announced by the Orlando Sentinel, as of January 1st, 2009 Disney timeshare owners will be exchanging their DVC points with RCI. They will be able to use their DVC points for exchanges within RCI and RCI's 3.6 million members will now be able to trade into a Disney timeshare.

This is huge news, especially for those who are members of RCI. Sure reservations may be tough to get, but the possibilities are great. And, as you can imagine, owning a Disney Vacation Club timeshare will carry significant exchanging abilities with other RCI resorts.

Disney Vacation Club presently offers the following resorts:

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Disney's Beach Club Villas

Disney's BoardWalk Villas

Disney's Old Key West Resort

Disney's Vero Beach Resort

Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort

But, whatever you do, don't run out and pay a retail price for a DVC timeshare. Buy your lifetime of dream Disney vacations at a significant discount through the timeshare pro's at www.rpmls.com .  They have the experience, size, and systems to get the job done - and with a personal touch.

Disney's Beach Club Villas timeshare

From the Orlando Sentinel comes this Disney (DVC) update: Sales have now begun for the newest Disney Vacation Club project: Bay Lake Tower. Entry level prices for the timeshares will begin at $18,000 making it the most expensive of any DVC timeshare resort. Disney's Bay Lake Tower will feature 300 timeshare units and be linked to the Contemporary Resort by a pedestrian bridge. Another appealing feature will be that it will be the first timeshare within walking distance to Disney Magic Kingdom.

Disney has begun their sales by targeting their 350,000 DVC members. They sent an email to their existing members announcing the sales with a link to a video on www.youtube.com. This video, Deevy See's Revealing Report, has had 59,000 views!  DVC got a lot of views - I wonder how many sales so far?

On the same day they launched their email campaign, our Disney Vacation Club video spiked with 380 views in one day.

So here comes yet another great addition to the DVC inventory - we will have to wait and see how this pans out with the current credit crunch going on.

Other stories related to Disney - Note to Self - Buy Disney Vacation Club Timeshares for Less! and Disney and Hawaii - Selling a Timeshare Dream

Here's how the Bay Lake Tower will look:

In yesterday's Orlando Sentinel, they interviewed David Siegel, Westgate's President. He announced that they plan to lay off hundreds of employees - they employ about 10,000.  Quoted in the interview, Siegel said "We're having a record year. We're in the most profitable year in our history and the banks are freezing our money," he said. "So we have no choice. In order for our company to survive we're going to downsize until the money starts flowing again."

He went on to explain that this would have the largest impact on new projects, but in the mean time, they were going to be fine.

Here's the lesson I dug out of this: With Westgate Resorts, Inc being the largest privately held timeshare developer they have the flexibility to respond to quickly changing financial markets.  As a Westgate timeshare owner, you should be able to stay optimistic about your timeshare vacation ownership. If other timeshare financing money quickly goes away, other timeshare developers may have to scramble to find other options to keep their cash flow working and stay "out of the red."

So if you are one of over 400,000 owners of a Westgate timeshare in one of it's 28 resorts stay tuned in as the story continues to develop.

If you already know of layoffs at Westgate Resorts, chime in here on the blog.

Also, here's a link to my previous story about record sales for Westgate Resorts, Inc. and highlights on Westgate timeshare locations.

In London today InterContinental Hotels Group announced a new deal with Orange Lake Resorts to form Holiday Inn Club Vacations. The Orange Lake resorts will continue to be managed, owned, and operated by the Wilson family. Kemmons Wilson founded Holiday Inn and created the Holiday Inn hotel brand in 1952.

There will be significant benefits to owners of any of the Orange Lake family of resorts timeshares. Notably, the Holiday Inn Club exchange program. This program will allow their members to exchange their weeks for hotels at IHG's some 4,000 hotels including hoteliers like Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge, Candlewood, Hotel Indigo, and Intercontinental.

From the perspective of size and systems this would be the alignment of the world's largest hotel group with the worlds largest single site timeshare resort in the world. IHG plans include developing a Holiday Inn Resort on the Orange Lake Country Club site in Orlando Florida. They will also integrate "the marketing and rental of timeshare villas through IHG's extensive reservation system and distribution channels, including Priority Club Rewards, the world's largest hotel loyalty program with over 39 million members." (source)

According to news sources, the Orange Lake Country Club in Orlando changes will be completed by December 2008. Their other timeshare facilities in Vermont, Wisconsin, and Panama City Florida will follow soon after.

Yesterday's announcement from Disney that they will give free admission to one theme park on your birthday, brings up one important thing on my "to do list" - buy a Disney Vacation Club timeshare on the secondary market. After all, why should I pay the going rate at the resort when there are owners who would be willing to sell me their DVC for much much less?  I'd get the same product but for thousands less!

But how would I find the right resort, make sure the owner knows exactly what they own, and get the deal closed? What about escrow, closing companies, and transfer of ownership at Disney?

If you are really serious about buying or selling Disney Vacation Club timeshares, then you should utilize the services of timeshare resales specialists like those at www.rpmls.com. They have the size, experience, and systems to get the right deal and do it right the first time! With thousands of timeshare properties sold and closed, their experience would be the "steak" you need - with none of the "sizzle" so many seem to offer.

Disney Vacation Club's proximity to Walt Disney World, their amenities, and attention to detail would make any timeshare owner confident that they made the right decision - especially when you buy your DVC timeshare from another owner.

This week Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and others have been deluged by hurricane Gustav. Other hurricanes and tropical storms have hit the Gulf Coast and we have Hanna, Ike, and Josephine looming in the future of the east coast. While this may seem extreme, remember 2004?  If you own a home, vacation property, a fractional, or a timeshare in Florida you will not likely ever forget August of 2004. Charley made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane near Punta Gorda, Florida on August 14th. September 5th brought Hurricane Frances to the Florida east coast. Ivan clipped the western end of the Florida panhandle in mid September - after  destroying 85% of the buildings on Grand Cayman. Finally, on September 25, Jeanne made landfall in Florida just 2 miles (3 kilometers) from where Frances had struck 3 weeks earlier.

About one year later, while visiting Daytona Beach, I was able to see the impact of those hurricanes.  A few hotels and timeshare resorts were still boarded up, and empty. But for the most part, the timeshare developments were 100% repaired and almost 100% occupied.  If you are a timeshare or second home owner, get involved with your owners' association if you have one. Stay informed on how day to day operations and repairs are going. Sometimes, just a call to owner services will give you the peace of mind that the power is on and things are okay. Or, assuming the worst, you can keep track of the destiny of a resort that has suffered devastating damages.

For basic timeshare information, contact info, or just to inquire about the timeshare industry you can always call the timeshare specialists at www.rpmls.com  1.800.200.9857.

Daytona Beach Timeshares: Follow this link for an interactive map (see below) of timeshare resorts.

And now, for the top ten list of timeshares best suited for golf:

Marriott's Grande Ocean Resort - Hilton Head South Carolina- Marriotts Grande Ocean, Hilton Head Island is world-renowned for its many professional golf courses and Marriott''s Grande Ocean sets the standard for other resorts on the island. This Five Star property features four outdoor swimming pools, one indoor swimming pool, tennis center, health spa, and more. Accommodations feature private balconies with either ocean or garden view and feature all of the modern conveniences.

Marriott's Monarch at Sea Pines - Hilton Head South Carolina - Near the Grande Ocean Resort and situated on six acres of oceanfront property in Sea Pines Plantation, this lovely Five Star resort includes deluxe villas, award-winning gardens, two pools (one heated), three whirlpools, children's wading pool, sundeck and a 450 foot stretch of white sandy beaches. Guests can also take advantage of golf, tennis, shopping and exciting nightlife within a few minutes from the resort.

Marriott's Maui Ocean Club - Maui Hawaii - Located on one of the world's most famous beaches is Marriott's Maui Ocean Club. Amenities include golf, tennis, watersports, lavish swimming pools, waterfalls, live entertainment, health club, restaurants, children's activity center and much more. Suite amenities include private balconies, separate living and dining areas.

Scottsdale Villa Mirage - Scottsdale Arizona - Scottsdale Villa Mirage provides the perfect setting for recreation as well as nightlife. Enjoy shopping and championship golf courses located just minutes away. This southwestern designed resort has an exercise room, outdoor pool and tennis courts.

Sheraton's Desert Oasis - Scottsdale Arizona - Sheraton's Desert Oasis is situated in a setting of unparalleled splendor and nestled near the renowned Scottsdale Tournament Players Club, host of the PGA's Phoenix Open.

Marriott's Shadow Ridge - Palm Desert California - This superb resort in California''s Palm Desert, Marriott''s Shadow Ridge is situated among scenic fairways, lakes and mountains. These beautifully decorated two-bedroom, two-bath villas, each with fireplace and a relaxing tub in the master suite, and two private balconies. Amenities on-site include pools, restaurant, and golf instruction.

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas I - Palm Desert California - Golden sunshine and unrivaled elegance are hallmarks of vacations at this resort, set on the grounds of Desert Springs Resort and Spa. Pamper yourself in the fully equipped spa, challenge the two 18-hole golf courses, or lounge by the pool.

Four Seasons Resort Aviara - Carlsbad California - Located on a hilltop among rolling valleys and a protected wildlife sanctuary, the Four Seasons Resort Club Aviara offers beautiful views of the Batiquitos Lagoon, championship Arnold Palmer golf course, and the Pacific Ocean. The well appointed two-bedroom, three-bathroom villas include fireplace, full kitchen, and three private balconies.

Sheraton's PGA Vacation Resort - Port St Lucie Florida - Sheraton's PGA Vacation Resort is located on Florida's Treasure Coast, an area known for it's world-class fishing, beautiful beaches, sports and entertainment opportunities. The PGA Golf Club offers four golf courses and is adjacent to the resort.

Mystic Dunes Resort - Kissimmee Florida - Near Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, the resort offers fun and relaxation for the whole family. Enjoy the restaurant, clubhouse, and professional golf instruction at critically acclaimed Mystic Dunes, an 18-hole/par 71 championship golf course. Make a splash on the two-story-tall waterslide or enjoy a treat at one of the poolside bars.

Any of these would be a fine choice for the perfect golf vacation.

Whether you are looking for surfing, diving, playing on the beach, or just soaking in the sun, here's my totally unscientific top ten picks for beach resort timeshares:

10. Marriott's Aruba Ocean Club - Separated from the magnificent Caribbean Sea by a lovely white, sandy beach, this Five Star property offers the ultimate in luxury vacations.Accommodations range from one to two bedroom villas that are elegantly appointed with full kitchen, kitchenette, formal living and dining areas, whirlpool spa in master bath, private balcony with ocean view, laundry facilities and more.

9. The Royal Mayan Cancun, Mexico. Guests will love this fabulous Five Star resort just a few minutes from a Mayan archaeological site and a championship golf course.

8. Marriott's Kauai Beach Club - On the southern coast of Kauai, 51 tropical acres provide the garden setting for Marriott's Kauai Beach Club. The one and two bedroom vacation ownership villas and luxury hotel offer two restaurants, world-class swimming pool complex, two championship golf courses, tennis and a myriad of beach activities on the quarter mile of Kalapaki Beach.

7. Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta - Situated on the beach, 15 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta is a retreat for recreational water activities. When the sun goes down, explore the exciting nightlife, designer shops, and the international restaurants of Puerto Vallarta.

6. Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas - Accommodations feature lanai with ocean view, stone flooring and distinctive Hawaiian themed decor. Activities and amenities include two spas, waterslide, steam room, swimming pool, gameroom, poolside bar, sauna, fitness center, tennis,washer and dryer in both portions of the lockout units and more.

5. Marriott's Maui Ocean Club - My top choice for Maui, located on one of the world's most famous beaches is Marriott's Maui Ocean Club. Amenities include golf, tennis, watersports, lavish swimming pools, waterfalls, live entertainment, health club, shopping, restaurants, children's activity center and much more. Suite amenities include private balconies, separate living and dining areas, and kitchenette. Don't miss historic Lahaina only minutes away.

4. Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort - This awesome resort is located in the mystical, desert landscape of the southern Baja California peninsula. Situated at Land's End, Pueblo Bonito Rose is surrounded by beautiful coastline, magnificent sea life, and the majestic nature of Los Cabos.

3. Charter Club of Marco Beach - One of the best of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island will delight water lovers, sightseers, and sun worshipers. A beachfront location allows guests to be right in the midsts of one of the world's best shelling areas.

2. Vidafel Mayan Palace-Acapulco - This fabulous tropical paradise is in the new Acapulco Diamente Zone and offers beautiful lakes and gardens thoughout the property. Amenities include golf, tennis, restaurants, beach, live entertainment, playground, and the largest swimming pool in the world.

1. Harborside Resort at Atlantis - My number 1 choice. Surrounded by the beautiful Caribbean and pure-white beaches, Harborside Resort at Atlantis is ideally situated in the perfect spot for relaxing and adventure. These luxurious villas feature full kitchens, formal living and dining areas, whirlpool bath and private terraces.

So that's my top ten. Let me know if you would nominate others for this list!

Here's a narrated slide show of these ten resorts!

One of the best known landmarks in the United States is Walt Disney World. Buying a timeshare in Orlando would be a wise thing to do if you plan on going to the Orlando/Kissimmee region often.  Why?  Over time, you would save thousands of dollars on lodging. In addition, your accommodations in a timeshare are much larger, nicer, and loaded with amenities that a hotel could never match.  Depending on the timeshare resort, you would have golf, swimming, entertainment, water sports, bus shuttles, and more. So it just makes sense. Plus, all the Disney attractions would be nearby.

"But what if I own a timeshare in Orlando Florida, and I want to sell it?"  Now is as good of a time as any to go ahead and get it in front of as many buyers as possible.  Enlist the help of timeshare professionals like those at www.rpmls.com to guide you through the process.  Selling your Orlando timeshare would make sense if you have come to a point where you no longer use it every year.  The timeshare maintenance fees will not just go away.

Some of the best selling timeshares in Orlando include those developed by Marriott, Westgate, and Sheraton. Also, Orange Lake Country Club has been one that has performed well on the timeshare resales market. Most of these will be close to Walt Disney World and offer far more than a hotel ever could.

Photo of Sheraton's Vistana Villages by the pool!