Timeshare Trends Blog

Universal Orlando’s profits are way up thanks to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Orlando has just posted its best quarterly results in its entire 20-year history. Attendance at the resort has soared 36% in the recent third quarter when compared to the same quarter last year, climbing by over one-million visitors to 3.7 million. It is the highest quarterly attendance Universal has reported since Universal Studios opened in 1990 and the biggest percentage gain since its second park, Islands of Adventure debuted in 1999. Universal’s quarterly revenue has rocketed up 62% to $364 million fueled by ticket sales and enormous demand for Potter-themed merchandise. The popularity of the park allowed Universal to raise ticket and parking prices in the middle of the quarter.

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Interval International has revealed that its U.S. resident members reported annual household income greater than $125,000 per year, 88% are satisfied with their membership, 33% would like to purchase additional holiday time, and Interval International’s U.S. members spend about 23 nights away from home, taken as leisure time. Also determined in the profile, Florida, California and Hawaii are the most popular destinations members said they wanted to visit within the next two years, with New York City the most popular urban destination. The Caribbean is the number one “international” favorite destination for US residents. An official at Interval International said, “The observations and insights drawn from this research reinforce the value our members place on vacationing. This study also represents the latest in Interval’s continuing commitment to bring timely and consumer-centric research to the market.”

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Bluegreen Resorts has been named a finalist in 2010 American Business Awards. Bluegreen Corporation has been selected as the first finalist in multiple categories for the 2010 American Business Awards (also referred to as the Stevie Awards). This annual competition recognizes the achievements and contributions of organizations and businesses, ranging in size from up to 100 employees to more than 2,500 employees. Bluegreen was selected as the finalist in three different categories, including the Most Innovative Company of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year, and Corporate Environmental Responsibility Program of the Year. Premier Bluegreen resorts include the Fountains in Orlando, the Big Cedar Wilderness Club in Branson, and more than 50 property locations in some of the top vacation destinations.

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Club La Costa Resorts and Hotels has announced its first resort to be located in the Orlando area. The company has purchased Encantada, a resort with its own natural lake that is just a short distance from Disney World. Specifically located in Kissimmee, the property features gently rolling hills and a beautiful 9,000 square foot clubhouse overlooking a lake encircled by a walking trail. Two community pools and spas are on the resort property along with a fishing pier and gazebo. Inside the clubhouse, there’s a concierge, exercise facility, games arcade, cyber cafe, and the Encantada Club Lounge. The homes are Mediterranean inspired and contain two stories with a private patio and screen-enclosed heated pool. Completely furnished and equipped, your home-away-from-home has three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and all the conveniences of home. Four-bedroom homes are also available.

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Fantasy World Resort will have surfing. Surfing will now be available at a timeshare resort in central Florida. According to a recent article in the Orlando Sentinel, the Fantasy World Resort in Kissimmee plans to build a $4 million indoor aquatic facility called Fantasy Surf. The attraction will feature a double FlowRider system that blends surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding techniques in a controlled water environment. It’s the same technology used aboard some Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

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Hilton Grand Vacations recently announced that they have renewed their long-standing affiliation RCI. Headquartered in Orlando, Hilton has 50 RCI affiliated resorts in their portfolio of developed and managed properties and more than 150,000 Club Members. The vacation ownership division of Hilton Worldwide develops, markets and operates spectacular properties in some of the world’s most celebrated destinations. The company also manages and operates club membership programs tailored to provide vacation exchange, leisure travel and reservation services. The contract with RCI means that Hilton Grand Vacation will continue a relationship that has lasted for over 17 years.

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TSBO Hispanic Expo Booth

The Hispanic Business and Consumer Expo arrived in Orlando April 15th-18th. With Orlando holding the title as the timeshare capital of the world due to its numerous tourist attractions, bustling city life, and beautiful Florida sunshine, it seemed fitting for TSBO to set up a booth. It proved to be beneficial as hundreds of visitors and local Orlando residents passed through the Expo doors and approached the TSBO booth. Overall, the Expo was a fun and successful event with many of the visitors mentioning their interest in timeshares!

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FRAUD ALERT

WE HAVE BEEN ALERTED TO A NEW FRAUD BEING PERPETRATED ON OUR CUSTOMERS.

COMPANIES ARE CALLING OUR CUSTOMERS AND ADVISING THEM THAT THEY WORK WITH TIMESHARES BY OWNER® AND THAT THEY HAVE A BUYER. THEY FURTHER STATE YOUR LISTING PRICE, THAT THEY ARE A FINANCE COMPANY, AND THAT THE BUYER HAS ALREADY DEPOSITED 20% OF THE PURCHASE PRICE. THEY REQUIRE THE PAYMENT OF A FEE FOR CLOSING AND FINANCE CHARGES.

THIS IS A FRAUD THAT IS BEING CONDUCTED WITHOUT OUR AUTHORIZATION. WE DO NOT WORK WITH ANY OTHER COMPANY TO SELL YOUR TIMESHARE. IF THE COMMUNICATIONS DOES NOT COME FROM US, IT IS FRAUDULENT.

IF YOU RECEIVE THIS CALL, PLEASE CALL BECKY GOMEZ OF TIMESHARES BY OWNER® IMMEDIATELY TO REPORT IT AT 888-707-8463.

THANK YOU FROM THE STAFF OF TIMESHARES BY OWNER

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is scheduled to open this spring at Universal Orlando. Currently, the Hogwarts castle is beginning to take shape above Hogsmeade. Hogwarts will be the home of a new, state-of-the-art attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, that uses groundbreaking technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant. It will be known as a “Theme Park within a Theme Park”. The Harry Potter theme park will open around the same time as the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movie. This 20-acre theme park built within the Islands of Adventure Park will enable visitors to experience scenes from the books and movies.

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Wyndham Vacation Ownership occupancy through the first half of 2009 increased versus last year at about 75% of its resorts. Wyndham Vacation Ownership headquartered in Orlando, is a division of Wyndham Worldwide.

According to the latest statistics provided by Wyndham, their resort occupancy is slightly up at about 75% of its network of more than 150 resorts worldwide from January through June over the same period as last year. Advanced bookings are also up 3% for the balance of the year. After a tough 2008, it appears that 2009 is trending in the right direction.

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