Off to WPORV and WKORV

[DeniseM]

Sheri - I am so glad timesharing is working out for you!

Atlantis is a MUCH harder exchange - you want to start calling at 8:59 am ET at 8 mos. out and keep calling every day until you get something. If you are open to a wide range of dates, it will help.

[sherilah]

Thanks Denise! Yes, we are really enjoying the timesharing experience. It's so much fun, hanging out by the pool, talking to other owners. It's such an easy way to meet people. So far, every single owner I've met is extremely happy, whether it be in Cancun, Palm Springs, or Hawaii. It's refreshing to hear.

Do you think there was anything major that we missed by not going on the owner's update? They said that Starwood has changed a few things that we would want to know about. Any clue as to what they were talking about?

[DeniseM]

Originally Posted by sherilah

Do you think there was anything major that we missed by not going on the owner's update? They said that Starwood has changed a few things that we would want to know about. Any clue as to what they were talking about?

All you missed was a high pressure sales presentation. The changes are with the way you deposit with II. In your case, with an ownership in the SVN, you can no longer put in a request exchange with II (request first) and hold an existing exchange at your home resort.

[DavidnRobin]

Originally Posted by sherilah

We just got back from WKORVN and loved it! We were in a 2 bedroom lockout in building 6, on the 6th floor, dead center. They said the resort was 70 to 80% full...it seemed crowed, but not in an annoying way. The staff were very friendly and accommodating.

We were very happy with the north property....I actually thought we would have spent most of the time at the south pool, but we were mostly hanging out at the north pool. (The water temp seemed warmer!) Our son LOVED the kid's pirate pool! The snorkeling was great....saw many colorful fish, more than when we stayed at the Sheraton.

We were happy that we were in the 2bdrm lockout, since our son and MIL were with us. The extra space was well worth the extra points.

I have one AMAZING restaurant recommendation. On our last night, we ate at a place called Merriman's. It was absolutely delicious......5 Star all the way!

Sheri

Funny - I heard people say just the opposite about the pool temps, but I did not go to the north pool - heck, we barely made it to the north resort (lol). We actually do not use the pool that often and prefer the ocean.

Merrimans is great (next to Kapalua beach - where we were married) - and took the folks who did our ceremony there last year - of course it is very expensive. This year - in 2 weeks - we only went out to 3 dinners (Roys, Outback BBQ, and Sensei) - saved a lot of money by cooking at the resort...

I thought the north section seemed to have way more occupancy than the south as far as villa went (a lot of the south was being remodeled) - neither seemd crowded.

We also meant a lot of happy Owners and exchangers (ourselves included).

Sadly - they are allowing children (no age limit) into the hot tubs...
The hot tubs at WPORV were much much hotter than WKORV - and children prohibited.

We/I saw a spotted eagle ray, manta ray, 3 different turtles, octopus, moray eel, and tons of fish of course.

On the Owner Update front - we passed - didn't seem worth the 4500 SPs for arguing. Glad I never depended on II in my TS purchases.

[DavidnRobin]

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlMYXKHVvgY

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlMYXKHVvgY

Part 3 (long full sunset)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeCwJbWhR7M

[DavidnRobin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CruZeBV3fZU

I really should do these before the villa gets messy - mostly views from windows and sliding glass doors

Can you tell we are addicted to sunsets? Our first night at WKORV was one of the nicests sunsets
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0hljr_OjrY

[DavidnRobin]

I was able to savage the photos off of the Olympus Stylus Tough - so I will be able to post photos of WPORV before the camera failed...
{once I get enough time to download}

[gregb]

David,

Let us know what happens with the camera. Up until the failure, you have been a very good customer testimonial for it. And we would like to know how it turns out.

Thanks,

Greg

PS. So back to work now huh? Sorry to hear that.

[DavidnRobin]

Originally Posted by gregb

David,

Let us know what happens with the camera. Up until the failure, you have been a very good customer testimonial for it. And we would like to know how it turns out.

Thanks,

Greg

PS. So back to work now huh? Sorry to hear that.

Since it is still under warranty - I will send it in to get fixed. I will post an update - it took great photos and videos up until the time it malfuctioned.

So far - Olympus has made it easy to return for warranty repair - we shall see how that goes.

Yep - back to work after a wonderful 8 weeks off - add in the 2 week in STJ and our upcoming holiday break - that is 11 weeks of paid time-off in 2009 - not bad (once in a lifetime) - glad I started planning for it in 2007 (when we bought the EOY odd WPORV) and paid for the Europe hotels with SPs - as it was costly enough as it was.