Ok, so tell me about Cypress Pointe

[bruwery]

We're ok with booking far in advance (I'm already pretty worried about 2010, since we won't probably buy anything until fall and we're going to Orlando in Feb.)

If you're not buying until fall, it could be quite difficult to obtain a Feb 2010 reservation. You might consider looking at a rental so you can establish a comfort level with the place before committing to a maintenance fee.

And I'm still not sure we can make the check in day work for us -- which is why DVC (although very expensive) works great for us -- we usually travel on Tuesdays, or at least mid week (it can save us over $1000 in airfare for the 3 of us, and give us a direct flight instead of a total of 9 1/2 hours each way connecting in Toronto)

That's going to be a problem with any weeks based resort. As much as I enjoy my Cypress Pointe timeshare, you might be wise to consider Wynhdam points. They can be obtained on the cheap - and since Wyndham points transfer on resale, you wouldn't have to deal with paying a $2,995 fee to Diamond Resorts to convert to points.

Disclaimer: I don't own Wyndham points, so I can't claim to be the leading authority. Take my advice for what it's worth...

I've seen you posting on the HGVC forum, too, so I know you've considered that as well.

Whatever you ultimately decide, it's good to see someone being patient and doing serious homework.

 

[timeos2]

If you're not buying until fall, it could be quite difficult to obtain a Feb 2010 reservation. You might consider looking at a rental so you can establish a comfort level with the place before committing to a maintenance fee.



That's going to be a problem with any weeks based resort. As much as I enjoy my Cypress Pointe timeshare, you might be wise to consider Wynhdam points. They can be obtained on the cheap - and since Wyndham points transfer on resale, you wouldn't have to deal with paying a $2,995 fee to Diamond Resorts to convert to points.

Because of the ability of owners to use their week as 3/4 or 4/3 day splits there can be mid-week check ins available at CPR. However not many actually do that split - far more take the 1/2 bedroom, standard start day split - so unless you hit a week that someone else decided to split or make your request very early in the process there may not be any M-T - W - Th check in starts available. However CPR is far more flexible than most weeks based resorts and if you can get one thst is the place to do it.

 

[Redrosesix]

If you're not buying until fall, it could be quite difficult to obtain a Feb 2010 reservation. You might consider looking at a rental so you can establish a comfort level with the place before committing to a maintenance fee.



That's going to be a problem with any weeks based resort. As much as I enjoy my Cypress Pointe timeshare, you might be wise to consider Wynhdam points. They can be obtained on the cheap - and since Wyndham points transfer on resale, you wouldn't have to deal with paying a $2,995 fee to Diamond Resorts to convert to points.

Disclaimer: I don't own Wyndham points, so I can't claim to be the leading authority. Take my advice for what it's worth...

I've seen you posting on the HGVC forum, too, so I know you've considered that as well.

Whatever you ultimately decide, it's good to see someone being patient and doing serious homework.

Thanks for all the advice. Yes, we're taking this slowly -- still building our must-haves list. We had seriously considered HGVC, but the price is $$$$$ compared to other Orlando TS's so we're really wondering if it's worth the extra bucks.

Cypress Pointe was the leader until we realized there was no security gate -- I know, there is no guarantee of safety with the gate, but we would feel better having at least some restrictions on who entered our resort. At least we had the option of Sunday check-in -- HGVC is Sat. only (def. can't do that) unless you wait to book.

 

[bruwery]

To each their own, but I'm not sure what security a security gate provides.

Of the timeshares I've visited, only two have had a security gate. In neither case did the security gate make me feel more secure than at any of the "non-gated" resorts. Personally, I think they're more of a hassle than anything else.

 

[bruwery]

Because of the ability of owners to use their week as 3/4 or 4/3 day splits there can be mid-week check ins available at CPR. However not many actually do that split - far more take the 1/2 bedroom, standard start day split - so unless you hit a week that someone else decided to split or make your request very early in the process there may not be any M-T - W - Th check in starts available. However CPR is far more flexible than most weeks based resorts and if you can get one thst is the place to do it.

John,

Have I misunderstood the process? Are you saying that a person could, if there's availability, book a full-week's stay with a mid-week check-in? Or does the midweek check in option apply ONLY to splits? Understanding, of course, that actual availability of said situation may be quite unlikely.

 

[CharlesS]

John,

Have I misunderstood the process? Are you saying that a person could, if there's availability, book a full-week's stay with a mid-week check-in? Or does the midweek check in option apply ONLY to splits? Understanding, of course, that actual availability of said situation may be quite unlikely.

Midweek checkins, checkouts do make a mess of things. But if someone is checking out on Wednesday, then if you made a Wednesday to Wednesday reservation the resort still only has one halfweek to worry about. Of course, you would have have any choice of the unit since it would have to be the same unit that person who checked out on Wednesday was in (since all others would be occupied). I am glad I don't have to keep track of all that, even with a slick computer program.

I imagine that the use of half weeks does result in some empty time which means someone gets shut out at the end of the year.

Charles

 

[CharlesS]

The independent HOA-BOD runs a tight ship Alan Cole

Redrosesix,
As you are looking at various resorts and/or plans also look at the management. CP I is blessed with a very hard-working and effective BOD who communicate with the owners. I think our BOD is our #1 advantage, Yes, even before the Volcano Pool. (And a security gate would not add to real security.)

Charles

 

[timeos2]

100% float makes it all work

John,

Have I misunderstood the process? Are you saying that a person could, if there's availability, book a full-week's stay with a mid-week check-in? Or does the midweek check in option apply ONLY to splits? Understanding, of course, that actual availability of said situation may be quite unlikely.

Yes, it is possible. Since all use time floats and owners have the ability to split weeks there can be mid-week day check in / out available. It would usually be there early in the annual scheduling process as once very many were reserved as splits or regular start days the availability in the next week might become a challenge. And it sure must be a nightmare to track. I marvel that VRI was able to adjust their system to accommodate so many options in a program someone else originally designed and sold. But they do it with very little breakage (unused time).

It does make owners / guests sometimes ask why a specific unit / view cannot be guaranteed. The need to remain flexible in unit assignment means it isn't possible to say a pool or pond view will be there when someone checks in. If there is a carry over from the previous week then the unit is gone even if it originally appeared to be available for use. So pre-assigning it isn't possible. The whole system works as it was 100% float from the start and no one has a claim to any specific unit/time. Add in hat all 168 units are exactly alike except for view/physical location and the whole thing flies.

 

[Redrosesix]

Redrosesix,
As you are looking at various resorts and/or plans also look at the management. CP I is blessed with a very hard-working and effective BOD who communicate with the owners. I think our BOD is our #1 advantage, Yes, even before the Volcano Pool. (And a security gate would not add to real security.)

Charles

Yes, that's one of the things that appeals to me about CPR, and it really seems like you have a great community of owners (unlike those who own at Wastegate, ah hem, Westgate).

Maybe we're just very spoiled -- our RV is at a campground with a security gate so DD has had the run of the place since she was 7. But truthfully, it's probably the fact that she's always tagging after the Rangers and that there are another 100 seasonal mums looking out for the kids' best interests that keeps our kids safe.

Horizons does have a security gate as does, I think, Vistana. But like I said, we're still building our list of must-haves, so we may need to re-think how much freedom we give her and drop the security gate from the list. It would have been nice to feel like we could let her run to the store on her own even if she's just running ahead of us. Weird how as soon as we leave home, we start to worry about kids' safety -- she walks herself to school every day. :hysterical:

 

[Redrosesix]

Yes, it is possible. Since all use time floats and owners have the ability to split weeks there can be mid-week day check in / out available. It would usually be there early in the annual scheduling process as once very many were reserved as splits or regular start days the availability in the next week might become a challenge. And it sure must be a nightmare to track. I marvel that VRI was able to adjust their system to accommodate so many options in a program someone else originally designed and sold. But they do it with very little breakage (unused time).

It does make owners / guests sometimes ask why a specific unit / view cannot be guaranteed. The need to remain flexible in unit assignment means it isn't possible to say a pool or pond view will be there when someone checks in. If there is a carry over from the previous week then the unit is gone even if it originally appeared to be available for use. So pre-assigning it isn't possible. The whole system works as it was 100% float from the start and no one has a claim to any specific unit/time. Add in hat all 168 units are exactly alike except for view/physical location and the whole thing flies.

So, I would have to wait and see if somebody reserved a split so I could sneak in mid-week? Or...would it technically be possible to do a split back-to-back ie. do 4 days checking in on Wed., then 3 days from Sun (would even be worth moving units mid-week to make this work). Or do split stays also have to check in on Fri/Sat/Sun?

 

[timeos2]

Gates are for show

Yes, that's one of the things that appeals to me about CPR, and it really seems like you have a great community of owners (unlike those who own at Wastegate, ah hem, Westgate).

Maybe we're just very spoiled -- our RV is at a campground with a security gate so DD has had the run of the place since she was 7. But truthfully, it's probably the fact that she's always tagging after the Rangers and that there are another 100 seasonal mums looking out for the kids' best interests that keeps our kids safe.

Horizons does have a security gate as does, I think, Vistana. But like I said, we're still building our list of must-haves, so we may need to re-think how much freedom we give her and drop the security gate from the list. It would have been nice to feel like we could let her run to the store on her own even if she's just running ahead of us. Weird how as soon as we leave home, we start to worry about kids' safety -- she walks herself to school every day. :hysterical:

Unfortunately while security gates can make guests feel protected it is a very false impression. Look at most (all?) of the resorts around Orlando with them. Invariably there are places where the fencing ends & pedestrians and/or vehicles can enter unchallenged. Depending on that as "protection" is surely a false hope.

I prefer an area with a planned community setting - thus plenty of manicured paths, walkways & drives with a good amount of foot traffic and low crime rates. While there are never any guarantees and everyone needs to be on guard at all times (even within Disney there have been serious issues at times) Cypress Pointe feels far safer to me than the few resorts we have stayed at out on 192 - which had "security gates" as the overall area is much more friendly, less isolated and I do trust my daughter being safe walking to Giordano's, Winn Dixie, Olive Garden or any of the 100's of places within walking distance at CPR vs the required drive - with or without a security gate - at most Orlando resorts to reach almost anything. It'sa difference we love about CPR/CPGV & Blue Tree.

 

[timeos2]

No waiting

So, I would have to wait and see if somebody reserved a split so I could sneak in mid-week? Or...would it technically be possible to do a split back-to-back ie. do 4 days checking in on Wed., then 3 days from Sun (would even be worth moving units mid-week to make this work). Or do split stays also have to check in on Fri/Sat/Sun?

As I understand it (and I've never split my week) they don't make you wait to know if it can be done they assign X numbers of splits per week starting on F/S/S thus leaving openings M/Tu/W/Th when they check out. Once those few assigned splits are taken they hesitate to do more unless it happens to correspond with another split.Thus the earlier you request the more likely a split will be available - just like the assignment of all float weeks. First come - first served.

 

[Redrosesix]

So, I just found this on eBay

Nevermind. Wishful thinking, I guess.

Still shopping

 

[AwayWeGo]

Pins & Needles.

Don't keep us in suspense -- let us in on the status of your Cypress Pointe quest.

Are you tracking down some bargains ?

Still have some questions ?

Anything ?

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[Redrosesix]

Ahahaha! The last 2 weekends have been all about getting our trailer ready for the season (and paying seasonal fees, etc.) That's a whole other story, but probably the reason we're comfortable with buying a TS (we're used to the pre-paying your vacations idea and not getting back what you pay for it -- our trailer goes down in value every year, but it was an excellent "investment" compared to sending DD to daycamp all summer, which here costs about $600 per week -- I can do most of my work from there)

We think we finally have our shopping down to 2 resorts -- CPR and Vistana (which we had not really considered at first but the $$$ is great on eBay for a floating week in our season) For the right price, I can see us buying both of them. Most of the CPR weeks still include 2009 MF's and vacation dates, which we won't use, so I'm trying to figure out how exchanging would help us make it worth buying. Somebody on another thread suggested we deposit the 2009 week to use later, but since exchanging is new to us we're taking some time to really research how it works).

There seem to be several CPR and CPGV villas that are not selling on eBay and are re-listed again and again, but I think that's because they're Emerald season. So far the best deal for platinum at CPR is in the owners' weeks -- the Board weeks for sale would be good for us, but again, the 2009 issue.

 

[AwayWeGo]

Slim Pickings For 2009 Floating Weeks.

Most of the CPR weeks still include 2009 MF's and vacation dates, which we won't use, so I'm trying to figure out how exchanging would help us make it worth buying.

Buying to use sometimes (i.e., often) works out better than buying to exchange, because (a) you own what you bought but (b) trading timeshare weeks can be a crapshoot.

Meanwhile, sold-out Cypress Pointe Resort is so paid up & booked up (by owners) that the 2009 snoozers could turn out to be losers.

That's always a risk with floating timeshare weeks -- wait too late in the year to reserve time & face the chance of getting only a week when you were planning something else, or (worse) the chance of getting completely shut out even though you paid all your fees on time.

The Cypress Pointe HOA-BOD recently put out an Internet reminder to that effect on the Yahoo "group" for Cypress Pointe Resort -- just a word to the wise.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[Redrosesix]

Buying to use sometimes (i.e., often) works out better than buying to exchange, because (a) you own what you bought but (b) trading timeshare weeks can be a crapshoot.

Meanwhile, sold-out Cypress Pointe Resort is so paid up & booked up (by owners) that the 2009 snoozers could turn out to be losers.

That's always a risk with floating timeshare weeks -- wait too late in the year to reserve time & face the chance of getting only a week when you were planning something else, or (worse) the chance of getting completely shut out even though you paid all your fees on time.

The Cypress Pointe HOA-BOD recently put out an Internet reminder to that effect on the Yahoo "group" for Cypress Pointe Resort -- just a word to the wise.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

Yup, exchanging seems to be a hit or miss thing (lots of posts on TUG about people not happy with their exchanges) -- which is why we want to buy where we want to use, but that will be starting in 2010 (and we would usually have our 2010 reservations made by now).

We can't use the 2009 dates anyway, so we need to learn about doing a deposit, how long we have to use it, and (the hardest part) figure out where we would use that week later (since, as I've already figured out, we can't rent exchanged weeks to somebody else) And from what you say, we would have to deposit the 2009 week as it might be hard to get a week to rent in 2009.

 

[Redrosesix]

Just two more questions (until I come up with another one LOL):
* do many people rent their weeks at CPR? Do you usually earn back your MF's?
*If you use your CPR week for exchanging, could you give me some examples of what you've been able to exchange for?

 

[AwayWeGo]

Cypress Pointe Is Outstanding.

Just two more questions (until I come up with another one LOL):
* do many people rent their weeks at CPR? Do you usually earn back your MF's?
*If you use your CPR week for exchanging, could you give me some examples of what you've been able to exchange for?

In recent years we've been renting out Cypress Pointe for enough to cover fees & taxes, etc., with a little something left over. Then we use the little something left over to pay for our own Instant Exchange or Last Call reservations to stay at other people's timeshares -- close as we can manage to going on vacation el freebo. There is no assurance, however, that the same pattern will hold in the future. We'll see, eh ?

We have only deposited Cypress Pointe (either phase) 1 time -- & that was for points (via Points For Deposit). Plus, all we deposited was just 1 part of 1 unit -- the 1BR "B" unit at Phase Two locked off & deposited separately. We got a bunch of points for that which we parlayed into multiple weeks of timeshare vacationing via Instant Exchange.

I like Cypress Pointe so well -- both phases -- that I would be content to keep on vacationing there without ever renting'm out or depositing'm for exchange. Using the lock-off feature, we could stay 4 weeks every even year & 2 weeks every odd year. (Our Phase One lock-off unit is just EEY. So it goes.)

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[pedro47]

Great location near everything in Orlando, shopping eating vendors and all the amusement parks.

 

[Redrosesix]

I just won an eBay auction for CPR for $212.50!

 

[AwayWeGo]

I just won an eBay auction for CPR for $212.50!

Congratulations !

If this is the deal you got, I'd say you snagged a major serious bargain on a Floating Diamond 3BR lock-off at a super-nice resort in just about the best timeshare location in Orlando FL.

By contrast, we paid $3,500 for something similar in 2002 -- & $500 for an EEY version in 2006 (both resale).

Now that you're a member of the Cypress Pointe family, be sure to sign up for the (free) Yahoo Cypress Pointe "Group." Click here for that.

Maybe we'll see each other at Cafe Pointe or in the Volcano Pool 1 of these times.

Wouldn't that be something ?

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[Redrosesix]

Congratulations !

If this is the deal you got, I'd say you snagged a major serious bargain on a Floating Diamond 3BR lock-off at a super-nice resort in just about the best timeshare location in Orlando FL.

By contrast, we paid $3,500 for something similar in 2002 -- & $500 for an EEY version in 2006 (both resale).

Now that you're a member of the Cypress Pointe family, be sure to sign up for the (free) Yahoo Cypress Pointe "Group." Click here for that.

Maybe we'll see each other at Cafe Pointe or in the Volcano Pool 1 of these times.

Wouldn't that be something ?

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

Yup, that's ours. I still can't believe it myself -- I'm thinking all of the serious bidders took a week off because the next highest bid was $210.00.

And, yes, it would be funny if we ran into each other. And we'll be at that pool a lot -- that's always the easiest place to find us.

Thanks for the yahoo link.

 

[AwayWeGo]

Exemplary Job Of Going In With Your Eyes Open.

Yup, that's ours. I still can't believe it myself -- I'm thinking all of the serious bidders took a week off because the next highest bid was $210.00.

You certainly did your homework -- as shown by the Q&A, with follow-up, right here on this TUG-BBS discussion topic.

That's completely different from how we did it. We got attracted to timeshares via some promotional tours (you know, arm-twisting high pressure, etc.), but we did not buy because of the extravagance.

Before long we caught on that (A) there is no such thing as a new timeshare & (B) resale timeshares are identical in all respects with what the timeshare companies sell. That made us eager -- possibly overeager -- to buy a resale timeshare, which we did, sight unseen.

The rest is history.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[Redrosesix]

You certainly did your homework -- as shown by the Q&A, with follow-up, right here on this TUG-BBS discussion topic.

That's completely different from how we did it. We got attracted to timeshares via some promotional tours (you know, arm-twisting high pressure, etc.), but we did not buy because of the extravagance.

Before long we caught on that (A) there is no such thing as a new timeshare & (B) resale timeshares are identical in all respects with what the timeshare companies sell. That made us eager -- possibly overeager -- to buy a resale timeshare, which we did, sight unseen.

The rest is history.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

Well...the internet has changed a lot since then. If it hadn't been for the internet, I'd have had no information to go on -- most timeshare sellers can't even communicate with us in Nova Scotia, not even the big companies like DVC and Hilton. So otherwise, I'd have to buy directly from the resort while on vacation.

And I listened to all of your advice before I bought, so thanks.