We really like Orlando and would go every second year.
Hi Paul. Welcome to Tug. You're in the right place to learn before you invest your money in a timeshare. Do not agree to buy anything until you fully understand what you're doing. It's very easy to fall into owning a timeshare, but can be quite difficult to get out of it.
Simply put, that timeshare you're being offered is not worth the money they're asking. Check eBay to see where Westgate timeshares are regularly given away for pennies (or less) with the seller usually paying all transfer fees to get rid of it. Do not agree to pay $10K for that one. Sorry to the relative who owns it, but there really is no resale value in it. Timeshares are not like real estate - they rarely appreciate in value, and you aren't buying tangible property - you're buying time
at a tangible property. Think of it as the cost of vacationing, and little else.
Buying in Orlando can be risky, unless you want to go to your owned resort every year. If going there each year is fine with you, buy the resort you want, with the unit size and timeframe that suits you best. (But only buy it on the resale market - never buy from a Developer - it's a ripoff.) Exchanging out from Orlando to another resort can often be a problem, because Orlando is hugely overbuilt, and most timeshares there have little trading power. There are exceptions, but generally speaking, the only reason to buy an Orlando resort is if you want to vacation there.
Do your research here, where folks are happy to share information, before you commit to buying anything. You may consider renting a timeshare from an owner (often for just the cost of annual maintenance fees, or even less), to try before you buy. It's a great way to learn how different timeshare systems work, and what is best for your family.
My personal comments: A 2 bedroom lockout is fine, if you want to stay every other year in a 2 bedroom unit. Locking off the one side to stay every year means you'd cram your growing family into a one bedroom, or even worse - into the studio side. So the lockout doesn't mean much, if you aren't going to use it as such. With a family, you're better off with the full two bedrooms. As your kids grow, they're going to need more room, and your traveling schedule will be more restrictive. You'll be tied to a school schedule, so traveling to Orlando will mean going either during school holidays (which can be very difficult to book), or during Summer Vacations, when Orlando tends to get very crowded - and hot. I'd suggest you shop for a unit that is the right size, deeded for the right week of the year, so you won't have to worry about booking or exchanging in. Your relatives deeded week in December might be great, weather-wise, but it isn't likely to work well with school-aged kids. Keep reading and researching here, and learn before you buy. You have much to gain by taking your time.
Good luck!
Dave