Kingstown Reef Owner Update

[weleftmn]

We are staying 2 weeks at Kingstown Reef and attended our owner update yesterday morning.
Overall, he was friendly and didn't pressure us to buy, too much. His main point that I hadn't noticed before was that the new VIP levels do NOT have an unlimited housekeeping option. We were temporarily silver and are aware that not being silver any more housekeeping credits are something to watch. After explaining to him that we understand the potential cost of housekeeping credits he quickly let us go. We would have to buy 245k points to achieve the silver status now and be grandfathered in.

I will say there were a LOT of people attending sales presentations though and there aren't even that many people staying here right now. Which kind of makes sense, I guess. In times like these staying in a 1-3 bedroom condo is much nicer than staying in a hotel room. I am not sure I would run out to stay in a Super 8 right now, or ever really. I guess a virus is a better excuse than being a hotel snob .

The salesperson/trainer was impressed we have only owned 3 years and new about WorldMark and that Wyndham has availability here. Go TUG

 

[55plus]

What are your thoughts on Kingstown Reef? Would you go back?

 

[weleftmn]

Yes, we will be back. The remodeled rooms are very nice. The resort is not very large and laid out well so you don't walk very far to anything.
Our Orlando go-to resort is Bonnet Creek, largely based on proximity to Disney parks. We enjoy the lazy rivers and the nice walking path for morning exercise. Kingstown Reef does not have either of those. I can't tell if there is any sort of dining on-site or not, it looks like the only option would be a quick service place in the pool area. With the pool restrictions, the activities area is closed so hard to tell what is actually there.
That said Kingstown Reef replaces Cypress Palms as our second choice resort in Orlando.
One drawback is that it is right on International Drive. Currently, traffic is pretty minimal but I can imagine once people start coming to the parks again traffic will be kind of a pain.

 

[troy12n]

Can you book this directly using our points now or is it just Club Pass? I've never stayed here, but thought it was a Worldmark only property (except you could use club pass).

 

[weleftmn]

We are CWA and booked directly. They announced something on it a few months ago, I think.

 

[silentg]

We stayed at Kingstown Reef a few years ago, not that impressed with it. You are right about traffic on International Drive. I prefer Orange Lake.

 

[bizaro86]

Can you book this directly using our points now or is it just Club Pass? I've never stayed here, but thought it was a Worldmark only property (except you could use club pass).

They built a big expansion here recently, which had some wyndham units and some worldmark. So now its a mixed resort.

 

[troy12n]

They built a big expansion here recently, which had some wyndham units and some worldmark. So now its a mixed resort.

Ok, that makes sense. I live in Florida and have stayed at Cypress Palms, Bonnet Creek and Orlando International Resort, but do not remember this one showing up as a Wyndham resort in the past, just WorldMark. Good to know for future reference.

Orlando / Disney / Universal really isn't my thing, our kids are grown, so really the only thing bringing us to Orlando anymore is multi-day conventions, and for the most part we look at best point/night over location.

I have to admit Bonnet Creek is very nice, I got upgraded into a Presidential last time I stayed there and felt real spoiled

 

[chapjim]

<snip>

I have to admit Bonnet Creek is very nice, I got upgraded into a Presidential last time I stayed there and felt real spoiled

That's my only complaint about Bonnet Creek. People get spoiled. I have a prospective renter that wants a Monday to Monday week at BC. Nothing at Bonnet Creek but lots of availability at Star Island, Kingstown Reef, and Cypress Palms. Nope. Gotta be Bonnet Creek.

 

[cbyrne1174]

Do you mind making a video of the updated rooms and resort? I tried looking for pictures or video footage and I can't find it anywhere.

 

[weleftmn]

Do you mind making a video of the updated rooms and resort? I tried looking for pictures or video footage and I can't find it anywhere.

Here are some picture that I took as we were checking out.

 

[cbyrne1174]

I saw a video on Youtube of the Worldmark Presidential units. VERY NICE. I would have to say they are the nicest units in Orlando. Kingstown just lacks amenities.

 

[cbyrne1174]

 

[markasie]

what's the difference between the one bedroom unit and the one bedroom presidential suites

 

[geist1223]

The type of Counters, Flooring, etc. And a lot more points.

 

[cbyrne1174]

what's the difference between the one bedroom unit and the one bedroom presidential suites

There are only a few Pres. units and they are all Worldmark only.

 

[dgalati]

There are only a few Pres. units and they are all Worldmark only.

IMHO As a owner of Wyndham and Worldmark I think you get the best value with Worldmark.

 

[cbyrne1174]

IMHO As a owner of Wyndham and Worldmark I think you get the best value with Worldmark.

Owning at a low MF resort resale with Club Wyndham and booking last minute when the inventory is 35% off for all owners is usually cheaper than Worldmark unless you have a large WM account, so it really depends on your deeds.

 

[dgalati]

Owning at a low MF resort resale with Club Wyndham and booking last minute when the inventory is 35% off for all owners is usually cheaper than Worldmark unless you have a large WM account, so it really depends on your deeds.

Both ways will work if your plans are flexible and you can travel on short notice. The plus for Worldmark is the bonus time cash option that's available. No maintenance fees, RT's or HK's required for use of bonus time.