Is this too good to be true?

[disneycrazy01]

I'm planning a vacation for 2 adults & 2 kids for 2 weeks in July. I really want to go to Bonnet Creek. It looks great and the kids will have a ball.

I've joined Tug2.net and Redweek. I've been sending emails to owners. I just got one and it was for the week of 6/29 to 7/6 in a 1-bedroom. The price is $600.

I've been searching and I have gotten quotes from Vacation Strategy for $929 for a week in a 1-bedroom. I also got a quote from an owner of $1099 for a 2-bedroom. All of the ads I have found for that time frame or later in July are for more money.

Is the price of $600 for a week in a 1-bedroom too good to be true. The owner, Roger Winn said that the week is already booked and that in the beginning of May he will have the reservation put in my name. He will then send me the reservation with my name on it, the telephone number so I could call to confirm the reservation.

After I get the reservation I can send him a check for the $600. He also said there is no refund after 20 days before check-in because he will lose his points.

Does this sound legit or too good to be true? Thanks for all opinions and advice.

 

[bankr63]

It's really hard to tell, you'll need to do your research.

That is a pretty low price considering you are covering the July 4th holiday - one of the busiest weeks in Orlando. BUT some owners are only interested in covering their maintenance fees, for which $600 might do it for a 1BR (depends on where the other party actually owns, but $600 is not an unreasonable fee at some resorts).

The chances that someone here will recognize a specific name is very slim. At a typical resort with say 1000 units there are about 50,000 different owners. Multiply that by the number of resorts in Orlando (hundreds) and you get an idea of how many people own timeshares there. Add to that all the Wyndham owners in all the areas of the US (they can all reserve at WBC) and the pool gets bigger still.

If the person is on TUG, try to see if they participate in the forums to get a feel if they are legitimate (you can search by user name). If on Redweek, look for feedback. And read up on how to protect yourself while renting - lots of good resources on TUG for that too.

If you are truly worried about being scammed, use a TA or one of the timeshare brokers. You'll pay more, but you'll have peace of mind for an all important vacation!

Good luck!

 

[got4boys]

I looked up on the Orange County Web site to see if there is a Roger Winn that owns Bonnet Creek and there is.

He looks to be VIP and must be waiting for the 60 days discount for VIP booking, on another board - TUG mentions that if it can be achieved, but may be tough on a Holiday Week. (Not recommended to release and rebook - as there is a chance to lose the reservation)

Basically the discounts on points are VIP - 25%, VIP Gold - 35%, and VIP Platinum - 50%, within 60 days of the check-in date. That could be why he is quoting you that price.

Right now through the Wyndham Vacation Resorts portal (I am an owner), I am seeing no availability for your checkin dates. I do see that 6/27 to 7/4 is available in a 1 bedroom.

If he has the reservation already booked, he can give you a copy of the booking.