Newbie for Skyauction

[maggiew]

I have read a lot about Skyauction on these boards and have been trying to pay attention. But I just have a few questions.

1. I looked at the skyauction site. So, for example, they have 7 nights at blah blah blah hotel. People have bids for around $50. So if you win this bid, you pay the $50 plus a $195 fee for thw whole 7 days??????? So it is $250 for the 7 days????? You see, I just can't believe this.

2. Some of the auctions are bid per night. I think I got the impression from different posts that you shouldn't bid per night??

3. I don't see these Ready Set Go auctions that are much talked about. How do these work? ARe they different than the example above in #1?

4. Right now I see auctions for Vistana Resort, Orange Lake Country Club, Summer Bay. How do these compare and what should we look for?

5. What are typical winning bids for 1 bedroom and/or 2 bedrooms?

6. Are there any timeshare presentations required?

I think that is all for now.

Maggie

 

[iluvflorida]

Hi. I use Skyauction a lot. Have booked over 25 in last few years for myself and others. Yes you have figured it right your bid plus $195 service charge and taxes for the 7 nights. There is an additional $15 booking fee at time also. So if bid is $50+195 ser/tax+15booking=$260 for 7 nights or $37.15 per night. Neat eh.

Ready set go auctions are currently not available, they were similar but you could reserve the room prior to bidding. They are supposed to come back but not sure when.

Bid per night ends up usually more expensive but good if only want a couple of nights etc.

You do not have to take a tour but will be invited to and will get gifts if you do (I always do). I do see a few auctions for 3days and $50 dinner certificate etc. that state you have to take a tour but this is stated in auction. Why you would bid on these I don't know as you can book same tours in Florida for free or next to it.

Hope I answered your questions. If not email me or repost
Of the ones you mention Summer Bay is quieter and smaller if thats what you are looking for. Orange Lake and Vistana are larger established resorts with tons of activities and amenities. I enjoy both.

 

[maggiew]

Thanks for your input. Anyone else??

Another couple questions.
1. Would I have maid service?
2. Is there a cleaning charge at the end of the stay?

Here is what we are looking for (I think):
We have been to Disney 3 times in the past year (Thanksgiving 02, June 03, Thanksgiving 03). This time (Aug) we would like to stay for a week, but will only be getting 4 day park hopper pluses. We would like to take it easy and enjoy some of the "extras" at Disney and not go commando touring. I'd like to explore the resorts or visit Downtown Disney (and not just at 10 pm after parks close). So I think we would like a place that has some fun things for the kids to do on our off days. Like swimming, etc.

Maggie

 

[Lisa P.]

When you get a weekly rental, as with SkyAuction, there is no daily housekeeping service. That's only for nightly renters. The condo will be clean and ready for you to use when you check-in. There is no cleaning fee when you leave, it's taken care of with the initial rental paid.

Here are website for the resorts you are considering:

Vistana Resort - large, spread out resort, with tons of activities for all ages, especially popular for families with teens

Orange Lake Country Club - very, very large, spread out resort with lots of activities for all ages, including golf & lake sports

Summer Bay (select link to Orlando location) - smaller resort on a lake with nice pool and fun-looking lake activities for kids

Personally, I'd be happy with any of these for an Orlando vacation. They are all nice places with some older sections and some newer sections. There's plenty enough to do at each of them for kids to enjoy a couple days (or much longer at the larger ones). Being closer to DTD, Vistana's location is best, especially if you also plan to visit Universal or Sea World. The other two resorts are west of WDW in Kissimmee, 20-30 min from Univ/SW.