What are your 'Holy Grail' DVC/Timeshare vacations?

[Mrs. Ciz]

For our KNP week, we stayed at Burchells Bush Lodge and it was awesome! It is located directly across the river from the Kruger Gate ... not even a 5 minutes drive. Each unit is a stand-alone, A-Frame chalet house with full/queen bed in one bedroom, twin beds in the second and twin beds in the loft. The kitchen is functional (small but workable) and each unit has a private BBQ. The entire resort is located inside a private reserve ... so look for hoof stock all around. Basically it is like staying in a chalet in the middle of an AKV savannah. Perfect! (On the other hand, the unit is a bit rustic ... you must get over that aspect. The water running from the faucet is slightly colored with rust and we found a dead snake in the rafters ... but, hey, we also had zebra right outside our windows.)

What we learned while visiting is that the Kruger Park Lodge is about 30+ minutes drive (back to Hazyview?) and that RCI exchange guests are generally put in the farthest, oldest units. The drive is tricky ... animals and people crossing the road at random. Sometimes people would 'crowd' at intersections which seems uncomfortable. I was quite relieved that we didn't have to drive that road except for our arrival and departure, a week later. (To that end, do stock up on groceries before arriving at Burchells. Get most of your food stuffs in Hazyview and then restock fresh items from the rest camp markets inside KNP. I think we used the one Skukuza almost everyday?)

Happy planning ... we had a blast with two weeks back to back. First week was in the Drakensberg and the second at KNP. This is one our favorite vacations ... sigh. I'm ready to go again!!

Thank you so much for the feedback!!! I have heard that about Kruger Park Lodge; exchangers sometimes get placed back in an older apartment type section called "The Weavers." KPL, Sanbonani and Sabi River Sun in Hazyview are close to the Phabeni Gate (10-15 minutes), so they are still on my list. I have to exchange through RCI, and Burchells doesn't show up nearly as often as the other 3 properties, but it is my first choice. I really like that Burchells Bush Lodge shares property with the Protea Paul Kruger Gate Hotel, which looks beautiful! Did you get to use the hotel amenities at all?

This is my tentative plan:
Family of four (2 adults, 2 college kids 21 & 19). We chose South Africa after a ton of research because the timeshare trade and self drive aspect makes it the most budget friendly safari destination. We are coming from the East Coast of the US. DS will be graduating from college and I really want to do this trip before he starts his full time career. I am shooting for early June or late July/early August of 2019. I would like to avoid the SA school holidays if possible. I am on a pretty tight budget, so luxury lodges are not on the agenda. However, I do want to have a varied safari experience - part self drive, part guided, part tent, part special lodging.

Budget : $10,000 US (pretty tiny)
Length: 12 days
Flights: This is half my budget! Fly into Johannesburg and drive rental car to the Hazyview or Paul Kruger gate area. May spend 1 night in Johannesburg on front end and back end, depends on flight schedules.
Lodging: 7 nights at self catering timeshare property (I don't include this in my budget because we trade for it through RCI. We are considering Sanbonani, Kruger Park Lodge and Sabi River Sun (at the Phabeni gate) or Burchells Bush Lodge (at the Paul Kruger gate), 1 or 2 nights in Kruger Park at Tamboti Tent Camp (this is a SANParks public national park camp and must be booked 11 months in advance), 2 nights at either Shindzela in Timbavati Reserve or nThambo in Klaserie Reserve or Umkumbe in Sabi Sands Reserve (all are private all inclusive safari camps), 1 or 2 nights in Johannesburg (to be determined by flight schedule).

Plan: Kruger Park - Guided Sunrise Game Drive and a Guided Sunset Game Drive on two different days from the closest Kruger gate mixed in with some self drives of the Southern Kruger area. We'd also have a rest day, play some golf, and take a day to do the Panoramic Route. At the end of the week, we'd self drive safari up to Tamboti Tent Camp for a night or 2 and take a morning Guided Bush Walk from Orpen rest camp, then self drive safari out of Kruger to the private all inclusive camp we choose for 2 nights of semi luxury. From here we'd drive back to Johannesburg and depending on flights, maybe spend a night there.

I've budgeted about $5000 for flights, $700 for rental car, $1500 for food and gas, $500 cushion for whatever (entertainment, golf, etc), $1900 for lodging (not including timeshare), $400 for guided drives and walks, $350 for Kruger park entry fees.

Now I just need to keep saving up the money, which I'm finding hard to do with two kids in college! My booking windows will be opening soon for flights and non timeshare accomodations. Any tips or advice you can share would be much appreciated!!!

 

[bwvBound]

How do you like Worldmark vs DVC?

Worldmark is our 2nd favorite timeshare of five products we've owned. (DVC is our least favorite on some days ... or penultimate on most days.)

DVC was our first 'tour' with timeshare in '98 but Worldmark was our first purchase in 2000, especially as we live in San Diego and enjoy many "drive-to" destinations with many WM locations in the western states. We didn't end up adding DVC until 2004. Here are some comparison points:

Similarities (where they are more alike than different):

• Any location, any size unit, any check-in date, any length of stay (within a few guidelines)
• Points system; new points added to your account each year on your use-year (DVC) or anniversary month (WM)
• Theming. WM and DVC both do a good job creating a sense of 'place'. Sure, Disney Resort lobbies are breathtaking ... but WM does a very fair job of incorporating local colors, architecture, design, artwork (etc) into their locations.
• Neither is pet friendly.

Key Differences:

• DVC has a Home Resort that sets annual maintenance dues, reservation windows, and ownership expiration. WM does not use a home resort and does not expire.
• WM charges "housekeeping" for every visit; DVC wraps housekeeping into dues. Every WM account receives a number of housekeeping "tokens" based on the number of points owned. One housekeeping token covers the housekeeping (turnover) fee for any single stay. If you do split stays, you will need a token for each check-out. If needed, you purchase extra housekeeping, once you've used all your tokens for a given year, based on the unit size of the reservation. Basically the system favors the member who books full week stays (they likely will not exceed their supplied tokens) but charges folks who book many short reservations.
• WM allows the purchase debt, if any exists, to be transferred to a new owner. Thus, you can sell a recently purchased account without having to pay it off before the transaction closes.

Worldmark over DVC (things that WM does better, in my opinion, over DVC):

• More locations (70+?). Heavy across western states; lots of variety: beaches, mountains, desert, National Parks, etc. (If you live in the western states, you should consider Worldmark!)
• Online reservation system was launched and functional well ahead of DVC's online system. WM's online system shows availability for each unit type (0, 1, 2-4 or 5+); allows me to book in a guest's name; see all my reservation history to the beginning of time; book cash or point reservations; etc. All this l-o-n-g before DVC's iT group caught up.
• Bonus Time and other cash programs. There are several different cash reservation types offered for "last minute" or "slow moving" inventory. The discounted rates compete closely with dues. We book 3-5 cash reservations every year and save our points for the 'hard to get' reservations types (large units, holidays, etc).
• No home resort. Sure, this could go either way -- but I prefer having equal access to all locations in the system. After all, Worldmark the Club has grown quite a bit since our purchase ... and I have no regrets of owning "an older resort." I am on equal footing for booking any location or unit type in the system.
• Everyone pays the same dues structure. (Goes along with not having a home resort.)
• "Like New every time." This was promise made at the sales table, "Every time you enter a Worldmark unit, it will feel as if it is brand new, just for you." We took it with a grain of salt ... but have been pleasantly surprised to find it largely true. Their maintenance team rocks.
• Banking and borrowing are seamless. That is, WM does not have either a banking or borrowing transaction. Every new point (supplied on your anniversary month) is valid for 25 months. Borrowing, if needed, is automatic when you book a reservation.
• <there are more ... but these were off the top of my head ... perhaps I'll revisit and edit later??>
• The studio units are quite "functional": full size refrigerators, stove top, full sets of dishes, in-room laundry (most locations), etc.
• The points required between unit sizes are smaller leaps than those of DVC. The difference between a studio (sleeps 2) and 1BR (sleeps 4) is often ~12%; the difference between studio and 3BR unit is generally less than 2x studio.
• Exchanges with both RCI and II. But know that both are 'optional' benefits and are individual accounts (annual fee paid by the member) vs DVC's corporate account.
• Flexible cancellation policy. The cancellation date varies based on the initial booking date (the earlier you booked, the earlier the cancellation date) but even if you cancel after the deadline you will recoup your points/cash if your room didn't sit empty.

DVC over Worldmark (things that DVC does better, in my opinion, over WM):

• No mandatory housekeeping charges. Optional, yes ... but not mandatory.
• Mid-week trash and towel service.
• LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. If want to walk to a Disney park, especially at WDW, nobody beats DVC. (That said, I have two Worldmark locations within walking distance of Disneyland.)
• "Free" RCI Points Account (given the corporate membership). I'm especially pleased that DVC has recently expanded the DVC<>RCI relationship to include access to RCI's rental inventory. Whoo-hoo. I may or may not renew my individual RCI account when it expires in 2021??
• Transportation systems. Ok, I *love* both Magical Express and all the WDW systems: bus, boats, monorail, etc. Yes!
• Better pools. (Someday I hope to try the WM Fiji pool, it used to hold a record based on its size for the area ... but we didn't even swing by to see it when we visited that specific Fijian island in 2016. Oh, well.)

Ok, that is what I have for a quick reply from the top of my head. I *know* I'll think of a half-dozen additional points later ... but ... perhaps I'll just wait for you to ask questions.

 

[bwvBound]

I moved to my vacation dream spot. So we have vacation time 24/7/365. We wear shorts and tees every day. Plus swim suits.

That is the ultimate happy story! Congratulations!

We bought a weekend home, many years back, a few miles from my very favorite timeshare ... and now I'm here full-time. Love it, love it, love it. As my neighbor recently said, while admiring our new horse corrals, "You seem to be living your dream." Yep!

 

[bwvBound]

Thank you so much for the feedback!!! I have heard that about Kruger Park Lodge; exchangers sometimes get placed back in an older apartment type section called "The Weavers." KPL, Sanbonani and Sabi River Sun in Hazyview are close to the Phabeni Gate (10-15 minutes), so they are still on my list. I have to exchange through RCI, and Burchells doesn't show up nearly as often as the other 3 properties, but it is my first choice. I really like that Burchells Bush Lodge shares property with the Protea Paul Kruger Gate Hotel, which looks beautiful! Did you get to use the hotel amenities at all?

This is my tentative plan:
Family of four (2 adults, 2 college kids 21 & 19). We chose South Africa after a ton of research because the timeshare trade and self drive aspect makes it the most budget friendly safari destination. We are coming from the East Coast of the US. DS will be graduating from college and I really want to do this trip before he starts his full time career. I am shooting for early June or late July/early August of 2019. I would like to avoid the SA school holidays if possible. I am on a pretty tight budget, so luxury lodges are not on the agenda. However, I do want to have a varied safari experience - part self drive, part guided, part tent, part special lodging.

Budget : $10,000 US (pretty tiny)
Length: 12 days
Flights: This is half my budget! Fly into Johannesburg and drive rental car to the Hazyview or Paul Kruger gate area. May spend 1 night in Johannesburg on front end and back end, depends on flight schedules.
Lodging: 7 nights at self catering timeshare property (I don't include this in my budget because we trade for it through RCI. We are considering Sanbonani, Kruger Park Lodge and Sabi River Sun (at the Phabeni gate) or Burchells Bush Lodge (at the Paul Kruger gate), 1 or 2 nights in Kruger Park at Tamboti Tent Camp (this is a SANParks public national park camp and must be booked 11 months in advance), 2 nights at either Shindzela in Timbavati Reserve or nThambo in Klaserie Reserve or Umkumbe in Sabi Sands Reserve (all are private all inclusive safari camps), 1 or 2 nights in Johannesburg (to be determined by flight schedule).

Plan: Kruger Park - Guided Sunrise Game Drive and a Guided Sunset Game Drive on two different days from the closest Kruger gate mixed in with some self drives of the Southern Kruger area. We'd also have a rest day, play some golf, and take a day to do the Panoramic Route. At the end of the week, we'd self drive safari up to Tamboti Tent Camp for a night or 2 and take a morning Guided Bush Walk from Orpen rest camp, then self drive safari out of Kruger to the private all inclusive camp we choose for 2 nights of semi luxury. From here we'd drive back to Johannesburg and depending on flights, maybe spend a night there.

I've budgeted about $5000 for flights, $700 for rental car, $1500 for food and gas, $500 cushion for whatever (entertainment, golf, etc), $1900 for lodging (not including timeshare), $400 for guided drives and walks, $350 for Kruger park entry fees.

Now I just need to keep saving up the money, which I'm finding hard to do with two kids in college! My booking windows will be opening soon for flights and non timeshare accomodations. Any tips or advice you can share would be much appreciated!!!

I'll hope to read this more slowly, digest and respond ... later in the week. For now, a few links from related conversations on the Timeshare Users Group (TUG) forums:

Driving tips: https://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/driving-in-south-africa.233878/
Seriously: avoid picking up the rental car on arrival. Go sleep, reset and get the car the following "morning."

General logistics, planning tips: https://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/where-to-start.195892/

Our stand out comment from the trip: The designated driver will be doing quite a bit of driving. All day driving ... several hours (~7?) between J'burg and either KNP or Panorama. Because of this, we did opt for the Guided Sunset Game Drive on our "rest day" at Burchells. Frankly, the guided tour was disappointing compared to our own spotting experiences but it allowed us to be in the park after hours ... so it gave us something we couldn't accomplish without a guided tour.

 

[alldiz]

Worldmark is our 2nd favorite timeshare of five products we've owned. (DVC is our least favorite on some days ... or penultimate on most days.)

DVC was our first 'tour' with timeshare in '98 but Worldmark was our first purchase in 2000, especially as we live in San Diego and enjoy many "drive-to" destinations with many WM locations in the western states. We didn't end up adding DVC until 2004. Here are some comparison points:

Similarities (where they are more alike than different):

• Any location, any size unit, any check-in date, any length of stay (within a few guidelines)
• Points system; new points added to your account each year on your use-year (DVC) or anniversary month (WM)
• Theming. WM and DVC both do a good job creating a sense of 'place'. Sure, Disney Resort lobbies are breathtaking ... but WM does a very fair job of incorporating local colors, architecture, design, artwork (etc) into their locations.
• Neither is pet friendly.

Key Differences:

• DVC has a Home Resort that sets annual maintenance dues, reservation windows, and ownership expiration. WM does not use a home resort and does not expire.
• WM charges "housekeeping" for every visit; DVC wraps housekeeping into dues. Every WM account receives a number of housekeeping "tokens" based on the number of points owned. One housekeeping token covers the housekeeping (turnover) fee for any single stay. If you do split stays, you will need a token for each check-out. If needed, you purchase extra housekeeping, once you've used all your tokens for a given year, based on the unit size of the reservation. Basically the system favors the member who books full week stays (they likely will not exceed their supplied tokens) but charges folks who book many short reservations.
• WM allows the purchase debt, if any exists, to be transferred to a new owner. Thus, you can sell a recently purchased account without having to pay it off before the transaction closes.

Worldmark over DVC (things that WM does better, in my opinion, over DVC):

• More locations (70+?). Heavy across western states; lots of variety: beaches, mountains, desert, National Parks, etc. (If you live in the western states, you should consider Worldmark!)
• Online reservation system was launched and functional well ahead of DVC's online system. WM's online system shows availability for each unit type (0, 1, 2-4 or 5+); allows me to book in a guest's name; see all my reservation history to the beginning of time; book cash or point reservations; etc. All this l-o-n-g before DVC's iT group caught up.
• Bonus Time and other cash programs. There are several different cash reservation types offered for "last minute" or "slow moving" inventory. The discounted rates compete closely with dues. We book 3-5 cash reservations every year and save our points for the 'hard to get' reservations types (large units, holidays, etc).
• No home resort. Sure, this could go either way -- but I prefer having equal access to all locations in the system. After all, Worldmark the Club has grown quite a bit since our purchase ... and I have no regrets of owning "an older resort." I am on equal footing for booking any location or unit type in the system.
• Everyone pays the same dues structure. (Goes along with not having a home resort.)
• "Like New every time." This was promise made at the sales table, "Every time you enter a Worldmark unit, it will feel as if it is brand new, just for you." We took it with a grain of salt ... but have been pleasantly surprised to find it largely true. Their maintenance team rocks.
• Banking and borrowing are seamless. That is, WM does not have either a banking or borrowing transaction. Every new point (supplied on your anniversary month) is valid for 25 months. Borrowing, if needed, is automatic when you book a reservation.
• <there are more ... but these were off the top of my head ... perhaps I'll revisit and edit later??>
• The studio units are quite "functional": full size refrigerators, stove top, full sets of dishes, in-room laundry (most locations), etc.
• The points required between unit sizes are smaller leaps than those of DVC. The difference between a studio (sleeps 2) and 1BR (sleeps 4) is often ~12%; the difference between studio and 3BR unit is generally less than 2x studio.
• Exchanges with both RCI and II. But know that both are 'optional' benefits and are individual accounts (annual fee paid by the member) vs DVC's corporate account.
• Flexible cancellation policy. The cancellation date varies based on the initial booking date (the earlier you booked, the earlier the cancellation date) but even if you cancel after the deadline you will recoup your points/cash if your room didn't sit empty.

DVC over Worldmark (things that DVC does better, in my opinion, over WM):

• No mandatory housekeeping charges. Optional, yes ... but not mandatory.
• Mid-week trash and towel service.
• LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. If want to walk to a Disney park, especially at WDW, nobody beats DVC. (That said, I have two Worldmark locations within walking distance of Disneyland.)
• "Free" RCI Points Account (given the corporate membership). I'm especially pleased that DVC has recently expanded the DVC<>RCI relationship to include access to RCI's rental inventory. Whoo-hoo. I may or may not renew my individual RCI account when it expires in 2021??
• Transportation systems. Ok, I *love* both Magical Express and all the WDW systems: bus, boats, monorail, etc. Yes!
• Better pools. (Someday I hope to try the WM Fiji pool, it used to hold a record based on its size for the area ... but we didn't even swing by to see it when we visited that specific Fijian island in 2016. Oh, well.)

Ok, that is what I have for a quick reply from the top of my head. I *know* I'll think of a half-dozen additional points later ... but ... perhaps I'll just wait for you to ask questions.

Thanks for the great comparisons!
Question?
Regarding “free” RCI account and access to rentals?
I rent thru vrbo sometimes so what is that?
Thanks
Kerri

 

[bwvBound]

Thanks for the great comparisons!
Question?
Regarding “free” RCI account and access to rentals?
I rent thru vrbo sometimes so what is that?
Thanks
Kerri

Two threads to consider:

• Sept 2017, post #4: Access to RCI "Last Call" Deals (The thread was opened in 2010 and finally answered, in the positive, in 2017, post #4. Exciting times!!)
• Oct 2017, a thread to share our "Sightings of RCI Rental weeks offered through DVC"

I think these two might answer your question? If not ... let's continue the dialog and find more great vacation opportunities!

 

[bwvBound]

Thank you so much for the feedback!!! I have heard that about Kruger Park Lodge; exchangers sometimes get placed back in an older apartment type section called "The Weavers." KPL, Sanbonani and Sabi River Sun in Hazyview are close to the Phabeni Gate (10-15 minutes), so they are still on my list. I have to exchange through RCI, and Burchells doesn't show up nearly as often as the other 3 properties, but it is my first choice. I really like that Burchells Bush Lodge shares property with the Protea Paul Kruger Gate Hotel, which looks beautiful!

Did you get to use the hotel amenities at all?

To the bolded question, YES ... we were both invited & encouraged to take advantage of the hotel amenities (the animal viewing raised walkways & overlooks, the bars, the pool, the main "lobby/lounge" (spectacular area, covered by outdoor), the restaurants, the activity booking desk, etc. However, do know that our visit was prior to Marriott's purchase of the Protea chain. I do not know if things have changed since that time??

EDITED: Sorry, I don't know why I can't merge the two quoted snippets back into a single quote. I've edited and corrected the UBB code several times ... and am ready to give up. The editor did one of those weird 'snaps' (changing the font size, moving the cursor, etc.) when I was first typing and the final condition of this post is seriously damaged. Oh, well.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

To the bolded question, YES ... we were both invited & encouraged to take advantage of the hotel amenities (the animal viewing raised walkways & overlooks, the bars, the pool, the main "lobby/lounge" (spectacular area, covered by outdoor), the restaurants, the activity booking desk, etc. However, do know that our visit was prior to Marriott's purchase of the Protea chain. I do not know if things have changed since that time??

EDITED: Sorry, I don't know why I can't merge the two quoted snippets back into a single quote. I've edited and corrected the UBB code several times ... and am ready to give up. The editor did one of those weird 'snaps' (changing the font size, moving the cursor, etc.) when I was first typing and the final condition of this post is seriously damaged. Oh, well.

Oooooooo!!! I would be so excited to use the facilities at the Protea Paul Kruger Gate. The pictures of the property look spectacular!!! I'll do more research to see if the Marriott purchase changed things at all. Thanks again for all the info you've shared!

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

To the bolded question, YES ... we were both invited & encouraged to take advantage of the hotel amenities (the animal viewing raised walkways & overlooks, the bars, the pool, the main "lobby/lounge" (spectacular area, covered by outdoor), the restaurants, the activity booking desk, etc. However, do know that our visit was prior to Marriott's purchase of the Protea chain. I do not know if things have changed since that time??

EDITED: Sorry, I don't know why I can't merge the two quoted snippets back into a single quote. I've edited and corrected the UBB code several times ... and am ready to give up. The editor did one of those weird 'snaps' (changing the font size, moving the cursor, etc.) when I was first typing and the final condition of this post is seriously damaged. Oh, well.

Now you have me so hooked on the Protea Paul Kruger Gate Hotel that I've been doing some more research! I have my timeshare trade request in with RCI, but I'm also looking at back up plans. I can book Burchell's Bush Lodge directly for only about $380 more than my maintenance fee/RCI trade fee cost (only about $100 more if I only book 5 days vs 7). So that's an option. I also found info about opening a Marriott Rewards credit card with a HUGE sign up bonus that would let me get 2 rooms for 5 or 6 nights at the Protea Paul Kruger Gate hotel. I am seriously considering this because I'd be able to pay off the required 3 month spend to earn the points with cash each month if we planned well.

I've also been playing around with flights. I probably won't be able to travel hack any free flights. But DS and DH really want to go to Europe instead of South Africa. DD and I really want to go to SA instead of Europe. Soooooo I think I can make everyone happy by doing a 2-3 day layover in London on our way to SA. (I got this idea from reading an Adventures by Disney SA trip report!) Turns out that cuts the cost of the flights way down as well, so it's a win win! I'm reworking the budget to include the hotel stay and tour costs in London. If my timeshare trade comes through, I may use the Marriott points for London instead of SA. All the waiting is killing me!!!

 

[bwvBound]

Now you have me so hooked on the Protea Paul Kruger Gate Hotel that I've been doing some more research! I have my timeshare trade request in with RCI, but I'm also looking at back up plans. I can book Burchell's Bush Lodge directly for only about $380 more than my maintenance fee/RCI trade fee cost (only about $100 more if I only book 5 days vs 7). So that's an option. I also found info about opening a Marriott Rewards credit card with a HUGE sign up bonus that would let me get 2 rooms for 5 or 6 nights at the Protea Paul Kruger Gate hotel. I am seriously considering this because I'd be able to pay off the required 3 month spend to earn the points with cash each month if we planned well.

I've also been playing around with flights. I probably won't be able to travel hack any free flights. But DS and DH really want to go to Europe instead of South Africa. DD and I really want to go to SA instead of Europe. Soooooo I think I can make everyone happy by doing a 2-3 day layover in London on our way to SA. (I got this idea from reading an Adventures by Disney SA trip report!) Turns out that cuts the cost of the flights way down as well, so it's a win win! I'm reworking the budget to include the hotel stay and tour costs in London. If my timeshare trade comes through, I may use the Marriott points for London instead of SA. All the waiting is killing me!!!

As for your layover/stopover in London ...
FWIW, I was miserably sick by the time we touched down in London to change planes. The reason: When leaving South Africa, the crew came through the airplane cabin spraying pesticides with very little warning. I had just enough time to grab a handkerchief to cover my nose and mouth ... but basically had to breathe the stuff for the entire flight. I've battled chemical sensitivities all my life and this was a bit much for my system to handle. So, instead of day tripping in London (our original plan), I was nursing a pounding headache, nausea and overwhelming feeling of weakness.

The flight home was the only thing I'd really do differently from our first trip and it is the only thing that has kept me from saying, "Let's go again!" Yes, I want to return; Yes, we like to call this our "first visit" to South Africa ... but I sure hated that flight home.

 

[Leilanie94]

A recent post on another board triggered me to ponder, "What remains of my Timeshare-Holy-Grail list?" Mine are below, yours?

• AKV Concierge at the 7-month window with the Wanyama Safari (evening, Jiko's). Done! Booked 3 nights, 1BR AKV Concierge w/ the Wanyama a few years back. FWIW, we thoroughly enjoyed the Safari and Jiko's dinner, served family style back then, but were so terribly disappointed by the room that we've never wanted to rebook Club Level. It is a "once and done" experience for us.
• DVC Grand Villa via RCI. Done! That was cool -- a full week in a Grand Villa, Oct 2009'ish, booked against my 1BR SoCal Summer week. Yes!
• The Manhattan Club over Thanksgiving! Done! This was my ultimate Timesharing Holy Grail item for many, many years. We booked it through DVC's Concierge Collection and enjoyed 6 nights, over Thanksgiving 2013, in TMC's larger 1BR unit for just 200 DVC points + $95 exchange fee. I'd love to repeat this experience if the opportunity were available in the future. Awesome!
• Four Seasons Aviara, San Diego, via II. Done! We booked a full 2BR lockout unit through II against a WM Blue Studio (last minute exchange) several years back. FWIW, it was a total disappointment. Another "once and done" memory.
• Kruger Park Lodge, South Africa. While once a long, held Holy Grail goal ... when faced with "now is the time to book and visit South Africa" we chose a mostly unknown resort instead of KPL. The 2013 trip was a huge success and we found that we far preferred the resort we had booked over KPL. Yeah!!
• Worldmark or Wyndham 4BR Presidential over major Holiday. Done! We've enjoyed the WM/Wyndham Indio 4BR Presidential unit twice over New Years; each a 4 night stay. This is a fantastic unit for a family gathering!

So what is left on my list? How about ...

• Stay at all properties in the Worldmark Resort System. Worldmark is our first timeshare. While there were only ~30 properties when we first joined, there are more than 70 now. We've stayed at 40+ ... but there remains a long list of inventory ahead of us!
• Stay at all properties in the DVC Resort System. This is a reasonable goal. We are only a few short: HHI, BLT and VGF.
• DVC Vero Beach Cottage for a full week during the summer months.
• Narrow Boat, England. We've talked about these for years ... and I see them often in RCI. Just waiting for a perfect summer week to align with my calendar!
• (related to above ... I also want to try a Horse Drawn Caravan through Ireland ... but haven't seen these available via timeshare. Any leads?)

Outside timeshare, our other travel love, cruising, has its own list ...

• World Cruise. We are nearing completion on this having pieced together various segments over the years. Our cruising history connects Alaska, down the Pacific Coastline, through the Panama Canal, up the Eastern seaboard, across both Northern and Southern Atlantic, through the Baltic, through the Mediterranean ... with ending points left dangling at St. Petersburg, Istanbul, Port Said, etc. By the end of 2016, we hope to have one segment remaining: Sydney or Darwin through the Suez Canal to Port Said.
• All seven continents. Done! The Antarctic piece fell into laps via online auction about 15 years ago ... and was simply awesome.
• Ocean crossing on an Ocean Liner. Done! 2001 Trans-Atlantic on the SS Norway, formerly SS France.
• Major Canals! Work in progress. Have transitioned the Panama Canal twice; thoroughly enjoyed the Kiel Canal; and have watched, from land, ships passing through the Suez ... but need to focus ...

Happy Dreaming, folks. Can't wait to read your adventures.

I'm so happy you had a wonderful experience at The Manhattan Club. I've heard mixed review about RCI trades and bad experiences about the hotel.
My family and I stayed at The Manhattan Club for 7 days July 2017. LOVE IT! Looking forward to doing it again someday!

 

[NE14DisneyWorld?]

Around the world tour of Disney:
DVC VB-EB Trans Atlantic DCL-Disney Paris-Disney Asia China/HK/Japan-DVC Alunai-DVC GCV-DL-DVC HH-DVC Orlando
All paid with DVC points.

This is my dream Disney trip too! We have been to DLP, DL, DCL and WDW, but are anxious to complete the other places too!