[mickeysaver]

I went to a Fairfield Inns and Suites timeshare presentation this past weekend in Nashville, TN. They said a lot of things about a new timeshare they are building that I found to be a bit hard to believe. They say they are building a resort called Bonnett Creek in Orlando at WDW. I know that WDW has a golf course by that name, but I am just trying to check the truthfulness of the timeshare pitchman. I have several issues with what they claim will be true about this location and the benefits of ownership there. The resort has not yet been completed and there are no timeshare spots available for sale there just yet. They claim it will be on the market in the next 2 or 3 months.

They claim that it will be located on WDW property and will not be part of DVC. Now, why would Disney allow a company that sells nothing but timeshares build a non-DVC timeshare on property? That is just bad business to my mind. Can anyone give me any information about if this Bonnett Creek Fairfield is actually going to be on WDW property? **NOTE...I realize that Fairfield is part of a large corporation that does lots of different travel business options, but I am focusing my thoughts only on Fairfield's timeshare business.**

They claim that buying into the Fairfield timeshare at Bonnett Creek, you will be able to use your timeshare points to stay at regular WDW owned resorts too. Now, I know you can use DVC points for staying at value, moderate, and deluxe WDW resorts, but I find this to be highly suspect. Can anyone out there help me to debunk this?

They claim that when you buy there at Bonnett Creek, you will have the ability to have a "Universal Studios like" jump/fastpass that will allow you to go to the front of the line at every WDW attraction. This one of the first off balance things they said in this list of questions that I am asking. I think this has to be a load of bunk for sure. Why would WDW allow a non-WDW timeshare resort's guests the ability to do something that DVC members can't even do?

They claim that Bonnett Creek owners will have access to half price WDW admission tickets. Again, this sounded like a load of bull to me.

So, what do you think? Anyone out there have any experience with Fairfield that would make you think this stuff is true? Anyone work for the company that can provide me any information to back this stuff up?

I wouldn't mind investing in a timeshare, but I want to deal with a company that doesn't have to resort to lies and half truths to sell me something I already want. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Mickey

[DisneyAnne]

WOW!! Sounds a little too good to be true so I am curious what anyone else knows....


Where do you live mousesaver? I am originally from Nashville but have been transplanted to SC...

[mickeysaver]

I live in a northeastern burb of Atlanta. I have lived in several areas of the south in my life. My favorite being a tiny town called New Johnsonville, TN. It was the smallest place I ever lived, but it's still the best in my mind. Of course that most likely is because I was so young when I lived there and life was far more simple back then. Mickey

[MickeyMac]

It sounds very suspicious to me, especially with Disney's proposed Eagle Pines DVC supposedly in the works - I believe that is in the Bonnet Creek area. I'm wondering if they are 'subleasing' timeshares to double the sales force capabilities, or the sales rep is not 100% on his facts.

Have you considered contacting Disney and asking their take on things? I've found them to be VERY up front and not pushy at all.

[mickey]

Well, technically he was correct. There is a huge developement going on behind the Caribbean Beach, that will have access right next to the entrance of CB, but it is not on Disney property, just adjacent. The Fairfield will be one of the properties, along with a Ritz-Carlton and some other resorts. The property is almost 400 acres total. Here is their press release:

ORLANDO, FL -- Fairfield Resorts, Inc., the largest vacation ownership company in the world, today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement with Bonnet Creek Venture, Ltd. to purchase 46 acres at the Bonnet Creek Resort development in Orlando, Fla. Fairfield Resorts plans to construct a 744-unit timeshare resort at the location beginning in early 2003. The transaction is expected to close October 1, 2002.

Fairfield Resorts will be the first to build at the 480-acre master-planned Bonnet Creek site, located just west of Interstate 4 and accessible via Buena Vista Drive. The company retains a future purchase option for a second 12-acre parcel that can accommodate an additional 350 units.

At completion, Fairfield Orlando at Bonnet Creek will draw up to 55,000 vacationing families to Orlando every year. "Vacationing in Orlando is an American tradition, and growing our presence here is a top priority," said Franz S. Hanning, president and CEO, Fairfield Resorts. "Bonnet Creek is the area's premier location for resort development, and we're excited at the prospect of putting our guests closer than ever to the attractions that have made Orlando the family vacation capital of the world."

Fairfield Resorts transferred its corporate headquarters to Orlando from Little Rock in 1998, and currently has four area resorts, including Fairfield Orlando at Cypress Palms, Fairfield Orlando at Star Island, the Orlando International Resort Club, and Fairfield Daytona Beach at Ocean Walk Resort. More than 50,000 families stayed at a Fairfield Resorts property in the Orlando area last year alone, and an additional 100,000 families purchased Fairfield vacation packages with Orlando-area destinations.

"Owning timeshare can provide access to resorts anywhere in the world, yet Orlando remains a top destination among Fairfield owners," Hanning continued. "We believe in Orlando, and as long as families enjoy vacationing, Fairfield Resorts will continue to expand its presence in this region."

Fairfield Orlando at Bonnet Creek is the latest in a succession of newly announced resorts and continued expansion for the company. Over the last 24 months, Fairfield Resorts has constructed and opened new resorts in Las Vegas, Nev., Daytona Beach, Fla., and Williamsburg, Va., while also acquiring properties in Anaheim, Calif., and Durango, Colo. In addition, the company continues its integration of Equivest Finance, Inc., a resort developer with 29 properties, acquired earlier this year by Fairfield Resorts' parent company, Cendant Corporation.

They claim that buying into the Fairfield timeshare at Bonnett Creek, you will be able to use your timeshare points to stay at regular WDW owned resorts too. Now, I know you can use DVC points for staying at value, moderate, and deluxe WDW resorts, but I find this to be highly suspect. Can anyone out there help me to debunk this?

They claim that when you buy there at Bonnett Creek, you will have the ability to have a "Universal Studios like" jump/fastpass that will allow you to go to the front of the line at every WDW attraction. This one of the first off balance things they said in this list of questions that I am asking. I think this has to be a load of bunk for sure. Why would WDW allow a non-WDW timeshare resort's guests the ability to do something that DVC members can't even do?

They claim that Bonnett Creek owners will have access to half price WDW admission tickets. Again, this sounded like a load of bull to me.

All of these are complete fabrications, and do not currently nor will they ever exist. The development has nothing to do with Disney at all. Disney does not own the land, never did, but is required to give access to the land, since it is surrounded by WDW and I-4. While it is possible that they may have access to half price tickets, Fairfield would have to heavily subsidise that program, since Disney doesn't sell discounted ticekts to anyone.

The one thing that could make sense is the use of your timeshare points staying at the WDW resorts, but only the DVC resorts, and only by exchanging through Interval or RCI.

I would suggest you write a letter to someone at Fairfield explaining the claims that are being made, and that when you purchase, you fully expect all of these claims to be filled, or you are going to put up a stink. Shouldn't take long for someone to get you exactly the correct information.

[soxmets]

Sounds like your salesperson was stretching the truth just a tad. :hmmm

If you get a chance, you can go to www.disneyvacationclub.com and order the free video of what they have to offer. If you want Disney, you might as well go directly to the Mouse. :)