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Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Posted on April 13, 2022
The timeshare industry often boasts that timeshare resorts are a great way to host family events, whether it is celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or family reunions. This is true, but these types of gatherings can also be hosted at other types of holiday accommodations as well.
So, what makes timeshare resorts unique to host family events, and which resorts tend to be the most popular for these settings?
Let’s take a look at some of the ways timeshare resorts and ownership can help with family events.
Ownership is a Plus – ownership gives you skin in the game when it comes to working with a resort for a family gathering. Because you are an owner, you have access to decision-makers who can help you organize your event beyond the one-off aspect of planning at a standard resort. Ownership improves the accountability aspect of the resort staff to help you and get it done right. And the accommodation is pre-paid.
Affiliation with Hospitality Companies – the properties affiliated with major hospitality brands can offer a level of professionalism and access to staff that can be a real help. These affiliated resorts tend to have the facilities and amenities that can create a terrific event.
Access to Planners – many of the points-based programs give owners the option of working with concierge-type staff that can help with aspects of planning the event, or at least link you with onsite staff who can help. They can listen to your event and family needs and often help direct you to the resort within their networks that best meets those needs.
Larger Accommodation Options – especially with points-based ownership, you may need a larger accommodation option to accommodation the larger family. While a one-bedroom unit may usually be fine, now you may need a three-bedroom. The ability to borrow points from a future year’s use can be a big advantage and let everyone stay together. Or use some of those points for multiple accommodations for the extra family members.
Children’s Programs – multi-generational getaways and events can often revolve around the needs of children. Even if the planning involves an adult’s night, you may need child-minding services. Many timeshare resorts such as the Marriott Vacation Club resorts are well known for Kid’s Clubs, Kid's Night Out and onsite staff who can be a major help.
Onsite Facilities – this is one to keep an eye on, since not all timeshare resorts are consistent with their onsite facilities. Sure, they all have pools and hot tubs, but what about bars, restaurants and possible catering services? Thankfully, there are resorts that have award-winning options, such as the Edge Steakhouse and Drafts Burger Bar at Westgate Park City, so check with your timeshare operator for assistance.
Quality Vacation Destinations – this goes back to the planner help mentioned earlier and even the use of exchange companies, which often have the concierge-level help for its members. Choosing a destination is often the first step, even before choosing a resort, and timeshare networks have these options well covered with resorts in 46 states and Washington, D.C.
Variety of Experiences - whether it is a theme park experience, a golf trip, weddings, renewal of vows on the beach or any other type of event, timeshare resorts can help make your event a success. Managers and staff are well-connected in the local communities and can build relationships with local operators that can be very beneficial when it comes time to book an activity or facility.
Multi-generational family getaways are becoming more popular, especially as travel and accommodation costs continue to rise due to inflation. Families looking for timeshare options for the entire group have some great spots to check out.
This crown jewel of the Wyndham network, it has everything from easy access to the Disney World parks to the onsite La Cantina Grill and Back Bay Bar & Grill, poolside bar, Complimentary Wi-Fi and daily kid’s activities. The resort can take group gatherings up to 50 people and organize room blocks as well.
The resort has a special events space that can handle up to 40 people and contacts with local caterers. A unique complimentary Reservation Link can be personalized for the event and make it easy for guests to reserve their rooms. Zimmie's Bar & Grill and Castaways Bar & Grill make your event even easier.
Three onsite golf courses make this the perfect Orlando-area timeshare resort for a golf getaway, with the ability to organize room blocks, on-site dining, ceremony and reception space with help from the Resort Services department. River Island Grilling Company and Tradewinds Bar & Grill can also help.
With an incredible selection of organized activities (Karaoke, anyone?) there’s fun for every age group. A spectacular setting overlooking the Pacific, kids can have fun at The Sand Box while meals are at the La Vista Poolbar & Grill or have drinks around the fire pit. Event requests can be made online and managed through the Meeting Services app.
A special event requires a special destination, and it doesn’t get much better than Maui. The Garden Lawn space is perfect for smaller gatherings, with indoor space for larger groups. Babysitting and Child Care services makes for adult play time at Makai Bar after a day of amazing outdoor activities.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a terrific backdrop for special events, and this Bluegreen resort comes through with three-bedroom townhomes that can host as many as 10 people. The concierge can help with activity planning and, at 2,200 feet up, the BBQ and Picnic Pavilion deck area is the perfect setting for a casual, outdoor experience.
Right along Myrtle Beach across the dunes from the soft sand and surf, this is perfect for a morning event as the sun rises over the Atlantic. Sand Dollar Pool Bar, Sand Dollar Grille and Woodsy Grill & Pool Bar take care of your nourishment with the Ocean's on 82nd next door for more upscale needs. Event requests can be made online and managed through the Meeting Services app.
Imagine a special event in Vegas? Heck, movies have been made about such activities but fortunately this resort goes beyond organizing your renewal of vows with Elvis. Resort staff can organize room blocks, personalized group page and access to facilities such as the onsite bar and gatherings around the Waves Pool Bar and Grill.
Centrally located and as family friendly as it gets, Branson is a great spot for a special event. With all of the entertainment venues, wineries, theme parks and Table Rock Lake, you’re sure to find your perfect place. The large four-bedroom suites at 2,540 square feet can sleep up to 12 guests – comfortable for the whole family. Even the BBQ area with seating and firepit creates fun family cookouts.
A family-centered special event has to be held at Disney at some time, doesn’t it? Because you are in the iconic Contemporary Resort complex, monorail service to the Magic Kingdom is just steps away. Let the Resort Concierge help with activity planning, organize a character meet & greet or celebrate in the award-winning California Grill restaurant. Onsite meeting planners are standing by.
At some time, post-Covid, the Top of the World Lounge will reopen and provide one of the best event venues in all of central Florida, overlooking the Magic Kingdom. Your three-bedroom Grand Villa can be your home base for the whole family, with comfortable sleeping arrangements for up 12 people.
There are fantastic timeshare resorts across the country that can be excellent choices for your next special event. While our licensed agents are not meeting planners, we do know a thing or two about these timeshare resorts and can point you in the right direction. Send us your questions by clicking here or call us on 877-624-6889 and we’ll be happy to help.
Steve manages the public relations and content creation efforts of the company. Previously the Chief Operating Officer for Perspective Magazine, he provided oversight and contributed articles for the five regional vacation ownership trade magazines under the Perspective Magazine banner.
A contributor for industry publications such as Resort Trades and Developments Magazine, Steve Luba has 35 years’ experience in various roles in radio and television, sales and marketing, public relations, media and government liaison initiatives.
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