Reservation Tip #2: RCI Designates Plantation Resort as Four Different Resorts

Did you know that within RCI Plantation Resort is considered to be 4 different resorts?  If you enter resort ID 4220, 6045, 1797 or 2791 into the resort locator at RCI.com, you’ll see that they are all located here at our resort.

This has led to some confusion.  Exchange guests who stay with us one year and love their condo may come back the next year expecting the same type of unit and be surprised to find something completely different.

Unit options differ depending on the resort ID you use.   For instance, if you need a 1 bedroom condo, you’ll want to search within the resort IDs 6045 or 1797.  Or if you come with a friend, you’ll want to reserve under the same resort ID in order to stay in neighboring condos.

Understanding the differences between resort IDs will help you know what to expect when you reserve your stay.  This post is the second in a series to help you reserve your perfect vacation at Plantation Resort.

The four RCI resort designations (IDs) found at Plantation Resort are:

1797 - Plantation Resort of Myrtle Beach
2791 - Plantation Golf Villas
4220 - Presidential Villas at Plantation Resort
6045 - Plantation Resort Villas




What all 4 resort IDs share
You may consider Plantation Resort one resort, which is true.  Amenities such as the pools, complimentary beach shuttle, spa, breakfast buffet are available to all our guests, no matter which resort ID is linked to your reservation.  All guests check in at the same front desk and enjoy the cheerful service of our excellent staff.

Here's a pro tip: if, for whatever reason, you were late in reserving under one resort ID, try one of the other 3 designations to increase your chances of staying at Plantation Resort.  So while it may seem slightly confusing to have the multiple resort designations through RCI, you can see how it can really work to your benefit when you want to vacation at Plantation Resort.

So let’s look at the 4 resort designations and consider the unique options that each offer.

How they differ
Presidential Villas at Plantation Resort-4220
If you’re traveling with a large group and will need a 3 bedroom unit to sleep up to 12, then look into reserving in the resort ID 4220.  This resort designation boasts the highest availability of 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom units, so you’ll increase your chances of receiving the number of bedrooms that you want.

This was the first purpose-built timeshare section of Plantation Resort, which mean it was built specifically with timeshare in mind.  These units are almost identical in their layout so if you've been to a "Presidential Villas at Plantation Resort" unit then you know what to expect from these suites.
Rooms types available in 4220 (Click on links for more info about these room types.)

• Deluxe Hotel
• 2 Bedroom
• 3 Bedroom (2 Bedroom combined with the Deluxe Hotel)

Plantation Resort Villas-6045
These units are considered “conversion” units, which means that they were originally privately owned condos.  Plantation Resort purchased these units as they have come on the market and has converted them into some of our most up-to-date  timeshare condos.  As not all of the units in a given building have been converted, you may find permanent residents next door to you.
This is the only resort ID that includes 3 bedroom loft units.  It also has the most availability in our popular 2 bedroom lofts.  The loft is “open”, allowing you to see over the railing into the living room below.  In these units, the loft itself is considered a bedroom—always a fun place for children or friends to stay.  These are very popular, so book early and put in a request for this room type if you want to increase your chances of successfully reserving it.

Room types available in 6045 (Click on links for more info about these room types.)

• Standard Hotel
• 1 Bedroom
• 2 Bedroom
• 2 Bedroom Loft
• 3 Bedroom Loft

Plantation Resort of Myrtle Beach-1797

Buildings 208, 221, 223 make up this resort ID and is the first resort designation at Plantation Resort affiliated with RCI.  It includes a variation on the loft floor plan—the enclosed loft.  This means that there is a full wall, window and  door separating the loft bedroom from the living room below.

Room types available in 1797 (Click on links for more info about these room types.)

• Standard Hotel
• 1 Bedroom
• 2 Bedroom
• 2 Bedroom Loft

Plantation Golf Villas-2791
Within this resort ID, you will find the most variety among condos.  These are not timeshare units, but are owned by individuals who exchange their unit through RCI.  Because these condos are individually owned, they each have their own unique style that reflects the tastes of the owner.  The floor plans are similar; the main differences will be in the décor.  If you find a unit in the Plantation Golf Villas that you particularly enjoy and would like to reserve again, be sure to put in an early, specific request for that unit because it is unique.

Room types available in 2791 (Click on links for more info about these room types.)

• 2 Bedroom
• 2 Bedroom Loft

No matter which resort ID you use, once you’re on property we consider it our mission to create an exceptional vacation experience for you and your family.  Our Owner Services staff can help you navigate these resort designations to reserve a unit that will be perfect for you.  To speak with Owner Services or for more information on reserving at Plantation Resort, call 1-800-845-5039.  Hope to see you soon!

Reservation Tip #1 — All Rooms Are Not Created Equal: Room Types Explained

A successful vacation begins with great planning. To help, we’re publishing a series of articles providing you tips on how to make the most of your Plantation Resort vacation.  This first article describes the different types of accommodations offered at Plantation Resort.  We hope this information will aid you in deciding which room or unit type best suits your needs and help you make that perfect reservation.

 

There are seven different unit types offered at Plantation Resort.  We describe each type and discuss the advantages and benefits of each. They are:

1. Hotel Room
2. Deluxe Hotel Room
3. One Bedroom Condominium
4. Two Bedroom Condominium
5. Two Bedroom Loft Condominium
6. Three Bedroom Condominium
7. Three Bedroom Loft Condominium

 

Hotel Room

This room works well for a couple out for a romantic vacation together or the lone traveler. It sleeps 2 people comfortably and is similar to what you would find at an upscale hotel. 

Hotel Room – View from the Entrance

Hotel Room – View from the Bath

 

In the hotel room you’ll find:

• king bed
• dresser
• small refrigerator
• coffee maker
• microwave
• full bath.

This unit provides all the essentials for your vacation at the most affordable rate.



Deluxe Hotel Layout

Deluxe Hotel Room
With twice the space of the hotel room, you’ll find the deluxe hotel is much more roomy.  Another advantage over the hotel is the deluxe hotel‘s mini kitchen.

 

The mini kitchen is equipped with:

• place settings for 4
• small refrigerator
• coffee maker
• microwave
• toaster
• sink
• dishwasher
• 2 burner hot plate for stovetop cooking so you can prepare quick meals
• washer and dryer.

There’s also a sleeper sofa next to the king bed. This layout is ideal for two people or a young family with up to two children who are happy to share a room. The deluxe hotel room has a 4-person occupancy rating with 2 people sleeping on the king-sized bed and 2 people sharing the double-sized sleeper sofa.

 



The Deluxe Hotel Room

At Plantation Resort, the deluxe hotel is often the third bedroom (referred to at times as a lock-off) of a 3 bedroom condominium.  If this is the case, you’ll find near the mini kitchen a locked door that enables access to the adjacent unit if you’ve reserved the entire three bedroom condominium. Some resorts call this room type a studio or an efficiency.  Click here to see photos of this unit on our Facebook page.



One Bedroom Condominium

The 1 bedroom unit differs from the two hotel rooms above in that the bedroom and the living room are separate living spaces. This unit is best suited for small parties who prefer more privacy than a hotel room and enjoy the convenience of a full kitchen.

The 1 bedroom condominium includes:

• king-sized bed in the bedroom
• full kitchen
• washer and dryer
• full bathroom
• sleeper sofa in the living room.

This unit comfortably sleeps 4 people privately with 2 in the bedroom and 2 on the sleeper sofa in the living room.
There are only a few one bedroom units at Plantation Resort. So if you feel a one bedroom condo is the room type for you, please reserve early so that you’ll be sure to find one available.




Two Bedroom Condominium
If your vacation philosophy is “More the Merrier!” then a 2 bedroom unit may be just what you are looking for. We recommend this condo for groups of up to 8. This condo has more bathroom and bedroom space than the previous units. In the master bedroom, you’ll find a comfortable king-sized bed and a master bath. The guest or second bedroom has two double beds with a hall bath that is shared with those sleeping in the living room on the queen-sized sleeper sofa. This larger unit includes a full kitchen with the same amenities as the 1 bedroom condominium. 


Full Kitchens found in the 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units.

2 Bedroom Condo






2 Bedroom Loft

 






Two Bedroom Loft Condominium
Our loft condominium adds an extra degree of room and natural light. As you enter this unit, you’ll be awed by the soaring 18 ft ceiling with skylights. We know of no other vacation unit on the beach as spacious as our loft condos! Upstairs, the bedroom loft opens to the living room below and is the best spot to take in the view. 


This unit has the same kitchen/living room layout as the 2 bedroom condo. The 2 bedroom condominium sleeps 8 with 2 sharing the king bed in the master bedroom, 4 in the loft and 2 sharing a bed in the queen sleeper sofa located in the living room.


Please note that loft units are only found on the second and third floors. Each includes a flight of stairs to the loft, so if stairs are a concern, be sure to request a 1st floor condo. If stairs aren’t a problem or your goal is to keep fit while on your vacation, be sure to ask for the third floor. With three flights of stairs to your unit and another flight to the loft, you’ll have ample opportunity to meet your fitness goal. One big advantage of the third floor condo is that on a clear day from the balcony, you have a wonderful view above the pines of the ocean.


Three Bedroom Condominium
Need even more space? The three bedroom condominium is the largest unit we offer.  At over 1,400 sq. ft., it has all the space that a large family or group might need.  This unit has a master bedroom with a king-sized bed and a full bath with a 2 person jetted tub.  There is a second bedroom that has 2 double beds, a shared bath that is accessed from both the bedroom and from the living room where there is a queen sleeper sofa.  And there is a third master bedroom suite with a king bed, a double sleeper sofa, a private bath, a mini kitchen and its own living room and dining area.  See the Deluxe Hotel Room description for more details on the third master bedroom suite.

This unit comfortably sleeps 12 people including the queen sleeper sofa in the living room and the double sleeper sofa in the master bedroom suite. This unit also has all the same kitchen and living room amenities as the 1 and 2 bedroom condos.  At Plantation Resort, these condos are called the Presidential Villas.  To see photos, click here.



Three Bedroom Loft Condominium
The Three bedroom loft condominium has all the wonderful features you find in the 2 bedroom loft plus an additional bedroom.  Here you'll find that 12 people sleep comfortably with 2 on the king-size bed in the master bedroom, 4 people in the guest bedroom plus 4 people in the loft and 2 people on the queen sleeper sofa in the living room.

This unit is popular but rare and they go quickly so please reserve early if this is your condo of choice. 

View from the Loft

Loft Bedroom

Can't decide which is best for you?  Let us help!

Reservation specialists are available from 8 am to 9 pm seven days a week at 1-800-845-5039 and are happy to help you choose the best accommodations for your needs.  We hope to see you soon on your next Plantation Resort vacation!

Come see our new front desk!

Before and After with our New Canopy, Rails and Shutters

It's been months in the making and it's finally finished!  The front desk has changed dramatically since December. Our outside now matches the recently renovated inside with new lamps, railings, shutters and a new canopy; we also pushed out the front wall and expanded the inside.  Our Chief Engineer, Don Kight, expressed his excitement about the new changes, "We're elated for our owners and guests to see the improvements we've made.  It's nice to see things come together as well as they did.  Everything looks great!"  

Painting a picture

As you pull into the parking lot to check in for your vacation at Plantation Resort, you may notice an extra spot of blue that you’ve never seen before.  Thank you for noticing our new canopy!  It provides shade for up to 12 feet before you reach the door. With it, we welcome you to your restful stay with the Plantation Resort logo on the front as reassurance that you arrived at the right place. 


Workers installing the new rails!

 As you enter the front door, go ahead, take hold of the new hand rails and feel a bit safer.  Now, we have a wrought iron look for the two new hand rails that adorn either side of the entrance.


Our new shutters!

But as you step through the door something else may seem different.  You may feel like you have more air to breathe or like you took a few extra steps toward the desk.  It isn't your imagination—there really is more space.  We've expanded the front desk area by moving the front wall out a whole six feet.  That’s right, take a good long stretch after all that sitting in the car, there’s room.  

And when you open your eyes you may notice that the lighting is a little different. Thanks to our new shutters, the sunlight filters in with a gentle warmth to make you feel more welcome than ever.

Come see it for yourself!

Checking in to your "home away from home" is more comfortable than it has ever been, so come experience the improvements for yourself.  Reserve your stay by calling 1-800-845-5039 today.  Keep an eye out for an upcoming video about these front desk renovations.

Plantation Resort Improvements: The Lobby

At Plantation Resort, we are continually updating and changing the property to make it better and more beautiful than ever. One of our recent ongoing projects has been the Lobby. This area has received a complete face-lift, and we could not be more pleased with the results!

Before:

After:

New colors and a new theme have come together to make your home-away-from home more inviting than ever.

The tropical fans that operate on a pulley system have already been a huge hit!

Large HD screens in the lobby provide you with Resort and Myrtle Beach information while our new display case features available Resort souvenirs.

We even made some changes outside! Beautiful new front doors create a more welcoming entrance.

We are excited for you to see the new changes for yourself during your next Plantation Resort vacation. Be sure to stay tuned - we have more exciting updates to come!

New Discounts for Grand Strand Entertainment!

At Plantation Resort, it's our goal to provide you with an exceptional vacation experience by keeping you connected to the best entertainment on the Grand Strand. For decades, our Front Desk has been providing tickets to the area's most popular attractions at a great price. As Myrtle Beach has grown, so has our menu of discounted tickets! This year, we've added 5 popular attractions you won't want to miss.

1 The Myrtle Beach Speedway

Myrtle Beach Speedway Race Car

Racing fans, experience a relic of NASCAR history! In its time, this track acted as the training and racing grounds for legends Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., Richard Petty and Kyle Petty. Today, Myrtle Beach Speedway hosts special events, each featuring different types of racing- 100 Lap, Skid Plate, Mini, Charger, School Bus, Super Truck and more! Treat your family to an exciting evening of exhilarating races.

(Note: Tickets for the Wheels of Destruction Thrill Show must be purchased directly from Myrtle Beach Speedway.)

Family Kingdom Water Flumes

2 Family Kingdom Water Park

This oceanfront family attraction offers a fun way to cool down on a hot Myrtle Beach day! Family Kingdom provides a variety of speed slides for both the timid and daring, wild water flumes and a relaxing lazy river. The little ones can splash in the park's kiddie pools with 8 different slides just their size, rain trees and a waterfall.

Runaway Bay Plane

3 Runaway Bay Mini Golf

Runaway Bay features two different 18-hole courses leading you on a Jamaican themed adventure. The handicap accessible Cockpit County route offers a variety of obstacles including a cave, lighthouse, and waterfalls. The Dunns River Falls course takes you under a waterfall, by a raging river, and over a mountain! When you've finished, cool off by stopping at the on-site ice cream parlor for a sweet treat.

Shipwreck Island

4 Shipwreck Island Adventure Golf

Your crew's mission is to navigate your way through the dangerous territory known as Shipwreck Island, finding your way back to the mainland. To get there, you'll have to bypass treacherous streams, waterfalls, fish, whales, and the wreckage of unsuccessful sailors. Shipwreck Island offers two 18-hole courses- try both the Skipper and Captain course!

Jurassic Golf

5 Jurassic Golf

Travel millions of years back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth! The Ice Age course leads you through foggy waters or you can take the Predator course through mountainous terrain. Whichever path you choose, watch for the animated dinosaurs lurking in the vegetation and, above all, beware the raging Tyrannosaurus Rex!

Give your family a Myrtle Beach vacation to remember! While vacationing at Plantation Resort, be sure to take advantage of the discounted attraction tickets sold at our Front Desk. If you would like more information on these new attractions or other discounted tickets we offer, please call 1-800-845-5039.  

Beat the Heat at Wild Water & Wheels

During the summer, the Grand Strand is in its prime! The coast is a buzz of activity and excitment as families from across the country pour in to take advantage of the beautiful weather, white beaches, and thrilling attractions. With a wide selection of venues and only a few precious vacation days, choosing where to spend your time can be difficult! To make the most of your Myrtle Beach vacation, there's one attraction you won't want to miss: Wild Water & Wheels.

Conveniently located 5 minutes south of Plantation Resort, Wild Water & Wheels is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day, with enough pools, slides and activities to keep you entertained for hours on end.

Pools: The Wipeout Wave Pool creates 8 different kinds of waves- some reaching a height of 4 feet! Ride the swells while grooving to the tunes played throughout the park. If you want to put your feet up and soak in the sun, grab a tube and head over to the 950 ft lazy river complete with caves, spitters and flowing musroom umbrellas to cool you off.

Slides: For the adventurous, the park offers a wide variety of tube, mat, and body slides. Thrill seekers, be sure to ride the pitch black "Dark Hole" tube slide and the Cliff Dive- a body only speed slide that plummets the rider on a near vertical drop! For some friendly competition, head over to the H20 racer and speed to beat your opponent across the finish line.

For the little ones: Wild Water & Wheels features several different kiddie pools that your young children will love. Filled with floating characters, water sprays and slides just their size, they'll never want to leave!

Activities: This fun-filled attraction is more than just a water park! Take a break from the pools and enjoy a round of 18 hole putt putt, bumper boats, kiddie carnival rides and go-karts. To participate in these extra ammenities, purchase individual ride tickets or upgrade your water park wrist band to a Full Park Pass good for unlimited riding.

If a sunny day suddenly becomes stormy, don't fret! Wild Water & Wheels will offer you a rain check if they have to close their park for the day.

Wild Water & Wheels is guaranteed fun for the whole family, and Plantation Resort offers discounted tickets for all-day water park admission. Once at Wild Water, you have the option to upgrade to a Full Park Pass for only $10 a person. For additional information, questions and to purchase tickets, please call our Front Desk at 1-800-845-5039.

Top 5 Reasons to visit Myrtle Beach this Holiday Season

Plantation Resort wants to let you in on a little secret: Myrtle Beach is just as exciting during the holidays as it is during the summers! Sure, you can’t jump into the ocean without a wetsuit, and maybe your favorite putt-putt course is closed for the season, but there’s dozens of other ways to enjoy the mild winter weather and join in the festive celebrations. 

In order to introduce you to our favorite seasonal events, I’ve compiled a list of the Top 5 Ways to Kick Off the Holiday Season. Here they are, in no particular order:

1. “Christmas on Ice” at the Palace Theater

November 1 – December 30

Start Christmas off in style with a show chock-full of championship ice skaters, the best high-kicking dancers this side of New York, and your favorite Christmas songs sung by the best of Broadway and London’s West End. This show is complete with a 40-foot ice skating rink, and a massive winter wonderland stage. There is no other show like this in Myrtle Beach, and don’t forget…we have your discounted tickets waiting for you at the Plantation Resort front desk!

2. 30^th Annual Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals Week

November 10 – 12 From 9 am – 6 pm; November 13 From 12 noon – 6 pm

This national award-winning event provides a magical, holiday shopping experience for the whole family. Inspired by Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", step back in time to an elaborate 19th century holiday marketplace where you stroll through the aisles featuring 350 period-clad vendors offering everything from fine arts, crafts and imported gifts to food, clothing and Christmas décor. Experience live Punch and Judy Shows, strolling minstrels and even jolly old’ Saint Nick himself! This event is a local favorite that will be sure to put even the biggest "grinch"  into the holiday spirit. For more information call 800-261-5991.

3. 8th Annual Murrells Inlet Oyster Roast

Saturday, November 19 From 11:30 am - 3:30 pm

Calling all oyster-lovers! Claim your seat at the all-you-can-eat afternoon feast of steamed oysters, and you can bet...you will get your fill of oysters that afternoon. Enjoy the beautiful waterway while enjoying seafood, fun and entertainment. A menu of other food items (burgers, dogs, chowder and more), beer and soda are sold separately. Free admission to the event, with lots of entertainment to enjoy! Bring an oyster knife or buy one at the roast.  Call 843-357-2007 for more information.  

4. Holiday Tree Lighting at Broadway at the Beach
Saturday, November 19 From 6 – 7 pm

What better way to ring in the holiday season than a trip to exciting Broadway at the Beach and the festive tree lighting at Celebrity Square! The allure of the season is beautifully displayed as bright green garland, soft shimmering lights and Christmas trees dot the walkways. Classic and contemporary Christmas music fills the air, and the excitement of the holidays is brought to life for everyone to enjoy! Make sure to check out the local boutiques - a great way to start your Christmas shopping - or dine at the many restaurants close by. At the very least, we recommend stopping by The Fudgery to smell the delicious chocolate while sipping a warm cup of coffee. Tis the season!    

5. The Carolina Opry Christmas Special

November  1- January 2, 2012

A holiday tradition for over 25 years – making this the longest running holiday special in Myrtle Beach – this thrilling show brings to life the spirit of Christmas through music, dance and comedy.  The Carolina Opry has won just about every major award in South Carolina, and their holiday special lives up to the theatre’s reputation. The exciting new changes for this year include award-winning costumes and special effects that take this show to a new level. This family-friendly show is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit and leave you yearning for more. Let us help you make this season the most memorable, and at the best price! Plantation Resort front desk offers discounted tickets, as we personally reserve your seat and showtime. 

Try something different for you and your family this season. Take a break from the routine, and enjoy the holiday....Carolina style!

Happy Holidays!

More On Enhanced Weeks from RCI

Here is more from RCI that details their new Enhanced Weeks program.  Click on the picture to see it full sized.  The second document is too large to post on our blog so we've included a link for you to click on to view the second document.  These discuss how trading power for your week is determined and how it can benefit you as an RCI member.  Just remember, we are always here to help!  So if you would like to speak to someone in person about this new program, feel free to contact us at 1-800-845-5039.  We'd love to help you make the most of your vacation!  Happy trading everyone!



RCI Weeks Overview - Value, Choice and Flexibility
You can view this document online at

http://www.plantationresort.com/info/rci-weeks-value-choice-and-flexibility.pdf





 


































Here is the link to the second article from RCI entitled "RCI Enhanced Weeks Member Handbook":

http://www.plantationresort.com/info/rci-enhanced-weeks-member-handbook.pdf

RCI Reveals What Happens Behind the Curtain to Determine Trading Power

“Oh no, not again!” “ RCI has made changes to my Weeks program that I simply DO NOT understand. Am I alone here or are there others out there as confused as me? Please help!”

We’ve heard from many of you, our Weeks owners, who have asked for help understanding the changes that RCI has made to the Weeks program recently through what RCI is calling the Enhanced Weeks Program.  The good news is that very little has changed. Your trading power has not changed in any way. RCI has simply given us a glimpse into the way they have always calculated trading power and how they value a deposited week. (If you are not an RCI Weeks member or do not currently participate in the Weeks exchange program, this article does not pertain to you. But if you’re curious, please read on.)

We’re going to outline the “need to know” here: Nothing has changed in the way RCI calculates your trading power; it’s simply unveiling how RCI comes up with the value of your exchange. RCI assigns the value of the week you deposit with a number they all “Trading Power”. This number can range from 1 to 60 where 60 represents a week with the maximum trading power possible.

Here is something new! You can search for a vacation by “Trading Power,” making it even easier to compare resorts and to book the vacation you want and more importantly you can attain! For example, if you have a trading power of 48, you know that you can make a reservation for any resort with a trading power of 48 or lower.

Here’s an additional new benefit! You can combine your leftover trading power with leftovers from previous exchanges or current deposits to where you can accumulate enough for another vacation!

How can you increase your trading power? You can positively affect your trading power by paying close attention to the timeliness of your deposit. The earlier you deposit the more trading power you’ll earn for your trade. Log-on to RCI.com to monitor your account and be your very own vacation guide.

So why did RCI implement this new program?  And how does it really benefit me?  Here is what others are saying about RCI's new Enhanced Weeks Program:

RCI Starts to Implement Settlement Terms of a Lawsuit Through Implementing the Enhanced Weeks Program
(Source: Time Sharing Today)

At the same time that RCI’s attorneys notified other counsel and Time Sharing Today’s publisher about the progress of RCI’s compliance with the class action settlement agreement, RCI appears to have moved beyond its obligations in rolling out a new trading power initiative.

While the settlement only required RCI to respond to a member’s request about the trading power of that member’s week and available inventory for which the member’s deposited week had sufficient trading power, RCI is now letting its members use the trading power information to provide more flexibility in making exchanges and trading up to highly demanded weeks.

Resort weeks will reportedly be rated with trading power ranging from 1 to 60. Trading power ratings of several deposited weeks can be combined to trade up to a week with a trading power higher than any one of the member’s week. If a member exchanges into a week with lower trading power, the member’s account will be credited with “excess” trading power and combined with a subsequent deposit’s trading power to determine the trading power available for the member to use.

RCI began educating members on these new developments on RCI.com and in the October edition of its Endless Vacation magazine, explaining how trading power transparency, deposit credits and combing deposited weeks will greatly assist them in their future vacation planning and provide them with more choice, flexibility and value in their future vacation planning. RCI will provide further information to its members throughout the next few months to help ensure confidence with the new enhancements and highlight the benefits to members worldwide.

“In the increasingly transparent online vacation planning world that we live in, this something our members have been consistently asking for. It’s one of the most exciting things we’ve ever done for our members – it’s really unprecedented,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. “Transparency is important because people want to have more control over how they trade their timeshare vacation for another vacation they’d like to take.

Compliance with another significant part of the settlement agreement – deposited weeks being held exclusively for exchange and not available for rental during a 31 – day post – deposit period – will be implemented on or before April 11, 2011 according to the letter from RCI’s attorney.

While the letter speaks of implementation of the resolution of  the trading power issue on or before April 11, 2011, it has now been put into place. So it is possible that members may likewise see the exclusive exchange period implemented well before the promised April 11,2011 date.

Here are links to additional information about the Enhanced Weeks Program that RCI has provided:
http://blog.rci.com/blog/rci-membership-and-timeshare-vacation-info/trading-power-at-rci-how-our-timeshare-exchange-program-works

http://blog.rci.com/blog/rci-weeks-news-and-information/the-most-flexible-weeks-exchange-system-in-the-world

We found the comments and discussions following these articles are very helpful giving good examples and insights.

Hopefully this has helped shed some light on the new program offered by RCI to weeks owners.  Feel free to contact us here Plantation Resort by calling 1-800-845-5039 if you have additional questions or would like help making your exchange.  We are happy to assist you.

Happy Exchanging!

Another Resort Improvement - Expanding the Front Entrance

More room is a good thing!

We've now expanded the entrance to the parking lot at the Front Desk where you check in. We understand that the Front Desk parking lot can be difficult to navigate especially on busy weekends when the parking lot is full, when you are towing a trailer or driving a large vehicle. So we removed a parking spot and increased the entrance by 8 feet to make it easier to exit and enter onto the frontage road. We've also added lines and directional arrows to help with traffic flow. This is just one example of our many efforts to continually improve the resort. So come visit soon and let us know what you think of our newly expanded entrance!