Common Issues

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Original Message:

Re: Common Issues (by Thomas C.):

The unit itself and amenities are OK, about average for other timeshares we have visited over the years. Its biggest attraction is the proximity to Disney World, Epcot, etc. which is just a few miles away.

We have owned there about 20 years, and I've always had a problem with the high maintenance fees and taxes, which were over $700 last year for our 2 bedroom unit. I was told by another owner the 3 member Board is a sham, and the attorney who runs the show also owns the management company which happens to collect huge amounts in annual fees. Apparently there is little oversight in Florida for these things because the industry is big and the dollars involved are enormous.

From what I have read online, many other timeshare owners have similar problems/issues. The bottom line is almost none of the things we were told when we purchased have been true, i.e, the unit would increase in value over time; you can easily rent it for more than your annual fees; you can always trade it for another unit anywhere in the world; you can sell it anytime and either make money or at least get your investment back; and it costs less to own than to rent a similar unit.

The positive side is staying at condos is much much better than motels in my opinion (especially if traveling with kids); we have stayed at some great places that we probably would not have visited had we not been able to trade; it sort of forces you to take a vacation, and I am almost always glad we did; and we have been able to travel with larger parties and stay together.

The RCI membership is a whole other matter, and I won't go into that here. If you have specific questions I'll be happy to try to answer those. I hope this helps.