The Hall of Presidents attraction in the Magic Kingdom theme park officially unveils the animatronics version of President Obama today. The popular attraction has been closed during a period of updating in which a number of changes have been made. The President Obama replica is the first of the presidential animated figures to use sophisticated new technology that makes his movements even more lifelike than those of the figures of other Presidents in the attraction.

Also new is a segment in which select US Presidents speak as though they are addressing the nation following historic events. President Lyndon B. Johnson speaks after the assassination of President Kennedy; President Bill Clinton speaks following the bombing at the Oklahoma City Federal Building, and President George W. Bush addresses the citizens of New York after the 9-11 attacks.

According to Ryan McClung, reporting on www.lifthill.com, a blog about theme parks and thrill rides, the messaging of the attraction has also changed to emphasize the fact that your greatest dreams can be realized, even if it is the dream to become the President of the United States.

Before you get a sneak peak at the newest addition to the Disney Hall of Presidents (video below), you may want to learn more about how you can realize your vacation dreams by becoming a Disney Vacation club timeshare owner.

Disney Vacation Club Timeshare Resales

• Disney’s Vero Beach Resort Timeshare Resales
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa Timeshare Resales
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort Timeshare Resales
• Disney’s Boardwalk Villas Timeshare Resales
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas Timeshare Resales

Animatronics Barak Obama Moves into Disney’s Hall of Presidents.

Siegel is the founder and CEO of Westgate timeshare and Westgate Vacation Villas, based in Orlando, Florida. Over the years, the theme parks made Orlando a favorite vacation destination for pop king, Michael Jackson, but with his fame and notoriety, he couldn’t exactly enjoy a quiet stay in an Orlando hotel or Orlando timeshare. So he rented private property.

And no residential location in the Orlando area is any more private that the exclusive mansions behind the guarded gates of Isleworth, located in a corner of the Orlando area, in the tiny town of Windermere. In addition to being home to Jacqueline and David Siegel, Isleworth’s famous residents include Ken Griffey Jr., Shaquille O’Neal, Tiger Woods, and a host of other ultra-wealthy celebrities and business moguls who own homes there. But it was one of the two Isleworth homes of Westgate timeshare’s Siegel that appealed to Jackson most among the cloistered mansions, possibly because it is located on a four-acre private island—and privacy is what Jackson stressed mattered most.

So from time to time, Michael Jackson and his entourage would contact Siegel and request to rent the Siegel family’s little 26,000 square-foot home with its 60-foot heated pool bordered in real gold and its 1700 feet of shoreline along the pristine freshwater of the Butler Chain of Lakes. With every Orlando visit, there was always the caveat that Siegel was to tell no one about Jackson’s presence, and for the weekly rental rate of $15,000, Siegel had plenty of motivation to honor the pop star’s request.

Which is why David Siegel found it so amazing, that after all the pledges of secrecy, soon after arriving at the Florida retreat, Jackson would be spotted on the roof of the home. As Siegel explained to FOX News Orlando, “He said he’ll take it under the condition that nobody knows he’s here. I didn’t tell anybody. He moves in. Within a day, he’s up on top of the house waving at boaters!”

How long do you think it takes, in Orlando, Florida, already known as Hollywood East because of the movie production and music recording industry based there, for paparazzi to identify the King of Pop standing on the widow’s walk of a two-story mansion, waiving one gloved hand to the recreational boaters just off shore?

And if you are thinking about enjoying the sunny weather, theme parks, and sparking lakes of Orlando and Central Florida yourself, but you are not planning on renting a private mansion, here are links to beautiful Westgate timeshares you can enjoy for a lot less money … but wherever you go, stay off the roof.

• Westgate Vacation Villas Timeshares
• Westgate Towers Timeshare

It’s official. Sell My Timeshare NOW has opened a new timeshare resales and timeshare rental advertising office in the home of timesharing—Orlando, Florida. Located at 400 South Park Center, 8415 South Park Circle, Suite 110, our new timeshare sales offices are not far from the busiest tourist attractions of Central Florida.

New Timeshare Sales Offices Mean New Jobs

With the hiring and training of six employees in the office now, our growth plans should take our Orlando timeshare sales office up to about 100 employees. Most of the new hires at our Orlando timeshare sales office will be drawn from the local pool of timeshare professionals available in the area. We also transferred one Sell My Timeshare NOW administrative employee from our corporate offices in Dover, NH.

The Orlando office will be managed by our new Senior Director of Sales, Aramis Cherrington. Aramis is a 15-year timeshare industry veteran and is the former Call Center Sales and Operations Director for Westgate Resorts. Before that, he was the Marketing Director for Sunterra’s Western Region call centers. One of his areas of special expertise is in implementing call centers for timeshare developers and achieving quick, sustainable results. We can’t think of better qualifications for heading up the Orlando timeshare resales and timeshare rental advertising offices of Sell My Timeshare NOW.

Follow this link to read the Sell My Timeshare NOW’s official press release.

The National Harbor project is a 300-acre development destination along the Potomac River in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Wyndham’s Capital Cove timeshare resort is a very special part of this project.

Although still several months from completion, timeshare units at the Wyndham timeshare Capital Cove resort are 40 percent sold out; this is exciting and positive news in today’s economy. However, it is also exciting to be able to tell you that Sell My Timeshare NOW has brand new Wyndham Capital Cove timeshares available as timeshare resales. This happens most typically when a timeshare buyer purchases a pre-sell timeshare from the developer and then, before the resort is even open, finds that he or she needs or wants to sell that timeshare on the resale market.

Essentially, National Harbor is a city, featuring the best of all a harbor-side community has to offer. Filled with entertainment, shopping, dining, marinas, vacation lodging, and even residential accommodations, National Harbor is an ideal home base from which to enjoy your Washington DC vacation.

The Wyndham timeshare resort at National Harbor offers a unique opportunity in urban timeshare, with a distinctive resort feel. The Capital Cove timeshares feature a 10-story plus building and 250 condominium-style, timeshare units, including 42 deluxe, two, three, and four-bedroom Presidential timeshare units. Capital Cove will be the second Wyndham timeshare in the Washington DC area, additional to the Old Town Alexandria Wyndham timeshare, where timeshare resales are also available.

TATOC endorsed the findings of the timeshare owners study, noting that it marks a changing public perception about the timeshare industry. Harry Taylor, TATOC chief executive, called the survey the most comprehensive and detailed in a decade, and notes that it, “… reflects the widespread recognition of timeshare as a viable and valued holiday product.”

The Remarkable Findings of the New Timeshare Study

Subjects of the study included over 33,000 respondents in 12 countries, all completing a detailed questionnaire. Results showed that 87 percent of timeshare owners are satisfied with their timeshare. (87 percent! When’s the last time 87 percent of any group were unified on any topic?)

With more than a million and a half Europe timeshare owners (as of 2007), the largest numbers are in the United Kingdom and Ireland, where there are roughly 600,000 timeshare owners. Germany and Italy rank next for the greatest number of timeshare owners.

Using the 2007 figures, there are 1,312 Europe timeshare resorts, with over 350 of those resorts being Spain timeshare. The UK, Italy, and Portugal each have more than 100 timeshare resorts. As of 2008, approximately 300,000 timeshare owners are members of TATOC, marking a 20 percent increase in membership for that timeshare organization.

TATOC’s Conclusions about the Timeshare Study

It makes sense that TATOC would see the results of this new timeshare study as a ” …a powerful, credible and ringing endorsement of the growing popularity of holiday ownership,” and that they would point to timeshare ownership as clearly being an integral part of the global travel and tourism industry.

As Harry Taylor explains, “Timeshare is an affordable way of having a shared ownership in a holiday home. I am confident the UK will continue to lead the way in boosting its expansion and popularity in Europe.”

To learn more about TATOC and this growing Timeshare Association, contact:

Marriott timeshare (Marriott Vacation Club International) announced this week that three Florida timeshare resorts meet all of the requirements for a Florida Green Lodging Program Designation. Of the three Marriott timeshares, two are Orlando timeshares, and the third, is Marriott’s Crystal Shores on Marco Island, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast near Naples.

Green Lodging at Florida Timeshares and Hotels

The Florida Green Lodging Program is a state initiative through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The program was created to assist the lodging industry by providing free technical assistance regarding cost-saving, environmentally green practices that conserve natural resources and reduce waste. Furthering the state’s commitment to supporting the Green Lodging initiative, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed an executive order in 2007, requiring that state agencies and departments, meeting in hotel, timeshare, or lodging facilities, must choose only those properties with a Florida Green Lodging Program designation, whenever possible.

As Marriott Vacation Club International continues its dedication to environmental responsibility, all eleven Marriott Vacation Club International Florida timeshare resorts are on track to receive a “One Palm” designation from the Florida Green Lodging Program. Two Marriott Florida timeshares, Marriott’s Oceana Palms -The Palm Beaches and Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve at Grande Lakes in Orlando are currently under development and are not presently eligible for the certification until they are operational.

Marriott’s Timeshare’s Newest Florida Resort, a Design Showplace

The beautiful, beachside resort, Marriott’s Crystal Shores on Marco Island timeshare resort is the newest Marriott timeshare property in Florida, opening in March of 2009. At build-out, this Florida timeshare will feature approximately 219 timeshare villas. The resort is a showcase of Marriott’s newest architectural and interior design direction. At the time of opening, Stephen P. Weisz, president of Marriott Vacation Club International explained, “After more than 17 years of searching for just the right location on Marco Island, we couldn’t be more pleased to see this resort come to fruition on this prime beachfront setting.”

Marriott timeshare deserves a round of applause from all of us as well as our gratitude. They have taken significant steps to improve the environmental consciousness of their timeshare resorts and the administrative offices of Marriott Vacation Club International. They set an excellent example of corporate America showing true responsibility for the environment and the future of generations to come.

Click below to read Parts I and II in this series on Marriott timeshare:

• Three Marriott Timeshare Resorts Earn Special ‘Green’ Designation as Environmentally Conscious Resorts
• Part II: Marriott Timeshare Resorts Earn Special ‘Green’ Designation from State of Florida

And click here to learn more about the opportunities available for you to become a Marriott timeshare resale owner or to rent Marriott timeshare for your next vacation:

• Marriott Timeshare Resales
• Marriott Timeshare Rentals (including many vacation properties)

The original master plan called for 27 buildings of timeshare units with 12 timeshare units per building. The newly approved plan allows for as many as 76 lockout timeshare units, designed as one-and-a-half story paired homes.

Attorney Henry Clark, speaking on behalf of the timeshare resort, says the upgrades are vital, not just for the resort, but for the tax base of the community. Clark told WHSV TV, “The continued modification of the facilities at Massanutten Village is of extreme importance to the entire county both from a tax basis, an employment basis, and the general welfare of the county’s basis.”

The Long-Term Popularity of Massanutten Resort Timeshare

Vacation ownership and timeshares have been strong at the Massanutten Resort since the 1970’s. Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten, this timeshare vacation destination offers summer visitors great options for mountain biking, hiking, picnicking, fishing, golfing, and enjoying the 5,000+ acres the resort offers.

Pools, hot tubs, a massive indoor water park, spas, and a skate park for skateboarders and in-line skaters, adds to the resort’s appeal and multi-season appeal.

If you are interested in learning more about the popular and growing Massanutten Resort, check out the opportunities in Massanutten Mountainside Villas timeshare resales and Massanutten Shenandoah timeshare resales, both part of this beautiful resort.

• Massanutten Mountainside Villas
• Massanutten Shenandoah Villas

Recognizing that Marriott has always been a leader in vacation ownership, and was one of the first branded hotel companies to offer timeshares, it is really no surprise that Marriott timeshare is now a pacesetter in creating environmentally responsible lodging.

This week, three popular Florida timeshares, all Marriott resorts, received the Green Lodging Program Designation, from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Marriott’s Grande Vista (the subject of yesterday’s post on The Timeshare Authority); Marriott’s Cypress Harbour; and Marriott’s Crystal Shores on Marco Island each received this special designation because of their efforts to recycle, reduce, preserve, and educate others about issues of environmental awareness.

In 2008, Marriott Vacation Club International launched the MVCI Green Initiatives, starting at their corporate headquarters and branching out their efforts to include their corporate offices and timeshare resorts worldwide. In so doing, they eliminated over a quarter million pieces of Styrofoam and plastic waste that would have annually wound up in the nation’s landfills.

Deas Bohn, director Florida Department of Environmental Protection Sustainable Initiatives, said, “It is wonderful to see businesses implement green practices such as water conservation, recycling and energy reduction because they are not only good for business, they are good for Florida’s environment.”

Marriott’s Cypress Harbour Timeshares Combine Vacation Comfort with Environmental Consciousness

Marriott’s Cypress Harbour timeshare is an Orlando, Florida timeshare resort, which instantly means vacation fun and a convenient location to all your favorite Central Florida attractions and theme parks. Offering a 15-acre lake for boating and fishing, three sparkling swimming pools, and an 18-hole golf course, Marriott’s Cypress Harbour timeshare is a vacation destination certain to please vacationers of all ages and interests.

With an “Old Florida” ambiance, the resort is a relaxing oasis of green, where stately live oaks and tropical palms create a relaxing atmosphere. The resort is built on both sides of the lake with a walking bridge across the water.

Boats, fishing gear, and bicycle rentals are all available on property, as is a convenience store, the Galley Grill for lakeside lunches, a 24-hour a day fitness center, and enough other amenities that guests and timeshare owners may be tempted to spend their entire vacation without ever leaving the property at this beautiful Florida timeshare resort.

Marriott’s Cypress Harbour timeshare resort… Another very special Marriott timeshare property that is clearly forward thinking and socially aware of what it means to all of us to protect and restore our environment.

Tomorrow’s The Timeshare Authority looks at Marriott’s Crystal Shores on Marco Island, in Part III in this series.

Link to Part I:

Three Marriott Timeshare Resorts Earn Special ‘Green’ Designation as Environmentally Conscious Resorts

Part I:

This week, Marriott Vacation Club International announced that three Marriott timeshare properties have achieved the Florida Green Lodging Program Designation. The resorts, Marriott’s Grande Vista, Marriott’s Cypress Harbour, and Marriott’s Crystal Shores on Marco Island, are the first Marriott timeshare properties to gain this distinctive recognition.

As Troy Asche, regional vice president of operations for the Florida-Caribbean region of Marriott Vacation Club International said (source: Marriott’s media release of June 23, 2009), “Now, more than ever, environmental stewardship is a critical part of delivering unforgettable vacation experiences to our Owners and guests and vital to the future of travel and tourism. By taking strategic steps to ‘green’ our resort operations, our collective efforts can make a huge impact on preserving our beautiful Florida environment.”

Florida Timeshares that Earn the Green Lodging Award

The Green Lodging Program is part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This intuitive was launched in 2004, establishing the environmental guidelines for guest lodging facilities to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. In order to receive the award, a hotel, motel, timeshare resort, or other lodging facility must demonstrate a successful commitment to protecting Florida’s resources, an ecosystem that is totally unique in all of the United States.

Resorts that qualify as Green Lodging properties have taken steps such as: implementing recycling in timeshare villas, commons areas, and food service areas; installing compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) throughout the property; using low flow toilets, showerheads and faucets; asking guests to reuse linens and towels when possible; switching to the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products, and using Energy Star rated electronics and appliances. Other environmentally responsible actions may also contribute to a timeshare resort receiving this award.

Marriott’s Grande Vista Orlando Timeshare

In upcoming The Timeshare Authority blog posts, we will look at all of these three outstanding Marriott timeshare resorts to receive the Green Lodging Designation this year, starting with Marriott’s Grande Vista, an Orlando timeshare.

Grande Vista timeshare is an Interval International Premier rated timeshare resort, offering four sparkling pool complexes, a serene lake for boating and water sports, the Faldo Golf Institute by Marriott, a 9-hole executive course, a 35-acre practice area, and access to Marriott’s Grande Pines Golf Club. Both golf facilities are members of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.

Located in the heart of the attractions area of Orlando, a Marriott’s Grande Vista timeshare vacation puts you conveniently close to Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, and all the fun of a central Florida vacation. Yet with 164 acres, the Grande Vista timeshare is an oasis of green, amidst pines, oaks and tropical palms, and well deserves recognition as a noteworthy environmentally conscious resort.

Tomorrow’s The Timeshare Authority blog will look at Marriott’s Cypress Harbour and Marriott’s Crystal Shores on Marco Island and how they have also earned the Florida Green Lodging Program Designation.