timeshare blog

Just when things seemed as if they would turn out okay for Summer Bay Resort timeshare owners, we run across this news that reminds us many things can be more complicated than they appear on the surface. Certainly the Summer Bay Resort sinkhole doesn’t seem inconsequential or uncomplicated to anyone involved.

Two New Hampshire area residents, Debbi Ward and her sister Faith Clark, are grateful to be back in New England after the trauma of vacationing in one of the Summer Bay Resort timeshare units that was ultimately swallowed by a massive sinkhole. Ward explains, “I was in the bathtub. The water started jumping, the tub moved, because at that point the building was starting to twist.”

While she and her family members all escaped the experience without physical harm, they lost their clothes, laptop computers, cameras, cash, jewelry, and cell phones when their timeshare unit collapsed into the earth late on the evening of Sunday, August 11, 2013. (Read more here: Is the Orlando Summer Bay Resort Timeshare Sinkhole Growing? and here: The Insurance Issue for Summer Bay Resort Timeshare Owners).

According to CBS Boston, Local News, Ward and Clark have been notified by Summer Bay Resort ownership, via a letter, “alerting victims that the resort will not cover the cost of all that is gone, writing that homeowner insurance should pay for it.” Of course, not everyone carries sinkhole coverage as an add-on to a homeowner insurance policy.

In most states, sinkhole coverage is like flood insurance or earthquake insurance; you only have it if you add it on as an extra. This means that even though an individual’s homeowners insurance typically covers personal possessions when destroyed or stolen (whether they are at home or away from home), there are specific circumstances under which coverage is not provided unless the person also carries an additional insurance policy that specifically addresses that situation.

Large and complex insurance claims rarely are settled quickly. Before anyone jumps on the bandwagon to criticize Summer Bay Resorts, let’s give the situation a little more time to play out. Despite the fact that vacationers and others involved are justifiably greatly stressed and inconvenienced by the event, it has been only 2 weeks since the sinkhole occurred. Although it would be wonderful for all involved if restitution, processing,  and repairs happened instantly, and no one’s life was made more difficult because of such an experience, life rarely—if ever—works out with immediacy.

Here’s hoping for satisfactory resolution on the fastest timeline possible, for all who are dealing with the Summer Bay Resort sinkhole.   

How–and why– would the Scottish Government be involved in your or anyone else’s Disney vacations? It began with Merida, the engaging heroine of the Disney Pixar film, “Brave.” Michael Jenner, Parks Event  Content Development/Operations Manger at Walt Disney World explains, “The Scottish Government was so pleased by the Disney Pixar’s “Brave” they they approached us about what else we could do together.”

As a result, this year’s 18th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will feature, for the first time, a Scottish Marketplace. Jenner says, “We’re working together very closely to choose beverages and dishes that reflect Scotland’s rich culinary story.”

Epcot vacationers will be able to enjoy  a true taste of Scotland, including salmon, Banoffee Tart, and fine scotch. As a separate ticketed event, there will also be the  new marketplace, Scotland, Land of Food & Drinks, featuring foods, beverages, tasting stations, and entertainment.

To experience the tastes and sounds of Scotland, as well as that of many other cultures, you’ll need paid Epcot admission between September 27 and November 11. For other special events, a separate paid ticket and, in some cases reservations, are required. You can find out more about how to turn your Disney vacations into culinary experiences at EpcotFoodFestival.com

Tips for your Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Disney Vacations:

• Don’t schedule to eat before arriving at the park; plan instead to “Taste Your Way Around the World.”
• Remember that some experiences require reservations, such as many of the desert experiences, and the demonstrations and seminars.
• The “Eat to the Beat” Concert Series will feature popular musicians from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
• You’ll find  wonderful  food and beverage products you will want to take home, along with cookbooks, memorabilia and artwork. Either save space in you luggage for all the goodies or plan to take advantage of the easy shipping services offered at the Disney parks.

The Wyndham Championship has always been as much about the good works it can do for the community as it is about the incredible golf that it showcases each year. For the past three years, attendees of the tournament have been able to take a proactive part in the philanthropic aspects of the golf tournament and week-long related festivities by voting for their favorite local not-for-profit organization in the Charity of Choice awareness campaign.

The golf tournament gallery (all ticket holders) has been able to vote since Thursday, with the voting remaining open through Sunday, August 18. The charity to receive the most votes will be announced on Sunday evening after the presentation of the Wyndham Championship tournament trophy to the event winner.

“Believing that you can do well by doing good, Wyndham Worldwide is committed to enhancing the quality of life of children around the world and making lasting contributions in the communities where our associates live, work and play,” says Mary Falvey, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, Wyndham Worldwide. “We are extremely proud of the longstanding tradition of charitable giving at the Wyndham Championship. Philanthropy has always been a central focus of the tournament and has allowed us to support many outstanding local charitable organizations.”

Engaging golf fans of all ages in the charitable opportunities is The Wishes by Wyndham Christel House Tapestry Painting, that is available for kids (and adults) to paint, using fabric-safe paints. There’s also a (new this year) 32-foot-long Wishes by Wyndham-branded trailer at the tournament, hosting,  host a video game tournament. Using the Wii Sports expert level three-hole golf course, golf-enthusiasts and the PGA TOUR pros will have an opportunity to “birdie for charity.” Prizes will be awarded to the top scorers and Wishes by Wyndham will make a donation for each birdie made.

Related news about the Wyndham Championship from The Timeshare Authority blog:

• It’s Golf and Wyndham Vacation Fun all Week Long
• PGA TOUR Tournament is Wyndham Worldwide and Wyndham Timeshare Winner
• Will Wyndham Hotel and Wyndham Timeshare Continue to Sponsor PGA Tour Wyndham Championship?
• Wyndham Worldwide Partners with PGA Tour

Congratulations to Jeanette! It comes as no surprise to anyone that Jeanette Bunn, President and CEO of Travel To Go, has been nominated for San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year Award. Jeanette is a leader in the timeshare vacation and travel industry, setting high standards for her company and high standards for herself as a business professional who both leads and serves.

Each year, San Diego Magazine sets out to recognize exemplary women of leadership, calling it “Women Who Move the City.” Jeanette and other nominees will be profiled in a special section in the September issue of San Diego Magazine and will be honored at an evening event on September 24, 2013.

Jeanette says, “This is an opportunity to share what we do and our focus on helping others to benefit from the joys of vacationing. I am honored to be named among the top women in our city.”

The Jeanette everyone in timeshare and vacation ownership knows and loves is a busy lady, growing the company she founded; serving on the ARDA (American Resort Development Association) Travel Club Task force to identify, examine, and explain existing travel club business models; leading, mentoring, and inspiring others in the San Diego community, and serving actively in timeshare, vacation, and travel industry associations including  C.A.R.E., and Send Me On Vacation.

How about a round of well-deserved applause for Jeanette!