Bluegreen Vacations is a well-known vacation ownership company that provides travelers with a points-based timeshare model. Unlike traditional timeshares where you own a specific week at a single resort, Bluegreen offers a flexible system that allows members to stay at various locations across the United States and the Caribbean. This guide explains how the system works, what it costs, and what you should consider before becoming an owner.
Understanding Bluegreen Vacations
Bluegreen Vacations operates as a vacation club with over 60 branded resorts and access to thousands of others through exchange networks. The company focuses on providing apartment-style accommodations, which often include kitchens, living rooms, and multiple bedrooms. This makes them a popular choice for families and groups who want more space than a standard hotel room offers.
The core of the Bluegreen experience is the Bluegreen Vacation Club. When you become a member, you are essentially purchasing a real estate interest that is converted into annual “Vacation Points.” These points serve as the currency you use to book your stays.
How the Points System Works
The points-based system is designed to offer flexibility in how you travel. Instead of being locked into the same dates every year, you can choose when and where you want to go based on the number of points you have available. The number of points required for a stay depends on several factors.
- Resort Location: High-demand areas like Orlando or Myrtle Beach may require more points.
- Unit Size: A three-bedroom villa will cost more points than a studio or one-bedroom suite.
- Seasonality: Traveling during peak holidays or summer break requires a higher point total than off-season travel.
- Day of the Week: Weekend nights generally cost more points than weeknights.
If you do not use all your points in a single year, Bluegreen often allows you to “save” or roll them over into the next year, though certain rules and fees may apply. Conversely, if you are planning a large trip, you may be able to “borrow” points from the following year.
Popular Bluegreen Resort Locations
Bluegreen Vacations has a heavy presence in popular tourist destinations across the United States. Many of their resorts are located near major attractions, beaches, or national parks. Some of the most frequently visited locations include:
- Orlando, Florida: Home to The Fountains and Orlando’s Sunshine Resort, located near major theme parks.
- Branson, Missouri: Featuring Big Cedar Lodge and The Falls Village, known for outdoor activities and live entertainment.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Including Shore Crest Vacation Villas and Seaglass Tower.
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Offering MountainLoft, which provides easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Las Vegas, Nevada: Featuring Club 36, located just off the famous Las Vegas Strip.
The Costs of Membership
Understanding the financial commitment of Bluegreen Vacations is essential for any prospective owner. There are three primary types of costs associated with membership: the initial purchase price, annual maintenance fees, and incidental fees.
Initial Purchase Price
The cost to join the Bluegreen Vacation Club can vary significantly based on how many points you purchase. Most new owners buy directly from the developer during a sales presentation. Prices can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. It is also possible to buy points on the secondary market from existing owners, often at a lower entry price.
Annual Maintenance Fees
Regardless of whether you use your points, all owners are required to pay annual maintenance fees. These fees cover the upkeep of the resorts, property taxes, insurance, and staff salaries. It is important to note that maintenance fees typically increase every year to keep up with inflation and resort improvements.
Club Dues and Exchange Fees
Members also pay annual club dues to maintain their membership in the Bluegreen Vacation Club. If you choose to use your points to book a resort outside of the Bluegreen network through an exchange partner like RCI, you will usually have to pay an additional exchange fee per booking.
Membership Tiers and Benefits
Bluegreen offers different levels of membership, often referred to as “Premier” status. As you purchase more points, you move up through tiers such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Higher tiers offer additional perks, which may include:
- Waitlist priority for high-demand resorts.
- Discounts on last-minute point bookings.
- The ability to use points for airfare, cruises, or car rentals.
- Extended booking windows, allowing you to reserve units further in advance.
Pros and Cons of Bluegreen Vacations
Before committing to a vacation ownership plan, it is helpful to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. This model works well for some travelers but may not suit everyone’s lifestyle.
The Advantages
- Consistent Quality: Owners can expect a certain standard of cleanliness and amenities across the resort network.
- Spacious Accommodations: Having a kitchen and separate bedrooms is often more comfortable and cost-effective for families than booking multiple hotel rooms.
- Forced Vacations: Ownership encourages people to take time off and travel every year.
The Disadvantages
- Ongoing Costs: Maintenance fees are a permanent financial obligation that continues even after the initial purchase is paid off.
- Availability Issues: Popular resorts can book up quickly, requiring owners to plan their trips many months in advance.
- Resale Value: Like most timeshares, Bluegreen memberships generally do not appreciate in value and can be difficult to sell for the original purchase price.
How to Exit or Sell a Membership
If your lifestyle changes and you no longer wish to be an owner, exiting a Bluegreen membership requires careful planning. Owners often find that selling a timeshare is more difficult than buying one. You can attempt to sell your points on the secondary market through reputable resale brokers.
Bluegreen also has an official exit program known as Bluegreen Resort Choice or the “Exit Specialist” department. This program is designed to help eligible owners transition out of their ownership safely. It is always recommended to contact the company directly before hiring a third-party “timeshare exit” company, as many of those services charge high fees and may not be legitimate.
Tips for New Owners
If you decide to join Bluegreen Vacations, there are ways to maximize the value of your points. First, book early. The most desirable locations and dates are often claimed 11 months in advance. Second, familiarize yourself with the “Bonus Time” rules, which allow owners to book stays at a discounted cash rate without using their points.
Finally, stay informed about your ownership by reading the member newsletters and attending owner updates. Understanding the specific rules of your contract will help you avoid unnecessary fees and make the most of your vacation time.
Conclusion
Bluegreen Vacations offers a flexible, points-based approach to travel that appeals to families seeking spacious accommodations and reliable resort quality. While the system provides many benefits, it also requires a long-term financial commitment through maintenance fees and initial costs. By understanding how the points work and planning your trips in advance, you can make the most of what the club has to offer.
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