Marriott "Horizons" Orlando now "Harbour Lake" ?

bluka · #1 (**permalink**) 03-27-2009, 10:49 PM

Am i missing something while signing on to the II website? It now shows Marriotts "Horizons" as Marriotts "Harbour Lake"?. I know Marriott was not quite sure what they wanted to do with the "Horizons brand" but Branson still shows "Horizons". Do you think Marriott might be dropping the Horizons concept?

riverdees05 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 06:43 AM

Yes, that is my understanding. They are trying to come up with a good name for the Branson property.

littlestar · #3 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 08:35 AM

Here's what we received via e-mail from Marriott Owner Services regarding our Horizons Branson:

"On your next visit to Horizons at Branson, you may discover that the resort has a new name. As you are one of our valued Owners, we wanted you to be among the first to know that Horizons at Branson has joined the family of resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club® brand and will soon be given a new name to fit its unique location and resort design.

As the transition to a Marriott Vacation Club resort takes place during the next several months, we want to assure you that your vacation experience will remain unchanged and that the resort will continue to offer the same unique, family-focused experiences you’ve come to expect. You’ll notice different signage and other subtle touches, but you’ll experience the same high level of service from the same dedicated Associates, and you’ll retain the same flexible vacation options you’ve enjoyed as a Horizons at Branson Owner.

In the years ahead, Owners also can look forward to a “fresh” new look and feel for future-planned villas at both Horizons at Branson and Orlando as Marriott Vacation Club plans to invest in enhancements to the villa design and décor for our Owners and their guests to enjoy. These villa enhancements will complement the existing theme at both resorts, while maintaining the unique vacation experiences that you have come to expect on your vacations.

We are excited to welcome Horizons at Branson to the Marriott Vacation Club family of resorts and our goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible for our Owners. As the transition continues, you will find updates in your regular Owner newsletter.

In the meantime, additional information can be found at
My-VacationClub.com/HorizonsBrandTransition or contact your Vacation Ownership Advisor or Owner Services should you have any further questions."

Sincerely,

David Babich signature

David Babich
Chief Customer Officer
Marriott Vacation Club

GrayFal · #4 (**permalink**) 03-29-2009, 02:06 PM

I received the same email - looking forward to Branson's new name and upgraded units.....

littlestar · #5 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrayFal

I received the same email - looking forward to Branson's new name and upgraded units.....

Hi Pat,

Did you buy a Branson week?

GrayFal · #6 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlestar

Hi Pat,

Did you buy a Branson week?

yes, last fall....wish I had waited a little longer but

......I am still happy with my purchase.

littlestar · #7 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrayFal

yes, last fall....wish I had waited a little longer but

......I am still happy with my purchase.

Don't feel too bad. When I bought my EOY Gold week I paid about $2,400 and thought I got a nice deal. Prices have dropped on everything it seems (even DVC - laughter).

I am really excited about Horizons becoming a full-fledged Marriott, though.

I am going to call this week and book easter week 2010 and lock my unit off. I'm going to try and get my nephew a studio at Ko Olina for his honeymoon in October.

GrayFal · #8 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlestar

Don't feel too bad. When I bought my EOY Gold week I paid about $2,400 and thought I got a nice deal. Prices have dropped on everything it seems (even DVC - laughter).

I am really excited about Horizons becoming a full-fledged Marriott, though.

I am going to call this week and book easter week 2010 and lock my unit off. I'm going to try and get my nephew a studio at Ko Olina for his honeymoon in October.

How has the gold week traded for you?
I own a Platinum lock-off....
I will be making my first reservation this July.

and yes, I am also looking forward to 'full' status and upgrades - we will see how this plays out.

littlestar · #9 (**permalink**) 03-30-2009, 04:25 PM

Gold has traded really well for me. I usually book a May week, but I thought I would try Easter week this time and see how it does. When I played around with II's site using a pretend 8 digit number I could pull studios at Ko Olina for October, so I thought I'd get a headstart on my request instead of waiting on a May week.

I'm sure a platinum week will do even better than Gold.

The first year I owned Branson II offered AC's for March 1st or higher check-ins. The second year they offered AC's for check-ins from the last of April through platinum season. I know by depositing early I'll miss out on any AC's, but I'm more worried about my nephew's honeymoon than an AC, so . . .

rikkis_playpen · #10 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 11:31 AM

Marriott seems to have forgotten about the name change and planned upgrades in Branson for now! I spoke with a employee in Branson this morning, and he said it might not even happen now, as he hasn't heard it mentioned for months.

Maybe was just a sales tactic. Since Grande Vista inventory is basically gone and Lakeshore is behind schedule, I guess they needed something to sell in Orlando that didn't have the Horizons name.

Has anyone heard anything about the plans in Branson recently?