[banjo5]

We visited TV recently (last week) on our 2nd Lifestyle Visit. While we were generally pleased, there are things which we were less pleased with.
This time we stayed in a beautiful 3 bedroom villa in Creekside Villas.
The unit was great but we actually preferred the 2 bedroom patio villa where we stayed two years ago. In Creekside, we felt isolated from the general population. Everyone around us was there on the LS program so we couldn't routinely mingle with residents, as we enjoyed doing when we stayed in Bonneybrook. Nothing wrong with the place but being friendly folks, we really enjoyed the neighborhood feeling in a regular neigborhood.
The meal plan was definitely different. Two years ago we had a choice of 6 lunches or dinners with no spending limit. This time it was a choice of 4 with a different limit at each place, with a high of $50.00 per person at Arnold Palmer, $40.00 at Cane, $20.00 at the Lighthouse and $12.00 at the Veranda. Certainly plenty for a meal but the limit was there nonetheless.
The LS visit this time came with a golf cart and two bikes. The golf cart was ok, I guess, but boy was it slow. I pulled aside every little ways to let the locals pass. I realize they have governors for a reason but they sure are slow, slow, slow. The bikes we didn't use at all. The appeared brand new so they were either just added to the villa or the previous visitors didn't use them either.
The price was $900 for 6 nights this time as opposed to $600 for the same length stay two years ago. I guess if you consider inflation and the inclusion of a golf cart, the price was still good. It would have been better if we didn't have to consider the restaurant limit and it would have certainly been more enjoyable in a regular neighborhood. The Creekside Villas just seemed sterile and isolated for some reason.
We did mingle with the residents at the squares and stores and were impressed with the friendliness of the TV folks. So impressed were we that we put a deposit on a lot in St. Charles and will be joining you in TV later this year.
Now comes the hard part of the gazillion decisions which must be made in the near future. The good part of all this is that I've probably used my snow blower and snow shovel for the last time!!!!!!

[Russ_Boston]

All the more reasons why I'm renting from a private renter this time instead of doing the Lifestyle visit.

[Carla B]

Happy you will be joining us. We did a "Self-Guided Tour".We didn't come here based on a Lifestyle Visit. Didn't know anything about Lifestyle Visits (until joining this forum) or this place, for that matter, and our salesperson didn't enlighten us. We just drove here, ate at the Golden Corral, loved the "neatness" of TV, rented a villa from a private party, and bought a lot. We were startled at how fast the house would be built and the closing date, when we had to come up with the money. Guess we're not too analytical. But, several months later, things have worked out and we love it. Bet you will too if you move here.

[rshoffer]

Originally Posted by banjo5

We visited TV recently (last week) on our 2nd Lifestyle Visit. While we were generally pleased, there are things which we were less pleased with.
This time we stayed in a beautiful 3 bedroom villa in Creekside Villas.
The unit was great but we actually preferred the 2 bedroom patio villa where we stayed two years ago. In Creekside, we felt isolated from the general population. Everyone around us was there on the LS program so we couldn't routinely mingle with residents, as we enjoyed doing when we stayed in Bonneybrook. Nothing wrong with the place but being friendly folks, we really enjoyed the neighborhood feeling in a regular neigborhood.
The meal plan was definitely different. Two years ago we had a choice of 6 lunches or dinners with no spending limit. This time it was a choice of 4 with a different limit at each place, with a high of $50.00 per person at Arnold Palmer, $40.00 at Cane, $20.00 at the Lighthouse and $12.00 at the Veranda. Certainly plenty for a meal but the limit was there nonetheless.
The LS visit this time came with a golf cart and two bikes. The golf cart was ok, I guess, but boy was it slow. I pulled aside every little ways to let the locals pass. I realize they have governors for a reason but they sure are slow, slow, slow. The bikes we didn't use at all. The appeared brand new so they were either just added to the villa or the previous visitors didn't use them either.
The price was $900 for 6 nights this time as opposed to $600 for the same length stay two years ago. I guess if you consider inflation and the inclusion of a golf cart, the price was still good. It would have been better if we didn't have to consider the restaurant limit and it would have certainly been more enjoyable in a regular neighborhood. The Creekside Villas just seemed sterile and isolated for some reason.
We did mingle with the residents at the squares and stores and were impressed with the friendliness of the TV folks. So impressed were we that we put a deposit on a lot in St. Charles and will be joining you in TV later this year.
Now comes the hard part of the gazillion decisions which must be made in the near future. The good part of all this is that I've probably used my snow blower and snow shovel for the last time!!!!!!

From outside the preimeter as well, I always felt Creekside had a crowded, sterile "cheap" look to it... interesting to here a Lifestyler see it the same way.

[Irish Rover]

We too did the Lifestyle Preview for the second time. The first was back in 2002 and the most recent was March 7 - March 14. The accommodations (designer home) were great and the meal package was OK. I guess they did away with the funny money that we used to get. I agree that the cart was incredibly slow or all TV people have goosed theirs up. This was our seventh visit to TV. We usually rent Jan/Feb each year but decided on just the preview this year. The biggest change that I saw was the number of people every where. Carts, carts, carts everywhere and at all hours of the day and night. I do think Cane garden is by far the best place to eat now and I would pass on Palmer. The Bananas Foster (Palmer) that I heard so much about came out like rock candy and the steaks were just average at best. Might have been a bad night. We had a great time golfing and meeting a new set of people. I do think I'll stick with Jan/Feb from now on - March just seems to be too crowded. I have my patio villa already rented in Santiago for 2010 and I'm ready to come back. By the way, El Santiago restaurant was also very good but we are partial to it. We still love TV and hope everyone has a great year.
Irish

[Army Guy]

ok, maybe I am missing something here. We thought that LSVs were for interest in buying, and not vacations or could be used multiple times? On our first visit in Feb all TV rooms were booked, which was actually good since we found a rate at a local hotel, 1/2 of TV rate with my AARP Card. Didn't care about meals, wheels or deals. Just wanted to know was TV the place for our retirement, and talk with an agent. Which we did, especially when we saw TV was definitely for us and would be our next full-time home. In May when we come we are using the LSV to meet again with our Rep and see what CYVs are available for purchase, as me and the wife will not buy one without totally checking it out first. We are suing the LSV this time cause it was cheaper then the hotels this time of year.
Don't understand some that have been many times. To me it seems like why buy the cow if the milk is free? Or, to put in my terminology in the Army, Either lead, follow, or get the h@11 out of the way! Now don't come down on me, JMHO.

Army Guy

[Dirigo]

Originally Posted by banjo5

We visited TV recently (last week) on our 2nd Lifestyle Visit. While we were generally pleased, there are things which we were less pleased with.
This time we stayed in a beautiful 3 bedroom villa in Creekside Villas.
The unit was great but we actually preferred the 2 bedroom patio villa where we stayed two years ago. In Creekside, we felt isolated from the general population. Everyone around us was there on the LS program so we couldn't routinely mingle with residents, as we enjoyed doing when we stayed in Bonneybrook. Nothing wrong with the place but being friendly folks, we really enjoyed the neighborhood feeling in a regular neigborhood.
The meal plan was definitely different. Two years ago we had a choice of 6 lunches or dinners with no spending limit. This time it was a choice of 4 with a different limit at each place, with a high of $50.00 per person at Arnold Palmer, $40.00 at Cane, $20.00 at the Lighthouse and $12.00 at the Veranda. Certainly plenty for a meal but the limit was there nonetheless.
The LS visit this time came with a golf cart and two bikes. The golf cart was ok, I guess, but boy was it slow. I pulled aside every little ways to let the locals pass. I realize they have governors for a reason but they sure are slow, slow, slow. The bikes we didn't use at all. The appeared brand new so they were either just added to the villa or the previous visitors didn't use them either.
The price was $900 for 6 nights this time as opposed to $600 for the same length stay two years ago. I guess if you consider inflation and the inclusion of a golf cart, the price was still good. It would have been better if we didn't have to consider the restaurant limit and it would have certainly been more enjoyable in a regular neighborhood. The Creekside Villas just seemed sterile and isolated for some reason.
We did mingle with the residents at the squares and stores and were impressed with the friendliness of the TV folks. So impressed were we that we put a deposit on a lot in St. Charles and will be joining you in TV later this year.
Now comes the hard part of the gazillion decisions which must be made in the near future. The good part of all this is that I've probably used my snow blower and snow shovel for the last time!!!!!!

We stayed at Creekside also on our LSP a month ago. Don't get me wrong, the place was very nice, but I would rather have stayed in a regular neighborhood. I don't know how the rest of the regualr neighborhood feels about having LSP folks coming and going however.

Our unit was so new the bikes hadn't been delivered yet. The cart was fine (Yamaha gas), but I now know I'll want an electric cart.

The restaurant choices were good also, but I would rather have made my own choices. Cane was the best food, service, and atrmosphere, by far. If you ask, the servers will put both meals on one ticket, you just have to pay any extra over the set amount. That way you get more meals on your LSP.

Everyone we met was very nice and helpful. Everything was clean and well kept. We met some wonderful TOTV'ers that welcomed us and told us their stories and shared information.

No complaints here, great trip. Next time we will rent and mingle more.

Three years and counting "If the Good Lord is willing and the creek don't rise".

I never want to see snow and ice again!

Dirigo

[Dirigo]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

All the more reasons why I'm renting from a private renter this time instead of doing the Lifestyle visit.

I agree with you Russ. Us, too, next time.

Dirigo

[Hump55]

We stayed for 6 nights in early March. The one other thing we would have liked is internet service, either wired or wireless. Strange in these times that would not be there.

Otherwise we had a blast and really enjoyed our stay.

[banjo5]

At one time they told you you could only do the Lifestyle visit once. I think TV now views it as a moneymaker, thus the increased prices and decreased perks. I don't know if there's a limit or not now.
The official reason for the Lifestyle visit is obvious in it's name. To experience The Villages lifestyle. Call it a vacation or a sales visit, I don't think it matters. The idea is to get you to TV in hopes that you buy.

[livsea2]

Thanks for the review. We are coming down for our second LSV in April. We last visited in September. The big market dive started while we were there and scared us off! LOL One question to anyone on a recent LSV at Creekside. Are all the new lifestyle units designer homes? If so what style? We are coming with another couple and were curious as to the living arrangements. Thanks again.

[banjo5]

We were in a three bedroom Cumberland courtyard villa. Very nice place.
I agree with a couple of other posters that Cane is the best place for dinner. We had good food and excellent service. The wait was about 25 minutes but it was worth it.
Arnold Palmer, on the other hand was a disappointment. The service was lousy, I'm still waiting for my promised tea refill. We got the feeling that we were a major inconvenience to the wait staff.
The food was barely mediocre. Steaks were supermarket quality, nothing more.
I spoke with a manager who apoligized and said he'd look into it.
Funny but last time we were in TV, Palmer was our favorite place. They went from number one on our list to last. No wonder there was no wait to eat dinner here.
Lighthouse and the Veranda were both very good. We really liked them both.

[banjo5]

We stayed in a Cumberland courtyard villa. Very nice 3 bedroom unit. Very roomy and well laid out. Nicely furnished.

[katezbox]

My husband and I visited on Lifestyles over Thanksgiving. Our friends in TV (who have been here for about 2 years) had let us know in advance that the "deals" they got on their Lifestyles visit had changed. We stayed in a CYV (this was just before TV switched over to the Creekside area) and did not get bikes or golf cart. We rented a cart because we thought that would also be the best way to see TV as a Villager.

We also loved being in a neighborhood - and by renting a villa we got an idea how that would work for us vs. our friends' designer. Eventually bought a Bridgeport in Bonita due to kitchen lust, pure and simple.

Our friends said that one of the reasons the perks have decreased is that they were greatly misused. They told us that every restaurant encouraged them to order appetizers, salads, entrees and multiple desserts - and encouraged them to carry out what they didn't eat. Of course this ensured that the wait staff received larger tips - but inevitably food went to waste.

The best thing about Lifestyles for was staying in the Villa - now that you don't stay in a neighborhood anymore, I'm not sure it is as effective - other than for those who visit without doing their homework here or elsewhere.

k

[Dirigo]

Originally Posted by livsea2

Thanks for the review. We are coming down for our second LSV in April. We last visited in September. The big market dive started while we were there and scared us off! LOL One question to anyone on a recent LSV at Creekside. Are all the new lifestyle units designer homes? If so what style? We are coming with another couple and were curious as to the living arrangements. Thanks again.

The unit we had was a CYV.