[california dreamer]

We were hoping to make our first TV visit earlier but just found out our daughter in Orlando is pregnant and due in December. So we will be coming out the first half of December this year. I know it is a really busy time and lots more traffic, lines, etc;.
What advice can you give us? My husband doesn't like crowds (who does?) and I'm concerned he will get the wrong impression of wonderful TV. We might stay at a TV hotel for one or two nights. not looking to buy, but who knows? Are resale houses plentiful in December or not? what areas would be good to visit and what is good to stay away from in December. Can't wait!!
thanks!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Early December won't be all that busy/crowded like it would normally be around Xmas and afterwards. You'll enjoy it!

Above all - don't forget to bring your checkbook! Like you said: "Who knows?"

Bill

[swrinfla]

Bill always recommends bringing your checkbook.

Which is NOT that bad of an idea! Many unsuspecting folks write a check while they're here and never regret it!

That said, there'll be plenty going on that requires only a credit card! Like: restaurants everywhere, from cheap to expensive; special concerts and shows, whether at Savannah Center or Church on the Square; access to almost any sport you can imagine, regardless of how 'expensive' it might be.

Whatever, come and have the best time in our Friendliest Hometown!

SWR

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Originally Posted by swrinfla

Bill always recommends bringing your checkbook.

Which is NOT that bad of an idea! Many unsuspecting folks write a check while they're here and never regret it!

That said, there'll be plenty going on that requires only a credit card! Like: restaurants everywhere, from cheap to expensive; special concerts and shows, whether at Savannah Center or Church on the Square; access to almost any sport you can imagine, regardless of how 'expensive' it might be.

Whatever, come and have the best time in our Friendliest Hometown!

SWR

And of course...............every place still accepts cash!

Bill

[njbchbum]

from what i have learned following tv real estate, prices for homes sold by outside mls realtors start to rise at that time of year because of the influx of snowbirds who rent. they then trend lower once the snowbirds return to their northern roosts.

a website that aided me before we made our purchase is:
The Villages

it provides great info as well as indicating the number of days that a home has been on the mls market. you might want to check that site from time to time so that you have an idea re sales activity. hope this helps.

[asianthree]

We come last of December and first two weeks of Jan. Its a little colder but the crowds are less and just much to do

[ijusluvit]

Originally Posted by california dreamer

We were hoping to make our first TV visit earlier but just found out our daughter in Orlando is pregnant and due in December. So we will be coming out the first half of December this year. I know it is a really busy time and lots more traffic, lines, etc;.
What advice can you give us? My husband doesn't like crowds (who does?) and I'm concerned he will get the wrong impression of wonderful TV. We might stay at a TV hotel for one or two nights. not looking to buy, but who knows? Are resale houses plentiful in December or not? what areas would be good to visit and what is good to stay away from in December. Can't wait!!
thanks!

May I suggest making your first trip the "Life Style Visit" arranged through The Villages. If it's still not too late to reserve the dates you want, they will put you up in a home near Sumter Landing town square, complete with a golf cart, bicycles and some discounts to golf and restaurants etc. The daily rate is better than a hotel and you really get the feel for the place in a 'typical home'. There's no pressure to buy anything but people around to answer your questions. In terms of crowds and lines, I won't comment. I'll just let you be pleasantly surprised. Welcome. Have Fun!

[ilovetv]

Originally Posted by ijusluvit

May I suggest making your first trip the "Life Style Visit" arranged through The Villages. If it's still not too late to reserve the dates you want, they will put you up in a home near Sumter Landing town square, complete with a golf cart, bicycles and some discounts to golf and restaurants etc. The daily rate is better than a hotel and you really get the feel for the place in a 'typical home'. There's no pressure to buy anything but people around to answer your questions. In terms of crowds and lines, I won't comment. I'll just let you be pleasantly surprised. Welcome. Have Fun!

I agree about making your first visit a Lifestyle Preview Plan visit thru TV Sales offices. There is no pressure to buy and the freebies they give you will get you into places you might not know about or try otherwise.

Also, we notice that a lot of TV residents go north to be with family for Thanksgiving, and many just stay there thru Christmas. It's not as crowded here in December as it gets in Jan-Mar.

[california dreamer]

thanks for the input everybody! we most likely will not be able to do the lifestyle visit due to a newborn's schedule(!) in Orlando.
are the hotel rates still pretty reasonable early December for a night or two, or do they tend to go up in December?
Sounds like it will still be a nice time to be in TV. I would love to meet at Crispers the third week if that works out too.....
Counting down the days

[Bill-n-Brillo]

We used to stay at the Holiday Inn Express (adjacent to SS) in the past. Decent rates and a good breakfast (included) as well. If I remember right, the rates jumped at Xmas time through the rest of the winter season.

Best to make any hotel reservations ahead of time as I'd imagine the places would get fairly well booked up - at least the HIE always did!

As long as the hotel you choose is connected to TV property, you can get access to everywhere in TV via golf cart! Rent one and park it in the hotel lot overnight.

Bill

[JoeC1947]

December visit- what to expect?????

What Else????

SANTA CLAUSE!!!!!!

Of Course!