[banjo5]

Originally Posted by 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

There were misuses under the previous LS plan for sure. When we dined at
Arnold Palmer, the waiter pushed the Kobe steak with a lobster tail. He even stated that the tails were on the small side so we might want to order two tails. Same thing at Katie Belles. In both instances we declined. We preferred to eat what we normally ate.
You were limited to an appetizer, a main course and a dessert for each person. There was no limit, however, to the price of each course. Seemed like a classy way to do business.
When I take business clients to dinner, I wouldn't ever consider giving them a dollar limit. I trust that they will use good judgement in their choices. In most cased they do. Isn't that what the LS program is? A series of business meetings? You being the customer being wooed.
You can agree with me if you want, don't care if you don't.

[katezbox]

Actually, I do agree with you. But, as the headlines testify daily, greed and misuse are rampant. I can see why limits are imposed. When we take clients to dinner, we sit with them at the table. In Lifestyles, there is no one to "check" greedy behavior. Other than NFL platers and Olympic athletes, no one needs kobe beef, twe lobster tails, plus appetizer and dessert just because it is "free."

[collie1228]

It's strange how different our experiences can be. We were there in July, and maybe visiting during the off season made our visit more enjoyable. We stayed in one of the Cottages at Lake Sumter Landing, and virtually everything was outstanding. And the cost in July was only $90 per night. Maybe if I paid $900 for six nights I might have had a different opinion. But for less than $500 (5 nights), the home was beautiful, the complimentary new Yamaha gas cart was plenty fast (but admittedly the residents did, generally, go a couple of MPH faster than us). Having the gas cart also convinced me that I would buy electric. We had free wireless internet service at the cottage, which was great too. We loved the bicycles, which appeared to be brand new. We didn't mind the limits on the "free" meals, as it never crimped our style at all. We liked Cane Garden the best, for the same reasons others have expressed - good food, great service and a nice room. After dinner, the waiter asked us to take a serving of cheesecake home, as its value made the bill come up to the limit. Lunch at Palmer after eighteen holes was really nice too. And dinner at Cattle Baron was really special, as they offered a full course dinner or either prime rib, steak or lobster for the full value on the card. No extra charges (except for alcohol, of course). I really can't think of much that I could complain about - the service at the Lighthouse was abysmal and we had a thunderstorm most afternoons. That's about it. All-in-all we had a very nice time, and I recommend it to all my friends. And apparently it worked, as we plan to buy in TV when I retire, which will probably be in three years, now that the 401(k) is in critical but stable condition.

[banjo5]

Originally Posted by katezbox

Actually, I do agree with you. But, as the headlines testify daily, greed and misuse are rampant. I can see why limits are imposed. When we take clients to dinner, we sit with them at the table. In Lifestyles, there is no one to "check" greedy behavior. Other than NFL platers and Olympic athletes, no one needs kobe beef, twe lobster tails, plus appetizer and dessert just because it is "free."

Perhaps I wasn't clear enough with my description of a business dinner. In New York City, more often than not I pay for the hotel, cab and meals at the hotel. I pay for the actual breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings where business is actually discussed. In most cases it is. None of us like being away from our family and comfort zone.
Having said that, I have no interest in checking everyone's dinner check. Some people are greedy, those people never get invited back to do business with us.
Some people are special, generous, giving, intelligent, forgiving, pretty much perfect!
Those people become Villagers!!!!!

[katezbox]

Originally Posted by banjo5

Perhaps I wasn't clear enough with my description of a business dinner. In New York City, more often than not I pay for the hotel, cab and meals at the hotel. I pay for the actual breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings where business is actually discussed. In most cases it is. None of us like being away from our family and comfort zone.
Having said that, I have no interest in checking everyone's dinner check. Some people are greedy, those people never get invited back to do business with us.
Some people are special, generous, giving, intelligent, forgiving, pretty much perfect!
Those people become Villagers!!!!!

Hi Banjo,

I totally agree. As some one on the road a lot, I love it when someone goes the extra mile to make me feel welcomed and taken care of. It was especially true in some of the out of the way places I traveled for business.

Part of me will always reflect my parents' values they learned in the Depression - I hate to see waste - whether it be someone who leaves half a drink at a wedding because the bar is "open" or those who order way more than they need because it is "free."

I don't know if I can live up to your description of a Villager - but I want to have a good time trying!

[Army Guy]

The problem I see, and that I hinted about in my first post in this thread is that I think the entire LSV program might be misused. It seems to us, that folks are using them more for vacations, and using TV as a resort. I view the LSV as both Katexbox & banjo have said, "a business trip", to see if you want to purchase and live in the TV. I guess that is where I have my problem with it. To me, I would put a 3 visit max limit on it. Why 3? First time to check it out, next two to look and buy.
That is why, even though we both golf, I will not golf while at TV till we buy. The intent of my visits are business of buying. Guess my years of ethics in the Army will not allow me to take advantage of anything like that.

Army Guy

[spk7951]

Originally Posted by banjo5

There were misuses under the previous LS plan for sure. When we dined at
Arnold Palmer, the waiter pushed the Kobe steak with a lobster tail. He even stated that the tails were on the small side so we might want to order two tails. Same thing at Katie Belles. In both instances we declined. We preferred to eat what we normally ate.
You were limited to an appetizer, a main course and a dessert for each person. There was no limit, however, to the price of each course. Seemed like a classy way to do business.
When I take business clients to dinner, I wouldn't ever consider giving them a dollar limit. I trust that they will use good judgement in their choices. In most cased they do. Isn't that what the LS program is? A series of business meetings? You being the customer being wooed.
You can agree with me if you want, don't care if you don't.

I agree with your comparison but I think you also need to take it a step further. The LSV program probably handles thousands if not tens of thousands of visits per year. If there was abuse then I could certainly understand a business decision to make changes based on the volume that is generated by the LSV program.

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by Army Guy

Guess my years of ethics in the Army will not allow me to take advantage of anything like that.

I think you are using the word 'advantage' too literally here. The INTENT is for you to enjoy everything that TV has to offer (including golf and food and recreation etc.). I don't think that anyone who takes a lifestyle visit is taking 'advantage' of anyone. If TV management found it to not be in their best interests they would police it themselves. In fact they used to do that. It used to be one visit only but then they started to relax the rules (but also took away some of the perks). You know how marketing works, when you have something great you just need to expose people to it and they will eventually buy!

PS> I chose to take arrange my second visit (this May) myself for many reasons.

Russ

[Army Guy]

Russ, I agree with you. Maybe I used to strong of a word. The intent was that the LSV should be used as just a vacation turning TV into a destination vs a place to tour and possibly live. And I do agree also, marketing is definitely their motive!

Army Guy

[susieq31]

The real problem with the Creekside/Lake Sumter Landing Lifestyle Visits is that you do not get a good picture of the neighborhoods or (usually) the house you would eventually live in. When we came for our 2nd LSV, we told the realtor that we would only stay in a neighborhood, in the type of house we were thinking of buying. That way, we could tell whether the home was too small (or large) etc. for our needs. Our agent was wonderful and set us up in a home in the neighborhood where we now live (Hemingway).

Not sure what's going on with the meal plan. I know you're probably trying to save $$$ but try venturing outside of the LSV choices. Ask the locals what they recommend. There are many, many good-to-great restaurants here.

It's my understanding that the rental carts are calibrated to the 19.2 mph speed limit, while owned carts (and especially the street-legal low-speed vehicles, or LSVs) may not be. Being able to go faster is a mixed blessing-if you're ticketed over the speed limit the ticket is pretty costly.

Yes, the Lifestyle Visits program is supposed to lead to sales but if the sales staff does not follow up aggressively, I'm not sure whether that will ever change. Maybe the abuses are what led to the cutbacks?

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by susieq31

It's my understanding that the rental carts are calibrated to the 19.2 mph speed limit,

The cart I rented from The Villages Cart store didn't go anywhere near 19.2. I was being passed by runners

[spk7951]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

The cart I rented from The Villages Cart store didn't go anywhere near 19.2. I was being passed by runners

Friends of ours rented from The Villages cart store recently and complained to them about the speed. They were told that those carts are restricted to go no more than 12 mph.

[SteveFromNY]

Originally Posted by spk7951

Friends of ours rented from The Villages cart store recently and complained to them about the speed. They were told that those carts are restricted to go no more than 12 mph.

I was told this restriction (which I heard was 13 MPH - but hey, whats' the difference?) is due to insurance regulations.

"Regular" carts are not supposed to exceed 20 (or is it 19.5 MPH). If they do, they can be ticketed for speeding. And if they've been modified to go faster (and aren't street legal), insurance and warranties are null and void (or so says my insurance policy and my owner warranty info).

The 4 seaters TV rents are faster than 13 MPH (or at least that's been my experience).

[Irish Rover]

Livsea2 - you do have a choice of residence that you will be staying in. The price for each option is different and availability will determine where you stay. The designer home would be great if you are coming with another couple because of the way it is set up. Lots of room and privacy for each couple. There are PV, CYV and designers with designers at the higher rate. If you are a golfer and golf is part of the reason you might move to TV, then by all means golf. It will be a big part of your life at TV so you should see how the courses are set up and how the system works.
I don't know where Armyguy is coming from with the ethics thing because "NO ONE" takes advantage of TV. Enjoy everything they offer because it's a great package and you will see that a lot of thought has been put into it. You will also meet some really nice people while you are there.
Irish

[Army Guy]

Irish, the point I was making was, that I have read some posts on here from folks that have taken 6-10 LSVs. As I stated in my first post in this topic, IMHO, LSVs are to come see if you are a perspective buyer in TV. I can see 1-3 visits. First to see it, the next two to search for your residence and buy it. Anything more, to me IMHO, you are using it as a vacation destination resort, that too me, again, JIMHO, is "using" the system. If you rent a home from a TV resident to use, fine. But to me LSVs are for people who are interested in buying at TV.
My intent was not to offend anyone, just state my HO.

Army Guy