What Happened to Vacation Village?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re someone who loves to travel and you’re familiar with the world of timeshare resorts, you may have heard of a company called Vacation Village. Vacation Village was a popular brand of timeshare resorts that operated in various locations across the United States.

However, if you’ve been keeping up with news in the timeshare industry, you may have noticed that Vacation Village seems to have disappeared. So what happened to Vacation Village? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Vacation Village?

Vacation Village was a timeshare resort brand that offered vacation ownership opportunities to travelers looking for a more affordable and flexible way to vacation. The company operated several resorts in popular destinations such as Las Vegas, Orlando, and the Berkshires. Vacation Village properties typically featured spacious accommodations with multiple bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and resort-style amenities such as pools, fitness centers, and on-site dining options.

The History of Vacation Village

Vacation Village was founded in 1975 by James E. Lambert, who had previously worked in the real estate industry. The company quickly grew and expanded its presence across the United States over the next few decades. In 2000, Vacation Village became part of the larger timeshare conglomerate Silverleaf Resorts.

The Silverleaf Resorts Acquisition

In 2000, Silverleaf Resorts acquired both Vacation Village and another timeshare brand called American Resorts International (ARI). At the time of the acquisition, Silverleaf Resorts CEO Robert Mead said that he was excited about the opportunity to expand his company’s presence into new markets through these two acquisitions.

The Problems Begin

However, things didn’t go quite as planned for Silverleaf Resorts after its acquisition of Vacation Village and ARI. In 2011, Silverleaf Resorts filed for bankruptcy after struggling with debt and declining sales. As part of its bankruptcy proceedings, the company sold several of its resorts, including some Vacation Village properties.

Current Status of Vacation Village

Today, it’s unclear what exactly happened to Vacation Village after Silverleaf Resorts’ bankruptcy. Some Vacation Village properties were sold off as part of the bankruptcy proceedings, while others appear to have been acquired by other timeshare companies. However, there is no longer an official Vacation Village website or brand presence.

The Legacy of Vacation Village

Despite its uncertain fate, Vacation Village left a lasting impact on the timeshare industry. The company was known for offering spacious and well-appointed accommodations at affordable prices, making vacation ownership accessible to a wider range of travelers. Many former Vacation Village owners still reminisce about their stays at these resorts and the memories they made with their families.

Conclusion

In summary, it’s unclear what exactly happened to Vacation Village after its acquisition by Silverleaf Resorts and subsequent bankruptcy. However, the legacy of this popular timeshare brand lives on through the memories and experiences of its former owners. If you’re a fan of vacation ownership or just enjoy traveling in general, it’s worth keeping an eye out for any new developments in the world of timeshares – who knows what exciting new brands might emerge in the future!