How to Cancel Bluegreen Vacations Reservation: Step-by-Step Guide

Canceling a Bluegreen Vacations reservation can be a complex process, depending on the type of reservation you have and when you decide to cancel. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the cancellation process for different types of reservations, provide insights on timeshare contract cancellations, and offer advice on what to do if you’ve missed the initial cancellation window.

Understanding Your Reservation Type

Before you begin the cancellation process, it’s crucial to identify the type of reservation you have. Bluegreen Vacations offers several reservation types, each with its own cancellation policies:

1. Points Reservations
2. Bonus Time Reservations
3. RCI Exchanges
4. Direct Exchange

Let’s break down the cancellation process for each type:

1. Points Reservations

For Points Reservations, follow these guidelines:

• Cancellation Deadline: You must cancel at least 10 days before your check-in date to avoid losing points.
• Cancellation Fees:
• Online cancellation: $60 fee
• Phone cancellation: $75 fee
• Points Refund: If canceled within the 10-day timeframe, you will not lose your points.

2. Bonus Time Reservations

For Bonus Time Reservations, the rules are slightly different:

• Cancellation Deadline: Cancel more than three days before your check-in date for a full refund.
• Late Cancellation Fee: If canceled within three days of check-in, you’ll be charged one night’s fee plus applicable taxes.
• Cancellation Fees:
• Online cancellation: $60 fee
• Phone cancellation: $75 fee

3. RCI Exchanges

RCI Exchanges have a more complex cancellation policy:

• Grace Period: You have a 24-hour grace period to modify or cancel without penalty.
• Refund Schedule: After the grace period, point refunds depend on when you cancel:
• Greater than 120 days: 100% refund
• 119-61 days: 75% refund
• 60-30 days: 50% refund
• Less than 29 days: 25% refund
• Cancellation Process: You must contact RCI directly at (800) 445-0088 or (317) 805-9174 for international callers. Online cancellations are not available.

4. Direct Exchange

For Direct Exchange reservations:

• Grace Period: You can cancel by the end of the next business day without a fee.
• Cancellation Fee: After the grace period, there’s a $60 cancellation fee.
• Late Cancellation: If canceled less than ten days prior to check-in, you may lose points.
• Contact: All changes must be made online or by calling Bluegreen Traveler Plus at (800) 459-1597 between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday.

Points Protection Option

If you purchased Points Protection within three days of confirmation, you have additional flexibility:

• Cancel up until 5:00 PM on the day of check-in without the $75 cancellation fee.
• Your points will be returned to your account.

Steps to Cancel Your Reservation

1. Determine Your Reservation Type: Identify which type of reservation you have from the categories above.
2. Check the Cancellation Deadline: Ensure you’re within the appropriate timeframe to avoid additional fees or point losses.
3. Decide on Cancellation Method:
4. For most reservations, you can cancel online through your Bluegreen account.
5. Some reservations, like RCI Exchanges, require a phone call.
6. Gather Necessary Information:
7. Your reservation number
8. Check-in and check-out dates
9. Personal identification details
10. Initiate the Cancellation:
11. Online: Log into your Bluegreen account and navigate to your reservations.
12. By Phone: Call the appropriate customer service number:
    • Owners: (800) 456-2582
    • RCI: (800) 445-0088 or (317) 805-9174 (international)
13. Confirm the Cancellation: Ensure you receive a cancellation confirmation and keep this for your records.
14. Check for Refunds: If applicable, verify that your points have been refunded to your account or that any due refunds have been processed.

Canceling a Timeshare Contract

If you’re looking to cancel your Bluegreen timeshare contract, rather than just a reservation, the process is different and more time-sensitive:

Within the Rescission Period

1. Identify the Rescission Period: This is typically 3-10 days after purchase, depending on your state.
2. Write a Cancellation Letter: Include:
3. Your name
4. Contract number
5. Purchase date
6. Clear statement of intent to rescind
7. Request for full deposit refund
8. Your contact information
9. Submit the Letter: Send via certified mail or overnight mail to prove timely delivery.
10. Keep Documentation: Retain all receipts and copies of correspondence.

After the Rescission Period

If you’ve missed the rescission period, your options are more limited but may include:

1. Contacting the Timeshare Company: Inquire about internal cancellation programs.
2. Legal Action: Consider this if there were misrepresentations in the sales process.
3. Selling or Transferring: Look into reputable resale marketplaces.
4. Renting Out: Consider renting your timeshare to offset costs.
5. Negotiation: Try negotiating directly with Bluegreen, especially if there were issues with the sales process.

Final Tips

• Always read the fine print of your reservation or contract.
• Keep detailed records of all communications and transactions.
• Be wary of third-party cancellation companies that charge upfront fees.
• Consider travel insurance for future bookings to protect against unforeseen circumstances.

By following this guide, you should be well-equipped to navigate the cancellation process for your Bluegreen Vacations reservation or timeshare contract. Remember, the key to a smooth cancellation is understanding your specific situation and acting promptly within the given timeframes.