If vacation deals were a buffet (and let's be honest, they kind of are), Bluegreen Vacations would be the all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet in the strip mall. It's not fancy, it's not going to win any Michelin stars, but it's cheap, there's a lot of it, and you'll leave feeling satisfied. That's not a knock — I love a good buffet. And I love a good Bluegreen deal.
Bluegreen is the brand that most deal-seekers cut their teeth on because the barrier to entry is so low. Their deals start at just $49 for 3 nights at a resort, which is basically the price of a decent dinner for two. Let me break down what you get, what to expect, and how to make the most of their budget-friendly offerings.
1. The Bluegreen Brand
Bluegreen Vacations is a publicly traded timeshare company (owned by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris's company — yes, the fishing guy owns a timeshare empire) that operates over 45 resort properties across the U.S. and Caribbean. They position themselves as the "outdoor adventure" timeshare brand, with many properties near national parks, beaches, and mountain destinations.
What makes Bluegreen unique in the timeshare world is their partnership with Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's. They literally have sales kiosks inside Bass Pro stores across the country. Nothing says "buy a timeshare" quite like browsing fishing lures and suddenly being pitched on a vacation deal. It's... creative, I'll give them that.
2. Bluegreen Deal Pricing
| Deal Tier | Price | Nights | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bass Pro Kiosk Deal | $49-$79 | 3 nights | Room only |
| Online Special | $79-$149 | 3-4 nights | Room + small perk |
| Enhanced Package | $149-$199 | 4-5 nights | Room + activities/tickets |
| Premium Package | $199-$299 | 5-7 nights | Room + tickets + dining |
Those Bass Pro kiosk deals are the cheapest timeshare presentation packages I've ever seen. $49 for 3 nights at a resort. The caveat is that these are usually at Bluegreen's more basic properties, but still — $49. That's less than a tank of gas in most states.
3. Property Quality: Keeping Expectations Realistic
Here's where I need to be real with you: Bluegreen properties are not the Ritz-Carlton. They're not even the Hilton. They're more like... a really nice extended-stay hotel with better amenities. Rooms are clean and functional but not luxurious. Furnishings are comfortable but not designer. Pools are nice but not resort-showpiece level.
That said, for what you're paying, they're totally fine. You get a full kitchen (or at least a kitchenette), more space than a regular hotel room, and access to pools and sometimes lazy rivers or hot tubs. If your expectations are calibrated to "budget resort" rather than "luxury escape," you won't be disappointed.
Best Bluegreen Properties:
Fountains, Orlando: Their Orlando flagship. Multiple pools, close to I-Drive attractions, and rooms that are surprisingly spacious. This is the property most deals are for, and it's the best representation of the brand.
MountainLoft, Gatlinburg: Mountain views, indoor/outdoor pools, and a location that's close to downtown Gatlinburg and the national park entrance. Cozy and well-maintained.
SeaGlass Tower, Myrtle Beach: One of their newer builds and it shows. Oceanfront, modern rooms, and a rooftop pool. This property punches above its weight for the Bluegreen brand.
Wilderness Club at Big Cedar: Located at Big Cedar Lodge in Branson (owned by — you guessed it — Bass Pro's Johnny Morris). It's their most upscale property and feels completely different from the rest of the portfolio. If you can get a deal here, take it.
4. The Bluegreen Presentation
Bluegreen presentations are... energetic. The salespeople are enthusiastic, the energy in the sales room is high, and the whole thing feels like a pep rally for vacation ownership. They'll play music, give high fives, and ring a bell every time someone makes a purchase. It's like a cult, but for timeshares.
Pressure level is moderate to high. They're persistant, and the "manager rotation" (where multiple managers come talk to you after you say no) can be exhausting. But like all presentations, firmness wins. Say no clearly and repeatedly, and you'll be out in 90-120 minutes.
5. The Bass Pro Connection
The Bass Pro/Cabela's partnership is Bluegreen's most unique distribution channel. Walk into any Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's store and you'll likely see a Bluegreen kiosk near the entrance. The pitch is simple: "Hey, want a cheap vacation? Just sign up here." These kiosk deals are often the cheapest Bluegreen offers because the customer acquisition cost is so low — they're already in the store.
I picked up my first Bluegreen deal at a Bass Pro in Tennessee. I was there to buy a cooler and left with a vacation booked. My wife was not amused. But when we were sitting by the pool in Orlando three weeks later, she admitted it was a pretty good impulse buy.
6. Qualification Requirements
- Ages 25-70 (sometimes 25-75)
- Married or cohabiting couples preferred (singles sometimes accepted)
- Household income $40,000+ (lowest in the industry)
- Valid credit card
- U.S. resident
- No Bluegreen presentation in the past 12 months
That $40,000 income requirement is the lowest of any major timeshare brand, which aligns with Bluegreen's budget-friendly positioning. It makes their deals accessible to a wider range of travelers.
7. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Some of the cheapest timeshare deals available ($49 entry)
- Lowest income qualification requirement ($40K)
- 45+ properties across the U.S.
- Bass Pro/Cabela's kiosks make deals easy to find
- Several genuinely good properties (SeaGlass, Wilderness Club)
- Accepts single travelers more often than other brands
Cons:
- Property quality is modest — don't expect luxury
- Presentations can be high-energy and pushy
- Some properties feel dated
- Limited premium/luxury destinations
- The Bass Pro connection feels... weird? Like buying shoes at a hardware store.
8. Where to Find Bluegreen Deals
Three main channels: Bass Pro/Cabela's kiosks (cheapest), the Bluegreen website, and third-party brokers like BookVIP. The kiosk deals are almost always the best value, so if you happen to be near a Bass Pro, swing by and see what they're offering.
9. Is Bluegreen Right for You?
If your primary goal is "cheapest possible resort vacation," Bluegreen is your brand. They're not trying to be Marriott, and they're not pretending to be. They're the honest budget option in a market full of brands trying to upsell you into luxury. There's something refreshing about that.
10. Bottom Line
Bluegreen Vacations delivers exactly what it promises: affordable resort stays with reasonable amenities. Set your expectations accordingly, grab a $49 deal, sit through the presentation, and enjoy your vacation. It's not glamorous, but its a heck of a lot better than sitting at home. Compare Bluegreen deals with other brands on our deals page.