Anyone ever tried a timeshare Disney vacation? Worth it or not?

[JennyMP03]

I have the vacation bug and am feeling the need to go somewhere. What started as me suggesting a one-night stay on the beach (we're right outside of Florida) for my birthday in January has turned into me perusing Disney vacation packages on ebay.

I'm looking at one that offers 3 nights at a nearby hotel plus two Disney tickets-- one day normal adult tickets, I'd guess. It costs about $100. Of course there is a timeshare presentation. I'm wondering if anyone's ever done this for a quick, cheap Disney weekend getaway? It sounds good on the surface, but I fear getting there and having the "90 minute tour" turn into four hours of someone badgering us to sign something. Would appreciate any input... thanks!

 

[arthur06]

IMHO, not worth it. Especially if it is Westgate!!!

 

[JennyMP03]

This one was for Ramada. Did you try it and have a bad experience?

 

[powellrj]

We did a Marriott one a few years ago and would do one again in a heartbeat. It was great. I have no idea about Ramada, so you might want to do a google search and see what comes up. I agree about Westgate, I have never been on one, but I have read the horror stories!

 

[Bell30012]

Just sit in front of the mirror and practice saying "No" for a few hours. Saying it once isn't enough for these guys. You will be prodded and even insulted trying to get a "Yes". Things like, "Well, if you can't afford to spend money on your children's future vacations..."

 

[JennyMP03]

They'd have to go a different route with their insults. We have no kids and don't plan on that status ever changing. But yeah, I guess the pushiness of the presentation is what worries me. It wasn't that bad for you, powellrj?

 

[mrsklamc]

The one we went to was AWFUL. I don't remember what it was; I think it had Orange in the name and they made a big deal about it being founded by Howard Johnson or a guy who worked for HoJo or something...

Anyway, we didn't know that it was supposed to be limited to 90 min BY LAW, that would have been helpful. Also a guy we used to know (sadly he passed away) LOVED Disney so much that he did this a lot, and he said the fastest way out is to tell them you don't like the resort.

 

[vicki_c]

Why not rent DVC points from one of the DVC owners here on the DIS (or a few of the board sponsors also rent DVC reservations). It will cost you something, definitely - not free - but no timeshare presentation to deal with either. And then you're staying on property.

 

[jwwi]

I second the idea for the renting of points. If you can stay during a Sun-Thurs time frame it is an unbelievable deal. Just stayed at BLT, it was beautiful!

 

[Scraggy]

We went 2 years ago with a family who rented points. We got to stay at BLT for a lot cheaper than if we had to pay cash. A LOT cheaper than even with the 35% off discount code they had.

I have family who only go on vacation every other year cheap for sitting through those high pressure time share presentations. They never buy but they sure complain about it every single time they come back. This last one was at the Outer Banks, I believe. For me, time is money. I guess it depends on the person though.

 

[Bell30012]

Back when I was married we did a couple of them. My ex-wife was not one to trifle with. After the third person tried unsuccessfully to get the close she explained to them it was time to hand over the Disney tickets and get out of her way. Someone smartly figured out she was serious. We got our tickets, gift cards and found the exit.

 

[Marionnette]

Why not rent DVC points from one of the DVC owners here on the DIS (or a few of the board sponsors also rent DVC reservations). It will cost you something, definitely - not free - but no timeshare presentation to deal with either. And then you're staying on property.

The cost of renting points plus 1 day tickets for two adults is going to cost way more than what the OP would pay for the timeshare stay that she is thinking about.

Two adult 1 day base passes would cost $181.

Then add the cost of renting points for 3 nights (cheapest time, studio with no view, no weekend nights) which would be at least 27 points. At the cheapest rate of $9 per point you would still spend $243 for the room.

That's over $400 for 3 nights at Disney compared to $100 that the OP was considering.

I wouldn't do a timeshare presentation in exchange for cheap accommodations and free tickets, but I don't think that renting points is a reasonable alternative.

 

[Robinrs]

I can't even COUNT how many times I did it.

Sheraton's Vistana Resort
Sheraton Vistana Villages
Marriott Grande Vista
Marriott Cypress
Hilton GVC
Embassy Vac at Grand Beach
Westgate Lakes.... lots of them

I usually rented from TUG2, Timeshare Users Group. www.tug2.net

I went down OFTEN when my son was younger. Since we weren't die hard onsite people, we did timeshares to save money.

NO one can sell you something you don't want. I think owning a timeshare is a horrendous investment so no one can sell me one.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Most timeshares will state a 90 minute requirement to get whatever they are offering

However... When you get there you will be invited to go into a lounge for snacks, coffee, etc.

When you are finally taken to the salesperson is when the clock starts. You will be invited, after a movie or something, to tour the property. Ths will be in a golf cart. You will be far from the sales office when the 90 minutes is up.

Once you get back you will still have more to go through, possibly a "manager" coming in to offer a better deal than the original salesperson.

Actual total time from arrival to departure will be closer to 2.5 hours rather than 90 minutes. Add in travel time both ways and how much time will you be spending?

Calculate your vacation time and hourly cost.

Take the total number of hours from the time you leave home until the time you return. Then subtract out the time sleeping or otherwise spent in your room. This gives you actual vacation time in hours.

Then take the total cost of your trip, transportation, tickets, lodging, meals, etc. Divide this by the number of hours. This gives you a cost per hour for your actual vacation time.

Now look at what you are getting, and consider how much it is really costing you.

BTW, almost any Disney ticket you get from a timeshare promotion (especially if you get a voucher) cannot be upgraded or modified in any way.

 

[Robinrs]

Most timeshares will state a 90 minute requirement to get whatever they are offering

However... When you get there you will be invited to go into a lounge for snacks, coffee, etc.

When you are finally taken to the salesperson is when the clock starts. You will be invited, after a movie or something, to tour the property. Ths will be in a golf cart. You will be far from the sales office when the 90 minutes is up.

Once you get back you will still have more to go through, possibly a "manager" coming in to offer a better deal than the original salesperson.

Actual total time from arrival to departure will be closer to 2.5 hours rather than 90 minutes. Add in travel time both ways and how much time will you be spending?

Calculate your vacation time and hourly cost.

Take the total number of hours from the time you leave home until the time you return. Then subtract out the time sleeping or otherwise spent in your room. This gives you actual vacation time in hours.

Then take the total cost of your trip, transportation, tickets, lodging, meals, etc. Divide this by the number of hours. This gives you a cost per hour for your actual vacation time.

Now look at what you are getting, and consider how much it is really costing you.

BTW, almost any Disney ticket you get from a timeshare promotion (especially if you get a voucher) cannot be upgraded or modified in any way.

My tours are 90 minutes ... or LESS.

I sit down and look them in the face and tell I don't have to buy a timeshare for whatever reason. The salesperson is obligated to do the 90 mins but they usually lose steam because I'm a waste of their time. The time is always updated. I stand up when the "manager" shows up and show them the time.

90 mins... I'm outta there.

 

[JennyMP03]

Thanks for all the input! I probably won't try the timeshare, but maybe renting points will be feasible (though more costly) in the future. Thanks for the idea.

 

[swilshire]

We have done this, but only got lodging and a little cash. No tickets. Pretty painless as long as you don't mind saying no, no, no.

I've heard bad things about the Ramada deal. I'd look for a better offer.

Sheila