Anyone tried vacation package for $99 (and attend sales meeting)?

[roche]

Hi,

I often received those phone calls saying you can get a "complimentary" vacation package for only $99 per person which would include so many nights at a hotel plus two complimentary tickets to WDW -- the only requirement is to attend a 90 minutes sales presentation.

Anyone had experience with this?

I am saving miles on my American Express so that our family can fly to Florida and am wondering about these vacation packages.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks, Roche

 

[djm99]

Roche,

Now you are going to have some people give you some really negative experiences at these presentations, but personally they have been worth it to me because my DH and I get some great tickets and beautiful accommadations for really low prices. I personally would not get a package that doesn't specifically let me know where I would stay. If you are willing to vacation via Timeshare presentation, MAKE IT WORTH YOUR WHILE.

Like, on 2 occastions we stayed at Westgate Lakes (on Turkey Lake Road). We are talking 2 bedrooms Fully equipped kitchen, separate Master bedroom, Marble whirlpool tub in master bath
52"screen TV, VCR/DVD Player, Leather sectional sleeper furniture, and Screened in porch or patio. Now, you will read some Negative Reviews about Westgate, usually coming from there presentation (ITS A REALLY HARD SELL), but there are tricks to getting thru these presentations in that 90 min. Westgate almost always has a great packages and you can view all of westgate properties at www.westgatevacations.com (all the rooms really do look just like the pictures!!!!

Silver Lake has another package that I personally think is one of the best Timeshare packages in town you get 5 Days / 4 Nights with 1 Bedroom Vacation Condo Accommodations only $299 per person! And this includes 2 - FREE 4 DAY Disney Hopper Passes KIDS STAY FREE!!!! Or 5 Days / 4 Nights with 2 Bedroom Vacation Villa Accommodations only $349 per person!
KIDS STAY FREE!! Plus 2 FREE Disney Hopper Passes!!! Its really worth it!! Those 4 day hoppers at the lowest price would run you at LEAST $200 a piece. To price comparison deduct $400 from your total stay and I can guarantee this package is worth it!!!! Additional nights I think are $99 for the 2 BR - I can't remember how much for the 1 BR!! I would rather pay $200 for a package and have really nice suite or condo vs. some hole in the wall hotel!!!!! http://www.travel2disney.com/disneyworldvacationpackages.html


Now check out the websites below for some wonderful packages. Silver Lake Resorts (i read is very nice) has packages for 1 Bedroom nights 1-3 are $29.00, Nights 4-7 are $59.00 and the 2 BR is $65 up to 7 nights. http://www.discounthotels.cc/Hotels/silverlake.php

Club Sunterra $29 a night for a studio, $39 for 1 BR, $79 for 2 BR, and $119 for 3 BR.
http://www.discounthotels.cc/Hotels/clubsunterraCypresspointe.php


Sheraton Vistana Villages is $49 a night for 1 BR and $99 for 2 BR.

http://www.discounthotels.cc/Hotels/sheraton-vistana.php

 

[welovedisneyx4]

Is there a list or anything w/ those suggestions for getting through the timeshare presentation? We're going to Myrtle Beach this summer to do this and I've been through these presentations before, but any additional tips would be appreciated. I think we will have DD8 & DS4 w/ us, so I'm sure that will help.

Thanks for any help.

 

[djm99]

Here are my tips that get us in out within and sometimes under 90 minutes:

1. NEVER EAT THEIR BREAKFAST/lLUNCH/DINNER!!!! Almost always they offer SOME KIND of meal. Your presentation time does not begin until AFTER you finish your meal/coffee, etc.

2. If you already know what resort your touring, do some research on it!!!! Find out how much "resale" prices are off of different websites. And most importantly BRING IT WITH YOU!!! Nothing gets under their skin more than an "educated" buyer. Some will say not to buy from other resellers because you loose the resort "star" treatment!!! I simple say, "I wouldn't want to buy from a company who does not treat ALL its owner with the FULL respect they deserve"!!!!! Just because have since enough not to end up paying 17% in interest they should be punished!!!

3. DON'T BE AFRAID OF BEING RUDE!!!!! Some people are afraid to be rude to people who have no problems being RUDE to them!!! I have gone so far as to bring materials to read!!! A friend of mine laid her head down and went to sleep (AFTER A FEW HOURS OF BEGGING from the Salesman)!!!!!! Our first presentation lasted well over 4 hours!!! TRUST ME BE RUDE!!!!!

4. If you know for sure that your not interested in buying (obsolutely sure) and you didn't eat their food - make it CLEAR from the beginning that you have to pick up your family or friend at the airport within 2 hours!!!!

5. If you have been thru a presentation before tell them you have!!! That way you don't have to go thru that speech of how good of an investment the timeshare is, and how much money you'll be saving.

6. If you have ANY complaints about the property (particularly if you are staying on that site). Bring a list of every reason why you would not buy from that property.)

7. Show your disinterest in your face. These people are trained to "pick up" on those interested. Let me give you an example. My first tour was at Westgate (VERY HARD SELL - if you can survive a Westgate presentation you can survive any of them), anyway, A friend of mine (who had their presentation before ours) bought a Timeshare there ( a 2-bedroom) for around $13,000. The next day, when we had our presentation, the same 2 bedroom lock out was offered to us at $7500. Because we really were not interested and the price kept getting lower. Last year we were offered a 2 bedroom at Westgate Tower for $5000 (we were almost tempted!!!) If you look on ebay right now I'm sure someone is selling a 2 bedroom (at Westgate Lakes) for every bit of $3000. You do the math!!!!

8. If you are doing a timeshare at a world wide chain like Marriot or Starwood, they are usually low pressured but still do your research!!!!

9. Let them know that you are maxxed out financially (including credit cards) and have NO means for a down payment!!! NO ONE will let you leave without some kind of down payment.

10. If they get you to buy and you immediately realize (after leaving the parking lot) that you don't want it or can't afford it. Immediately send your letter to the resort within I believe 3-4 days (it could be more or less) to cancel because after that grace period - ITS GOING ON YOUR CREDIT REPORT!!!!

11. If you don't own a home yet you have to perfect excuse, Why would I buy vacation property before a home, I must prioritize and right now its not even a option!!!

12. If you have children, BRING them!!!! Children especially impatient ones (that includes about 99.9% of them)!!!! Let them cry, encourage temper tantrums, and most importantly let the toddler future track star (you know the one that keeps running away from ya) Let them do their thing!!!!

Sounds like a lot, I know but still it can be worth it, if the stay is nice. I have a friend and her husband who get a kick out of getting something for "nothing" (if time is nothing). While in Orlando last year they bragged about their $200 cash in 3 hours ($66.66 an hour doesn't sound so bad now does it!!) Their presentations NEVER went over 90 minutes. They did Tip #4 and said they had to pick up her mother at the Airport. Each time leaving with $100 bills. Another friend of mine did a presentation recently for (4) 4 day disney hoppers for $125 a piece!!!! Hope this helps

 

[Robinette]

I'm staying at Westgate Lakes this weekend and have to go through the presentation also. I'll post next week on how it goes.

Thanks for all the tips djm99!

 

[welovedisneyx4]

Thanks dmj99!

I will print these and save for our Myrtle Beach trip. We are getting to stay at the beach for 3 days longer than we normally would and I think we get $50.00 and dinner at local restaurant. We love the beach and are looking forward to a relaxing vacation b/c our last vacation was at Disney. Awesome time, but not necessarily relaxing!!

I think we'll be o.k. w/ the presentation. I have no problem w/ being rude and will be sure the kids need a nap when we go!! LOL! This is through Fairfield by Marriot, so maybe it won't be too bad. As far as being maxxed out financially, we are covered on that b/c we just built a house and due to a very shoddy construction loan guy, we are paying $300-400.00/month more than we expected! Thanks goodness for tax returns and work bonuses, we wouldn't be going anywhere w/out those!

Robinette: Good luck at Westgate, wonderful place, but watch out for the taxes and maintainance fees when they are trying to sell you a unit!!!

Thanks again!

 

[Mush]

Originally posted by welovedisneyx4


I think we'll be o.k. w/ the presentation. I have no problem w/ being rude and will be sure the kids need a nap when we go!! LOL! This is through Fairfield by Marriot, so maybe it won't be too bad. As far as being maxxed out financially, we are covered on that b/c we just built a house and due to a very shoddy construction loan guy, we are paying $300-400.00/month more than we expected! Thanks goodness for tax returns and work bonuses, we wouldn't be going anywhere w/out those!

You may be confusing Fairfield Inns by Marriott with Fairfield Resorts. I own a timeshare with Fairfield resorts, and I know that they do quite a bit of sales at their Myrtle Beach resorts, so I'm guessing you're talking about that Fairfield (The same company that has the Cypress Palms, Star Island, and the new Bonnet Creek resorts in the Orlando area) . They are known at times to be rather insistent on their sales, so I echo the others' replies to go in prepared.

If you are interested in just what Fairfield has to offer, you may want to join a Yahoo Group that is devoted to answering any questions you may have. The page is

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Fairfield_timeshare/

Chris

 

[welovedisneyx4]

Mush,

Thanks for the info! I just looked at my letters and see nothing having to do w/ Marriott. Duh! I sure feel silly now!

They are known at times to be rather insistent on their sales, so I echo the others' replies to go in prepared.

I think we'll be o.k. standing up w/ the presentation. They only way we would buy is if they would do a trade or something for our Westgate week. (Don't think they do that, though) We could much easily go to Myrtle every year than Orlando.

Thanks again for the info!

 

[maconga]

We just did the Marriott Horizons at Orlando (they also have one on Hilton Head). It was 90 minutes, very (basically no pressure) low key. I highly recommend the Marriott. We got a cheap room and 2 disney tickets. I want to try the Hilton Head next year.

Take a Marriott if you can get it.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

We did a Marriott Grande Vista presentation last year. We stayed longer than 90 minutes, but that was my fault. We own DVC, but if we were to buy another timeshare sometime down the road I would definitely consider Marriott.

BTW, our promo was one than I have not seen before or since : 4 nights/5 days for $599 (studio, we upgraded to a 2 bedroom for a total of $798) and two Discovery Cove Dolphin Swim tickets. Since those tickets are $229 each before tax and is very rarely discounted we feel like we made out like a bandit. Subtracting the worth of the D/C tickets I believe that were getting the room for about $80/night.

My one and only timeshare presentation experience.