Feeling Cheated

[DisneyMim]

First of all I feel really bad for you. As I have always told me kids, as long as you learn something all is not lost, it's a life lesson. Too bad you didn't as least talk to a DVC representative. When we bought way back in 1991 when it first opened, our guide told us that people would buy into other timeshares with the hope of getting into DVC on a trade, etc. He said that it would be very very hard if not imposible for a lot of people to do that. He also spoke of "bad" timeshare representatives who would lie and say that DVC was included, etc. The point I'm making is that this kind of info was available back in 1991. This is why it pays to really look into a situation before doing anything. That being said, I don't think you're situation is hopeless. I would still look into any and all alternatives. Maybe something can still be done for you. Don't give up.

Good Luck!!

 

[Mouse Ears]

I hate to hear stories like this. I really hope you are able to work things out. I have never seen this Vistana resort, but it doesn't sound too bad, so try to make the most of it.

I have heard too many stories of people buying at timeshare presentations only to find that they paid way above the actual value. That is why it took me several years to warm up to DVC. I attended one timeshare presentation and will never do it again for any reward. I am glad that we finally learned about DVC and joined sight unseen. That would not have been remotely possible if it weren't for the Internet and the answers and encouragement from the DISboards.

Best of luck and buyers beware!!!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I too am sorry to hear about your situation. I think you are doing the right thing by looking into DVC. After all, it is DVC you want.
I am sure Vistana is nice, but I would still unload it for whatever you can get, and buy DVC.

Good luck.....

 

[Lisa P.]

Simba0319, are you able to use your new Sheraton Vistana Villages timeshare to book a week at the Atlantis Resort? IIRC, these two resorts are affiliated and offer internal exchanges.

If you can, it may be a way to get into DVC! Offer a direct exchange with a DVC member on the Rent/Trade forum here or on the TUG Direct Exchange Listings. There are ALWAYS people interested in that resort!

 

[jeff968]

we've been on two of these Timeshare tours while staying at the Vistana resort and the Hilton Grand vacation club. They are very slick! The guy noticed I had a Tag Heuer watch and used that to try and make me want to sign up. But their math is all wrong. they never factor in the $600+ annual maintenance fees and you lose the felxibilty of going where you want and when you want. Sure, you can join RCI and trade but there are more fees to join and more fees to trade. I love the resorts and the rooms but I just purchase other people's weeks. One thing to note, DVC is not deeded so unlike the Vistana, after a certain amount of years Disney gets it back!!! Vistana, you and your family will have it for as long as you want.

 

[Robinrs]

I found this during a search today... http://www.consumeraffairs.com/travel/ramada_refund.html You might want to file fraud charges.

They misrepresented themselves with the DVC information. They may not listen to you but they may listen if you get Consumer Affairs involved.

 

[Simba0319]

Again, Thanks all... I know all is not lost Vistana is a really nice resort. I think I will look into DVC as an additional week, after all I used 24 days on my last annual pass so I could use more time anyway.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We went on the DVC tour back in '94 when they were fairly new. We loved the idea, but not the price. Then we toured a few other timeshares closer to home just to learn a little more about the whole process. We were given the "buy from us and you can still stay in DVC" line too, but we already KNEW that was not on DVC's list of exchanges. After 3 tours of other timeshares, we went back and bought a 230 point contract from DVC. Now we have added on another 150 and couldn't be happier. DVC is VERY easy to exchange, and we got a Hawaii exchange in just 5 days while it took our friends nearly 2 years with their gold crown RCI timeshare.

 

[Lucky4me]

20 years ago my ex and I were kidnapped off of Daytona Beach for a timeshare presentation. They literally held us captive in our suits for 6 hours, 10 miles away from our resort. We were 22 and incredibly stupid but we didn't buy. We also left without any of the perks they said we'd get just for listening.

This past year DH and I went to a pitch in Hilton Head. We already own a TS there and have been through the pitches many times. We set our watch for 90 minutes, listen to the spiel and then get up and leave with our $100 or whatever. If they ever offered a really great deal, we'd buy again.

The sales person had a large notebook with prices listed in it. I opened it and gasped when I saw they wanted $30,000 for one week. I asked him where the REAL price list was. He was offended and said lots of people were buying at that price. I said they have all been royally ripped off. We still went to look at the property and the front of the units faced the back of a grocery store. Just what one wants to look at and smell every time they walk out the door, a dumpster. I told him as much and he just shrugged. At least it's in Hilton Head was his answer!

I am sorry you got sucked into this. It is a hard lesson. I'd suck it up and make a reservation to use it asap. Maybe you'll end up loving it there, it really does look nice.

 

[Synonymous]

Do you have a lawyer? A good, threatening letter mentioning "fraud in the inducement" might get you some results. There is a potential cause of action there, if you can really prove the fraud, but, most likely, the contract language disclosed the truth, buried somewhere in the fine print. Still, if you got a sympathetic judge, you'd have a shot.

Might be worth looking into some legal advice. Consumer Affairs organizations don't pack the same impact as the threat of actual litigation.