going to buy, but what can I get?

[Lynne M]

the guys at the kiosks can't even discuss price, so that would be silly.

if it amuses you to put on a show once you talk to the salespeople, knock yourself out...but as others have said, DVC salespeople don't have leeway in pricing that other timeshares might have. your naivete would be showing...

I think what the OP is looking to do is get the maximum number of tour incentive freebies out of the reps in the theme park booths, not haggle on price for the purchase itself. He mentioned an experience with one of the timeshare hawkers in Vegas where they're so desperate for a sale that they'll give away all kinds of stuff to get you in the door. Kind of like the Orlando timeshare places that give you theme park tickets if you're willing to be held captive for an afternoon.

 

[vicki_c]

Just going to play good cop/bad cop with the guys in the booth.

All the folks at the booth do is get you to the sales center where the guides/sales people are. The only tour incentive freebies are the fast passes (and they don't even always give those) and you still only get them from the sales center after touring.

 

[dcfromva]

cableguynoe,
If you enjoy negotiating, then you can do that with a resale.
The resale will be quite a bit less expensive to start with but it will take longer to complete the deal. Disney has the right of first refusal on any deal that you make with an owner. This can take 30 days. Then, there is the final closing. Then, the contract has to be recorded and finally your points are loaded into your contract. I would allow 8 weeks as a minimum for everything to get done.
There are some restrictions with point usage with a resale, so you should research that part carefully. If you only ever plan to use the points for DVC then it is no big thing.

You will learn a lot about the resale process on the
Purchasing DVC Board

 

[tjkraz]

I think what the OP is looking to do is get the maximum number of tour incentive freebies out of the reps in the theme park booths, not haggle on price for the purchase itself.

Agree. And that is a possibility. Those ASA's that work the booths are expected to schedule tours. Period. So they will bend over backward to get folks to sign-up for a tour.

And there are so many booths that OP could conceivably keep trying over and over again to see if some CMs offer more than others.

Only problem is they really don't have much to offer. It's not going to be park tickets, free stays or even discounted stays. I can't see them offering DVC merchandise to someone who is not yet an owner. FPs are most common. Gift card is a possibility but not particularly commonplace.

It's worth a try but I would recommend low expectations.

 

[bumbershoot]

They will let you walk away.

Absolutely.

I would say the one thing you CAN get is your next reservation for whenever it is that you want it, even something like Christmas or Easter week they can sometimes make magically appear. So if you have your next vacation in mind and want to make sure you get that reservation, you can work that into the deal.

But that's not something super-special only for a very few people. That's something they'll just offer up even if you don't need it.



OP, we got a giftcard in the exact amount stated on the card at our hotel (in '07ish, at DLR) and about 2 hours worth of free kidcare (DS was in their little room watching Shrek and coloring with a CM) while we talked with a guide/salesperson. At the end, when we said it was too much, he told us he looked forward to hearing from us when we worked out the money, and said goodbye.

And a year and a half later, he did, in fact, act as though he was happy to hear from us.


DVC is different than Marriott, etc.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

You know the guy that holds the door for you at a fancy hotel? Well, the ASAs at the parks are the guys that the doorman talks to on the phone when his door is broke. They are the bottom of the DVD food chain, and if one of them is honest with you, they can be fired for even deviating off-script.

They are very tightly controlled in what they can and cannot do. I've had several long talks with these folks when noone was around and that's what they have all told me. They are very much on-script and if they deviate even slightly, they can be fired johnny-on-the-spot.

Timeshare laws in FL are complicated and what they can offer a customer from NC and what they can do for a customer in MN may be regulated by their respective state's laws and FL law. The ASAs are a hard-core training ground for becoming "Guides" and most of them never make it.

This timeshare salesman thing that most people believe is so easy, is heavily regulated, scrutinized, overseen and everything else that most people simply wouldn't believe how tight Disney ties their hands. I know. I Actually became very good friends with my guide and he confided a lot in me.

The good news is that you have a lot yet to learn. The even better news is that you've found the best resource there is and you have a year to learn. Read here. A lot.

 

[disneynutz]

In addition to what Wilson posted above, the ASA's are expected to pre-screen potential buyers, they are paid a minimum wage and paid more if you buy. If you are a couple, both have to be present. A couple of years ago, many of the ASA's left Disney because they had their pay cut and a new "pay for performance" program was implemented.

They do not hold a real estate license so they are very limited on what they can talk about. They are basically DVC sales greeters.

Bill

 

[gray52]

I know a great incentive... +- 50% off your points purchase by buying resale!

 

[Disney Princess]

Absolutely.



But that's not something super-special only for a very few people. That's something they'll just offer up even if you don't need it.



OP, we got a giftcard in the exact amount stated on the card at our hotel (in '07ish, at DLR) and about 2 hours worth of free kidcare (DS was in their little room watching Shrek and coloring with a CM) while we talked with a guide/salesperson. At the end, when we said it was too much, he told us he looked forward to hearing from us when we worked out the money, and said goodbye.

And a year and a half later, he did, in fact, act as though he was happy to hear from us.


DVC is different than Marriott, etc.

I bolded the above part as it just seems funny to me! I believe you, but I thought that Disney would tightly control all of the entertainment offered.

OP - I agree with what others have said here. Read plenty, and do your research. Buying resale can save you a lot of money, especially on an older resort. Most of the folks on these boards are friendly and knowledgeable; you will be armed with information when you go to buy/tour - that is the best thing to have!

 

[SamiL]

The fastpasses (card with 3 fastpasses for each person in the group) are worth more to me than a single $50 gift card.

We got a set of those when we went to the reception they used to do at BLT. I wish they still did that. It was actually a lot of fun.

 

[misskari]

In my own personal and professional opinion I find it reprehensible when people try to get "as much as they can" out of someone or some company. I do believe in being fiscally responsible, and in getting a good deal is part of being a savvy shopper, but being a greedy and conniving consumer is pathetic. American consumerism at its worst!

 

[SamiL]

In my own personal and professional opinion I find it reprehensible when people try to get "as much as they can" out of someone or some company. I do believe in being fiscally responsible, and in getting a good deal is part of being a savvy shopper, but being a greedy and conniving consumer is pathetic. American consumerism at its worst!

In a free market it is the consumers prerogative to get as much as he can for the little as possible. And sellers aim to get the highest possible price for their goods/services. Where those two objectives intersect, there is a sale.

In other words, don't hate the player, hate the game. ;-) It's just economics.

 

[SamiL]

In this case, the "sale" would be the OP's time in exchange for the DVC swag. Not necessarily the DVC contract for money.

 

[tjkraz]

The fastpasses (card with 3 fastpasses for each person in the group) are worth more to me than a single $50 gift card.

We got a set of those when we went to the reception they used to do at BLT. I wish they still did that. It was actually a lot of fun.

IMO, the FASTPASSES aren't much more than compensation for your time. When you do a DVC tour or attend a member reception, it's a 2-3 hour time commitment. Most days you could make it through the Standby line for even the busiest attractions (Soarin, TSM) three times in 3 hours.

 

[delmar411]

Thanks for all the info. Yes, i was asking about the guys in the booth. Just wanted to know how much I can squeeze out of them since I've done it before(not on purpose, just worked out that way.) So if I can get extra fastpasses, then im going to try. I do remember those guys being a little persistent a few years ago when my wife was trying to pin trade with them, but we werent interested at the time.

As far as the other stuff, I do understand how disney works, and that they dont really need to give stuff away. That's why I dont understand why they've given me free dining for the past 3 years even though I was going anyway... but i'll take it.

My wife is the one that says we're buying, since we go every year. She's the sugar mama, so she gets her way. But i'll definately be looking into resale.
We go the same time every year, so if resale works for us, them I'm all for it.

I'm sorry but this made me literally LOL. Free dining is anything but free. You gave up all other discounts, discounts that could have been worth much more $$ than the cost of a dining plan to get that "free dining".

I think you should really understand what a discount is and where that money is coming from before trying to negotiate anything.

 

[SamiL]

IMO, the FASTPASSES aren't much more than compensation for your time. When you do a DVC tour or attend a member reception, it's a 2-3 hour time commitment. Most days you could make it through the Standby line for even the busiest attractions (Soarin, TSM) three times in 3 hours.

Whether you get the gift card or the Fastpasses--either option is just a compensation for your time. My point of view: $50 isn't that hard to come by, but you can't otherwise obtain multiple, immediate Fastpasses all at one time.

For us the BLT reception was much more enjoyable than standing in line. And at the time, the standby line for TSM (which is where we used the Fastpasses) was closer to 2 hours. So it was great for us.

I think it was September of 2010. We actually walked up to TSM, saw the posted wait time and headed straight to the nearest DVC booth (the one by the Backlot Tour) and signed up for the reception. I'd read on the DIS that they were giving out the Fastpasses for attending the reception, and I wanted to see the Top of the World Lounge and check out the BLT units, and it generally sounded fun, so we opted to do it instead of waiting in line. We left HS, drove directly to the reception, had a nice time enjoying free snacks in the air conditioned lounge, then returned to ride TSM with our fastpasses.

Compared to a $50 gift card (which is what we were promised and what the guide grudgingly gave us for touring SSR in 2006), I felt like the Fastpasses were a better value for us. But maybe I'm a dope.

If you've got a family of four a $50 gift card breaks down to $12.50 a person. That's about $4.17 per fastpass. There are several attraction lines at WDW that I'd gladly pay $4 not to stand in--especially with a squirmy kid or two. But don't tell the mouse. I really don't need him to start charging me for fastpasses.

$50 for two hours of two adult's time equals $12.50/hour. Which is not a great hourly wage.

I like the fastpasses. They make me feel all DVC special. Just personal preference. But I probably wouldn't go solely for the passes OR the gift card. They're a nice bonus for going, but for me not enough of a reason to go if I wasn't already interested. Which is, I believe, the point in offering the small, token incentives, as opposed to lavish gifts.

 

[tjkraz]

I wouldn't go out of my way for either one. Don't spend thousands of dollars to fly half way across the country, and then spend several hours of my vacation time for rewards which are of limited value.

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks for all the info. Yes, i was asking about the guys in the booth. Just wanted to know how much I can squeeze out of them since I've done it before(not on purpose, just worked out that way.) So if I can get extra fastpasses, then im going to try. I do remember those guys being a little persistent a few years ago when my wife was trying to pin trade with them, but we werent interested at the time.

As far as the other stuff, I do understand how disney works, and that they dont really need to give stuff away. That's why I dont understand why they've given me free dining for the past 3 years even though I was going anyway... but i'll take it.

My wife is the one that says we're buying, since we go every year. She's the sugar mama, so she gets her way. But i'll definately be looking into resale.
We go the same time every year, so if resale works for us, them I'm all for it.

Believe me...you didn't get anything free. Free dining is anything but. You don't get to use discounts for room rates..so you're paying top dollar for a room. Sure, you may spend a bit less, but not enough to make up for a really good room discount. But, many still think free dining is a great idea.

In all reality??? You may get an addtl FP or two. But that's it. Back, a few years ago, when they were actively trying to sell BLT, they gave out FP bundles...but, you were tied up in a 3 hr presentation!!! That's a fair chunk of time to be out of the parks.

Buying DVC is a perk in itself. Disney/DVC really doesn't need to beg you to book a tour, or to buy. There are plenty of people that are right behind you, checkbooks already open, and ready to buy!!! There's a reason they keep building more and more DVC resorts!!! They really don't need to entice anyone!!!

 

[CarolAnnC]

So we're pretty sure we'll be buying in out next december trip. Read a lot here and I think I'm prepared and know what I want.
My question is, does playing hard to get work for getting more free stuff?

I was in Vegas a few months ago and they kept trying to get my wife and I to go to a timeshare presentation. I kept saying no, even though they were offering us free stuff. Finally, one guy offered us a free show, a free dinner at a nice place AND $150 American Express gift card , so yeah, i gave them 2 hours of my time, even though I knew I wouldnt buy.

I know Disney offers fastpasses, or something like that, is this correct? Do they offer anything else that I should try to get?

Thanks for all the info. Yes, i was asking about the guys in the booth. Just wanted to know how much I can squeeze out of them since I've done it before(not on purpose, just worked out that way.) So if I can get extra fastpasses, then im going to try. I do remember those guys being a little persistent a few years ago when my wife was trying to pin trade with them, but we werent interested at the time.

As far as the other stuff, I do understand how disney works, and that they dont really need to give stuff away. That's why I dont understand why they've given me free dining for the past 3 years even though I was going anyway... but i'll take it.

My wife is the one that says we're buying, since we go every year. She's the sugar mama, so she gets her way. But i'll definately be looking into resale.
We go the same time every year, so if resale works for us, them I'm all for it.

Sounds like you answered your own question here?

 

[cableguynoe]

Sounds like you answered your own question here?

Not really. I was trying to figure out if anything else was offered that I wasnt aware of. Or maybe multiple fastpasses. But if you guys were to tell me that it cant be done(which many of you are), then i would know not to waste my time and just take what they give me and be happy, since the wife already said we're going to the presentation, regardless of wether we get anything.

Believe me...you didn't get anything free. Free dining is anything but. You don't get to use discounts for room rates

I'm sorry but this made me literally LOL. Free dining is anything but free. You gave up all other discounts, discounts that could have been worth much more $$ than the cost of a dining plan to get that "free dining"..

It is free. Just like you guys have been saying that Disney doesnt have to give away too much because people are lining up with open checkbooks, well they also dont have to give any room discounts OR free dining. I would be one of those people that would still go even if there were no discounts whatsoever. And I'm pretty sure most of you would also. So anything that they throw at me is free, since like I said, i was going anyway. Any discounts they tell me about when I'm booking is just a bonus.

In my own personal and professional opinion I find it reprehensible when people try to get "as much as they can" out of someone or some company. I do believe in being fiscally responsible, and in getting a good deal is part of being a savvy shopper, but being a greedy and conniving consumer is pathetic. American consumerism at its worst!

This is ridiculous. Is Disney (or any company) not going to try to get as much out of me? Trying to get the best deal possible, in any situtaion, is just part of doing business.