Holiday Inn Club Vacations timeshare presentation - how bad is it?

[Mrs. Bradbury]

Normally I would not even consider going the timeshare-presentation-deal route, but this one is hitting a couple of things just right for us. I have an annual pass that I purchased last August, in preparation for celebrating my 50th birthday in grand style. Due to finances, that is not coming to pass . . . However, 3 nights at a Holiday Inn Express near Downtown Disney (I checked the map) and 2 free one day tickets to WDW for my husband would be a great getaway for us.

We have no intention whatsoever of buying a timeshare.

So, my question is, what are the negatives? The hotel in question is Holiday Inn Express Lake Buena Vista. It has decent reviews on Trip Advisor. We would drive to WDW, and more than likely drive to the parks, and with my annual pass we would get free parking. So, the only other expense would be food, as we've been enough times that we don't buy souvenirs much at all anymore.

I would love to know other's experiences, good or bad, and what to expect regarding the timeshare thing. How long does a presentation last? What questions should I ask, if I do decide to call for more information?

Thanks everybody!

 

[danygirl]

years ago our car broke down just as we arrived at Disney during Easter Week. We were staying off site. Our concierge at the resort was also the guy who booked the time shares. he went out of his way to find us the last rental car within 100 miles to save our vacation!! so we booked a timeshare talk.

We were polite but clear that we would not be purchasing every time they asked. not confrontational, just matter of fact - it is not for us at this point in time. We enjoyed a free breakfast and got a $100 disney gift card which we used for a nice meal in the park. It wasn't the best use of my time, but it was ok, we booked an early am slot so we didn;t lose the whole day.

I was tempted to do a timeshare presentation on our last trip to get some free tickets (having been there at Easter we decided a Christmas Week trip would be a piece of cake) but they didn't seem to have times that would work for us.

my cousin on time had a timeshare folks keep in him in the room too long, he got a bit mouthy about wanting to leave and the guy punched him - he walked out with a LOT MORE than free Disney tickets lol!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

We have no intention whatsoever of buying a timeshare.
. . . just keep saying no.
. . . but, not until the tour is over (about 2-hrs)
. . . or, they will charge you for the full room price
. . . since, you did not give them a "fair" chance to sell you

So, my question is, what are the negatives?
. . . the Express is OK
. . . it was remodeled two years ago
. . . it is three lights from the East Gate to DTD

I would love to know other's experiences, good or bad, and what to expect regarding the timeshare thing.
. . . you will start by checking in at the Tour Center
. . . a salesperson will come to get you for the Sales Center
. . . after showing you a little about "HI Vacations" you get a short tour
. . . they bring you back, and the Closing starts
. . . you will be sold by the salesperson and up to four Closers
. . . and, it definitely can get high pressure

How long does a presentation last?
. . . they claim 90-minutes
. . . usually 2-hrs
. . . but, it can be ALL DAY if they think they still have a chance at selling you!
. . . I have seen people there from 8:00am past 4:00pm

What questions should I ask, if I do decide to call for more information?
. . . there are no pre-trip questions
. . . they will not tell you anything
. . . they do not want you to change your mind about coming
. . . and them getting a chance to sell you a $35,000 weeklong timeshare
. . . which can be bargained down to $7,500
. . . or bought on the resale market for $100 per week

PS - How do I know this. I USED TO WORK THERE.

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

Thanks for your replies!

I decided late yesterday afternoon that there are just too many unknowns to proceed with it. Going with my gut instinct, which is "run away!" I really appreciate your input.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

My understanding is that Holiday Inn's time share in the Orlando area is the old Orange Lake, which was well-known for high pressure sales (but not quite as bad as Westgate).

 

[2TxAgs]

Can anyone comment on the Hilton timeshare sales experience?

 

[aclov]

My boss is doing this presentation next weekend I'll be curious to see how it goes