I just booked a timeshare, opinions? (Long)

[lfw]

I just agreed to purchase an accomodation package through USA Travelpro. They are running a special for 4 days/3 nights at Amerisuites Lake Buena Vista, 3 days/ 2 nights at Cocoa Beach, and then an all inclusive 5days/ 4 nights in Cancun. All of this for 2 adults/ 2 kids is $398 ( in total, not per person). To qualify, I have to do a 90 min timeshare presentation at Amerisuites, but as I plan to piggyback this unto a planned 7 day trip to Orlando, I figure that it is worth my 90 mins ( I know it will probably be more like 3 hrs) to add another 4 days in Disney. As this is our very first trip to Disney, I had been a little concerned about trying to do it all in 7 days, plus the offsite stuff like Universal, SeaWorld etc. I pictured us running like crazy for the whole time and not having any down time, so this seemed like a perfect opportunity. The problem is that my husband is in Afganistan right now, and I couldn't discuss this with him, and now that I've committed, I'm having a little "buyers remorse". Does anyone have any knowledge of, or opinions about, this deal and this company in particular? I just have to use the vouchers within 12 months, I don't have to do both the Florida and Cancun trips at once, and they assured me there are no blackout dates, I just have to book the accomodations at least 60 days in advance. I thought adding an extra week to our holiday for $600 cdn made a lot of sense.Thanks for any input!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I would not do this if I only had a few days to spend in Orlando & trying to see everything. Your timeshare presentation will take up a good portion of one day!! To save money, I would try bidding on a room thru Priceline or SkyAuction and save that way. This board also offers some good deals. Check out the offers on here. The vouchers from the timeshare may be used at anytime, BUT....they will charge you a service fee if you change your dates. I also think you are only alllowed to change your dates once or twice in that time frame ....... I would not do it ..... your time is too valuable to waste it on a timeshare presentation...... you will only have a few days to see all of the "World" and beyond......use your time wisely......and have fun!!!

 

[crazyme5kids]

I see what you are doing. I would do it, but I would askpeople here if they know anything about Amerisuites. Adding the days is good, it gives that extra time for rest and the extras. There has been a lot of good info on this board about how to handle timeshare presentations.

 

[Robinrs]

I've done them and they were painless. I sort of have a deaf ear to sales talk anyway so it's not a problem to me.

Florida law demands that the presentation must be 90 mins, no more. Keep an eye on the time and state the law to the presenter and stand and tell them it's time to go.

The way it is handled depends on your tolerance level. Have a great trip whatever you decide!

 

[leslieh]

My DD stayed here for five nights with my priceline bid for $33.00 per night. It is a typical fairfield/business type hotel. I bought one of those cruise packages (3 day carnival cruise), with 3 days/4 days just like this one, i was never able to use, all dates were full, we really got screwed $700.00.

 

[Ecdubfan]

You might want to double check exactly where you will be touring. Although you are being put up at the Amerisuites, I doubt that is where you are touring...I don't think Amerisuites is in the timeshare business. Most likely, they will have you tour another proerty from where you stay. Some timeshare salespeople are respectable and some are slime. Be prepared to say no, over and over again. Don't show any interest in the property or any of its features...they will catch that and press their sale's pitch even harder. Hold them to their requirements...90 minutes and 90 minutes only.

Otherwise...Have Fun!

 

[lfw]

Thanks for the replies! I am fairly certain the timeshare tour is for Runaway Bay, which is in the same complex as Amerisuites. The only reason called to get more info on this deal was because the accomodations in Orlando were offered at Amerisuites and that is where we planned to spend the first 7 days of our trip anyway, somehow seeing Amerisuites listed legitimized the offer for me, made me think that it wasn't a scam of some sort. This property has gotten a lot of really good reviews on this board, along with it's sister hotel, Country Inn and Suites. Because a timeshare tour is required, I feel confident that I will be able to book the reservation when I need to, unlike the poster who purchased an offer and was told the property was always unavailable when they tried to book ( I admit, that response made me nervous!). Also, they have included a discount book, with $500. worth of discount coupons for the Orlando area. The documents are arriving next week via courier, I can't wait to see what it is all about! Anyone interested in seeing more about the offer can check usatravelpro.com and selected "vacation specials". I have also spoken to some friends about purchasing the Cancun portion of my trip from me for $400(cdn), as we won't be able to use it, and it is all inclusive for 5days/4nights for up to 4 people per room, so I can get some of my money back that way.