My most shockingly, un-Disney moment - Courtesy of the DVC

[Dean]

I believe they are trying to project a very casual, friendly vs actual sales persona w/the initial contacts who are instructed to be vague as to $ details.

Im always puzzled when I hear prospects describe the 'hard-sell' atmosphere of DVC. Unless things have changed dramatically since we spoke to a Guide, the sales pitch is not at all comparable to swimming with the sharks (aka full-blown timeshare presentation).

I understand they are trying to balance sales and image. Again I say they are too passive both the ASA's and guides overall. You're correct that "hard sell" with DVC is a misnomer. Even the most hard sell tour from DVC is dramatically mild by comparison. DVC has likely left millions of dollars on the table by taking such a mild mannered approach. I understand they want to set themselves apart and be the nice guy on the block but EVEN THEN they've gone overboard, IMO, though there are hints that is changing somewhat.

 

[Ansky]

Its too bad that the OP had such a bad experience.

We just got back from our first DVC trip. It was at SSR which we is also our home resort. We bought resale last year and while we were on vacation at SSR wanted to stop by to see the AKV and BLT models. We stopped by the DVC tour building one day and told them that we were current owners (although we didn't say specifically we bought resale) on our first DVC stay and wondered if we could see the model rooms. They looked us up on the computer and then said it would be no problem to see them. A minute later a nice young man came over to us and escourted us through all the model rooms. He was very friendly and never tried to push anything on us. The whole process took maybe 20 minutes. Just thought I would share our personal experience in a similar situation because it was a positive one. I'm glad the OP doesn't seem soured towards Disney or DVC.

 

[dclfun]

Sounds like the ASA the OP met in the lobby needed to meet their quota. The right thing to do would've been to let you view the model rooms that members can visit vs. actually going on a presentation that you didn't want. It was the ASA that set you up..and also set up the guide who, as another poster mentioned, was probably irritated that 1- he was assigned guests who didn't want to buy direct/had already bought, and 2- he had to spend time with guests where another person earned the commission and probably did very little to earn it. The guide though should've done due diligence by telling you about add-ons and possibilities. You might not consider them for years but they'd have put the bug in your ear. IMO the guides need to build relationships which is what sets them apart from a storefront where all you get is a discount. I don't own at SSR but I like SSR and I can't believe that a successful sales tactic is to bash one of their own products. It would be like DCL telling guests that the Magic and Wonder are horrible and that people should only consider the Dream. Erm...not true. I really hate to think of the OP with a bad taste in their mouth as they did NOT ask for the guide to spend time and the guide should not have had to give up a lead and then have to wait in rotation for another turn. So back to the beginning of my post- it all started with the ASA who used poor judgement and who did a disservice to both the OP and the guide.---Kathy

 

[keishashadow]

I understand they are trying to balance sales and image. Again I say they are too passive both the ASA's and guides overall. You're correct that "hard sell" with DVC is a misnomer. Even the most hard sell tour from DVC is dramatically mild by comparison. DVC has likely left millions of dollars on the table by taking such a mild mannered approach. I understand they want to set themselves apart and be the nice guy on the block but EVEN THEN they've gone overboard, IMO, though there are hints that is changing somewhat.

In this economy they need to find a happy medium, it would be frustrating to try to sell a product but have one's hands tied in closing the deal.

i blame it all on jim lewis

btw, we managed to talk our way in to see the models when California just opened doors to their preview center before the 1st official tour of the day. Even though the guide knew my family and another DVC group (from/working in dubai no less) were members, there was quite the push vs what we experienced in Orlando. Could possibly be attributed to new factor or regional difference/sales direction I supppose?

 

[TisBit]

Its too bad that the OP had such a bad experience.

We just got back from our first DVC trip. It was at SSR which we is also our home resort. We bought resale last year and while we were on vacation at SSR wanted to stop by to see the AKV and BLT models. We stopped by the DVC tour building one day and told them that we were current owners (although we didn't say specifically we bought resale) on our first DVC stay and wondered if we could see the model rooms. They looked us up on the computer and then said it would be no problem to see them. A minute later a nice young man came over to us and escourted us through all the model rooms. He was very friendly and never tried to push anything on us. The whole process took maybe 20 minutes. Just thought I would share our personal experience in a similar situation because it was a positive one. I'm glad the OP doesn't seem soured towards Disney or DVC.

And it most likely was that the OP was not a member yet that they put them with a salesperson. I wonder how many people want to view the models without getting the whole sale pitch?

 

[Coach81]

Yeah.. I would have not let them know about the resale.. but I also would have handled the individual much differently then you.. I would have immediately got a supervisor and had this individual dealt with ON THE SPOT...

Totally unacceptable behavior...

 

[katybug34]

...and you probably didn't even get the magic Fast Passes either did you??!!

 

[awilliams4]

We couldn’t believe this. Obviously, there are many half-truths and un-truths in his statements.

I have only read up to this point so far and will continue reading but while the Guide should not have send these things, I don't see half-truths and un-truths so far. Some of what he is saying is opininated and arguably correct while the rest is just correct.

 

[Candy Orlando]

I think all the DVC resorts are lovely. SSR and OKW have a golf course running through them. They feel like home to me because I live in a town with three golf courses running through it. I love the open space that many towns try to keep. Walt Disney's dreams have made my vacations magical!!!

 

[gkrykewy]

I have only read up to this point so far and will continue reading but while the Guide should not have send these things, I don't see half-truths and un-truths so far. Some of what he is saying is opininated and arguably correct while the rest is just correct.

Again, I really disagree with this -- there are both misleading statements about present circumstances (i.e., 'SSR is the only resort Disney is not ROFRing', when in fact they're not ROFRing anything but BCV) and ridiculous predictions about future price trends (those predicted price changes would give us SSR values of $30pp and BLT values of $125ish/pp within a few years).

But the consensus seems to be in the other direction, since some people enjoy hating on SSR regardless of the actual details at issue

 

[twinklebug]

In defense of the Guide, I have had two tours and spoke with 3 different different guides over 2 years before becoming a member and found there are just some that I didn't mesh with well discussion-wise.

While the guide probably did mention to the OP that SSR was easier to buy on the resale market because it was not as in demand as some of the other DVC properties it's quite possible his words came out or were interpreted wrong. I know I've asked questions to a guide who assumed I knew nothing of DVC so that his response seemed very condescending. Everything he said from that point on would rub me wrong even after I explained my level of understanding to him and he seemed to understand.

I'm not saying the OP's situation didn't happen - in fact I'm willing to bet it did, but remember we're only hearing one side of the story. "If a tree falls in the forest, you'll get three stories: your's, mine and the tree's."

 

[yekcoh_99]

Wow... Well let me tell you our expierience. DW and I were in the same boat we purchased resale at BCV site unseen about a month before our trip and were welcomed with opened arms at the DVC center at SSR. They were great my wife ran in and told them our situation while our 2yo & 3yo slept in the car. After my wife was done with the walk through of the models the guide even asked me if I wanted to take a look. I did and apologized about taking her away from potential buyers to run around with us. She stated she wasn't a salesperson. Maybe this was the reason she wasn't nasty like the OP's guide. The tour was great & we can't wait to add on. Sorry you had such a bad expierience, hopefully owning & vacationing at DVC will some how make up for the lack of professionalism both the guide & manager had shown. Good luck we love ours.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Again, I really disagree with this -- there are both misleading statements about present circumstances (i.e., 'SSR is the only resort Disney is not ROFRing', when in fact they're not ROFRing anything but BCV) and ridiculous predictions about future price trends (those predicted price changes would give us SSR values of $30pp and BLT values of $125ish/pp within a few years).

But the consensus seems to be in the other direction, since some people enjoy hating on SSR regardless of the actual details at issue

Hence the term "half truths". I imagine your assertion that "in fact they're not ROFRing anything but BCV" is a half truth. It's easy to do... even when you're just trying to sell a perspective.

I too am saddened to read the tact taken by the guide. When we first looked into DVC there was NO pressure. We didn't buy for a few years after our first look, but our guide kept in touch and never pushed or pressured us to make a decision. Hope this is just an anomaly.

 

[toocherie]

WOW! SSR equal to the Grand Floridian? Have you been to the Grand Floridian? I must say I find your enthusiasm of SSR to be commendable. As long as you love the resort, thats all that matters!

See hitman, that's why DVC is so great--there's something for everyone. For example--I would not choose to stay at BLT--cold and sterile are the words that come to my mind. Plus the make-up of the units is weird (i.e., the sink arrangement in the studio for example). But you apparently like it. And as you say, "thats [sic] all that matters"

Living in California I think the Magic Kingdom doesn't have the "magic" that Disneyland has (although there are some things--like Philharmagic--that I wish they'd add to our park). But I know others disagree.

The important thing is to be respectful of other people on these boards and their personal viewpoints. You like BLT, I prefer SSR (and yes, to me it does have more of the feel of the Grand Floridian than BLT) and that's fine. I also own points at the Grand Californian (a LOT of points)--which overall is my favorite DVC.

Putting down another person's resort of choice is just not a winning proposition.

 

[TisBit]

But the consensus seems to be in the other direction, since some people enjoy hating on SSR regardless of the actual details at issue

Umm, that is a half truth as well. I have been one of the ones arguing this exact same point, but have told you on numerous posts that I own SSR and love to stay there. But, I guess this proves many peoples point that you only hear what you want to hear (not you, but people in general).

As the PP mentioned, it is arguable comments, but many people do make those statements and SSR is the only resort it seems that Disney is letting slide much more (not because they don't want the points, but there are so many, mainly because most of the people who bought in during the "boom" of credit were during the SSR sales and it is such a larger resort).

 

[Dean]

In this economy they need to find a happy medium, it would be frustrating to try to sell a product but have one's hands tied in closing the deal.

i blame it all on jim lewis

Being too passive and afraid to ruffle a few feathers cannot be attributed to JL, IMO. I understand that in some members eyes the VERY soft sell is a badge of honor and to a degree, a major issue that some see as setting DVC apart from other timeshares though I don't. The problem is that that kids glove approach has had a MAJOR negative to the system over the years. I agree they need to find a happy medium but they've NEVER been even close to that happy medium at any point in history, IMO. As I've said before, one can be far more persuasive and sales oriented and still be professional. Marriott does it far better than DVC with the balance between sales and professionalism, IMO. I realize that a more firm approach may rub some the wrong way however I don't think that's relevant to the situation other than to the point it causes more lost sales than sales gained.

Again, I really disagree with this -- there are both misleading statements about present circumstances (i.e., 'SSR is the only resort Disney is not ROFRing', when in fact they're not ROFRing anything but BCV) and ridiculous predictions about future price trends (those predicted price changes would give us SSR values of $30pp and BLT values of $125ish/pp within a few years).

But the consensus seems to be in the other direction, since some people enjoy hating on SSR regardless of the actual details at issue

I did not see where the OP accused the guide of saying that ONLY SSR was being ROFR. Here's the applicable quote

The reason we were able to get such a good price on SSR resale is that “no one wants the resort” and that it is the “worst resort is the DVC system”! The guide even mentioned that it’s so bad that “even Disney won’t buy them back and that’s why we were able to get it resale”

While I might disagree somewhat on the numbers as quoted by the OP (which we really don't know to be totally accurate), I believe the principles to be true. Regardless, it's just the guide's opinion as it is yours' and mine.

I find it amusing when this is likely the worst example one can come up with for DVC. I just talked to a coworker of my sister last night who owns a timeshare she wants out from under. It's a 2 BR EOY and she paid around $9K for it and yearly dues around $1K. They talked her into it saying they would help her sell the 2 others she owned and didn't need. In addition, she's fell for the up front listing fee thing at least twice trying to get out of it. I know of people being driven miles away and essentially held hostage until they gave up their credit card to buy. I know of people being threatened physically (MX) if they did not buy. Lies and major stretches abound and these are not those.

 

[Tink6666]

We did pretty much the same thing when we bought in at SSR (sight unseen). We bought our contract from the resale market through TSS. We had no problems with the closing or the points promised in the contract. We had done a DVC tour years earlier at BCV I think so, we knew somewhat the layout of the untis were and the amenities. We bought in based on what we could afford. We stayed at SSR on our first trip home and we really liked the feel of the resort. We have since stayed at Old Key West and did not care for that one, Animal Kingdom Villas and liked that one, and have just stayed at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge which we really liked. All of the places have their good points and bad points. BLT is not one of my "gotta stay there" resorts, we have toured it and did not care for the modern, steel feel to it. We may stay there at some point for the kids to try to pool and the lounge.

I feel bad for the OP that they got such a bad CM and bad service. It is not always that way. Good luck and Welcome HOME to SSR!!!

 

[Halle]

This is just me...but I think if I could have gotten over the shock, I would have told the sales guy and manager that THEY built that monstrosity called Saratoga Springs, and that you doubt that THEY would have been so ugly in describing the "red headed stepchild" i.e. Saratoga Springs when it was in active sales...and most importantly...since THEY probably didn't denegrate SSR while in active sales...there is no way of you knowing whether or not BLT is a high quality resort or not. Further, since THEY are forced to denegrate one of their own resorts to sale the new product, it only makes sense that the new resort (BLT) must also be inferior because if it were absolutely magnificent...then it would not be necessary for them to denegrate an older property, plus why would Disney choose to go back to selling a high quality product when they were so successful in selling such trash as Saratoga Springs in the past.

Plus...when writing Disney, I would let them know that your buying resale is something that happened in the past and is over. The salesman and manager did not endear you to Disney Vacation Development, and did not entice you to make any future add-on purchases retail rather than resale.

Personally, if Disney didn't charge three prices...I'd consider buying from them...and woe onto them if they try to take my rights away as a resale customer.

Edit: I am not trying to bad mouth Saratoga Springs, I am trying to show how flawed it is for Disney Vacation Development to denegrate a resort developed by Disney Vacation Development to sell a new resort developed by Disney Vacation Development.

Well said.

 

[edk35]

WOW This is nuts. I can't believe that happened. I am so sorry.

 

[hitman007]

See hitman, that's why DVC is so great--there's something for everyone. For example--I would not choose to stay at BLT--cold and sterile are the words that come to my mind. Plus the make-up of the units is weird (i.e., the sink arrangement in the studio for example). But you apparently like it. And as you say, "thats [sic] all that matters"

The important thing is to be respectful of other people on these boards and their personal viewpoints. You like BLT, I prefer SSR (and yes, to me it does have more of the feel of the Grand Floridian than BLT) and that's fine. I also own points at the Grand Californian (a LOT of points)--which overall is my favorite DVC.

I totally agree and I said nothing to put down SSR. You are reading way too much into it. I actually said I commend them on their enthusiasm of SSR ! They love it and thats what matters! (I think I said that too.) I was a bit surprised they compared it to GF since they are two totally different resorts but I did not put down any resort! Be careful about reading a post and adding your own spin to it. You will probably be wrong. Case in point.. I said nothing about BLT and in fact it is not my favorite resort at all! We are all here to have fun and exchange view points.