Question about DVC tours

[nucpharm29]

Our family is headed down to WDW next week and we'll be staying at SSR (we rented a DVC member's points). We are seriously considering buying into the DVC. I am kind of cautious of the tours and all b/c of our last timeshare experience. We were in a room with probably 50 other families and the salesman wouldn't let us leave without a firm yes or no. And then when we said no, he tried to split DH and I so he could play us against each other. I hated it! I vowed never to go to another timeshare presentation. But then after staying onsite at Disney twice last year, I really would like to be part of the DVC. What do you guys think--are the tours worth it if we're going to be there anyway? Do the salepeople jump down your throat or do they let you make up your own mind like an adult? Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[CarolMN]

DVC sales are very low key compared to other timshares operations. They are nothing remotely resembling the experience you described.

If you like the accomodations and have the time, don't be afraid to sign up for one. The guides will not pressure you. Be sure you do all yor research and "homework" before you buy. Lots of info on these boards - dont be afraid to ask any question you may have.

Best wishes-

 

[JimMIA]

No, no, no, no... The DVC tour is NOTHING at all like your previous experience. It will be just your family and a guide. It might be a good idea to leave any little ones in the play area, with the downside being they will not want to leave when you are finished.

The guide will give you a brief introduction to what DVC is. Then they will walk you over to a multimedia preview center -- which is designed to heighten your interest, but only made me impatient to see the units. Then, they will walk you through each of the villa types -- studio, 1 BR/2BR, and finally 3 BR Grand Villa. They will point out the many great features of the villas as they go.

Then, they will take you back to their office and answer any questions you have, as well as give you the financial particulars of DVC ownership. Obviously, they are going to ask you to buy, but there will be no pressure. About the most pressure you will get will be that there may be some incentive which is about to expire.

When I took the tour, I told my guide up front that I was not going to buy that day. She understood. She did a very thorough job of explaining everything to me, shook my hand, and sent me on my way. There was absolutely no pressure.

After I returned home, she did call me to see if I'd come to a decision, and I had. I'd discovered resale and bought at OKW. Later, however, I bought an SSR add-on directly from her because of an incentive they were offering at the time.

I think you'll find the tour a very pleasant experience -- not at all like what you went through before.

Good luck and enjoy the trip!

 

[NYMomof4]

When we did the tour it was very nice. As mentioned, they have a supervised play center for kids and the tour is individual. I was already familiar with DVC from these boards so I had a nice talk with my guide about details-since we were able to skip some of the other stuff that I already knew. The bonus at the end was that everyone went to the ice cream parlor there and had ice cream as their treat. We also got fast passes good for 48 hours. If you are considering this, I would definitely take the tour. If you plan to buy at SSR, the incentive runs out Feb. 1st.

 

[coasterbob]

Our family is headed down to WDW next week and we'll be staying at SSR (we rented a DVC member's points). We are seriously considering buying into the DVC. I am kind of cautious of the tours and all b/c of our last timeshare experience. We were in a room with probably 50 other families and the salesman wouldn't let us leave without a firm yes or no. And then when we said no, he tried to split DH and I so he could play us against each other. I hated it! I vowed never to go to another timeshare presentation. But then after staying onsite at Disney twice last year, I really would like to be part of the DVC. What do you guys think--are the tours worth it if we're going to be there anyway? Do the salepeople jump down your throat or do they let you make up your own mind like an adult? Any advice would be appreciated!

You will really enjoy the tour and presentation, we did! I also sent you a PM.

Bob & Debbie

 

[TinkGirl]

When we did our tour, it was just my family and our guide. He explained how DVC works, and ran different number scenerios for us. We walked through the models, he offered to answer any questions, and we were finished. The whole process took about an hour. Meanwhile, the kids were being watched in a play room. As we were leaving, we walked through an ice cream parlor at the sales center. The kids wanted some, of course, even though it was 8:45 a.m. Our guide got someone to dish up an ice cream breakfast for them. They also gave us 5 meal vouchers and drove us right to the MK after the presentation. That's saying a lot because it was marathon day, and they got us into an absolutely empty MK. The only pressure was that our guide said the incentive offer was only good for a certain number of days after our return home--I think it was two weeks. He called once to follow up, and that was it. Our first trip home is in 12 days.

 

[granmanh603]

If you go to www.dvcfriends.com yu can look around for info on DVC before you go so you will have some facts.

 

[Jen D]

The only slightly negative thing I have heard is that sometimes if there is an incentive in place, the $1200 back or whatever... that is available to anyone.. if you take the tour some guides have told the prospective buyers they have 3 days to decide or they lose the chance at the incentive. Meanwhile people who never took the tour have all the time they want to decide and the incentive is available to them for as long as it lasts. So taking basically taking the tour penalizes you if you want extra time to mull over it.

The incentive now is great, 15% off until January 31, just need a name, and I'm sure you've had plenty of offers already. Good luck.

 

[cobbler]

Oh no, nothing like your expirence. Ours was just me and hubby with our guide. The kids were in the play area. We got to have coffee or juice or whatever while talking in the area. Then our guide took us in the preview center, took us to see the units, then walked us over by the pool and gave us a tour of the pool, the spa, the fitness facility, Artist Pallate and the Turf Club.

He did leave us alone for a while while looking at the pool. Told us to take our time and look around and he would meet us up towards the doors to the Spa. Afterward we went in the office, he ran our scenario, budgets and costs and such but there was definatly no pressure.

In fact we told our guide we just wanted info because we wouldn't be buying until 2009 when it was our 10 year anniversary - a present to ourselves. Well he did give us the incentive, sort of the "Disney nudge" he called it but said if it wasn't the right time for us then fine, it would be there in 4 years when for our 10 year anniversary.

Needless to say we were so impressed with our guide, the non sales pressure and the accomodations we took the plunge and bought 2 days later

 

[Rence]

Years and years ago in Orlando, I got sucked into a Timeshare presentation. It was awful, I hated every minute of it. They offered free tickets for going to their presentation and then had a courtesy shuttle pick us up. Well this was just a way to trap us at the presentation and allow us no means of escape. Because this experience was so awful, I wouldn't go within 20 feet of a DVC kiosk at WDW.

I am now kicking myself for that attitude. 3 years ago we stopped by the Boardwalk to walk around. The DVC kiosk was there, but temporarily unmanned (the person manning the booth had stepped away for a few minutes) so I got up the courage and started browsing through the material.

A few minutes later, the gentleman who manned the booth walked up and asked if we had any questions, I must have looked like a deer in the headlights, I said "NO" dropped what I was looking at and backed away. He then very nicely said that I was free to look all I wanted and he'd just leave me alone. (I must have looked like a complete idiot to him). I got up my courage and approached the kiosk again and kept browsing and discussing what I was seeing with my partner.

After several minutes he must have felt that I had calmed down enough that he started making small talk, which then slid into a few DVC comments. It was pleasant, relaxed and not high pressure. We felt that we coud have walked away at any time.

Finally he asked if we were interested in a tour. At that time the tours were done at Boardwalk so we were right there. He offered to see if he could get us in right then. I really didn't want to, but my partner did, so I agreed. We were walked over to the DVC center there and he checked and found that someone would be able to meet with us in a matter of a few minutes.

We waited. Our guide to be came out and introduced herself and took us back to a small conference room where she explained the program. It was just us and we were free to ask any questions we wanted. I felt that we were free to leave at any point. She had no problem going over areas of the program that we found confusing etc. We laughed and joked a lot. Very relaxed and pleasant.

There was an incentive and we did get that it was available for three days. I don't know if someone could press that point. I have a feeling that if we had said no, called back two weeks later and said we would buy ONLY if we got the incentive, that somehow or other it would have happened. They did NOT try to sell us on the spot. I think if we had insisted that we were ready to buy, that they would have sold, but they did not pressure us. We were still going to be at WDW for three more days before heading out on a Disney Cruise so we were given a lot of information to look over and she set up an appointment for us to return in three days. She asked that if for any reason we decided not to come back, just to let her know so that she could free up the time for someone else.

It was the most low-pressure sell job I have ever seen. There was not a single point where I felt that we were being forced or pressured into anything. They have a great product that sells itself and they don't have to use high-pressure tactics.

Do not fear the tour.

 

[stampinshauna]

We didn't take a tour per se, but they were having an open house (all it was at the BWV was a 2 bedroom that was open with a guide inside to answer questions). DH and I went in to look around just for fun. We figured we'd join sometime in the future (but ended up joining a month later). We saw the media presentation on our cruise, and watched the DVD after we returned home. We didn't really even talk to the guide because they were talking to someone else and we didn't stay long. Therefore it was absoloutely no pressure for us. DVC sold itself because we saw how nice it was.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Just wanted to add my voice to those who have already responded. DD (19) and I took the tour last June before purchasing at SSR and it was an absolutely no pressure approach.

I have never done any other timeshare presentations because of all the awful experiences I hear about from other people.

You'll be staying right at SSR so it seems this would be a convenient time to make contact with DVC if you think you might be interested... even if it's only for the future. They'll be happy to answer all your questions... and you'll have a guide that you can call for any further questions that come up later.

Do it and enjoy!

 

[greenban]

Years and years ago in Orlando, I got sucked into a Timeshare presentation. It was awful, I hated every minute of it. They offered free tickets for going to their presentation and then had a courtesy shuttle pick us up. Well this was just a way to trap us at the presentation and allow us no means of escape. Because this experience was so awful, I wouldn't go within 20 feet of a DVC kiosk at WDW.

I am now kicking myself for that attitude. 3 years ago we stopped by the Boardwalk to walk around. The DVC kiosk was there, but temporarily unmanned (the person manning the booth had stepped away for a few minutes) so I got up the courage and started browsing through the material.

A few minutes later, the gentleman who manned the booth walked up and asked if we had any questions, I must have looked like a deer in the headlights, I said "NO" dropped what I was looking at and backed away. He then very nicely said that I was free to look all I wanted and he'd just leave me alone. (I must have looked like a complete idiot to him). I got up my courage and approached the kiosk again and kept browsing and discussing what I was seeing with my partner.

After several minutes he must have felt that I had calmed down enough that he started making small talk, which then slid into a few DVC comments. It was pleasant, relaxed and not high pressure. We felt that we coud have walked away at any time.

Finally he asked if we were interested in a tour. At that time the tours were done at Boardwalk so we were right there. He offered to see if he could get us in right then. I really didn't want to, but my partner did, so I agreed. We were walked over to the DVC center there and he checked and found that someone would be able to meet with us in a matter of a few minutes.

We waited. Our guide to be came out and introduced herself and took us back to a small conference room where she explained the program. It was just us and we were free to ask any questions we wanted. I felt that we were free to leave at any point. She had no problem going over areas of the program that we found confusing etc. We laughed and joked a lot. Very relaxed and pleasant.

There was an incentive and we did get that it was available for three days. I don't know if someone could press that point. I have a feeling that if we had said no, called back two weeks later and said we would buy ONLY if we got the incentive, that somehow or other it would have happened. They did NOT try to sell us on the spot. I think if we had insisted that we were ready to buy, that they would have sold, but they did not pressure us. We were still going to be at WDW for three more days before heading out on a Disney Cruise so we were given a lot of information to look over and she set up an appointment for us to return in three days. She asked that if for any reason we decided not to come back, just to let her know so that she could free up the time for someone else.

It was the most low-pressure sell job I have ever seen. There was not a single point where I felt that we were being forced or pressured into anything. They have a great product that sells itself and they don't have to use high-pressure tactics.

Do not fear the tour.

Just an added point. I took the tour, decided to buy, and called my guide on the 4th day after our retuirn from vacation. They would not give me the incentive ($10.00 off a point I think, and the prior year's point for free).

I explained that I would not buy, and asked to speak to a manager. They still would not give me the incentive, so I bought OKW from Jason at the TTS, and never regretted it.

Now I have had 3 or 4 add-ons (its 4 currently) with the same guide, and I love her, she is the best!

Other users of this site report getting the incentives long after the tour, so YMMV.

And the tour was very pleasant!

-Tony

 

[sleepydog25]

Let me join the cascade of voices saying there is virtually no pressure. I, too, had been sucked into one of those awful presentations years ago when I was young and naive. And I've heard numerous stories from friends of their own experiences.

A year and a half ago, my wife, 4-yr old daughter, and myself were visiting WDW and staying at VWL. We loved it. We saw a small kiosk in the Villas' lobby regarding DVC ownership. I finally stopped one evening to talk to the pleasant woman behind the desk, and she answered many of my questions without even mentioning the tour at first. When she did mention it, we were interested, but were leaving two days later and opted not to take the tour. . .until the day we left. I asked if a tour would be available that afternoon (our flight didn't leave until mid-evening), and they worked us in, picking us up at VWL, and returning us there later. They even offered to take us to the airport, but we had a rental car.

Our daughter stayed in the activities center (which had two CMs) with one other child while we strolled through a studio, 1BR, 2BR, and a grand villa. We had done some homework before leaving on vacation, so had lots of information already. Our guide gladly answered all our questions and tailored the presentation to our knowledge level. After the brief presentation and tour, he sat us down to explain the financing aspect, then said, "I'm sure you don't want to buy right now since you'll be leaving in a few hours. My suggestion is that you take all this material home, look it over, call me with questions, then make the decision on your own time and in your own home." Doesn't get more low key than that. As others have said, he did mention an incentive package that was ending, though it was two weeks away. (For the record, since then they've offered two other similar incentive packages that I'm aware of. Though not guaranteed, I believe they will continue to offer some sort of incentive from time to time.)

He escorted us to get our daughter, took us to the ice cream parlor for free ice cream, then shook our hands and said, "think about it, okay?" And that was it. No blocking the doors. No threats. No bringing in the Guv'ner (manager). No intimidation at all. DVC generally sells itself; it's the Mercedes-Benz of the timeshare world. And, yes, within a week we had called back and made the plunge. No amount of anecdotal evidence completely will convince you that there isn't some sort of hard sell, but all the stories thus far should at least put your mind at ease enough to decide to take the tour. Oh, yes, for taking the tour, we got $100 in Disney dollars though they were good only in the parks and, of course, we were heading straight home! In good faith, our guide did tell us that we likely wouldn't be able to spend the dollars before we left, though. Good luck with your decision. aw:

 

[Anewman]

At the end of our tour our guide Melida(@ DL), told us to go home and sleep on it. But we had alredy done our research here and planned on buyin that day.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Our guide couldn't have played "divide and conquer" with DH and me since DH didn't even go on the tour. Here I was on a solo trip, just wondering "Hey, what's this DVC about?" Our/my guide was so nice and gave me all the info, probably a little more, since he was trying to predict DH's questions. He filled up my little plastic bag with the video, book, all kinds of stuff. I didn't expect DH to be interested when I got home, especially since he's "Disney tolerant (that is, he WAS, pre-DVC!) But he was more anxious to join than me.

 

[nestlejean]

We were at Disney in 1999. We decided to resort hop because we were staying off-site and wanted to see the Disney resorts so we could try to stay at one. My hubbie stopped at a DVC booth at Dixie Landings. I tried to tell him it was a timeshare and get out of there but then we started looking at the info. The lady was not pressuring us at all. We were offered a tour at BWV. We decided to tour so we could check out that resort too. Well, we fell "in LOVE" on the tour. Here we were staying off grounds trying to find room for 5 of us. This was the answer. We loved the rooms, kitchen, whirlpool, etc. We didn't jump right in and buy though. We took the info home. We drove so for the 22 hour drive, I pored over the book. Ran the numbers (we had price sheets from several resorts at Disney). I decided this would be a good way to stay on grounds (which we DEFINITELY knew we wanted to do) and it would make a nice room more affordable for us. We couldn't afford these accomodations otherwise. We woudl need 2 rooms and there would be no kitchen, etc. We took about a week and called and purchased. We didn't need to finance so that wasn't a concern. We purchased the minimum and later added on at Vero which we just sold now. We may add-on again later, who knows? It was definitely not high pressure. Our guide is great and has helped in other ways. We have no regrets.