Timeshare info

[mchelle77]

My DH and I are going (with our 4yo DD) to Disney the first week of November. We are talking about staying an extra day or two and were thinking of looking into a timeshare, but figured if we're going to do that, we want one that offers a park pass to, say, US or SW or something. I want the place we choose to be reputable, though .. my SIL did a timeshare presentation in the White Mountains last month and she felt it was a waste AND she was charged for things she wasn't informed of. I don't mind paying something, but I also don't want to get hosed, you know?

My DH's aunt owns timeshare in the area as well, but she bought hers from someone who owned it and didn't go through a company/presentation. Can anyone refer me to a reputable time share website for info?

TIA!

 

[cjnix29]

We are bluegreen owners, and the Fountains in Orlando is absolutely beautiful. www.bluegreenonline.com. I don't know what their incentives are for sitting through the presentation though. I haven't done an "owners update" there. We are happy owners, if that makes any difference.

 

[Lisa P.]

Visit the forums/bulletin boards at TUG - Timeshare Users Group or TS4Ms - Timeshare Forums and learn more about selecting a timeshare and getting the best price on a resale. With some research, you may save tens of thousands and a LOT of aggravation. Also, there are promo offers listed by owner referrals. Make sure you choose one that offers the specific kinds of "incentive" gifts you're seeking and be ready for a hardsell sales pitch. Know that any kind of deal offered "the same day only" will always be possible later. No company will turn down a sale later, especially in this economy. So don't let them pressure you to sign anything or purchase anything on the spot.

We love timesharing and we've been vacationing this way with our resales for over a decade. But there are definitely traps and snares out there, all covered over by some truths mixed with a ton of lies and half-truths. Tread lightly at developer sales tours!

 

[Purseval]

My DH and I are going (with our 4yo DD) to Disney the first week of November. We are talking about staying an extra day or two and were thinking of looking into a timeshare, but figured if we're going to do that, we want one that offers a park pass to, say, US or SW or something.
TIA!

Unless you are staying onsite most area hotels will have a ticket desk where they will try to get you to visit a timeshare, either owned by the same company that owns the hotel or they contract out. Each one offers different incentives and you can choose which ones you want.

There are also 3 or 4 different timeshare resorts that operate inside of US/IOA and will sign you up for tours. Companies that have worked there have been Bonnet Creek, Westgate, Mystic Dunes and some resort owned by Holiday Inn. They offer $70 to $100 Universal dollars or $70 cash.

You can also find timeshare resorts advertising on Ebay. We have used several and have received either 2 1-day 1-park passes or 2 Magic Your Way or whatever they call it, 2 days in the parks plus 1 day at either a water park or Disney Quest.

Another place is on the web, Google Orlando Magical Getaway. They offer a range of tickets for free or low cost. You usually end up at a place like Westgate when you go through them.

The bottom of the timeshare food chain is the little vendors you see in the entrances to restaurants and in the many strip malls along 192 and I-Drive. We have never used them.

All I can say about the places (even the ones in the restaurants) is that none of them will rip you off, you will get whatever they promise you. They also make a TON of money selling to folks who thought they were strong enough not to fall for their sales presentation. This is a game where having doubts in your ability to say no can be very costly, so think about it before you decide it's an easy way to get some free stuff.

We will be going in October and hope to do 3 or 4 timeshare presentations while we are there, we're saving up tickets for family that is coming over next March. We also go to Orlando 2-3 times a year and have time to kill. If I were a 1-time or infrequent visitor it's not a good way to waste most of one of your precious vacation days.