Timeshare Presentation Advice Please

[madelyn]

I have friends who are going on a trip to Disney for about a week at the end of the month. They need tickets for 2 adults and 1 child and were hoping to get a few adult tickets free or at a reduced cost through attending time share presentations. They will most likely buy the child's ticket(s). I am budget minded but my time while on vacation is valuable to me so I've never bothered with timeshare presentations. I have read a few posts about the subject and told them to avoid Westgate (too high pressure) and I've heard good things about Marriott. But I don't know what else to tell them about what kind of freebies to expect and how you sign up. I thought I read somewhere on the boards that they need to sign up before going to Florida in order to get the better incentives. How would they go about that? I'll tell them about the 3-day hopper through Alamo and buying tickets at the gate (only option if they only want to go to the parks for 2 days and not buy a Hopper and save leftover days). I believe they are staying at the Holiday Inn Nikki Bird and the Clarion Maingate through Priceline and they will have a rental car. They had only planned for 2 days in the parks so they will have plenty of time for the timeshare presentations and don't seem to mind doing it. Would appreciate any tips/advice that I can pass on to them.

 

[iluvflorida]

I do timeshare presentations all the time in Florida for free tickets or cash. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SIGN UP BEFORE FLORIDA. In Orlando/Kissimmee at every plaza, hotel, restuarant there are booths that people will be tring to get you to sign up at. Most timeshares are not bad pressure. Westgate is definately the worst so avoid if you can but have done it many times.
You usually have to leave a $10-$20 deposit at time of sign up. You get this back after the tour along with the "gift" you selected. Remember it is 90 minutes after the free breakfast. Best way to not spend longer than necessary is not to appear interested and avoid small talk and asking questions. At end when they want you to buy tell them it doesnot make sense money wise to you as you can rent a week at a timeshare over the internet for less than they want you to pay for maint. and taxes let alone the sale price. (it is true) we rent every year and have 5 weeks booked Feb1-Mar7,04 all in 2 Br. 2 Bath Units at places like Orange Lake for 7 nights each under $500 for 7 nights. The salespeople hate this fact but they know it is true.
Other tip is try to negotiate a better deal than the person signing you up offers. They are paid a set portion (commision) less the cost of gift etc. so will sometimes sweeten the deal rather than have you walk away (then they get nothing.) Try to get tickets free not 2 for $15 etc. You might also find one that gives up to $120 cash or more in which case you can take the cash and buy tickets at discount are be better off.
Last tip book a tour a 7 or 7.30 am. Then you have had breakfast and out and enjoying Florida by 9-9.30

 

[CarolA]

My advice is to skip it!!!

 

[Purrrrfecta]

If you can handle it, I say go for it!

 

[madelyn]

Thanks for the tips. I will pass them along to my friends.