Timeshare Tours, which ones are the best/worst to take

[taylor1293]

We are arriving in Orlando on Friday Jan 2nd. On Sat Jan 3rd, we thought we'd take a timeshare tour and get a couple of free tickets.

We have no intentions of going to any park that Saturday because the crowds will still be heavy so we thought we'd spend a couple of hours and take a tour .

We have no problems saying NO, so pushy doesn't bother me, but obnoxious salespeople do bother me!

Who should we avoid? Who has the best offer?

Thanks!

Teresa

 

[djm99]

The most gruelling timeshare I've been to is Westgate Lakes. The presentation was 3 1/2 hours. We traveled to Orlando with a owner referral (a friend of ours). Unfortunately, the guy who did the presentation knew our friends personally (knew and called them by their first names). We didn't want to be rude and get up and leave, because we didn't want the presenter to think bad of our friends. This was a big mistake. He wouldn't take no for an answer!!!!! But at the same resort a year later (we got a lady this time) it was 90 minutes as advertised. We said no, so she didn't waste her time trying to convince us of an overpriced, high interest timeshare. Both of these Timeshares were for cheap resort rates.

The one I loved was at Whyndam Palms and Country Club. 91 minutes on the nose and $100 dollars cash!!!! It was actually fun. We got a lady who was very funny. We were simply told her, "we will buy a timeshare with you all under one condition, we walk away without giving up a quarter, nickle, or dime." She told me that she couldn't do that (of course we already knew that) and walked to the small room where you pick up your "gift". It was great!!!! I'd say that was some of the easiest money we've made.

The interest rate they offer is too much for me, but i guess you can refinance later. Hope this helps.

Oh yeah for the best timeshare offers go to www.discounthotels.cc

 

[spiceycat]

Marriott had a nice ticket offer

don't do Westgate not worth the hassle - Fairfield (my experience) also not worth the hassle

Wyndham has been to know to offer cash - but I think you need to be staying there - for them to offer cash

not sure what the Hilton offered

 

[djm99]

spiceycat,

You don't have to stay there in order to get cash from Wyhndam Palm and CC. I went to breakfast at a Denny's on I-Drive I believe going south (away from Universal). They offered the cash there.

Also, try to book the packages online because we noticed during our August trip that you really don't see the free tickets anymore, but discounted tickets. Like 2 disney tickets for $15, $20 - $30 A PIECE verses the free tickets you see online (if you prebook and place a $20 deposit - They all ask for $20 deposit now too). You'll get the deposit back after the presentation (When we did Whyndam we received $120). I guess they ask for the deposit to insure that people go to the presentation.

Oh yeah, if you are traveling by car there are tour presenatations set up all up and down the highways in Florida (before you get to Orlando) that offer FREE tickets.

I wonder why they offer free tickets out of Orlando (for Orlando Resorts) and offer discounted tickets in Orlando. I don't know!!!!

 

[DaddyDon]

We did the ron jon /ricki Tiki now,several years ago,From the time you walked into the blareing music,you knew it was going to be a high pressure sale,The sales manager walked up and down the isle of tables like a mofia hitman,waiting for his next mark,We stood our ground for 2 hours before they figured out i wasnt buying there crap resort...We did get some nice parting gifts ...# tickets to Arabian nights,Lots of free bar tickets , A return hotel trip ,and some mickey cash 30.00......Would i do it again?????? Not at that resort.........And that is a stretch Resort..............

 

[snoopy]

We've only done one timeshare tour - we stayed at the Cypress Pointe Grand Villas last year on a hotel kingdom rate of $89. They asked us upon check in if we wanted to do a timeshare tour for $75 Disney dollars. At first I said no, but then after some consideration and knowing we had at least 2 down days built into the trip, I called back and said we would do it.

It was painless (and rather informative, actually, since we knew nothing about timeshare). On the 91st minute, I said we needed to run - the salesperson called his manager over, of course, who I also told we needed to run. After a few minutes of going back and forth with him they brought us our $75 Disney dollars and that was that. We went to O'Hana's that night, which happened to be the 4th of July, courtesy of our timeshare presentation! Easiest $75 I've ever earned, plus they fed us breakfast!

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I must agree with DADDY DON on the Liki Tiki (Ron Jon). It was gross, classless and totally a waste of time. We took it this summer after staying in the disgusting rooms they offered for 29 per night. Ihad no idea that they were as bad as they were and then when I saw the unprofessional way the salestaff was dressed I knew we were doomed. DO NOT DO LIKI TIKI. DADDYDON is right and it has not changed since he took it if anything it has gotten worse.

 

[DaddyDon]

Bella i can not sit here and think it was worse,I thought i was living in a godfather movie when we went there ! It was that bad,I kept looking for a horse head in my van lol But really guys it was that bad,And if i had the money i wouldnt buy into that dump!!!!!!!!!!
.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

DaddyDon look at my description in the search function under JCanary's post. It had to be worse. I mean the urine stains on the pull out mattress were just that much older!! As to sales, I think they abandonded the "godfather image" for the "disco is still alive" image. MMMMM give me a guy who cannot make up his mind if he is Michael Douglas (slicked back pony tail, polyester pants, suspenders and belt, ) in Wall Street , John Travolta (platform shoes with heels) in "Saturday Night Fever" or Mr. T(chains and bracelets enough to set off the metal detector from the airport parking lot). Oh and all this on one guy well into his 50's. Sadly he was the best too! When I wrote my letter of complaint I told them they should get them chinos and polo shirts to give them an air professionalism.

 

[DaddyDon]

God I love your descriptions of them .Yea, You are Right......... Only thing missing was the disco ball,But hey i was afraid to look up in the ceiling....Yes they could use a makeover,and shampoo...... Maybe the 5 gays can help them.... Naaaaaa too Eazy!

 

[Belle1962]

In August 2002 I did about 4 tours and wrote reviews for them here on the boards--can't find the post but MARRIOTT was the lest pressure. They didn't mess around with that routine of other people needing to "sign off" on your form and I was in and out in the promised 90 kinutes (actually less).

 

[taylor1293]

Thanks everyone for all your replies!

I'll be sure to avoid Westgate and Liki Tiki!

It sounds like Mariott might be a good one

Teresa