Westgate Resort Help

[1buzymom]

I can tell by my searches that Westgate is not everyone's first choice However, the company I work for owns a timeshare with them which we might be able to use for a good deal. We would love to save money and be able to spend it on more fun things to do on our trip. We don't want to get into something that is not a good place, either. Are these resorts ok? If you stayed in one, which resort? Town Center? Villas? We were looking at rentals and got excited about this option, but now we're getting a little nervous. Any help is appreciated!

 

[darrius1st]

if you want reveiws of the resorts Look on Tripadvisor. The have hundreds of vistor review of Westgate Resorts.

 

[TotoToo]

I can tell by my searches that Westgate is not everyone's first choice However, the company I work for owns a timeshare with them which we might be able to use for a good deal. We would love to save money and be able to spend it on more fun things to do on our trip. We don't want to get into something that is not a good place, either. Are these resorts ok? If you stayed in one, which resort? Town Center?

Town center is the now typical 8-10 story tower. It is the newest section of the original resort. If you don't mind staying in what amount to a high rise apartment with long hallways and a very cookie cutter look/feel. This one is fine. There are many many on site amenities but the long promised water park is a big hole in the ground - unfinished - but otherwise the amenities are many & complete. All the grounds and the Clubhouse ae shared with the Villas.

Villas? We were looking at rentals and got excited about this option, but now we're getting a little nervous. Any help is appreciated!

The older, original Westgate that started it all. If you like the "old time Fl - Orlando" feel - smaller buildings, 2 stories with OK furnishings. Very well placed - usually in a ring around a central pool - we prefer these to the much more non-descript tower units. Again they share all features with Town Center so the only real difference is the type of building and unit.

Westgate as a place to visit / stay is actually quite nice. The problem is the never ending, high pressure push to sell you - even if you already own! If you use the many tips floating around about avoiding the sale pitch - like unplug the phones, do not accept the ride to your unit when they will try to schedule your "update", if you do accept sechedule for your last day - or the one after - and then simply don't show up. Ignore any threats that they will charge you extra, etc as it's all scare tactics. Best if you just avoid them anyway you can. Other than that and the occasional run down unit (there are SO many they can miss one here & there) which you can usually easily get reassigned.

If the price is right go for it (& PLEASE avoid the sales!). There are far worse resorts, although maybe not sales departments, in Orlando. Westgate is a quality resort with a bad sales approach. Enjoy!

 

[KelnRon]

We just got back last week from Westgate Town Center. Here is my tripadvisor review w/ pictures:

Would Recommend is my title in case my review gets pushed down.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...enter-Kissimmee_Florida.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

The pictures I posted are rooms that they "rent" out and are not for owners. The owners rooms we saw were much nicer and looked great.

As you see from my review, we did do the timeshare presentation and it was fine! It was not long and drawn out as others have said. I too was under the impression that this was one of the worst presentations to attend. Having attended several, I can honestly compare! )

There are only 6 floors and the halls are not long at all. The elevator is in the middle so easy to get to any room. We were on the 3rd floor and the stairs were right outside our unit so most of the time we just used those!

 

[TotoToo]

The pictures I posted are rooms that they "rent" out and are not for owners. The owners rooms we saw were much nicer and looked great.

As you see from my review, we did do the timeshare presentation and it was fine! It was not long and drawn out as others have said. I too was under the impression that this was one of the worst presentations to attend. Having attended several, I can honestly compare! )

It sounds like you bought at the sales presentation - OH NO! Thats one reason it was "ok" as you did what they wanted. Two, you pay between 50 ans 95% TOO MUCH buying from the developer. These units go for $2000 or less everyday on resale.

If it isn't too late rescind now! You can get exactly the same unit/time for far less so why pay their outrageously overpriced rate? Good luck.

(15+ year owner, purchased at reslae, and I STILL feel like it was too much. Westgate is THE worst in sales and management you can find. Get out if you can)

 

[ccgirl]

I can tell by my searches that Westgate is not everyone's first choice However, the company I work for owns a timeshare with them which we might be able to use for a good deal. We would love to save money and be able to spend it on more fun things to do on our trip. We don't want to get into something that is not a good place, either. Are these resorts ok? If you stayed in one, which resort? Town Center? Villas? We were looking at rentals and got excited about this option, but now we're getting a little nervous. Any help is appreciated!

I used to own at the Villas and loved it. It is huge. The location is awesome. To the gates at WDW in 10 minutes. It is actually really close to AK. Ask for the back roads and you are there in a jiff! We usually go food shopping at Publix. There is TONS to do at the resort. Swan boats, mini golf, volley ball. There are grills all over the place. The only reason I don't own there any more is that we upgraded to Gatlinburg, TN when they built that. We still trade in once in a while though. I think most of the negative reviews are from people who just don't understand timeshares themselves. It is a timeshare so if you want daily cleaning you will have to pay for it. Yes, they will probably try to get you to buy one. Just say no. Don't answer the phone. No biggie. Don't go to any free meals or anything like that. That is their guise for the presentation.

It sounds like you bought at the sales presentation - OH NO! Thats one reason it was "ok" as you did what they wanted. Two, you pay between 50 ans 95% TOO MUCH buying from the developer. These units go for $2000 or less everyday on resale.

If it isn't too late rescind now! You can get exactly the same unit/time for far less so why pay their outrageously overpriced rate? Good luck.

(15+ year owner, purchased at reslae, and I STILL feel like it was too much. Westgate is THE worst in sales and management you can find. Get out if you can)

While I agree the timeshare can be purchased for much less from resale I think the managment has been great. We have owned for 10+ years and I've never had a problem. If you own a Westgate unit there are so many other places you can go (Vegas, Branson,Missouri, Orlando, Gatlinburg, Williamsburg) without being a member of the exchange company.

OP - go and have a great time!

 

[disneygourmet]

We had a wonderful experience with Westgate Villas Oct 2010. Our unit was in great condition and attractively supplied. The washer and dryer were old and noisy but worked fine. I loved the screened in porch in back.

 

[Judyat]

We were there in March and had a good experience and a great time. Part of the special deal for the 2 bedroom we stayed in was a time share presentation that included lunch and tour of new buildings. It was not a hard sell. We said no and that was fine. We received a club card good for owner's activities (mini golf etc) Also received $25 gift card for restaurant next door which we enjoyed using and a few other things. We were in building 1900 which was fine. I liked the screened in porch too. We paid less than $200 for a one week, 2 bedroom stay. It was a great deal.

 

[KelnRon]

It sounds like you bought at the sales presentation - OH NO! Thats one reason it was "ok" as you did what they wanted. Two, you pay between 50 ans 95% TOO MUCH buying from the developer. These units go for $2000 or less everyday on resale.

If it isn't too late rescind now! You can get exactly the same unit/time for far less so why pay their outrageously overpriced rate? Good luck.

(15+ year owner, purchased at reslae, and I STILL feel like it was too much. Westgate is THE worst in sales and management you can find. Get out if you can)

We went in wanting to purchase, we didn't do "what they wanted". If you read my review you will see that in the last 4 years we have visited Orange Lake, Mystic Dunes, Vistana and this year Westgate. We were there a week in each and attended a timeshare presentation each time. We didn't jump those 1st few years we did do some research at home etc. I think we got a good deal and we travel a lot so it works for our family of 6. I was just stating that the timeshare presentation was not any different then those we attended above. We never mentioned to our sales guy that we were interested and we never mentioned we have been on timeshare presentation in the past. Maybe our guy (who said he was just filling in and was a "teacher" at the resort for new owners) was just a little more easy going. My husband is in sales so he knew what to do.

 

[ccgirl]

We went in wanting to purchase, we didn't do "what they wanted". If you read my review you will see that in the last 4 years we have visited Orange Lake, Mystic Dunes, Vistana and this year Westgate. We were there a week in each and attended a timeshare presentation each time. We didn't jump those 1st few years we did do some research at home etc. I think we got a good deal and we travel a lot so it works for our family of 6. I was just stating that the timeshare presentation was not any different then those we attended above. We never mentioned to our sales guy that we were interested and we never mentioned we have been on timeshare presentation in the past. Maybe our guy (who said he was just filling in and was a "teacher" at the resort for new owners) was just a little more easy going. My husband is in sales so he knew what to do.

Good for you! I think you will really love it. For a family that vacations I think timshares can be great. I have never been disappointed. I couldn't read your review though. Curious why you didn't purchase at Orange Lakes? While I have never been there I have heard great things about it.

 

[TotoToo]

Good for you! I think you will really love it. For a family that vacations I think timshares can be great. I have never been disappointed. I couldn't read your review though. Curious why you didn't purchase at Orange Lakes? While I have never been there I have heard great things about it.

The biggest negatives to Orange Lakes, IMO, are the fact that it is too far out from Orlando/Disney compared to most others. Then there is the pronounced variability in the sections - the older ones don't seem to get the maintenance and upgrades that the new ones see - a common problem at "mega" sized resorts. That also leads to the need for a car to even get around the resort itself. It's hUGE! We prefer one where you can easily walk to the resort features and local eateries, stores, etc. Finally there is that pesky Waste Water plant just over the property line that creates, uh, unpleasant odors for those assigned to that section.

Overall the value just isn't there for us at OLCC with so many others we like much better available.

As for Westgate I agree that a stay there can be a very pleasant experience. My main issue with the OP is the question of why they would choose to pay 75% or more premium for a direct purchase vs resale when the unit/rights you get are exactly the same with both. Seems like money wasted needlessly to me. I don't care for Westgate Management in any case as they have steadfastly refused to turn control over to the owners as required by State regulation (why they haven't stepped in is a mystery) and they consistently make negative changes in the rules that impact owners. They are basically out of control and the owners pay for it all. There is a laundry list of negative moves they have made in the past decade - I can post it if anyone is interested.

 

[ccgirl]

The biggest negatives to Orange Lakes, IMO, are the fact that it is too far out from Orlando/Disney compared to most others. Then there is the pronounced variability in the sections - the older ones don't seem to get the maintenance and upgrades that the new ones see - a common problem at "mega" sized resorts. That also leads to the need for a car to even get around the resort itself. It's hUGE! We prefer one where you can easily walk to the resort features and local eateries, stores, etc. Finally there is that pesky Waste Water plant just over the property line that creates, uh, unpleasant odors for those assigned to that section.

Overall the value just isn't there for us at OLCC with so many others we like much better available.

As for Westgate I agree that a stay there can be a very pleasant experience. My main issue with the OP is the question of why they would choose to pay 75% or more premium for a direct purchase vs resale when the unit/rights you get are exactly the same with both. Seems like money wasted needlessly to me. I don't care for Westgate Management in any case as they have steadfastly refused to turn control over to the owners as required by State regulation (why they haven't stepped in is a mystery) and they consistently make negative changes in the rules that impact owners. They are basically out of control and the owners pay for it all. There is a laundry list of negative moves they have made in the past decade - I can post it if anyone is interested.

Thanks for the review of Orange Lakes. I appreciate it. We were thinking of trading in there at some point so I appreciate your input.

I agree with the direct vs. wholsale. In hindsight, I wish I purchased resale as well. However, I ended up getting a fantastic deal on one direct. I'm sure it still could have been cheaper wholesale.

If you don't mind, I would like to hear the negative moves. I hate to say it, but I don't really follow along with that. I pay my maintenance and read thru some of the documents but that's about it.

 

[PrincessEmma630]

I can tell by my searches that Westgate is not everyone's first choice However, the company I work for owns a timeshare with them which we might be able to use for a good deal. We would love to save money and be able to spend it on more fun things to do on our trip. We don't want to get into something that is not a good place, either. Are these resorts ok? If you stayed in one, which resort? Town Center? Villas? We were looking at rentals and got excited about this option, but now we're getting a little nervous. Any help is appreciated!

We're leaving in about 3 weeks for WDW, and we're staying 7 nights at Westgate Villas. Thankfully, we're not obligated to do a sales presentation, since our week, which is costing us a whopping $140, was given to us by a family member who is an owner. I've also read horrible reviews, but also noticed a huge majority of those reviews had to do with hating the sales pitch. We just flat-out won't go to it, so I'm not concerned with that at all! Then again there are some really good reviews too. We're going into it expecting the worst (which isn't really all that bad, rude employees/salesmen seems to be the most common complaint) and hoping for the best...it'll have to take a whole lot for me to hate this place, they're saving us about a grand on our hotel! We'll be spending most of our time at the parks anyway

 

[ccgirl]

We're leaving in about 3 weeks for WDW, and we're staying 7 nights at Westgate Villas. Thankfully, we're not obligated to do a sales presentation, since our week, which is costing us a whopping $140, was given to us by a family member who is an owner. I've also read horrible reviews, but also noticed a huge majority of those reviews had to do with hating the sales pitch. We just flat-out won't go to it, so I'm not concerned with that at all! Then again there are some really good reviews too. We're going into it expecting the worst (which isn't really all that bad, rude employees/salesmen seems to be the most common complaint) and hoping for the best...it'll have to take a whole lot for me to hate this place, they're saving us about a grand on our hotel! We'll be spending most of our time at the parks anyway

I think you will love it. Especially if you don't do the sales pitch. Again, most bad reviews I read are more from people that don't know how timeshares work and are more used to hotels and daily maid service etc. Look into the swan boats. Where you are not an owner, I'm not sure how much they cost but we thought they were a lot of fun. Mini - golf was good and they have a movie theatre there as well. Oh, then there's the little "train" that goes around the resort. My DS LOVED that! There are tons of restaurants around there. We have a 1st floor so we walk right from our screen lanai to the pool. No stairs/elevators involved.

Have fun!

 

[1buzymom]

Thanks for all of the feedback! I guess we are using the timeshare as owners since the timeshare is owned by my company. We are excited about going and since we are only paying the transfer fee, it's a wonderful deal. We would have loved to stay on property but cannot pass up this price. Our only decision now is the Town Center or the Lakes.

 

[mrsg00fy]

We're interested in this hotel as well. I have a skyauction certificate and on the redemption site, there is no mention of a 7.95 mandatory fee....but I see this fee mentioned on the Westgate site.

Is this fee applicable to all reservations? What does it cover? The redemption site also references a $30 activities card. Is this good for the mini golf and other activities?

I'm trying to get a handle on what the extra charges will add up to.

Thanks!!

 

[ccgirl]

Thanks for all of the feedback! I guess we are using the timeshare as owners since the timeshare is owned by my company. We are excited about going and since we are only paying the transfer fee, it's a wonderful deal. We would have loved to stay on property but cannot pass up this price. Our only decision now is the Town Center or the Lakes.

Most likely, you are not renting as owners as you are not the owner but your company is. They are letting you stay as their guest (which is the transfer fee you pay). I just didn't want you to be surprised when you have to pay extra for the activities. When you purchase a timeshare there you are given an ID card. It is that owner ID card you show to get the owner benefits, such as free activities.

We're interested in this hotel as well. I have a skyauction certificate and on the redemption site, there is no mention of a 7.95 mandatory fee....but I see this fee mentioned on the Westgate site.

Is this fee applicable to all reservations? What does it cover? The redemption site also references a $30 activities card. Is this good for the mini golf and other activities?

I'm trying to get a handle on what the extra charges will add up to.

Thanks!!

Actually, I'm not sure what the mandatory fee is. The $30 activities card does cover mini golf, swan boats etc. I think it is well worth it IMHO. If you think about it, how much does just one round of mini golf cost? I'll see if I can find a list with more specific charges.

 

[ccgirl]

I can't seem to find the individual breakdown. If you rent from them this is their terms:

A $50 credit card or $200 cash deposit is required at check-in for incidentals. A nightly resort fee, plus applicable tax, is applied to each hotel reservation and includes services and amenities that are sure to enhance your experience at the resort. For a week stay in a 2 BR villa the total resort fee ended up being $55.

I had to laugh at the negative comments of owners getting preferential treatment, such as free activities. Umm...do you really think the owners, the ones that invested in the property, shouldn't have more offered to them than renters? Otherwise, why would you buy???

 

[PrincessEmma630]

I think you will love it. Especially if you don't do the sales pitch. Again, most bad reviews I read are more from people that don't know how timeshares work and are more used to hotels and daily maid service etc. Look into the swan boats. Where you are not an owner, I'm not sure how much they cost but we thought they were a lot of fun. Mini - golf was good and they have a movie theatre there as well. Oh, then there's the little "train" that goes around the resort. My DS LOVED that! There are tons of restaurants around there. We have a 1st floor so we walk right from our screen lanai to the pool. No stairs/elevators involved.

Have fun!

I really think we'll like it too. I'm the more outspoken one, and DH tends to be the more relaxed one, so we've already decided he will be the one doing the checking in & out, and dealing with any issues. Thanks for the recommendations, we'll definately be trying out the swan boats, and my DD will LOVE the train! We'll just pay for the stuff we want to go to, nothing they could possibly have there would be worth giving up several hours of our vacation in a sales meeting!

 

[rlovew]

My parents have owned at the Villas for a few years now and we enjoy going with them. We did the tour this year when we went and I did like the views from the top floors at the towncenter- the ones they were showing had views of various Disney parks and would have had beautiful views for fireworks but I like the feel of the Villas (which they are in the process of renovating) more than the town center.