Westgate Vacation Villas Question

[MouseEarsJenny]

After our 8 days at Disney, we're going to my sister's timeshare in the Westgate Vacation Villas. After reading reviews of the place, I'm a bit nervous. First, if we're going as the guests of owners, there's absolutely no way the resort can force us to sit through some kind of timeshare pitch, is there? Also, has anyone been here, and if so, can you comment on the cleanliness, friendliness, and overall atmosphere of the place?

The only way my sister and her family would accept our hospitality for a week of Disney was for us to accept theirs for a week of Universal. We're complete newbies to the world of Orlando outside of Walt's realm, and we're getting butterflies...

 

[Culater]

We also have a timeshare at Westgate Vacation Villas. They are nice, but I think sometimes there are older units that haven't been remodeled yet. But still I think they are clean and well maintained. As far as a unit, we haven't had an issue. I think Town Center units are nicer. As far as the "90 minute no obligation presentation", noone can make you go. It is not a requirement as a guest. Try to avoid the "free" welcome breakfast, the phone calls to find out if you are enjoying your stay and those kind of things. Sometimes you just have to be rude. The last time we stayed we had all of my family in about 4 different villas and noone had been asked about attending a presentation. I am not sure what else you have heard, but we did have one not so great experience one time We arrive very late in the evening because of delayed flights and it was after midnight when we checked in. Well just like a hotel, they OVERBOOKED!!!! They didn't have the 3 BR villa we reserved, but we had to stay in their "hotel like" room the first night. I was mad but we got the villa we wanted and it was nice, so I got over it. Just try to check in early.

 

[swilshire]

What compensation were you given for the hassle of the smaller room and having to move? Hotels pay dearly when they have to "walk" a customer.

Sheila

 

[Culater]

You know, it was several years ago, and I just don't remember if we received anything or not. If we didn't get the unit we wanted, I would have raised a stink. We might have received something, but obviously nothing great because I don't remember. But it was an exchange so I only paid an exchange fee. I remeber there were a lot of unhappy people in line.

 

[swilshire]

But it was an exchange so I only paid an exchange fee. I remeber there were a lot of unhappy people in line.

And your Maintenance Fee for the unit you own.

Thankfully this has never happened to me, but I would have expected some serious compensation.

I also would have been on the phone to the exchange company immediately to complain. That doesn't always help (like last summer when we got a horrid unit in Canada ---- they would give us our exchange fee and week back, but we would have been looking for an expensive hotel room to replace the week).

Sheila

 

[Melknor]

We just stayed there in April as part of an owners experience we had purchased a couple years ago. There are some pictures in my trip report. I thought it was really nice. We had paid for a 2 bedroom, but when we checked in I requested to be near a pool, in a newer unit, so they put us in a 3 bedroom unit, which is a loft style. We never had any issues with phone calls. There were messages left during the day, but it was a pre-recorded message with the activities on it, no sales call.

I would stay there again if I got a good deal (I later found out we didn't get a very good deal). They came mid week to give us more towels. When we had a maintenance issue, they came right away as well. The only thing I didn't care for was that there was no kind of baking sheet/pizza pan. Other than that, it was all good for us.

 

[05MM08MM]

Ok, so staying here on points with a timeshare, it's not so bad then? This is the only way I could stay off Disney property...for free or close enough

 

[nepean]

How do you get them to not call you? It seems unfair that you should have to take your phone off the hook. I need the phone in case family is trying to reach us. Our cell phones do not work in Florida.

Nepean

 

[Leleluvsdis]

We stayed at WGVV in May, and Mom and Dad got the sells pitch, when we first got there and she told them that we would be leaving first thing in the morning and wouldn't be back til late late at night. Mom and Dad didn't call until Thursday to make the appointment b/c they make it to where you have to go in order to get the check out package. Mom told him he had 30 minutes. They were not buying they already own 2 and are not interested in a third. They sat there for 25 minutes while he was talking, and mom looked at her watch and said you have 5 minutes left. he went and got his sales manager, and when she sat down Mom told her, I told your employee I did not want to buy, and not interested in buying, just give me my check out packet and I will be on my way. The manager himmed and hawwed trying to make deals with her and mom stood up and said times up I gave you 40 minutes of my vacation, and I'm not wasting anymore of it.have a nice day! They are very pushy on the sales end, and trust me mom is not a vocal person at all, but after I get her to read several of the TR on here, she decided she was going to have to be firm. She was and she got out of there in 40 minutes. Just stand firm, and you should be fine. Sorry this is so long, I just wanted you to know what you are in for.

 

[Brian Noble]

How do you get them to not call you?

The easiest way is to schedule "a meeting" at noonish on your departure day, and then blow it off.

You could also just not answer the phone, and check messages after the fact, and return calls as appropriate.

 

[TotoToo]

The easiest way is to schedule "a meeting" at noonish on your departure day, and then blow it off.

You could also just not answer the phone, and check messages after the fact, and return calls as appropriate.

Agreed. Always schedule a meeting ASAP upon arrival but make it for your departure day and after 10AM. You do NOT have to attend (and in fact I'd strongly recommend against it). Insist that is the only time that you have due to other plans and do not let them talk you into some other date/time unless it is after your check out date. While that will not stop 100% of the calls it will allow you to honestly answer that you are already scheduled and thus end any interruption quickly and without need to make excuses. Then enjoy your stay largely undisturbed.