Westgate Vacation Villas

[osu2k1]

What is this place like? We have a timeshare exchange for a 2 bdrm condo/villa. I have heard this place is pushy (that's fine, I can say no, easily) and not very kept up. Can I get some honest reviews. It will be 2 kids and DH and I. We are going in December, and plan on being at the parks most of the time. But still I don't want to stay somewhere trashy and scary. Thank you!!

 

[spiceycat]

it has been a while - but the last time stated there it was fine.

the problem is the sales people - just don't answer the phone and never agree to a sales pitch - or do what another guy suggest have them assign you a time on the day you leave after you are gone....

If you are trading with RCI - yes you will get the older section - but with II you will be fine.

with RCI would go with another one - what are the other choices?

 

[osu2k1]

it has been a while - but the last time stated there it was fine.

the problem is the sales people - just don't answer the phone and never agree to a sales pitch - or do what another guy suggest have them assign you a time on the day you leave after you are gone....

If you are trading with RCI - yes you will get the older section - but with II you will be fine.

with RCI would go with another one - what are the other choices?

I like your idea with dealing with the people.

I guess we are not doing an exchange per se, but we were given/won the timeshare in an auction. We are getting it directly from the owners. I suppose I could email them and see if they have any photos of the condo. I was just curious about how the resort was. Their condo is SS106, but that means nothing to me. I don't know if it's in the older section.

Thanks for answering, I hope more people chime in.

 

[spiceycat]

if you are dealing with owners then the condo should be in good shape.

oh don't expect to get that condo - but one similar.

 

[TobyK]

We stayed there several years ago, and found the condos to be in good condition, and enjoyed the resort's location - very close to Animal Kingdom. I avoided the timeshare salesman by telling him that "due to the terms of my probation I am unable to take part in timeshare deals"!!!!! (They fell for it...and avoided the family for the rest of the holiday!)

 

[swilshire]

We stayed there a few years ago and I agree that it was fine. Not the nicest resort I've ever stayed at, but certainly not the worst.

I do recall that some of the amenities cost extra, but it doesn't sound like you'll be using many of them anyway.

Sheila

 

[394mm493]

I also concur about the pushy sales staff. When we stayed there on an exchange with RCI many years ago (a decade or so) they were much higher rated. It was our first exchange and they told us that the sales presentation was mandatory. Once we returned I contacted RCI and found that this was completely false. I actually keep a copy of the RCI response on hand in case another resort tries the same sleazy approach.

Since then their ranking has gone downhill, but honestly, other than the sales pitches, it was a nice resort back then. They had a lot of activities and they are very coveniently located. Like so many other places in the area, the decor was like being in a rerun of Miami Vice, but still comfortable.

I'd say steer clear of anything that is potentially sales related and you'll be fine. Have a great time and enjoy your VERY short drive (or walk) to Animal Kingdom.

 

[gfolchick]

I've been an owner there for 20 years. I think it is well kept. On our last visit August 2011 our unit was completely updated (and very tastefully). My biggest problem is the sales staff which starts at check in. As I've said, I've owned there 20 years, I do not need an escort to my villa so they can try to set up a meeting with me. No matter how polite I am they push back harder. That is the most frustrating part of the whole vacation and it shouldn't be.

 

[spiceycat]

I've been an owner there for 20 years. I think it is well kept. On our last visit August 2011 our unit was completely updated (and very tastefully). My biggest problem is the sales staff which starts at check in. As I've said, I've owned there 20 years, I do not need an escort to my villa so they can try to set up a meeting with me. No matter how polite I am they push back harder. That is the most frustrating part of the whole vacation and it shouldn't be.

and that is why I gave mind away - plus the resort fees were high for what we (owners) got.