last September I did the Marriott Horizions tour that was offered to me at the "information" desk next to the gift shop at the Courtyard Marriott in DTD. They offered $50 in Marriott gift checks if I took a morning tour (+ breakfast that probably consisted of bagles & danish & juice) or $100 in Marriott gift checks if I took an afternoon tour, I think that started at 1:00. I opted for the $100 in gift checks (4/$25 dollar checks) & took the afternoon tour, it was very low pressure & only lasted alittle over an hour. They also provided shuttle transportation back & forth & the driver taught me the "short cut" through Palm Pkwy to Sea World & Universal so to me that was an added bonus
The Marriot gift checks at that time had an expiration of Nov 2003, so were good for alittle over a year & can be used at any Marriot owned properties (I used some at the Fairfield Inn Universal in January & they accepted them no problemo, you can call to get a booklet of all their properties) If they are offering this again this year when I stay at the CYBM DTD in September, I will be sure to be on another tour as I like making $100 for just a little of my time.
I also know there is a little kiosk located in the parking lot of Western Sizzlin/Ponderosa across the street from Old Town on Hwy 192 that always offers something as far as goodies if you take a time share tour. One time they offered me $100 in CASH to take a tour, I passed. I have no idea where the tour would have been or for $100 in CASH I bet it was real high pressure!
I have taken several time share tours for goodies (& once for "work") and have been successful with ending the tours by explaining that their program is not something that suits my need & also let them know I have fulfilled my responsibility and allowed them "XX" of my time that was required as was explained to me at the beginning of the tour, now it is time to end the presentation as we should not waste neither their or my time any longer (of course in my nicest "I've been in customer service for over 10 years & have learned how to say *no* nicely" voice.
oops, also forgot to mention in March I did a Fairfield timeshare "group" presentation that I received in the mail that included 2 Universal 2 day (1 park per day, same park the 2nd day) tickets & hotel stay at a nasty Ramada hotel. They mentioned in the presentation that we were all there because other people "referred" us. Maybe you can get someone that owns with Fairfield to refer you for a tour?
