Who has tried one of those time-share trial vacations in Orlando?

Question

I am thinking of booking one for my family, but, are they rip-offs? Are they as good a deal as they seem? Looking for people to share their experiences. Thanks.

Answer 1

Timeshares are okay, if you don't mind going to them. Personally, I would avoid them because it is not my idea of a vacation. However, if you need to save some money, it can definitely be a good way to go.


My first piece of advice, however, is to stay away from eBay. You are taking a risk with eBay as far as what you are getting into. You never know if the companies are real, what they really include, etc. So, I would stay away if possible.


What you can do is call some of the timeshares in Orlando, Calypso Cay, Westgate, Star, etc. are just a few, you can look online to get more. Call them up and see what they are willing to offer you for doing a tour. Generally, they are going to put you in a 2 bedroom suite for a very good price, usually under $100 a night. They will also give you tickets to area attractions and things like that. You can get info from several companies and then decide which one is going to work the best for you.

Make sure you ask what the requirements are as well. For example, they usually require you to be married, have an income of at least $xx.xx and so on. So make sure that you qualify before going too far so you don't have to pay full rate or anything like that.

Just remember, the timeshares are high pressure things. They are going to try and sell you a timeshare and they don't like taking no for an answer. Most of the people work off of commission a good majority of the people that do the tours are just looking for a deal, so it becomes a little frusterating for them. So when you say they aren't interested, it can still take a while to get away.

Be sure to estimate several hours to do the tour. They usually say something like 90 minutes, but very rarely does anyone get out of them that fast (remember you have to do the whole thing and get them to authorize or approve your free tickets or other benefits before leaving) You usually start out by touring one of the villas (which is a little odd since you usually stay in their resort) they will walk you around the grounds, usually show you a video, etc. Then they will sit down and discuss more of the benefits, they may have breakfast or lunch available as well. After discussing everything they are going to start getting you quotes for ownership and they will keep getting lower as you continue to say no. At some point they will get a manager who is going to offer you their "best deal" after the manager you usually are able to get out. Generally you are looking at 4 to 5 hours or so. Just wanted to make sure you don't plan for it to be quick and easy, it does take some time.


Again, just be sure to look over what they have to offer. A lot of the companies make it look a lot better than it is but offer tickets to less popular attractions and things like that.

I've done two because I was interested in buying a timeshare, they were a terrible way to spend a vacation, in my opinion. It is just too pushy, pretty annoying and not a good way to spend my time. But again, if you are wanting to save money, it is a way to go. The timeshare tours themselves are not a rip-off, if you go with a good, well-known company you will get what they say. However, the timeshares themselves are usually a rip-off, but that is another answer!

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

My husband and I are with VRI and we love them. They have a nice condo-style resort in Kissimmee called the Fantasyworld Vacation Villas. Visit www.vriresorts.com for more info!
If you would like help planning your trip or if you would like to read up on some fun tips and ideas which are updated monthly, check out our Disney Vacation Planning Services website at:
http://www.easybreezyplanning.com
Have a wonderful trip!

Answer 3

Yes, a huge ripoff!! Do not do it!