I'm Off to a Timeshare Presentation, aka "the cheap vacation"

Well, I've finally broken down and decided to attend one of those timeshare briefings. My husband is a Hilton Hotel rewards member and was peddled a timeshare weekend getaway if we attend this two hour briefing this Saturday. Since we're paying only a hundred bucks for a four day weekend, and we've never been to one, we said why not? He just got back from being gone for three months, so this can be a nice little break for the two of us, plus we're supposed to get two Disney tickets out of it.

I know, I know, I've heard horror stories about how you are pressured at these things, have to go through a slew of salespeople and supervisors to try to get convinced and then are treated persona non grata after your final refusal, but I did go to Trip Advisor and read reviews from others who did the same thing at that very same resort. They all said this particular resort in Orlando is just beautiful and the sales presentation is not as pushy as most.

I know these folks have had years to perfect their spiel and can probably convince the average person to buy a timeshare or even sell their firstborn child. But, I think with both my husband and I being there, and knowing we are running off to Germany in a few months, I seriously doubt they could talk us into anything. Oh, and for those of you who have recently been pushed into a timeshare and are frantic about what to do, you do have a "cooling off period" to change your mind. This is mandated by law and not something they do not do out of friendliness. So don't totally panic. Of course, there are those of you who already have timeshares, and I don't want to take anything away from you. We have good friends who have one and regularly trade weeks around the world at other timeshares in the network, but even they have admitted they could've saved boatloads of money by buying one second hand. At any given time, you can find dozens on eBay Timeshares and also at timeshare resellers for the fraction of the cost of a "new one".

Before taking the plunge, read:

The Timeshare Trap (an older article but still valid today)

Before You Buy a Timeshare (a NY specific article, but things to think about for anyone who accepts a vacation package to go see a timeshare)

The Critical First Five Seconds of a Timeshare Presentation and The Five Simple But Essential Steps to Getting a Sale (read the other psychological stuff this guy wrote to talk people into buying timeshares)

I Attended a Timeshare Briefing in Hawaii and did not intend to Buy


Has anyone here had a timeshare experience they'd like to share? I'll be sure to report back after we get back!