This time the resort in question is the Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club. The resort is located in the ever popular location of Walt Disney World, Florida, so is extremely popular on location alone. All reviewers do not have many bad things to say about the hotel itself, or for that matter its amenities or services. What is putting everyone off staying at this resort are the ‘bouncer like’ timeshare sales staff who do not want you to pass them without signing up to do a presentation.
Two recent TripAdvisor reviews have explained in depth of their full check-in experience. One of the guests arrived at reception, checked in fine, but then was led to believe there was more to do in relation to their check in and was moved on to another desk, where the lady said that she could help him complete his check in. This was a little odd, as she started trying to sign them up for a Timeshare presentation. The family had paid in full for their holiday, and were not expecting to have to spend any of it on a presentation.
This family simply walked away in the direction of the elevator (having been a timeshare owner for many years were used to the demands of sales persons). When they were walking towards the elevator, they were stopped once again by a heavy bouncer like figure, to which the family started getting annoyed and ended up having to force themselves in the direction of the elevators instead of almost being forced into a room where they would have then been signed up for a presentation. This family has stated that despite the quality of the rest of the hotel they would not be back.
The second family, were not so aware of what they might be in for, and signed up for the ‘information session’, thinking that they were going to be given information on the resort and Disney. They were extremely upset when they had to spend more than half a day of their short Orlando holiday inside a presentation room with many others whom were not wanting to be there. This couple had already paid the full price for their hotel, but were given ‘extra discount’ on their Disney park tickets for swapping their time. They have stated that the discount was not worth the 4 hours that they lost.
The TCA would like to bring it to your attention that if you are staying in a Timeshare resort, but have paid the full price for your accommodation, the presentations are very rarely compulsory. It may feel like you have to attend at the time, however, the need to be assertive and say no if you do not want to attend may be needed during the length of your stay.
If you have paid a discounted holiday price, or the accommodation is free, be prepared to have to go to a presentation. The discount has been given for this reason. You are not obligated to purchase on the day, but there will be a lot of pressure on you to purchase into the world of Timeshare.
For more information regarding this article or assistance in any other timeshare related issues please contact the TCA on 01908 881058 or email: info@TimeshareConsumerAssociation.org.uk