Why do people buy timeshares?

[ChrisC]

First you are making an assumption that i don't have 10 grand to spend on travelling so let me correct YOU.

1) i paid cash for my timeshare 15k in 2001. How could you possibly know what some one can or cannot afford

2) yes I am a "dreamer". Dreaming is how I became ER'ed. I had a dream of retiring early and worked toward that "dream". yep I'm living the dream. I'm a happy camper when I'm there

3) I go 2 times a year and have done so for the last 16 year so i hardly think that makes me a "sucker" we've done family reunions, girls only trips with life long friends and a 100th birthday celebration. Next April 4 college roommates are celebrating 35 years of friendship. All thanks to my timeshare

Get a little more information please before casting a wide disparaging comment.

Yep, that was a disparaging comment. As said before, my timeshares (yes I own several) are in my vacation and leisure travel portfolio, but I also pay for expensive cruises, vacation home rentals, and other leisure travel, and in some cases, frequently leveraging my timeshare ownership in other Marriott lodging or affinity products. I've been a Marriott Lifetime Platinum Rewards member for a number of years now, which was primarily derived from my initial ownership in Marriott timeshares, with benefits that were incalculable to me when I traveled during my working stiff days. My timeshare ownership has worked exceedingly well for us when we traveled as a family with three young children over the years, and is working well for us in retirement too. And occasionally I can pass on my benefits to my adult children, such as arranging and obtaining resort lodging for their honeymoons in Thailand and Hawaii, flying 5 of us on FF miles from the East Coast to the West Coast and staying 6 days at nice 2 bedroom resort to attend a military retirement for my son-in-law, and arranging and obtaining resort lodging for my daughter's blended family of two teenagers and one toddler to stay 8 nights in Orlando FL in June 2018. And when we've taken European River Cruises 2 out of the last 3 years, at considerable expense on AmaWaterways, we've been able to use FF miles, and bookend our river cruises with lodging at Marriott Hotels in Paris, Barcelona, Vienna, and a timeshare resort in Mallorca -- all at little expense. My next trip will be an 8 day tour of Costa Rica in April 2018, courtesy of my timeshare ownership -- I'm debating whether I should use my FF miles for my flights, derived from my timeshare ownership, or pay the $2500 in airfare I've been seeing online -- or use my FF miles for business class on a future trip to Europe or Asia.

One can rightfully argue that my travel could have been accomplished cheaper without timeshare ownership -- and there are countless threads in other forums, including at the Timeshares Users Group forum, devoted to such issues, where many use mind-numbing break-even analyses establishing that as a financial proposition, timeshares are poor investments. But this is all beside the point as this pointless debate reminds me of that Oscar Wilde quote about folks knowing "the price of everything and the value of nothing."

I'm sure I overpaid for my timeshare ownership in some instances, but in retrospect, I wouldn't change a thing. And I'm sure when I buy that 740 BMW or that Subzero Refrigerator, I'll be a sucker in the eyes of others as well. It's funny too that during my travels I see lots of similarly situated suckers at some wonderful places.

 

[audreyh1]

There are many variables in the timeshare decision. The company, the vendor/price, your personal situation.

A good decision for one person might not be so good for another.

One thing I did read a year or so again was the high marketing fees. Apparently the marketing budget for new build timeshares is fifty percent of the sell price. Sellers are commission only hence the pressure sales environment.

It just makes sense that a resale would be a much less expensive way to go. Plus.....you can take your time and shop/compare/research at home. You are not sitting a desk in front of some Herb Tarlick-like salesperson who is implying that you would be a fool to give up this fabulous offer....that won't be available after to walk away. And that you wife and kids will think you are no end of a hero if you just pass over your credit card.

When we sat through one, refused, and refused again, my spouse felt terrible and humiliated. It was different for me. I spent my career in high end sales so I was interested in hearing the pitch that I had heard about for so long. I was not disappointed but for me it was just water off a ducks back. Just another day in paradise. I found it highly entertaining...more so that some of the movies that I have seen lately. As good as Danny DeVito in 'Tin Man"

I think we ended up getting most of the full pitch because I was curious. Initially they offered some points to sit through the whole presentation, buy we declined. We didn't go to get any freebies. I just wanted to get a tour of the suites. I was quite fascinated, but I didn't ever feel like it was something we had to do. When they called in the guy that went over the numbers I think he was a little surprised why we were there, LOL! It must have been obvious that we were an unlikely prospect. But everything has been pretty vague until they spelled out the numbers so I'm glad we stayed that long.

It was worth it to me because we got a healthy glimpse of a "lifestyle" that would never match our traveling style, but it was very interesting nonetheless.

The whole points thing was annoying and confusing. I don't like dealing with points and exchanges.

I was just trying to figure out how to rent one of the places. LOL!

If we return to Maui we might try staying at the Honoa Kai next door (the Westin construction kept us away last year). But then maybe we'll have to splurge with another stay at Napili Kai - boy wasn't that awesome!

 

[MooreBonds]

First you are making an assumption that i don't have 10 grand to spend on travelling so let me correct YOU.
...
Get a little more information please before casting a wide disparaging comment.

bclover, I don't think kgtest was aiming their comments directly at you - they were addressing the 99% of the timeshare buyers that end up buying them,. and for whom they are not a wise purchase.

Obviously - as with just about any possible product/experience/situation/circumstance - there will always be examples of how in a few instances, it worked out great and made perfect sense.

But by and large, timeshares are not wise decisions for probably 98% of those that buy them. Why do I say that? Because if they were such a great deal, they wouldn't have such high pressure sales tactics, and the "you MUST buy now during the presentation, and you don't get to look at any of the fine print now, or the points catalog to see just what you can exchange those points for, or go home and actually evaluate it without me doing the song and dance to distract you and pressure you at the same time."

Or if that's not enough of an obvious red flag - how about the fact that nearly all timeshares depreciate just about as much on the secondary market as a mobile home. (Yes, I know, your Disney timeshare hasn't depreciated much, and Disney will often buy it back - but Disney timeshares make up a tiny % of the overall timeshare market). If timeshares were a highly sought after commodity that everyone is clamoring to get into because they are such a great deal, the secondary market would have sales prices HIGHER than (or, at least, very close to) the initial purchase price.

And one last thought - you wouldn't hear so many ads on the radio for companies like TimeshareExitTeam.com, who actually charge you just to be able to walk away from your timeshare "investment". Instead, if timeshares were, by and large, great things, you would hear ads for TimeshareEntranceTeam.com, to charge you to get you in on the ground floor of timeshares before the public gets a crack at them and gobble them all up.

 

[gayl]

As long as you know for sure you will not buy no matter what and you do not mind listening to someone try to sale you for 90 minutes. We did this and it was the shortest presentation ever, we just sat down said we have no interest in buying and the sales persons said ok and a little later we were done....I think all in about 45 minutes.... At almost every presentation they will add on a "quality Control" check for you to meet with someone in Customer service....This is another attempt to sale you a "come back on us" or "try out on us" deal to stay a week somewhere for a certain amount etc.... usually not a good deal and not a bad deal if you will use it

thank you for the reality check & not worth possibly being stuck at a sales pitch for 90 minutes for basically 1 day in NYC -- will book that later on (between Mazatlan in January & Ukraine in May b4 1 graduates SFSU & 1 graduates CVCHS)

 

[bclover]

bclover, I don't think kgtest was aiming their comments directly at you - they were addressing the 99% of the timeshare buyers that end up buying them,. and for whom they are not a wise purchase.

Obviously - as with just about any possible product/experience/situation/circumstance - there will always be examples of how in a few instances, it worked out great and made perfect sense.

But by and large, timeshares are not wise decisions for probably 98% of those that buy them. Why do I say that? Because if they were such a great deal, they wouldn't have such high pressure sales tactics, and the "you MUST buy now during the presentation, and you don't get to look at any of the fine print now, or the points catalog to see just what you can exchange those points for, or go home and actually evaluate it without me doing the song and dance to distract you and pressure you at the same time."

Or if that's not enough of an obvious red flag - how about the fact that nearly all timeshares depreciate just about as much on the secondary market as a mobile home. (Yes, I know, your Disney timeshare hasn't depreciated much, and Disney will often buy it back - but Disney timeshares make up a tiny % of the overall timeshare market). If timeshares were a highly sought after commodity that everyone is clamoring to get into because they are such a great deal, the secondary market would have sales prices HIGHER than (or, at least, very close to) the initial purchase price.

And one last thought - you wouldn't hear so many ads on the radio for companies like TimeshareExitTeam.com, who actually charge you just to be able to walk away from your timeshare "investment". Instead, if timeshares were, by and large, great things, you would hear ads for TimeshareEntranceTeam.com, to charge you to get you in on the ground floor of timeshares before the public gets a crack at them and gobble them all up.

Thanks Moore,

lol, my apologies kgtest. that was probably a bit harsh

I just have a natural perversion against insulting folks based on what they buy. I always wonder "how far can we extend that?? I love Louie Vuitton bags, I have (and will probably do so again in the future) dropped 3 grand on what is essentially a leather sack. Over the course of 35 years I've gathered 7 or more. I guess that makes me a gigantic sucker?? See how insulting that sounds.

I totally agree about the negative aspects of the timeshare industry, and i wonder if kgtest went through and read mine or Capjaks or other happy timeshare owners post. We clearly and repeatedly say that it works out for a slime margin of folks and donot give into presentations.

Ironically, we purchased our timeshare NOT for financial reasons. I totally admit that over the course of my life, I've done things solely for pleasure, regardless of the cost. I took a trip to Spain with my mom with absolutely no money, charged the entire thing. She had just been diagnosed with cancer and I wanted to give her that trip. financially irresponsible? ABSOLUTELY. priceless?? ABSOLUTELY.

We purchased our timeshare for one reason, we knew without a doubt that we would be returning to the venue for as long as God and health allowed.

I apologize (again) if I was rude, I did (do) get insulted by the post. for many, vacations are more than cost, they are memories.

 

[ivinsfan]

Thanks Moore,

lol, my apologies kgtest. that was probably a bit harsh

I just have a natural perversion against insulting folks based on what they buy. I always wonder "how far can we extend that?? I love Louie Vuitton bags, I have (and will probably do so again in the future) dropped 3 grand on what is essentially a leather sack. Over the course of 35 years I've gathered 7 or more. I guess that makes me a gigantic sucker?? See how insulting that sounds.

I totally agree about the negative aspects of the timeshare industry, and i wonder if kgtest went through and read mine or Capjaks or other happy timeshare owners post. We clearly and repeatedly say that it works out for a slime margin of folks and donot give into presentations.

Ironically, we purchased our timeshare NOT for financial reasons. I totally admit that over the course of my life, I've done things solely for pleasure, regardless of the cost. I took a trip to Spain with my mom with absolutely no money, charged the entire thing. She had just been diagnosed with cancer and I wanted to give her that trip. financially irresponsible? ABSOLUTELY. priceless?? ABSOLUTELY.

We purchased our timeshare for one reason, we knew without a doubt that we would be returning to the venue for as long as God and health allowed.

I apologize (again) if I was rude, I did (do) get insulted by the post. for many, vacations are more than cost, they are memories.

Believe me you weren't the one who was rude, even the poster saying 98 or 99% of timeshares purchase "didn't understand or got taken" was being dismissive. My SIL has had a timeshare bug for over 20 years and it suits her fine. She's a pretty sharp woman too. I know she could teach me a lot about timeshares and how to use them and come out ahead. She set me up with a 100 week in Cabo and a greatly discounted week in London. I fact I think she has 7 or 8 weeks a years but it's almost a part time job scanning for deals and staying on top of everything. I'm not sure I want to devote that much time and money to learning. I prefer to rent a month at a time on VRBO and just settle in. If someone doesn't want a timeshare fine, but don't lump everyone that has one in same boat.

I loved the poster that mocked Disneys wine fest by saying they'd rather go to every country as if the Disney people were just travel wannabe's..I guess you can't do anything just because it's fun and entertaining

 

[Nemo2]

I loved the poster that mocked Disneys wine fest by saying they'd rather go to every country as if the Disney people were just travel wannabe's..I guess you can't do anything just because it's fun and entertaining

C'est moi....what I should perhaps point out, is that just because the proverbial 'you' think something is "fun and entertaining" (i.e face stuffing and attempting to consume a sample of every libation on the planet), does not mean that it is, nor does it mean that everyone should think it is.

Although it might go a long way in explaining the huge obesity rates.

Me, I've got better things to do.

 

[Ready]

This forum tends to analyze things from a fiscal standpoint, but timeshares are not all about money. Some people just buy them because they want to lock in a place to go on vacation every year and they might be more likely to pass on a vacation if they hadn't committed to the timeshare and had to pay for a hotel room.

There is a vibrant market for resale timeshares, and a few large web sites that support active trading of weeks from one property to another. I have several friends who routinely trade their time shares to try new places out and seem very happy with the experience.

The one nice thing about many timeshares is that the rooms often have a kitchen, or at least a kitchenette, where you can make coffee and light meals rather than having to eat three meals a day out in restaurants while on your vacation.

 

[Amethyst]

So are ER's, if it comes to that.

WDW is more fun with a kid (IMHO) but it can be a lot of fun with just each other, too. Some of us have a perpetual 9-year-old inside.

anyone over the age of nine, (who isn't accompanying someone under the age of nine), visiting Disney is somewhat...ummm....eccentric.

 

[Amethyst]

What's considered a horrible extravagance depends on the company you are in. For example, some posters on this forum have proudly shared photos of beautiful - but very expensive - machines that basically dig or cut stuff. Now, I don't want to own those machines, but I can admire them for their functional beauty.

However, there have also been many posts by men, bemoaning the amount of $$ that wives and girlfriends (theirs, and other people's) spend on clothes, jewelry, and generally making themselves more beautiful. To the forum members, $$ spent on adornment, even if you can afford it, is inexplicable waste.

I don't happen to agree, but I don't bother posting photos either

Thanks Moore,

lol, my apologies kgtest. that was probably a bit harsh

I just have a natural perversion against insulting folks based on what they buy. .

 

[audreyh1]

The one nice thing about many timeshares is that the rooms often have a kitchen, or at least a kitchenette, where you can make coffee and light meals rather than having to eat three meals a day out in restaurants while on your vacation.

This condo/suite aspect of timeshares has been brought up several times. A person does not have to own a timeshare to use one. Resort areas with lots of timeshares rent them all the time. Every place we stayed in Maui had the full kitchen, living area, suite, etc. Guess what - they were all timeshares rented by the resort. So as a non-owner you are not locked out by any means.

Same when we visit some sections of the Texas coast. Same when we went skiing.

 

[Silver]

I think that people buy timeshares in Florida in order to support David and Jackie Seigel's quest to build the biggest house in America. Of course they are calling it "Versailles". It's a 90,000 sq ft house in Orlando.

David Seigel is known in Florida as the "timeshare king". He and his wife Jackie have been on TV many times, including a documentary about them back in 2012. It was not flattering, and they tried to sue for deformation unsuccessfully.

Last week they made an appearance on the reality show "Flipping Out" with home designer Jeff Lewis. He declined to work with them after meeting them and seeing the home in Orlando. He admitted to knowing that "they have all the money in the world, but no taste".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_A._Siegel

I guess selling timeshares can be pretty profitable if you do it right.

 

[ChrisC]

MooreBonds, I think you overstate your position, which makes it less credible and unhelpful to those seeking a balanced assessment of timeshare ownership. As someone else said earlier in this thread, timeshares are sold, not actually bought and like annuities, some are bad for some folks, some are good for some folks.

99% of the timeshare buyers that end up buying them,. and for whom they are not a wise purchase.

It's inconceivable that 99% of owners are dissatisfied or don't think they made a wise purchase. I don't think there is any business or product line that could sustain itself with such widespread dissatisfaction. The fact of the matter is that for many, timeshare ownership, is a wise purchase -- you may disagree with the assessment they have made but the fact that many, perhaps most, timeshare owners, are multiple timeshare owners (repeat purchasers) belies your view that it's not a wise purchase for them.

Why do I say that? Because if they were such a great deal, they wouldn't have such high pressure sales tactics, and the "you MUST buy now during the presentation, and you don't get to look at any of the fine print now, or the points catalog to see just what you can exchange those points for, or go home and actually evaluate it without me doing the song and dance to distract you and pressure you at the same time."

This is classic non-sequitur. And the conclusion is actually false. It simply does not follow the premise that timeshares are bad deals because of the sales and marketing efforts used to drive ownership purchases. It's true that underhanded sales tactics can be symptomatic of a faulty product or service, but it's not absolutely true that the product or service must be actually bad or faulty. Further, every state has a 7 day cooling off and rescission period that allows the purchaser at these presentations to rescind the purchase. So you can review the timeshare purchase at home, do additional due diligence at your own time, and rescind the purchase.

Or if that's not enough of an obvious red flag - how about the fact that nearly all timeshares depreciate just about as much on the secondary market as a mobile home. (Yes, I know, your Disney timeshare hasn't depreciated much, and Disney will often buy it back - but Disney timeshares make up a tiny % of the overall timeshare market). If timeshares were a highly sought after commodity that everyone is clamoring to get into because they are such a great deal, the secondary market would have sales prices HIGHER than (or, at least, very close to) the initial purchase price.

First of all, selective timeshares that are in highly sought after locations, at high demand times, and offered by known and reputable developers, do appreciate in value over time. But like new cars coming off the dealer's lot, all timeshares drop in value if offered immediately in the secondary market, though those selective timeshares will eventually regain value and appreciate over time since selective timeshares are actually hard to find in the secondary market. (Disney is simply a unique timeshare because you're actually buying the Disney brand for a set period of time.)

The reason why timeshares drop in price in the secondary market is that marketing and sales costs are disproportionately included in the price of the timeshare offered by the developer, some say about 75% of the timeshare price offered by the developer reflects sales and marketing costs -- like those freebies one gets from attending timeshare presentations or the sales commissions given to folks pushing the sales. In the secondary market, obviously, there aren't any major marketing or sales costs and it's truly a buyer's market as sellers in the secondary market (dissatisfied or financially strapped owners) are highly motivated to sell, at almost any cost.

And one last thought - you wouldn't hear so many ads on the radio for companies like TimeshareExitTeam.com, who actually charge you just to be able to walk away from your timeshare "investment". Instead, if timeshares were, by and large, great things, you would hear ads for TimeshareEntranceTeam.com, to charge you to get you in on the ground floor of timeshares before the public gets a crack at them and gobble them all up.

Again, this is classic non-sequitur or perhaps some other logical reasoning fallacy. Timeshare sales are marketed a certain way because some marketing and sales folks a long time ago made the judgment that individual sales presentations occurring at pleasurable vacation experiences, offering freebies and using various emotional triggers would induce many to purchase. And by and large, it works, but in the process the product itself acquired a tarnished and tainted reputation in the general public which can't really be cured by any customer education advanced by the industry.

There are many timeshare owners dissatisfied with ownership: frequently it's caused by owners not fully understanding how to work exchanges, the limitations of their ownership interest, or financial hardship. The "postcard" timeshare exit companies market to this segment of the population. And in many cases, these companies offer little services that the owner himself couldn't do on his own.

 

[Texas Proud]

This forum tends to analyze things from a fiscal standpoint, but timeshares are not all about money. Some people just buy them because they want to lock in a place to go on vacation every year and they might be more likely to pass on a vacation if they hadn't committed to the timeshare and had to pay for a hotel room.

There is a vibrant market for resale timeshares, and a few large web sites that support active trading of weeks from one property to another. I have several friends who routinely trade their time shares to try new places out and seem very happy with the experience.

The one nice thing about many timeshares is that the rooms often have a kitchen, or at least a kitchenette, where you can make coffee and light meals rather than having to eat three meals a day out in restaurants while on your vacation.

I just want to point something out... there is no requirement to own a timeshare in order to go to a particular place every year... I have some distant inlaws... (they are IIRC cousins of my sisters husband) they rent a house on a river every July 4th week... have been doing it for many years.... when the week is over they book the next year... they only allow bookings one year in advance so they have to wait until the week is over...

Much cheaper than a timeshare from what I understand...

 

[audreyh1]

I just want to point something out... there is no requirement to own a timeshare in order to go to a particular place every year... I have some distant inlaws... (they are IIRC cousins of my sisters husband) they rent a house on a river every July 4th week... have been doing it for many years.... when the week is over they book the next year... they only allow bookings one year in advance so they have to wait until the week is over...

Much cheaper than a timeshare from what I understand...

Yep - lots of people do this. Reserve well in advance, become a regular appreciated by the owner who will then usually jump through hoops to keep the dependable business.

 

[audreyh1]

C'est moi....what I should perhaps point out, is that just because the proverbial 'you' think something is "fun and entertaining" (i.e face stuffing and attempting to consume a sample of every libation on the planet), does not mean that it is, nor does it mean that everyone should think it is.

Although it might go a long way in explaining the huge obesity rates.

Me, I've got better things to do.

I still don't understand criticizing what others obviously enjoy for their travel and entertainment. To each his own.

 

[Nemo2]

I still don't understand criticizing what others obviously enjoy for their travel and entertainment. To each his own.

All (IIRC) I originally said was to the effect that those adults who repeatedly visit Disney might be considered somewhat eccentric.

Simply expressing an opinion......(I know that many people view me as eccentric but I don't get my knickers in a twist about it).

 

[Texas Proud]

Some people are going back and forth over if the decision is good or bad... and the people who think it is good seem to be getting mad at the people who think it is bad...

I think it is a bad financial decision in most ways... but as others have said, it can be more than just a financial decision...

However, most people who buy do regret buying... it is #1 on a list of things people regret buying...

Things Most People Regret Buying - Personal Finance Advice


Also, there are many reasons not to buy....

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/top-ten-reasons-think-twice-before-buying-timeshare.html


When I look to see people that are happy they bought, I see more articles about why NOT to buy them...

http://onecentatatime.com/10-financial-myths-about-timeshares/


I wish I could find some survey showing the pct. of people who are perfectly happy vs the ones who are not, but so far I have not see such a survey.... but I would be big money that the not satisfied is a multiple of the satisfied...


If you are in the satisfied camp, I am happy for you.... but do not think that means that is a common feeling among purchaser...

 

[capjak]

Some people are going back and forth over if the decision is good or bad... and the people who think it is good seem to be getting mad at the people who think it is bad...

I think it is a bad financial decision in most ways... but as others have said, it can be more than just a financial decision...

However, most people who buy do regret buying... it is #1 on a list of things people regret buying...

Things Most People Regret Buying - Personal Finance Advice


Also, there are many reasons not to buy....




I wish I could find some survey showing the pct. of people who are perfectly happy vs the ones who are not, but so far I have not see such a survey.... but I would be big money that the not satisfied is a multiple of the satisfied...

..

If you buy resale and if you learn the ropes it will work but it is a hobby to do that: Here is a survey:How happy are you with your Marriott ownership? | Timeshare Users Group Online Discussion Forums
How happy are you with your Marriott ownership?
* I'm very happy with my ownership.
180 vote(s) 44.4%
I'm happy despite occasional problems, e.g., availability issues, Destination Club confusion, etc.
98 vote(s) 24.2%
I'm neutral.
36 vote(s) 8.9%
I'm a bit unhappy with my ownership, but have no current plans to dispose of my Marriott ownership.
46 vote(s) 11.4%
I'm unhappy, want to sell and would not buy another Marriott.
45 vote(s) 11.1%

 

[capjak]

There are forums that deal with this just like this forum. Here are the questions they have to help newbies, UNFORTUNATELY Many people buy on those freebie timeshare visits and than regret it, those that study it tend to be more likely to be satisfied or do not buy at all:

Here are some questions you can answer to focus your timeshare wants/needs.

From TUG.http://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/what-to-buy-questions-for-newbies.208742/

1) Where do you want your home resort to be?

2) Do you want to visit your home resort at least half the time, or do you want to trade more than half the time?

3) What are your 5 top trade destinations?

4) How many people do you usually travel with?

5) Can you travel any time, or are you locked into the school schedule?

6) Can you make firm plans 12 or more mos. in advance?

7) Can you vacation for a full week at a time?

8) What level of accommodations do you prefer on a scale of 1 to 5 stars?

9) How much can you afford to spend upfront, without financing?

10) How much can you afford to spend every year for a maintenance fee that will come due right after Christmas, and increase each year?

11) Are you a detail oriented planner?

12) Do you understand that once you buy a timeshare, it may be very difficult to sell or give away, and you are responsible for all fees, until you do?

 

[Texas Proud]

Well, I found an article that does talk about the pct of people who regret buying... it is 85%.... which leave 15% left and there has to be some there that are neutral or don't knows....

This from a professor who did a study...


https://www.finnlawgroup.com/learning-center/statistics-about-timeshare-rescission

 

[ivinsfan]

C'est moi....what I should perhaps point out, is that just because the proverbial 'you' think something is "fun and entertaining" (i.e face stuffing and attempting to consume a sample of every libation on the planet), does not mean that it is, nor does it mean that everyone should think it is.

Although it might go a long way in explaining the huge obesity rates.

Me, I've got better things to do.

Right and because you enjoy the thrill of travel and don't mind flying, jet lag and so on doesn't mean everyone should....I've never been to Disney but I have been to charity wine and booze and food events..and the samples are small and the atmosphere is not "face stuffing and getting lit up"...it's socializing and having a good time..

 

[Nemo2]

Right and because you enjoy the thrill of travel and don't mind flying, jet lag and so on doesn't mean everyone should....I've never been to Disney but I have been to charity wine and booze and food events..and the samples are small and the atmosphere is not "face stuffing and getting lit up"...it's socializing and having a good time..

Here's the original comment to which I responded:

It is one of the funnest (albeit pricey) experiences you can have. Just trying to have one beer/wine in each country is a challenge.

Doesn't sound like a "Charity event with small samples" to me...perhaps it does to you?

Also, I've stated numerous times that we hate flying and airports.....so, if you want to discuss apples & oranges I'd suggest talking to a greengrocer.

 

[ivinsfan]

Here's the original comment to which I responded:

Doesn't sound like a "Charity event with small samples" to me...perhaps it does to you?

Also, I've stated numerous times that we hate flying and airports.....so, if you want to discuss apples & oranges I'd suggest talking to a greengrocer.

Well we attend an event where they use 2 oz glasses each patron get one empty glass upon entry....so one beer 2 oz..a better question would be why you feel so negative to people who simply want to enjoy an adult event at Disney...it's not my cup of tea either but if they want to go to Disney properties 50 times that's their choice.the person just mentioned it was a challenge to sample everything. If they want a Disney timeshare and think it's a good value more power to them.That was the original question by the OP..every travel experience has good and bad points.it's an individual choice just like a timeshare purchase.

 

[Moemg]

. To the forum members, $$ spent on adornment, even if you can afford it, is inexplicable waste.

I don't happen to agree, but I don't bother posting photos either

That is why I will never publish the yearly amount I spend on clothes .Some of the folks here would have a stroke ! I probably am responsible for saving JJill from bankruptcy .