In 2008, my family vacationed with my cousin and his family down in Orlando, Florida. He and his family had bought into the Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare program the previous year. We were able to get free lodging for a vacation of 7 days and 6 nights . We had no idea after joining that we would make so many trips to Orlando. Because of this new venture and investment, we have been able to stay at some of the nicest resorts in the country.
Where We Stayed
Our first stay in Orlando was at the Hilton Grand Vacations at Sea World. It’s across the street from Sea World and practically right next door to Discovery Cove. It’s been a long while and a lot vacations to remember exactly everything about that particular vacation. My family was in a studio while my cousin and his family were in a 1 bedroom condo. The 2 were attached which allowed us/them privacy and it also allowed our kids to hang out with each other. We spent a lot of time at the pool where there were an abundant of activities to do around the pool area. The Activity Center is what our children fell in love with because of all of the child-friendly activities readily available from 10 in the morning until 10 at night. Last week my family had the pleasure of staying at this same resort where it all started for us fourteen years ago. Not much has changed other than updated furnishings and fresh paint.
The Meeting
We, my wife and I along with my cousin and his wife, went to a sales meeting the next morning. Each of us listened to the sales pitch and we decided at the time to go ahead and purchase enough points to get us at least 1 week somewhere nice each year. We paid the total amount off with 2 years and only are required to pay maintenance fees based upon where our deed is located and how many points you own. Our cousins were pretty excited because they received some bonus points because of our purchase. We also received discounts to Sea World because of our agreement to come in for 1 hour. We had the option for discounts to theme parks or $100 in gift cards.
Huge Selling Point
We were sold by the Activity Centers at each of the resorts for our children. It gave our kids a safe place to play with adult supervision. Another huge selling point were the number of different resorts in so many different locations. We knew that we would be going on vacation every year and we decided we wanted to stay at on of the premier hoteliers in the USA.
We can stay in a small studio or stay in a 1/2/or 3 bedroom condo. Our family can borrow points from next year if we need or take any unused points and roll them over into next year’s total. I love the flexibility of this program. It also got us established in the Hilton Honors Program. I have written on this subject before. This program alone has saved us an abundance of money over the years because of so many points we have accumulated. Also, we have several resorts that have their own water slide which takes away the need to go to a water park.
Is This For Everyone?
Not everyone is going to agree with me on whether it’s a wise investment or not. It has been a great investment for my family. It has allowed to me to take several trips that I never would have been able to afford. Dave Ramsey is not a fan of timeshares, especially if you have not completed your baby steps. I would have to agree with him on that. We have been quite fortunate where we have not had too many liabilities that would keep us from purchasing more points.
Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions on the idea of owning a timeshare. For all the latest news that should be fun, keep checking out That Park Place!
Be blessed and safe travels!!!
