Capital Vacations Timeshare Presentation – Pigeon Forge
I attended Capital Vacations' timeshare presentation. Despite my skepticism, the experience turned out to be surprisingly low-pressure and worthwhile. Here's how it unfolded.
When I saw Capital Vacations' booth at Suwanee Fest 2024 with their iconic prize wheel, I knew I had to give it a spin. This wasn't my first rodeo with timeshare presentations, I'd already faced off with Westgate Resorts and Hilton Vacation Club, but I was intrigued by their Air, Sea, and Land package. Little did I know, I was about to embark on one of the most surprisingly pleasant timeshare experiences ever.
Read more about my Timeshare Presentation experience at Westgate Resorts
Read more about my Timeshare Presentation experience at Hiton Grand Vacation Club
Signing Up: What I Paid for My Vacation
Capital Vacations offered a deal: $399 upfront for a four-day, three-night hotel stay. In exchange, I had to sit through their presentation. Sweetening the pot were a few promised gifts, including a $150 gift card, entertainment credits, and the much-hyped travel package.
After some back-and-forth with their booking department, I chose Pigeon Forge, TN, as my destination. For my family, this was perfect. They requested a refundable $50 deposit when confirming the reservation. On arrival, the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott charged me an additional $51.09 in taxes. This brought my total cost to $500.09 before the presentation.
The Presentation: Low Pressure, High Convenience
When we arrived for our scheduled timeshare pitch at "The Lodges at The Great Smoky Mountains", the reception area was already buzzing with about 10 other groups. Light refreshments were available, including hotdogs, granola bars, and bottled water. After a brief intake, we met with a friendly salesman who chatted with us about our travel habits.
The presentation was refreshingly efficient:
- Group Session (~30 minutes)
Engaging and well-organized, it provided an overview of the timeshare program. - Tour of the Property
We were shown a two-bedroom condo, a well-kept and cozy unit. - One-on-One Sales Pitch
Unlike the high-pressure tactics I'd faced at other timeshares, this one was straightforward. Our closer presented us with options ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, which we politely declined.
Even the final "corporate guy" who swooped in for one last pitch was surprisingly laid-back. He offered a sampler package for ~$2,000, but when we declined again, he didn't push.
I set a timer for 90 minutes, and when it went off, we were on our way to collect our gifts. The total time spent on location was approximately 105 minutes.
The Rewards: Did They Deliver?
At the gift desk, they confirmed my rewards, combining some of them into a single $300 AmEx gift card. Here's how it broke down:
- $150 for "Topgolf"
- $50×2 as an "entertainment credit"
- $50 refunded from my deposit.
Subtracting my $51 tax payment from the total cost, I paid $149 for a hotel stay that normally would have cost $139/night or $417 for the entire stay. That's a 64% discount!
The Odenza VIP Ticket package was also pretty legit! However, the Air Sea and Land package is enough for an entirely different post. It was not good.
Read more about the Air, Sea, and Land package Read more about the Odenza VIP tickets
Comparison to Other Timeshares
Having endured presentations from Westgate Resorts and Hilton Vacation Club, I can confidently say that Capital Vacations takes the crown for least stressful. Here's a quick comparison:
- Capital Vacations: Minimal pressure, efficient process, and an generous prize package (on the surface)
- Westgate Resorts: Covered all hotel costs but lengthy and slightly pushier than Capital.
- Hilton Vacation Club: Luxurious but involved aggressive tactics.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. The experience was smooth, professional, and even enjoyable. My only complaint? The snack selection. If Capital Vacations upped their food game, they'd be unbeatable. Unfortunately if you don't purchase a timeshare package, you're limited to participating in a present presentation once every six months.
If you're looking to save big on a vacation and can stomach a 90-minute sales pitch, Capital Vacations is worth considering. Just remember to set your timer and go in prepared!
