Add on to my home resort or buy in at another resort.

[crisi]

Disney World is the #1 vacation destination in the world. There is a reason for that. While some would like to compare the room conditions and decor to that of the Waldorf Astoria, it is the total package that keeps visitors coming back year after year. In addition to the many resorts on property, the transportation, Magical express, attention to the disabled, continuing expansion of areas like DTD and the parks and entertainment that will keep Disney in that top category.

I'm sure I can find rooms at other timeshares that trump DVC, but that is it. Nothing else can compete with the total package Disney gives its customers.

For ME, once you take away the parks, the total package isn't there. Food in particular is a problem on property - we are foodies and food has been disappointing us for a decade now. As is bedding - someday, Disney will figure out what a quality sheet feels like. As a resort, its OK, we don't usually stay at the Waldorf Astoria, so I can't compare, but its only OK compared to the Hiltons and Hyatts I tend to book. We aren't lay around the pool people, so you can have a completely awesome pool and it isn't a plus over a fairly ordinary one. Once you take away the parks, the Orlando area doesn't offer us anything interesting - we'd rather be at a beach or near a city with good museums and good restaurants.

And there are plenty of non-timeshare vacation options. Our best ones have involved renting a house - not in Orlando - for us at Disney there is a lot of value in being on property so DVC works - but when you do take away the parks, you really should start asking yourself if there are better options - maybe for you the answer is no. For us, its yeah, there are, and we've really cut back on our WDW time.

 

[GAVSMOMS]

I've stayed at all levels of hotels, including Waldorf Astoria properties(they are very nice, especially the Grand Wailea) but I have a small child and want to vacation where there is something for all ages. And Disney has mastered this. I've thought about other timeshares but it's harder to find as much info as I do about Disney.
I'm still trying to determine where to buy, but leaning towards adding to same resort.
Everyone has brought up great points.
Thanks again everyone. So many angles to look to make a decision.

 

[Dean]

I've stayed at all levels of hotels, including Waldorf Astoria properties(they are very nice, especially the Grand Wailea) but I have a small child and want to vacation where there is something for all ages. And Disney has mastered this. I've thought about other timeshares but it's harder to find as much info as I do about Disney.
I'm still trying to determine where to buy, but leaning towards adding to same resort.
Everyone has brought up great points.
Thanks again everyone. So many angles to look to make a decision.

One possibility is a non DVC timeshare. Many would give better options for non Disney Orlando trips, even short arrival or departure stays and far better non Orlando options.

 

[DVCMomBLT]

One possibility is a non DVC timeshare. Many would give better options for non Disney Orlando trips, even short arrival or departure stays and far better non Orlando options.

Hi Dean,
I know you have lots of experience with different timeshares. What do you think is the "best" one in your opion? (best combination of price/options).

 

[Dean]

Hi Dean,
I know you have lots of experience with different timeshares. What do you think is the "best" one in your opion? (best combination of price/options).

There's no perfect single option. As as rule I like the mini systems like Bluegreen, Wyndham and Marriott as alternatives (there are others). Normally I'd suggest one look at where the like to go, how far out they can/will plan, their budget (pay cash) and their personal preferences (there is some quality variability). One needs the effort to learn and do early planning for such systems, both the owned system and either II or RCI. It likely takes at least a week a year to make it worthwhile. For one looking to do Disney part of the time and other trips otherwise, it's frequently best to look at a non DVC system alone than DVC alone. Those who have enough volume to justify both, that can be the best of all worlds.