Add more DVC points or look at other timeshares

[SEC]

We have 150 points at WLV, which we love! We are thinking about adding more points so that we can stay longer at WLV and have extra points to stay 3 or 4 nights at one of the exchange places every year. Does anyone routinely use their DVC points to stay at places besides Disney? Or do you own other timeshares to do this or just pay cash? Any thoughts? My guide is on vacation until Monday and she is suppossed to call so we can talk about adding points. We were thinking about adding 100-200 (assuming they are still available).

 

[ncligs]

We joined in 99. Started with 230(OKW) Since then we have added twice. Once at OKW(70 pts) and 50 at VB. I like the flexabilty of DVC. (5 Resorts,Disney Cruise Line, Exchange program). You are not tied to a certain week, like at some other Timeshares. We are planning to go to Hawai in 2003, and do the DCL in 2004. We are already in for ressies at OKW next month, and have ressies at VB in June. Also we had a nice GV at HH this past July.
So in my opinion, I think you would be wiser to add on with DVC. Just some info for you...WLV are supposed to be sold out by Feb 2,2002.

 

[Dean]

If your goal is to stay at none DVC places, look at other alternatives besides adding DVC points. Using DVC points for other venues routinely is too expensive. Other timeshares might be a good way to go but most don't lend themselves to 3-4 day stays routinely, especially not weekends. You may want to look at systems like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Fairfield, Bluegreen. All but Marriott work directly on a points system similar to DVC in many ways. Don't buy Orlando for Marriott (or any non points system) unless you want to stay in Orlando only every year. Where you are and other places you like to visit might be good major factors to consider.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

Don't buy DVC points to stay in concierge or worldpassport locations. You'd be better off saving the money and paying cash.

Alternatively go to www.tug2.net and learn all about timesharing in general. The same money you use for buying a full price add on at Disney (that you aren't planning on using at Disney) could easily get you a sufficiently flexible resale elsewhere. Pick something that would trade well like a summer week in a beach location (other than Florida).

One of the things I realized is that there is nothing saying I have to use my full week when I trade my regular timeshare in for something else. I'll be using the week for just 5 days & 4 nights this year at Stowe.

 

[spruce]

I have added on to our DVC and own 2 additional timeshares. The additional timeshares are fixed weeks but if you join a timeshare trading service like RCI or II, you can trade for other weeks thoughout the year. It's important to buy a strong trader which you can get for far less then a bigger DVC add-on.
I do have a Florida beach week #32 2br gold crown and it has traded very well for me. It only cost $3500. Dues at $480, RCI membership at $89 and trade fee at $124 runs almost $700 per year for this week to trade. If I stay there it's just the $480.
The advice of checking out the TUG website is exellent and a must do to really get educated about what to buy, where to buy, how much to spend, and the ins and outs of trading successfully.
Good luck, it's a fun journey and quite addictive to us who own multiple weeks at different places.
Bottom line is, I could never been able to afford staying in 2br condos at the choice spots we've been to without DVC and our other timeshares.......spruce

 

[Nanajo1]

We have 635 OKW points and 300 BWVPoints. We probably will trade to a non Disney trip to HI soon but my plan is to spend a few weeks in the winter in WDW. I figure it is cheaper than buying a condo I have to worry about all year.
I'm probably wrong but I'm happy planning it.

 

[AnnaS]

Nanjo -

Wow, all those points! I have always wondered about people who own more than 500 points if buying a condo was ever a consideration (in addition to an existing DVC). I have started to think about this myself. I could not do this now since I have three kids (16, 14 and 9). But I know that in about two or three years (once I know which colleges they choose $$$), I would like to consider either a small condo (Fl. or SC) or another timeshare. We are fairly new to DVC and are also already planning on buying additional points when BCV start selling. (hoping they offer us points before increase). Just curious. With all those points, it really feels like you own a condo, yes?

 

[fkj2]

Just consider carefully where you purchase. I have heard for several years about us Northerners doing a "J"; going to FL, only to find it too hot and too far away from our relatives in the North and moving back to NC, SC, Georgia, etc. FL, IMHO, is overbuilt. Having said that, in a continued economic downturn, you might pick up a property very reasonably but take a hit if you decide to rent it out. The American public seems to be rather fickle.

 

[Nanajo1]

Anna ,
We heard about this woman who spends several weeks at BWV each winter. She gets T+T on day 4 and a complete cleaning on day 8 and the cycle continues. It sounds good to us. We pay our dues all year just like condo fees. There is everything we need close by. It is probably a pipe dream but I'll still think about it. Right now we use 800 points every other year for a big family trip. That leaves us with a couple of weeks a year for just DH and I. I can see a time when the family trip will be curtailed as the grandkids get older and school/sports dictate when they can come and we will have the points to spend on my dream winters.
So we will stay with DVC and not venture to other timeshares and plan to use DVC as our FL condo.

 

[AnnaS]

Wow, you do have a great plan. I would love someday to do something similar. Actually, with DVC and not a condo, it is less headaches and worries. Glad it's working out for you. Our snow has started coming down here now. Boy, guess where I would like to be