AKV/direct $108 pt.... what would you do?

[BestDadEver]

Yes .

 

[Dean]

Just to not revisit this whole discussion again about value . My cruise cost me $4500 cash so it is the same, and after brake even point I will consider it free . I am also not interested in renting points if I dont have too . It sounds like a total nightmare to me to rent points .

With up front and yearly fees DVC is anything but free. Looking at comparable sleeping capacity and assuming reasonable discounts for cash (20-30%), DVC will generally not save money compared to moderates. It often will compared to deluxe but that assumes a studio compared to a hotel room or possibly a 2 BR compared to 2 hotel rooms and the realization that one is taking risk and given up some options (daily housekeeping). One can look at it anyway they want but the reality is there are up front, ongoing and long terms costs of DVC as well as risks and limitations.

It may be an option to look into . I haven't looked into any other time shares . So those names you mention idk what they mean our how they work .

Is that something that can be had for very cheap ? Then I may be interested. Or are you saying to rent from someone .

My in laws had rci account and didn't like it much they sold it .

Like DVC, any timeshare is only as good as you position yourself up front, learn the rules and use it to your advantage. The timeshare options are almost infinite and what's good for one may not be good for another. I'd suggest one spend time investigating to see what is the best choice, if any, for a given situation and family. I'm particularly positive about some of the mini points systems because they offer flexibility, most can be had cheaply, they're fairly easy to understand (relatively speaking), allow more control and most have built in exchange options that are much better than DVC. I can speak better to Wyndham, Marriott and Bluegreen than the others. I can't recommend Marriott points currently due to their cost but their floating full week options can be a great deal. Bluegreen has a significant economy of scale making smaller contracts a poor deal and larger ones a much better deal due to their maint fee setup which has a $320 base then so much a point, I think it's 4.05¢ per point IIRC. I'd put the crossover position at around 10K points but more is a better deal if workable otherwise. Wyndham is a little more variable based on the home resort. All 3 have a club dues charge of $129 to $199 depending on specifics. Marriott has better resorts overall than Wyndham which is better overall than BG, however, it's not the overall that matters, it's the resorts you want to visit.

To me the bottom line is that someone who wants a single week every 2-3 years likely is better off just renting privately on those years other than possibly the Marriott EOY option if you can find the right one. Of those, BG is likely the best for up front costs and for mid to larger contracts. I'd suggest investigating and looking at the locations that you want to visit and then seeing which system best covers those areas. Other systems that come to mind include VRI, Shell, Club Intrawest, Holiday Inn, Worldmark, Divi, and RCI points. Many also present the possibility of trading back into DVC thus stretching DVC points even further.

Let me give you some examples related to our own personal experience:

• We've traded back in numerous times to DVC at a fraction of a cost of the points we own with DVC.
• We've been to MX 3 times with great units and resorts for pennies on the dollar. Last trip was 2 weeks to Cabo ocean front through RCI. Had we exchanged for those 2 weeks through RCI using DVC, it would have been 1500 points (Registry Collection) rather than about $300 a week including exchange fees.
• We've used our BG points at numerous resorts but the most extreme examples were direct reservations for Gatlinburg in nine 2 BR units for a week for a family trip 4 years ago and using our BG through RCI this past Dec for seven 2 BR units for a week, both for family get togethers.
• I just got back from HI using a combination of II exchange (1 week) and Marriott Destination points for 2 more weeks all OF resorts and all Ocean Front or Ocean View units whichever was the highest option for the resort in question.
• We have our 3rd Aruba trip in a few months all using a combination of Marriott exchange and BG points.
• We go to HH about EOY with usually 3 or 4 two BR units, we have 6 next summer to invite family.

Basically you could put yourself into a position to do everything that we have and as cheap or cheaper than we have done except for the Marriott Destination points. Fortunately our BG points are qualified and we do use those options but they are not worth the price difference now to get those options, just like DVC.

 

[BestDadEver]

With up front and yearly fees DVC is anything but free. Looking at comparable sleeping capacity and assuming reasonable discounts for cash (20-30%), DVC will generally not save money compared to moderates. It often will compared to deluxe but that assumes a studio compared to a hotel room or possibly a 2 BR compared to 2 hotel rooms and the realization that one is taking risk and given up some options (daily housekeeping). One can look at it anyway they want but the reality is there are up front, ongoing and long terms costs of DVC as well as risks and limitations.

Like DVC, any timeshare is only as good as you position yourself up front, learn the rules and use it to your advantage. The timeshare options are almost infinite and what's good for one may not be good for another. I'd suggest one spend time investigating to see what is the best choice, if any, for a given situation and family. I'm particularly positive about some of the mini points systems because they offer flexibility, most can be had cheaply, they're fairly easy to understand (relatively speaking), allow more control and most have built in exchange options that are much better than DVC. I can speak better to Wyndham, Marriott and Bluegreen than the others. I can't recommend Marriott points currently due to their cost but their floating full week options can be a great deal. Bluegreen has a significant economy of scale making smaller contracts a poor deal and larger ones a much better deal due to their maint fee setup which has a $320 base then so much a point, I think it's 4.05¢ per point IIRC. I'd put the crossover position at around 10K points but more is a better deal if workable otherwise. Wyndham is a little more variable based on the home resort. All 3 have a club dues charge of $129 to $199 depending on specifics. Marriott has better resorts overall than Wyndham which is better overall than BG, however, it's not the overall that matters, it's the resorts you want to visit.

To me the bottom line is that someone who wants a single week every 2-3 years likely is better off just renting privately on those years other than possibly the Marriott EOY option if you can find the right one. Of those, BG is likely the best for up front costs and for mid to larger contracts. I'd suggest investigating and looking at the locations that you want to visit and then seeing which system best covers those areas. Other systems that come to mind include VRI, Shell, Club Intrawest, Holiday Inn, Worldmark, Divi, and RCI points. Many also present the possibility of trading back into DVC thus stretching DVC points even further.

Let me give you some examples related to our own personal experience:

• We've traded back in numerous times to DVC at a fraction of a cost of the points we own with DVC.
• We've been to MX 3 times with great units and resorts for pennies on the dollar. Last trip was 2 weeks to Cabo ocean front through RCI. Had we exchanged for those 2 weeks through RCI using DVC, it would have been 1500 points (Registry Collection) rather than about $300 a week including exchange fees.
• We've used our BG points at numerous resorts but the most extreme examples were direct reservations for Gatlinburg in nine 2 BR units for a week for a family trip 4 years ago and using our BG through RCI this past Dec for seven 2 BR units for a week, both for family get togethers.
• I just got back from HI using a combination of II exchange (1 week) and Marriott Destination points for 2 more weeks all OF resorts and all Ocean Front or Ocean View units whichever was the highest option for the resort in question.
• We have our 3rd Aruba trip in a few months all using a combination of Marriott exchange and BG points.
• We go to HH about EOY with usually 3 or 4 two BR units, we have 6 next summer to invite family.

Basically you could put yourself into a position to do everything that we have and as cheap or cheaper than we have done except for the Marriott Destination points. Fortunately our BG points are qualified and we do use those options but they are not worth the price difference now to get those options, just like DVC.

I got to look into it . I night dvc cause I will likely be back for the next 20 years since my son is only 2 and plans for another kid .

What about the ebay TS for $1 that is interesting . Obviously have to make the mf but may be worth it.

 

[Brian Noble]

You heard correctly that resale points can only be used to book DVC resorts.

Not quite. They can also be used for RCI. That's not a smart idea, but you can do it.

 

[ELMC]

With up front and yearly fees DVC is anything but free. Looking at comparable sleeping capacity and assuming reasonable discounts for cash (20-30%), DVC will generally not save money compared to moderates. It often will compared to deluxe but that assumes a studio compared to a hotel room or possibly a 2 BR compared to 2 hotel rooms and the realization that one is taking risk and given up some options (daily housekeeping). One can look at it anyway they want but the reality is there are up front, ongoing and long terms costs of DVC as well as risks and limitations.

Like DVC, any timeshare is only as good as you position yourself up front, learn the rules and use it to your advantage. The timeshare options are almost infinite and what's good for one may not be good for another. I'd suggest one spend time investigating to see what is the best choice, if any, for a given situation and family. I'm particularly positive about some of the mini points systems because they offer flexibility, most can be had cheaply, they're fairly easy to understand (relatively speaking), allow more control and most have built in exchange options that are much better than DVC. I can speak better to Wyndham, Marriott and Bluegreen than the others. I can't recommend Marriott points currently due to their cost but their floating full week options can be a great deal. Bluegreen has a significant economy of scale making smaller contracts a poor deal and larger ones a much better deal due to their maint fee setup which has a $320 base then so much a point, I think it's 4.05¢ per point IIRC. I'd put the crossover position at around 10K points but more is a better deal if workable otherwise. Wyndham is a little more variable based on the home resort. All 3 have a club dues charge of $129 to $199 depending on specifics. Marriott has better resorts overall than Wyndham which is better overall than BG, however, it's not the overall that matters, it's the resorts you want to visit.

To me the bottom line is that someone who wants a single week every 2-3 years likely is better off just renting privately on those years other than possibly the Marriott EOY option if you can find the right one. Of those, BG is likely the best for up front costs and for mid to larger contracts. I'd suggest investigating and looking at the locations that you want to visit and then seeing which system best covers those areas. Other systems that come to mind include VRI, Shell, Club Intrawest, Holiday Inn, Worldmark, Divi, and RCI points. Many also present the possibility of trading back into DVC thus stretching DVC points even further.

Let me give you some examples related to our own personal experience:

• We've traded back in numerous times to DVC at a fraction of a cost of the points we own with DVC.
• We've been to MX 3 times with great units and resorts for pennies on the dollar. Last trip was 2 weeks to Cabo ocean front through RCI. Had we exchanged for those 2 weeks through RCI using DVC, it would have been 1500 points (Registry Collection) rather than about $300 a week including exchange fees.
• We've used our BG points at numerous resorts but the most extreme examples were direct reservations for Gatlinburg in nine 2 BR units for a week for a family trip 4 years ago and using our BG through RCI this past Dec for seven 2 BR units for a week, both for family get togethers.
• I just got back from HI using a combination of II exchange (1 week) and Marriott Destination points for 2 more weeks all OF resorts and all Ocean Front or Ocean View units whichever was the highest option for the resort in question.
• We have our 3rd Aruba trip in a few months all using a combination of Marriott exchange and BG points.
• We go to HH about EOY with usually 3 or 4 two BR units, we have 6 next summer to invite family.

Basically you could put yourself into a position to do everything that we have and as cheap or cheaper than we have done except for the Marriott Destination points. Fortunately our BG points are qualified and we do use those options but they are not worth the price difference now to get those options, just like DVC.

Thank you for the time you took to write this incredibly informative post.

 

[traceyg]

We are a combined family with kids ranging from 22, 20, 17, 14 and 18months old.

I say 2-3 years to WDW because if we all go then I would borrow points
for a two bedroom, or two studios. If the older kids are in the middle of their semesters or simply just don't want to go then it may just be the four of us (Me, DH, 14yo and baby). At that time I'd just do a studio. If I look at my math correctly then we wouldn't use the full amount of points to pay for let's say two studios every two years if everybody went. The left over points could be used for a beach vacation for a few days or so. OR we could do one studio one year and the remainder points for a full week at another place like Vero Beach or NYC. ( I realize this is all variable on the time of year as well)

I looked online at some of the places we'd potentially go to through the RCI collection and the prices ranged from $250-450 a night.

On a 45 year outlook (which is what the contract is for) it comes out to $888 yearly on a 120 point contract (with an average of $5 a point for dues -I know this fluctuates). So I have to make my points worth more than $888 every year to get my return. I realize I get more bang for my buck when I go through WDW.

It costs an average of $300 pp on r/t airfare out of DFW to MCO. For a family of 7 that's $2100. Drive time is 19 hours. And yes, I drive an Eddie Bauer Expedition for those such trips...lol There are those times that we may just want to head 5-8 hours somewhere by car and make it a day's drive instead of a haul or investment into the American Airlines' economy. For those times I like the option of a gulf coast vacation or something north like Branson. Yes, I could stay at regular motel in Branson for $100 or less a night, but I could also stay at ASM too.

At a RCI resort that normally charges let's say $300 a night then I'd need to stay three nights just to break even for the year. At AKV I'd need to stay 2-3 nights in a standard view studio.

I see the comparison to what you all are saying.... I think.

Am I on the right track?
I appreciate all the information by the way. You all look at this in so many different ways and I appreciate everyone's take.

 

[ELMC]

We are a combined family with kids ranging from 22, 20, 17, 14 and 18months old.

I say 2-3 years to WDW because if we all go then I would borrow points
for a two bedroom, or two studios. If the older kids are in the middle of their semesters or simply just don't want to go then it may just be the four of us (Me, DH, 14yo and baby). At that time I'd just do a studio. If I look at my math correctly then we wouldn't use the full amount of points to pay for let's say two studios every two years if everybody went. The left over points could be used for a beach vacation for a few days or so. OR we could do one studio one year and the remainder points for a full week at another place like Vero Beach or NYC. ( I realize this is all variable on the time of year as well)

I looked online at some of the places we'd potentially go to through the RCI collection and the prices ranged from $250-450 a night.

On a 45 year outlook (which is what the contract is for) it comes out to $888 yearly on a 120 point contract (with an average of $5 a point for dues -I know this fluctuates). So I have to make my points worth more than $888 every year to get my return. I realize I get more bang for my buck when I go through WDW.

It costs an average of $300 pp on r/t airfare out of DFW to MCO. For a family of 7 that's $2100. Drive time is 19 hours. And yes, I drive an Eddie Bauer Expedition for those such trips...lol There are those times that we may just want to head 5-8 hours somewhere by car and make it a day's drive instead of a haul or investment into the American Airlines' economy. For those times I like the option of a gulf coast vacation or something north like Branson. Yes, I could stay at regular motel in Branson for $100 or less a night, but I could also stay at ASM too.

At a RCI resort that normally charges let's say $300 a night then I'd need to stay three nights just to break even for the year. At AKV I'd need to stay 2-3 nights in a standard view studio.

I see the comparison to what you all are saying.... I think.

Am I on the right track?
I appreciate all the information by the way. You all look at this in so many different ways and I appreciate everyone's take.

I appreciate your position and your goals for purchasing DVC. The mistake you are making is the same that those who compare DVC purchase to rack rates in order to calculate value. In doing so, they completely neglect all of the options in the middle (renting DVC points from an owner, receiving a PIN code, booking using a Disney discount or promotion, etc.) that could allow them to stay in DVC accommodations without paying rack rate. I understand that the RCI resorts are asking for $250-$450 a night, but there are many ways to get them for less. So I'm not sure that using that figure for your comparison and cost analysis is going to yield valid results.

The important thing to consider in making your comparisons (and you did do this, is to compare apples to apples). There is no comparison between DVC and Values or the $100 motel in Branson and the upscale timeshare. So you're on the right track there. But it is also important to do another analysis, one that includes a variety of ways that you can procure these lodgings, in order to get an accurate analysis.

I hope this makes sense.

 

[k3chantal]

Not quite. They can also be used for RCI. That's not a smart idea, but you can do it.

Speaking generally, perhaps it is not a 'good' idea but there are specific examples where this works out quite well. For example, we were able to rent a 1 bedroom with a huge loft (so essentially a two bedroom) condo in Princevalle, Kauai, Hawaii for 7 nights for 160 points. If we used the formula that each point is worth 10 dollars than that's 1600 hundred dollars and I know that if I paid cash I would have spent $2000.00 so I saved $400 dollars.

I think that some people have had disappointing experiences with RCI but it doesn't mean that general statements on the validity of using points this way should be made.

 

[traceyg]

Gotcha! Thanks!
Yes, I have rented points before. Twice actually. I've also used pin codes numerous times, and my son is currently in the college program so he can reserve our room possibly at 50% off right now. When I look back at all the vacations we've done to just WDW alone I could be on my second set of points probably.
Thanks again for your insight!

 

[Dean]

I got to look into it . I night dvc cause I will likely be back for the next 20 years since my son is only 2 and plans for another kid .

What about the ebay TS for $1 that is interesting . Obviously have to make the mf but may be worth it.

It is often possible to get many timeshares on ebay for $1, often even with closing and some of the other fees. My suggestion is to look at the systems FIRST and see which systems work for you and which ones do not. Then if you find one that fits well into your needs, look at how many points (or weeks) you might need to satisfy your vacation options and likely go over a modest amount on points if you have the opportunity and can afford it. Then, and only then, start looking at prices and purchasing. Many timeshares for $1 can be the kiss of death but it is sometimes possible with effort and patience to get a timeshare very cheaply that fits your needs almost perfectly. If BG indeed fits your needs, you can easily buy in for just the closing costs and sometimes, not even that. Wyndham will be a little more for the resorts that have lower fees, maybe $500-2000 or just over for enough points to be functional. I think Wyndham is more forgiving for smaller contracts than BG is but the principles overall should be similar.

Overall BG meets my needs far better than Wyndham does but in part I lucked out in that arena because I owned fixed weeks that I was able to convert to BG points. Rules have changed somewhat, they always do, which is one of the reasons I try to get people not to make too strong of assumptions for DVC over time, you simply never know what's going to happen and essentially every change is going to be negative. All of the major changes in DVC (reallocations, valet parking) have affected me directly and in a negative way except for the qualified vs non qualified option which as not applicable since we already owned. I have positioned myself well overall but if I were starting from scratch today, I'd have to make some different choices than I have historically. Some differences out of necessity and some out of choice. Were I starting from scratch at present, here's where I think I'd end up based on what I know now and what the current rules are:

• 3 to 5 units at Marriott's Grande Ocean (I have 3 now but also have destinations points which are not an option going forward)
• No Marriott Surfwatch weeks (I own 2 now)
• 2 trading Marriott's (I have 3 but might make different choices on the resorts due to current options and pricing)
• Bluegreen points, likely some less than what I have but they'd be non qualified because the price difference doesn't support buying qualified.
• Wyndham points, also non qualified.
• A very small DVC contract, likely 25 to 50 points (have 433 now).

That'd put me at a total volume close to but just under what I now have with slightly different choices, some by necessity and some by choice.

Not quite. They can also be used for RCI. That's not a smart idea, but you can do it.

And BVTC directly, plus for independent and non affiliated exchange companies.

 

[BestDadEver]

I appreciate your position and your goals for purchasing DVC. The mistake you are making is the same that those who compare DVC purchase to rack rates in order to calculate value. In doing so, they completely neglect all of the options in the middle (renting DVC points from an owner, receiving a PIN code, booking using a Disney discount or promotion, etc.) that could allow them to stay in DVC accommodations without paying rack rate. I understand that the RCI resorts are asking for $250-$450 a night, but there are many ways to get them for less. So I'm not sure that using that figure for your comparison and cost analysis is going to yield valid results.

The important thing to consider in making your comparisons (and you did do this, is to compare apples to apples). There is no comparison between DVC and Values or the $100 motel in Branson and the upscale timeshare. So you're on the right track there. But it is also important to do another analysis, one that includes a variety of ways that you can procure these lodgings, in order to get an accurate analysis.

I hope this makes sense.

It's you look at it that way over the term of 40+ years . Most likely not going to get a discount every time . And who would want to rent 40+ times . Relying on strangers for thier ressies.

I compare to rack rates cause you can go when you want without serching for discounts . And ultimatly you are getting a room that is 500+ per night even if you would have only spent $250 . The value to me is , I am in a nicer room .

 

[Dean]

We are a combined family with kids ranging from 22, 20, 17, 14 and 18months old.

I say 2-3 years to WDW because if we all go then I would borrow points
for a two bedroom, or two studios. If the older kids are in the middle of their semesters or simply just don't want to go then it may just be the four of us (Me, DH, 14yo and baby). At that time I'd just do a studio. If I look at my math correctly then we wouldn't use the full amount of points to pay for let's say two studios every two years if everybody went. The left over points could be used for a beach vacation for a few days or so. OR we could do one studio one year and the remainder points for a full week at another place like Vero Beach or NYC. ( I realize this is all variable on the time of year as well)

I looked online at some of the places we'd potentially go to through the RCI collection and the prices ranged from $250-450 a night.

On a 45 year outlook (which is what the contract is for) it comes out to $888 yearly on a 120 point contract (with an average of $5 a point for dues -I know this fluctuates). So I have to make my points worth more than $888 every year to get my return. I realize I get more bang for my buck when I go through WDW.

It costs an average of $300 pp on r/t airfare out of DFW to MCO. For a family of 7 that's $2100. Drive time is 19 hours. And yes, I drive an Eddie Bauer Expedition for those such trips...lol There are those times that we may just want to head 5-8 hours somewhere by car and make it a day's drive instead of a haul or investment into the American Airlines' economy. For those times I like the option of a gulf coast vacation or something north like Branson. Yes, I could stay at regular motel in Branson for $100 or less a night, but I could also stay at ASM too.

At a RCI resort that normally charges let's say $300 a night then I'd need to stay three nights just to break even for the year. At AKV I'd need to stay 2-3 nights in a standard view studio.

I see the comparison to what you all are saying.... I think.

Am I on the right track?
I appreciate all the information by the way. You all look at this in so many different ways and I appreciate everyone's take.

As noted, what a given resort charges rack rates has even less meaning that the DVC rack rates. Exchange companies and many companies tend to rent out their excess inventory, often for pennies on the dollar compared to what you're looking at.

Speaking generally, perhaps it is not a 'good' idea but there are specific examples where this works out quite well. For example, we were able to rent a 1 bedroom with a huge loft (so essentially a two bedroom) condo in Princevalle, Kauai, Hawaii for 7 nights for 160 points. If we used the formula that each point is worth 10 dollars than that's 1600 hundred dollars and I know that if I paid cash I would have spent $2000.00 so I saved $400 dollars.

I think that some people have had disappointing experiences with RCI but it doesn't mean that general statements on the validity of using points this way should be made.

There are specific examples where using DVC for exchanges can be a good choice. However, there are very few on paper and even fewer in practice. My definition of a good trade using DVC is a resort that's comparable to DVC in amenities and I can't get as easily and cheaply using other sources. The corporate setup and lack of direct access to RCI are further limitations on trading using DVC. While it is reasonable to search out the exceptions and rejoice if you get one, they are too few and far between to make buying for this purpose a reasonable choice. One principle I utilize in exchanging is to always be trading up, if you have one of the top options in RCI as DVC is, it's hard to do anything but trade down. Another is that most even trades are really a downgrade because there are risks involved and unit assignment issues you can't control. Even for HI, most reasonable trades there in RCI are still downtrades in many ways. The only exceptions I can think of are the real Hilton's and when deposited, DVC.

 

[Dean]

It's you look at it that way over the term of 40+ years . Most likely not going to get a discount every time . And who would want to rent 40+ times . Relying on strangers for thier ressies.

I compare to rack rates cause you can go when you want without serching for discounts . And ultimatly you are getting a room that is 500+ per night even if you would have only spent $250 . The value to me is , I am in a nicer room .

But would you pay rack rates consistently at DVC if you didn't own points, that's the only way it's really applicable. There is one member of this board that routinely stayed in Disney Suites prior to buying in, for them, looking at DVC rack rates is very reasonable but not for most, at least to measure savings. Actually I'd say you can easily get a discount every time but the amount will vary from 10-40%, generally in the 20-30% range. There is a risk, effort and aggravation with making DVC reservations as well. I would agree that renting from a member routinely is not a good choice unless you have someone who you work with routinely such as a friend or family member or unless you're the person routinely planning only a few months out and can look for distressed points.

 

[BestDadEver]

But would you pay rack rates consistently at DVC if you didn't own points, that's the only way it's really applicable. There is one member of this board that routinely stayed in Disney Suites prior to buying in, for them, looking at DVC rack rates is very reasonable but not for most, at least to measure savings. Actually I'd say you can easily get a discount every time but the amount will vary from 10-40%, generally in the 20-30% range. There is a risk, effort and aggravation with making DVC reservations as well. I would agree that renting from a member routinely is not a good choice unless you have someone who you work with routinely such as a friend or family member or unless you're the person routinely planning only a few months out and can look for distressed points.

I guess it's easy for me cause before my recent cruise I hadn't been to disney since I was 13 . So I dont have a history of what I used to do . I would likely not be at a dvc resort . But that is the value to me , now I will be on sure in a much bur room for less money . How much less if debatable.

 

[cz4ever]

With up front and yearly fees DVC is anything but free. Looking at comparable sleeping capacity and assuming reasonable discounts for cash (20-30%), DVC will generally not save money compared to moderates. It often will compared to deluxe but that assumes a studio compared to a hotel room or possibly a 2 BR compared to 2 hotel rooms and the realization that one is taking risk and given up some options (daily housekeeping). One can look at it anyway they want but the reality is there are up front, ongoing and long terms costs of DVC as well as risks and limitations.

Like DVC, any timeshare is only as good as you position yourself up front, learn the rules and use it to your advantage. The timeshare options are almost infinite and what's good for one may not be good for another. I'd suggest one spend time investigating to see what is the best choice, if any, for a given situation and family. I'm particularly positive about some of the mini points systems because they offer flexibility, most can be had cheaply, they're fairly easy to understand (relatively speaking), allow more control and most have built in exchange options that are much better than DVC. I can speak better to Wyndham, Marriott and Bluegreen than the others. I can't recommend Marriott points currently due to their cost but their floating full week options can be a great deal. Bluegreen has a significant economy of scale making smaller contracts a poor deal and larger ones a much better deal due to their maint fee setup which has a $320 base then so much a point, I think it's 4.05¢ per point IIRC. I'd put the crossover position at around 10K points but more is a better deal if workable otherwise. Wyndham is a little more variable based on the home resort. All 3 have a club dues charge of $129 to $199 depending on specifics. Marriott has better resorts overall than Wyndham which is better overall than BG, however, it's not the overall that matters, it's the resorts you want to visit.

To me the bottom line is that someone who wants a single week every 2-3 years likely is better off just renting privately on those years other than possibly the Marriott EOY option if you can find the right one. Of those, BG is likely the best for up front costs and for mid to larger contracts. I'd suggest investigating and looking at the locations that you want to visit and then seeing which system best covers those areas. Other systems that come to mind include VRI, Shell, Club Intrawest, Holiday Inn, Worldmark, Divi, and RCI points. Many also present the possibility of trading back into DVC thus stretching DVC points even further.

Let me give you some examples related to our own personal experience:

• We've traded back in numerous times to DVC at a fraction of a cost of the points we own with DVC.
• We've been to MX 3 times with great units and resorts for pennies on the dollar. Last trip was 2 weeks to Cabo ocean front through RCI. Had we exchanged for those 2 weeks through RCI using DVC, it would have been 1500 points (Registry Collection) rather than about $300 a week including exchange fees.
• We've used our BG points at numerous resorts but the most extreme examples were direct reservations for Gatlinburg in nine 2 BR units for a week for a family trip 4 years ago and using our BG through RCI this past Dec for seven 2 BR units for a week, both for family get togethers.
• I just got back from HI using a combination of II exchange (1 week) and Marriott Destination points for 2 more weeks all OF resorts and all Ocean Front or Ocean View units whichever was the highest option for the resort in question.
• We have our 3rd Aruba trip in a few months all using a combination of Marriott exchange and BG points.
• We go to HH about EOY with usually 3 or 4 two BR units, we have 6 next summer to invite family.

Basically you could put yourself into a position to do everything that we have and as cheap or cheaper than we have done except for the Marriott Destination points. Fortunately our BG points are qualified and we do use those options but they are not worth the price difference now to get those options, just like DVC.

Thanks for the detailed write-up, Dean. I suspect it'd take quite a while to fully understand the intricacies of BG vs Wyndham vs Marriott vs ... so as to be able to get the most value from them, but it sounds like once you do... ka-chow. Those are some awesome-sounding vacations!

 

[Dean]

Thanks for the detailed write-up, Dean. I suspect it'd take quite a while to fully understand the intricacies of BG vs Wyndham vs Marriott vs ... so as to be able to get the most value from them, but it sounds like once you do... ka-chow. Those are some awesome-sounding vacations!

We've worked hard to put ourselves in a great situation for vacationing both option wise and time wise. Historically I've had years when my only time away from work was a long weekend around either Xmas or Thanksgiving for family and a long weekend to go to a seminar. DVC was my first love in timeshares and my first purchase and it's forced me to vacation, something that's not a bad thing if one can truly afford it otherwise. Nowadays we purposefully alternate easier, cheaper, closer vacations with more involved and slightly more exotic ones. We plan to do a family vacation about every other year and have actually exceeded that goal over the last 10-12 years or so. Just our way of trying to get the family together and giving back where we can. We plan and get space and invite family at our expense (housing wise). I must say that overall our family vacations have been our best vacations, fortunately we don't have much drama risk. Since we have members of all different means and interests, we just get time and hang out letting everyone do as much or little as they want activity and dining out wise. I actually have a few set rules but they center around behaving yourself and planning on a single group meal together.

 

[Dean]

I guess it's easy for me cause before my recent cruise I hadn't been to disney since I was 13 . So I dont have a history of what I used to do . I would likely not be at a dvc resort . But that is the value to me , now I will be on sure in a much bur room for less money . How much less if debatable.

Yes, I figured out some time ago that you're a true believer without a lot of real life experience with such matters to compare to. Trust me, we've all been there. In 5 years you'll likely have a more rounded view of what DVC is and isn't.

 

[BestDadEver]

It's ok it's not a secret .

 

[BestDadEver]

It is often possible to get many timeshares on ebay for $1, often even with closing and some of the other fees. My suggestion is to look at the systems FIRST and see which systems work for you and which ones do not. Then if you find one that fits well into your needs, look at how many points (or weeks) you might need to satisfy your vacation options and likely go over a modest amount on points if you have the opportunity and can afford it. Then, and only then, start looking at prices and purchasing. Many timeshares for $1 can be the kiss of death but it is sometimes possible with effort and patience to get a timeshare very cheaply that fits your needs almost perfectly. If BG indeed fits your needs, you can easily buy in for just the closing costs and sometimes, not even that. Wyndham will be a little more for the resorts that have lower fees, maybe $500-2000 or just over for enough points to be functional. I think Wyndham is more forgiving for smaller contracts than BG is but the principles overall should be similar.

Overall BG meets my needs far better than Wyndham does but in part I lucked out in that arena because I owned fixed weeks that I was able to convert to BG points. Rules have changed somewhat, they always do, which is one of the reasons I try to get people not to make too strong of assumptions for DVC over time, you simply never know what's going to happen and essentially every change is going to be negative. All of the major changes in DVC (reallocations, valet parking) have affected me directly and in a negative way except for the qualified vs non qualified option which as not applicable since we already owned. I have positioned myself well overall but if I were starting from scratch today, I'd have to make some different choices than I have historically. Some differences out of necessity and some out of choice. Were I starting from scratch at present, here's where I think I'd end up based on what I know now and what the current rules are:

• 3 to 5 units at Marriott's Grande Ocean (I have 3 now but also have destinations points which are not an option going forward)
• No Marriott Surfwatch weeks (I own 2 now)
• 2 trading Marriott's (I have 3 but might make different choices on the resorts due to current options and pricing)
• Bluegreen points, likely some less than what I have but they'd be non qualified because the price difference doesn't support buying qualified.
• Wyndham points, also non qualified.
• A very small DVC contract, likely 25 to 50 points (have 433 now).

That'd put me at a total volume close to but just under what I now have with slightly different choices, some by necessity and some by choice.

And BVTC directly, plus for independent and non affiliated exchange companies.

OMG I just briefly looked into bluegreen . I am not ready to belive what I read totally as I only read one thread a big one . But I assume you would recommend picking one up resale not direct , cause it sounds horable from multiple people .

I am also not sure I would like being locked in forever and willing to deal with a company that is so shrewd . Something I realy like about disney. They seemed up front and trustworthy .

Again I may change my mind but that was quite disappointing . Although i realize the op of that thread I looked at didnt do any research of their own on it . Casue they seemed unaware of MF

 

[ELMC]

And who would want to rent 40+ times .

People who want to save more than 50% on the cost of a room with the small amount of effort that it takes to contact Daddio and book a rental ressie. That's who.