Any Difficulty booking off-site locations???

[bigkid@disney]

Hello Everyone,

I'm interested in joining DVC and so far love most about the concept and the company. Another person I was talking wasn't familiar with Disney's timeshare, but gave me a warning about timeshares in general.

She felt / personal experience was that booking locations was the challenge. That you have to book well in advance to get anything or that there are few options to choose from.

What problems if any, has anyone had booking at other resorts than Disney resorts?

How far in advance can I book other resorts?

Also, what company does Disney use to book all reservations? Do I call Disney directly to book reservations? I understand there are only a couple of major timeshare companies.

As always, thanks in advance for the great advice and help everyone gives on the boards.

bigkid@disney...

 

[pklein09]

I don't know about other resorts, but my husband and I used points last year to stay 2 nights at the Jefferson Hotel in Washington, DC. We made the reservations about 2 mos in advance and paid $75 (now $95) for the switch. We got confirmation in 2 days and it was set. We had no problems at the hotel with the reservation. Very nice hotel, by the way.

 

[BobH]

You call Disney Member services for all reservations - both Disney resorts and non-Disney resorts. You can book the "home resort" you own at 11 months ahead. You can book other Disney DVC resorts 7 months ahead. The Disney resorts are Old Key West, Boardwalk Villas, Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club Villas, Vero Beach and Hilton Head. A new one is being built - Saratoga Springs. You may book You can book a group of non-Disney resorts called the Concierge Collection 11 months ahead. You can book other non-Disney resorts called the World Passport Collection uo to two years ahead. This group is reserved through and arangement that Disney has with Interval International. There is a $95 fee for these bookings. You may also boodk the Disney Cruise line 11 months ahead. All reservations utilize points that you purchase. The system is far more flexible than other timeshares in my opinion. You may travel anytime of year to many destinations. This website and Disneys own official website have
information in depth that you should make yourself familiar with.
http://disney.go.com

 

[pmcpmc]

Originally posted by pklein09
I don't know about other resorts, but my husband and I used points last year to stay 2 nights at the Jefferson Hotel in Washington, DC. We made the reservations about 2 mos in advance and paid $75 (now $95) for the switch. We got confirmation in 2 days and it was set. We had no problems at the hotel with the reservation. Very nice hotel, by the way.

 

[BobH]

We tried the Woodstock Inn in Vt in 2001. Had to give 3 sets of dates. Got our 3rd choice. I have never had any trouble getting reservations at the Disney Ressrts. Stayed at Old Key West in Feb, March, June. Stayed at Hilton Head in May. Stayed at Vero Beach in June and Oct. No problems gettin in.

 

[pklein09]

Originally posted by pmcpmc

We stayed in August 2002 for 2 nights (Fri/Sat). The room rate listed on the inside of the walk-in closet said $265 or $285 per night. I can't find the point chart for 2002 (only 2001 and 2003 - go figure), but I think we used 30 or 31 points per night. I honestly don't know how that translates to cash. We had planned on banking all our points that year anyway (use year is June), and my sister offered to take the kids for the weekend for us. Money was tight and we decided to use some of our points for the hotel. It minimized out-of-pocket expenses for an unplanned weekend away. Hope this helps.

Also, could you tell me how you convert points to cash to be able to compare prices? Thanks!!!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by pklein09

Also, could you tell me how you convert points to cash to be able to compare prices? Thanks!!!

Well, there is a variety of opinions on this. Personally I figure $6/pt, as that is my actual cost.

Good luck...

 

[pklein09]

Thanks Maistre Gracey!!