Any good experiences outside of WDW resorts?

[sleepydog25]

I've heard lots of horror stories re: timeshare swapping, concierge collection, et. al. Are there enough good stories and experiences out there to warrant someone buying into DVC if they plan to travel? In other words, are the WDW resorts the only reason to buy into DVC?

 

[laceemouse]

We own another TS that we trade through RCI. We bought DVC specifically to stay on WDW property when we go down there. We have never swapped our DVC for non-Disney trips but some folks have. I think the main reason most people don't do this is price. You could buy into another TS re-sale for much less than anything DVC has, so why pay DVC prices if you don't plan to use your points at WDW? I can see maybe doing it occasionally, particularly if you have mega points, but you get the most bang for your buck if you use DVC at WDW. I haven't heard any real horror stories though, anyone???

 

[slk537]

We also own an II timeshare and have always enjoyed the resorts we have stayed in through them. Since DVC deals with the best of the best of II, we felt good joining since our track record with INterval has been great.

 

[pod2314]

We have traded out for the concierge collection a couple of times, and never had any problems.

Our only problem w/trying to trade through II was the locations we wanted did not come through for when we wanted to go, and this was after a 2 year wait.

 

[bwvBound]

Originally posted by sleepydog25
In other words, are the WDW resorts the only reason to buy into DVC?

In my opinion, yes, only buy DVC to use DVC resorts. But don't do this in response to "horror stories" -- do this because you are a smart consumer.

We own both DVC and non-DVC timeshares. Each has its own merits. We've intentionally purchased products that give us direct access to II/RCI memberships (vs DVC's Corporate membership), maximize flexibility in our vacation planning, reduce costs where possible, and offer special benefits (such as golf, equestrian, tennis, hot springs pool, and access to a nearby fitness center).

Of these, some we use for exchanges and some we plan to always use directly.

Best bet is to educate yourself on the rich selection of options ... and be a smart shopper!

 

[spiceycat]

i have traded too

Marriott's Grande Ocean Resort

Marriott's Manor Club at Ford's Colony

just not with my DVC

the Grande Ocean is a wonderful resort in HH - I think, in my opinion, it is even worth DVC.

the Dean is the expert - he had a list quite a while ago - in his opinion which resorts for which areas.

You also need to join
www.tug2.net
they have lots of really good experts for each section of the US and Canada, Mexico, SA, Carribean, Hawaii, etc.

 

[Dean]

You should buy DVC to use at the DVC resorts only. It is not a good idea to buy with the idea of using to trade part of the time. The list of reasons is long and varied.

 

[GrammieMame]

I bought my points to use at Disney during alternate years, going several times to take advantage of AP. On off years, I have used them at Disneyland, Kapalua Bay Hotel on Maui, a week in Aruba at the Marriott, and plan on the Fairmont in San Francisco this year. I love the flexibility and not having to deal with different groups. Everything is done thru MS and it's pretty much hassle-free. I know I'm in the minority, but it works for me.

 

[rocketriter]

It works for us, too. It's true that the most economical use of points is at DVC locations. But we'll probably be trading out maybe one out of every three trips. It's not economical of our time to manage more than one timeshare or to research condos in various locations and arrange independant trades. The help MS provides has a value to us. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[sk8belle]

I had a great stay at The Plaza in NYC and my parents have used points to stay in St. Maartin and Aruba with no complaints. We've always looked at the DVC as a great way to spend vacations in WDW with the ability to book through II as a bonus.

 

[mikeymars]

We did the Sagamore resort up in Lake George, NY through the Concierge Collection last October (extended Columbus Day weekend). No complaints whatsoever - class, class property during the peak of foilage season in a beautiful area, completely unlike anything in the DVC collections.