These timeshare seems more confusing then the DVC.
ALL timeshares, including DVC, are confusing when you first look at them. But after a while, you figure most of it out.
The thing that contributes the most to confusion with various timeshares is the ability to exchange out with RCI or II.
DVC keeps it simple -- but very limited. You just call MS. But you only have indirect access to about 600 RCI resorts, vs 6500+ accessible directly online with a full RCI membership at another timeshare. Learning how those exchanges work -- and especially learning how to really
maximize the benefits -- is the most complex part of timeshare ownership.
The one thing I think is very different between DVC and other timeshare systems is the direct sales practices. Although we'll see some shady things with an occasional DVC timeshare salesperson, DVC is generally pretty ethical in their sales practices.
Most other timeshare sales personnel are NOT. Many of them will lie through their teeth and tell you absolutely ANYthing to get you to purchase. Because they intentionally give out SO MUCH misinformation, new owners often have no real clue what they bought or how it works. Many direct timeshare purchasers get really seriously suckered in.
Finally, I think there is some difference between buying direct vs. resale between DVC and most other timeshares. There is a strong argument in favor of purchasing DVC resale, especially with the current spread between direct and resale prices. But there are some situations where an argument can be made for buying direct from DVC.
With most other timeshares in today's market, there is almost
no excuse for buying from the sales weasels. The price differences are on the order of $20,000 plus closing vs $1 + closing.
And, in order to purchase resale, you have to go to school to learn what you are buying and objectively consider whether it would be good for your family. So instead of being intentionally misled, you become a prudent consumer. For most timeshare systems, buying resale is the only way to go and it's a win-win for the buyer.
