Are there other timeshares that can trade into a DVC resort?

[Stevegriswold]

Hi,

We own points at two DVC resorts, but heard that you can also buy a regular timeshare and then exchange into a DVC resort.

Has anyone done this? Pros and cons?
How hard is it to get into a DVC resort via an exchange/
What exchange service does the timeshare need to be a part of (II, RCI) to exchange into DVC?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[ccigliano]

I actually have another timeshare in Hawaii and whenever I trade I get a bonus week. I just traded my Hawaii 2 bedroom in the middle of September and used my bonus week for a one bedroom at OKW as I already had my airfare and a ressie at Pop Century for free dining with my mom and dad. I literally did this 7 days prior to my arrival and cancelled the Pop Century ressie without cancellation fees as I was still staying at Disney. If you can travel last minute - I think you can get a 1 bedroom fairly easy. However, since most of us use our DVC memberships at Disney it is harder to trade in from somewhere else but it certainly can happen. I know this is a non answer but it was the best I could do.

 

[culli]

Hi,

We own points at two DVC resorts, but heard that you can also buy a regular timeshare and then exchange into a DVC resort.

Has anyone done this? Pros and cons?
How hard is it to get into a DVC resort via an exchange/
What exchange service does the timeshare need to be a part of (II, RCI) to exchange into DVC?

Thanks,
Steve

I have done this but you have to be flexible. Just like any other exchange someone at DVC has to use II to trade out of DVC for anyone to be able to trade into DVC.

It all depends on the trade power of your other TS whether or not you can see DVC. DVC uses II as an exchange. DVC charges an additional $95 and you don't get other DVC privlages when staying on exchange. You only get weeks it is not like using points where you can do any length of stay starting on any day. Pros is it is much cheaper than buying more points. I use it supplement my points to get an extra trip in but like I said it takes a lot of checking and flexibility, plus harder to get the popluar times of year. Oh yeah lots of competition to get the DVC IMO.

 

[spiceycat]

found out the easiest way is to do the request thru II - not trying to find it yourself.

they don't always put the 1-bedroom out on the website. (don't know why) - so got 1-bedroom BWV Sept 20-27, 2009

this year got BCV studio, June 1-7 and SSR 1-bedroom Sept 12-19

Landmark Holiday Beach resort - but no AC for next year. traded it to late.

in Panama City Beach, Fl - it is an older timeshare but it has some great views of the Gulf.

2-bedrooms are hard to get - but II does get some at times. I think they say it 20% 2-bedrooms. don't have the figures for studios and 1-bedroom. II mostly get studios.

 

[WaltEeyoreWorld]

We are going down to OKW in 2 weeks on our fourth week ling trip this year on Marriott timeshare trades into DVC. In fact, 3 of the 4 weeks are bonus weeks called ACs rather than our actual weeks. We have received our requested time every time planning a year in advance. Twice we got 2BRs and twice got 1BRs. We got OKW and SSR each time but turned down VWL because it was outside of our available travel schedule. We also own DVC and have learned that combining Interval International trades into DVC and DVC stays into one trip is not very successful. DVC can not link the reservations so you end up moving to new rooms, getting new room keys, charging accounts, etc. A real pain. Also, when you trade in from outside of DVC, you get a solid 7 day block at one resort in one room class. No flexibility. This is the reason we also bought DVC rather than always trading in. DVC is a huge premium in cost compared to some of our Marriott TSs that seem to trade in fine but you pay for the flexibility. Interesting to note that the "member perks" for DVC apply even when staying on an II trade in. We got free internet, parking, etc because we are also DVC members.

In all, I would buy Marriott or another main chain timeshare before DVC because of initial cost and II trading flexibility. But if Disney is where you really want to vacation each time, you can not beat the flexibility DVC offers.

 

[Brian Noble]

Yes, it can be done. Yes, it can save you significant costs. But, there aer some downsides.

• Only full weeks. You can come late and leave early, but you "lose" those nights. If you want more than 7 nights, you need an extra full week.
• You get mostly what the Members are less interested in. DVC chooses what weeks to deposit, and would rather deposit something that would likely end up in breakage than something that the Members would book solid months in advance. This applies to choice of resort, booking category within a resort, and time of year.
• Larger units are harder to come by. Again, DVC controls deposits, but they also charge Members based on what they *get*, not what they have to *give up*. Naturally, DVC would prefer to deposit smaller, off-season units rather than larger units or those in prime time.
• Booking requires more flexibility and/or patience. The less flexible you are, the more patience you need. You can't just call and ask for something, expecting it to be there. You have to wait until (a) DVC deposits the week you want and (b) you are first in line to get it. You might never be first in line. DVC might never deposit the week.
• Past performance does not guarantee future results. If the unit you are trying to exchange is downgraded, you could end up further back in the line, or not even able to "see" DVC for exchange at all. This is largely not under your control as an individual owner.
• You have none of the DVC Member-specific perks when on an exchange, even if you are a Member. You do get any of the generic on-property perks (ME, bus transportation, EMH, etc.) (see note below)

It's relatively easy to buy a timeshare that won't successfully trade into DVC. You have to do your homework and know what's likely to be successful, and what won't.

Edited to add:

Interesting to note that the "member perks" for DVC apply even when staying on an II trade in. We got free internet, parking, etc because we are also DVC members.

There are many different reports about this. Mostly, the policy seems you are not supposed to get any DVC-specific perks. That would include free Internet, but not free parking. But, operationally, the front desks seem to be willing to override this in some instances. As with any "Disney rule", YMMV.

 

[Brian Noble]

In fact, 3 of the 4 weeks are bonus weeks called ACs rather than our actual weeks.

This brings me to an example of "Past performance". I own a couple of weeks that are able to exchange for DVC. Last year, both were offered a bonus week on deposit. This year, so far, neither have been. That might change, or it might not---but I can't do anything about it if it doesn't, other than sell these weeks and buy others.

The exchange landscape is constantly shifting, and it's hard to keep on top of it.