Can non Disney timeshare use Disney timeshare?

[ladyv]

We've decided to go to WDW for our Sept 2005 honeymoon. My FI's grandmother is part of a timeshare program and every time she speaks to us, she lets us know that she wants to let us use her timeshare as our wedding present. (very generous of her - we are overwhelmed!)

Is there any way that she could use her timeshare to let us get one of the Disney DVC hotels? (We would like to stay at the Beach Club). How would we begin researching this?
Thanks in advance!!

 

[wisbucky]

First off congratulations on your up coming wedding!

Your soon to be husband can have his grandmother book your stay for you at the Beach Club. Depending on which resort is her home will depend on how far out she can book it. When she books the stay for you, you are considered her guests.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

I think the problem here is its a timeshare, not DVC. You need to find out what her exchange company is. The main 2 are RCI and II, if she belongs to II, you can exchange it through them and try for DVC, you never know. I think it costs about $125.00 to do the exchange, I haven't done it in ages. There is no guarantee she will be able to do it. Where is her timeshare, is it fixed or floating, and what type of week is it? Red, Blue or White?

 

[vanstoj]

congratulations on your wedding. As Clarabelle pointed out, the problem here appears to be tht the timeshare is not DVC. Based on what I have read on the boards, it is very difficult to be able to trade from a non-DVC timeshare into a DVC timeshare because most DVC people use their weeks. I would not rely on getting in to DVC,although you can always try. You might want to look at some of the special cash packages that Disney has now, instead.

 

[ladyv]

Originally posted by vanstoj
You might want to look at some of the special cash packages that Disney has now, instead. [/B]

Special cash packages? Can you please explain what this is?
Thanks!!

 

[Lisa P.]

If her timeshare is a 5 Star resort that trades via II, she should place her "ongoing search first" request as soon as possible. Sept is one of the months when it is less uncommon to find availability at DVC resorts in II. I would strongly recommend that she request any and all DVC resorts if they are acceptable to you, to maximize your chances of a match. If it doesn't work by the end of June, expand the search to include area Marriott resorts for a 1BR or larger (not a studio, to ensure an inroom jacuzzi tub) - again, if this is acceptable to you.

If her timeshare is with RCI, not II, then trading into DVC resorts is not possible. Some lovely non-Disney resorts with attractive, romantic grounds include the fairly new Sheraton Vistana Villages (not "SV Resort") and the new HGVC International Drive resort. The new Fairfield Orlando at Bonnet Creek will be opening this June and it's located next door to Disney's Caribbean Beach resort, a very, very short drive to all the Disney attractions. These are options with RCI, if that would suit you and any of these 1BR units that have a "Full" kitchen (not mini or partial) should also have a master suite with jacuzzi tub. Once you have a reservation, call the resort directly and kindly tell them it's your honeymoon with a request for a spacious unit with a nice view and jacuzzi tub. These resorts may be requested with an "ongoing search" via RCI.

Either way, make a cancellable reservation with cash and discount. Then you'll have something secured regardless of whether the timeshare works out. If you are willing to stay offsite, it should be relatively easy to secure a timeshare exchange in September, since kids are all in school. If you want to stay only onsite then make sure you have that back up reservation and hope for the best!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I usually avoid making "I agree" posts -- but, in this case, I want to point out that Lisa P gave excellent advice.

The demand for trades into DCL resorts way exceeds the supply of deposits into II. But some people are successful. It's a matter of having a strong trader, starting to search early, willingness to wait until an exchange comes through, timing, and luck.

Don't limit yourself to Disney's Beach Club Villas. There are five on-site DVC sresorts at WDW. They're all great. Unless you hate the idea of staying at one or more of them, include them all.

In September, it should be easy to trade into other excellent non-DVC timeshares in the Orlando/WDW area -- even if you wait until fewer than 60 days before check-in.

 

[vanstoj]

This is for LadyV. When we were at Disney world last November, we ran into a couple that was Honeymooning there. They offer some special honeymoon package that includes tickets, as stay at a resort, either moderate or deluxe depending on which you choose and tickets to either the Polynesian thing or the Hoop De do review. They said that it ran about $1300 for the package at the moderate resort and I think it was for 5 days. I assume that they are still offering, but can't be sure. It sure seemed like a deal to me.

 

[poohj80]

Originally posted by ladyv
Special cash packages? Can you please explain what this is?
Thanks!!

When we honeymooned at WDW, the actual honeymoon packages were still more expensive than we could book ourselves and included extras we would never use.

Try looking at the normal Disney packages. Currently, the following package is available:

Disney's 5 Plus 2 Dream Maker
Buy a 5-night non-discounted Dream Maker package and get 2 additional nights for FREE! Offer available most nights 7/5/04-11/18/04.

In Regular Season:

7-night packages from $589 per Adult at a Value resort (savings of $178 per adult), $311 per Junior (savings of $68 per Junior) and $250 per Child (savings of $55 per Child)

7-night packages from $713 per Adult at a Moderate resort (savings of $229 per adult), $311 per Junior (savings of $68 per Junior) and $250 per Child (savings of $55 per Child)

7-night packages from $978 per Adult at Animal Kingdom Lodge (savings of $355 per adult), $311 per Junior (savings of $68 per Junior) and $250 per Child (savings of $55 per Child)

Other Deluxe resorts available at major savings!

In Value Season:

7-night packages from $527 per Adult at a Value resort (savings of $154 per adult), $311 per Junior (savings of $68 per Junior) and $250 per Child (savings of $55 per Child)

7-night packages from $682 per Adult at a Moderate resort (savings of $217 per adult), $311 per Junior (savings of $68 per Junior) and $250 per Child (savings of $55 per Child)

7-night packages from $866 per Adult at Animal Kingdom Lodge (savings of $291 per adult), $311 per Junior (savings of $68 per Junior) and $250 per Child (savings of $55 per Child)

Other Deluxe resorts available at major savings!

Check http:///www.mousesavers.com