Considering DVC-but have a question

[Angel-B06]

Hello all. I am really enjoying reading your posts and gaining insight from your expertise.

We went on the tour last week while vacationing, but have been considering DVC for some time. After the tour we are really interested in purchasing. We are waiting however a few more months until our youngest is in school so we will not have the daycare expenses and can purchase the DVC interest without any financing, or very little financing if at all.

The question I have is in regards to the "World Passport Collection". We frequently (every other year or so) vacation on Sanibel Island, and after seeing several resorts from Sanibel on the World Passport Collection on the DVC tour, that solidified our interest in the program. However, I have heard in the past that this program is not beneficial if you are not staying at Disney. Is this correct? Would it be too difficult to stay on Sanibel or not economically 'smart' to do so?

Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Chuck S]

Staying at DVC is usually your best use of points financially. The Disney collection offerings are quite high point-wise. The Interval International (World Passport) collection really isn't too bad, as far as point usage for DVC, though I wouldn't by DVC if Interval International would be my primary usage. There are other less expensive timeshares that trade to Interval International, that may be a better option if this will be a primary use of your DVC points.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree with Chuck. However, while the cost might be more than buying a cheaper timeshare for trades, if that is how you prefer to use your DVC, you are certainly able to do that. Bear in mind that there are dozens of timeshares available on Sanibell, and most will be less costly than DVC as far as maintenance goes. I'd explore that first and maybe buy fewer DVC points and use banking and borrowing to do your Disney trips. Besides the cost factors, trading is not as easy as the brochures make it sound. It's not like you pick up the phone and immediately find what you are looking for. There are fees and waiting for someone in THAT timeshare to initiate a trade out also.

 

[CarolMN]

You'll be interested in reading some of the many threads that talk about II exchanges (Sometimes they have Interval International in the title). Most of them will be on the DVC-Planning Forum, but there are some on the DVC-Mousecellaneous Forum as well.

I agree with the others. Buy only enough points to cover you DVC vacations. There are many members who go to Disney (or VB or HHI) every other year. You can easily manage DVC points (via banking and borrowing) to go every other year.

Good luck with your decision.