DISadvantages / advantages of DVC over other timeshares

[tony64]

Hi
We are seriously looking to buy into the magic this trip and we are wondering if someone can tell us the pro's and con's of buying DVC as opposed to any other timeshare in the area also any companies to steer clear of?

 

[Hilary]

We hadn't looked into any other timeshares before we bought DVC as, for us, the main appeal of DVC was the fact that the WDW resorts are on-site. The other BIG factor was that we felt the security of dealing with a high-profile company such as Disney would give us peace of mind that the transaction would all be bona-fide.

We had stayed off-site for our first WDW trip and knew we only wanted to stay on-site for our WDW visits in the future. We'd stayed in villas/condos on the gulf coast and enjoyed the extra space but didn't want to stay in an off-site villa in Orlando. We felt the combination of on-site home-from-home accommodation in the DVC resorts made the ideal match!

Not an exact science, but it made sense to us!

Sorry, but I know very little about other timeshare companies.

 

[tony64]

Thanks Hilary
Are the other timeshares even worth a visit???

 

[BigAl]

I've only looked a few other time share units, but their quality was far below that of DVC. Also some timeshares require a purchase of fixed weeks during the year, limiting your flexibility.

The main downside is the cost. You pay more for that flexibility and quality.
But, I would suspect that as long as demand is high, resale value would be better for disney.

 

[Kevin Stringer]

I'm with Hilary, one of the main reasons for me to join the DVC was to be on-site. I don't think there would be too many other timeshare units that allow you to walk out of your door into a plethora of restaurants and entertainment as I can at the Boardwalk.
Another plus is the flexibility. You can stay when you like, for as long as you like, (if you've got the points!) and in whichever style of accommodation you like.
DVC also holds it's value very well. I could sell my points today for more than I paid for them in 2000. Obviously there will come a crossover point when this will no longer be the case.

I suppose a downside could be that my DVC membership only runs until 2042.
Other timeshares are yours forever.

Kev

 

[mickg7dyd]

Hi,
We stayed at BWV (with a Boardwalk view) for New Year and invited some friends over who happened to be staying on I-Drive over the same period. Unknown to us they had attended a presentation at a Marriott resort a couple of days before. They had been very impressed with the presentation and as others have said it was a "for life" deal but with 2 "fixed" weeks, although it was possible to "trade" these with other members. They were also equally impressed with our studio and loved it's location and view. Has yet they haven't made a decision to buy at either place. One other thing we were advised by our guide when we did our tour was buy were you want to stay as it far easier to "trade out" of Disney than to get in.

Mick.

 

[Halo]

Hi, we own at DVC and at Marriott. I personally would not look at any others although some recommend Hilton Grand Vacations as being as good as Marriott. Both DVC and Marriott offer excellent accomodation. The advantage of DVC is obviously its on WDW location - the advantage of Marriott is global coverage, price, and it is the only timeshare resort at DLP (albeit not on-site).

For either Marriott or DVC I would recommend buying on the secondary market. It is worth joining the independent Timeshare Users Group (ca. $10 or so a year) for independent advice from other owners (www.tug2.net).

Any questions just PM me.

 

[senecabeach]

Good Morning !!

I own through RCI, 2 weeks @ Cape Cod, Mass. and 2 weeks @ Cancun, Mex. + the BC @ DVC.

To own or not to own @ DVC depends on how you vacation and obviously $$.

My Cape Cod is a, 2br, 99 year, deeded TS with bequeathal rights.
I paid $12 K,10 years ago and the maintenance fee is $450. for each week/yearly.(hasn't changed in 4 years)

My Cancun is a studio, 20 year. I pain $9.K, 4 years ago and the maintenance fee is $350. for each week/yearly.(hasn't changed since purchased)

My DVC is strictly for WDW visits. I have visited every year since 1971, sometimes twice and know I would continue to do so....I took the DVC route. No its not cheap! I bought in 2003, 200 pts. and my maintenance fee is now..$852.

I have utilized my RCI weeks in many different ways...and.... around the world. I have not been back to Cancun since my timeshare purchase..its more valuable to me as a trade!!

For example..all Orlando RCI sites are upgradable with the weeks I own upon trade. Example: My Cancun studio or Cape Cod week gets me a 2 or 3 bedroom villa in Orlando, at multiple locations of my choice, within easy driving of WDW.

Sometimes I add off site and on site weeks together.

I have also put all 4 weeks together to get a large unit on the west coast of Fla., for 4 weeks in the winter.

If you are looking to do more traveling than yearly WDW visits..I would suggest another TS. First..pick a place that you want to visit..and..buy.

You can check out the RCI site and see much more of a selection of locations, I think, than any other!!

Hope this isn't too long winded and it helped??

Good Luck !!