Do other Timeshares use a point system?

[OkieDisney]

Okay, here is the deal....

We just bought into Disney and love Disney and will probably do add ons at DVC until we are bankrupt.....

That being said we would also like to explore other Timeshares to use at other places....

Do any other timeshare companies use a point system like DVC? We love the flexibility that this gives us!!!!!


Thanks

 

[Caskbill]

DVC's point system is fairly unique in being the MOST flexible of all. Others do have some point systems. Although personally I'm not familiar with the details.

Our resident expert on Timeshares, Dean, may answer this more fully.

 

[ralphd]

Some timeshare companies have a point system that will be as flexible as the DVc system.
Other timeshare companies are members of RCI's Point Exchange System. It allows exchanges like the DVC system.
Many timeshare owners do not like the point system, preferring to vacation for a week at a time.
The best source of timeshare information in general is the TUG website, including the TUG BBS which allows discussion of ts info.
Go to:
' www.tug2.net/ '

ralphd

 

[DisneyKidds]

I think the Hilton Grand Vacation Club operates on a points system but I'm not sure of the details. My brother recently bought at the HGVC in Orlando and said it is very nice. I have seen HGVC resales.

 

[Dean]

Lots of points systems out there to include Intrawest, Shell, WorldMark, Hyatt, Hilton, Sunterra, Sheraton (as in Vistana), Fairfield, Bluegreen, Divi, Equivest all come to mind. Also RCI has their own points system now and there are some individual resorts that work on a points system. I own at one that does points without belonging to a points system and that is Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta, MX (I own there). Some are cheaper, better, more or less flexible. All have some type of limitation or block on when you can use your points. I'm not sure I'd say DVC is unique from a points standpoint, though it certainly is one of the MORE flexible programs though with only some 6-8 resorts, has far less options than most.

I'd say look at the costs and locations available and then decide what's best for you. Worldmark is more out west and HI though they are spreading. FF is mostly SE and tend to be in a slightly off the beaten track locatin. Bluegreen has a fair number of choices but only a few I'd want to go to. Intrawest has only about 4 or 5 choices but very good choices. RCI points is a way to bypass the trading hassles though at what cost and they are interlinked to the RCI weeks system.

 

[Lisa P.]

You've gotten some good advice... especially to check out TUG before you buy. When considering different points-based programs, make out a "wish list" of your desired destinations over the next few years. Then look up the corporate websites that Dean listed (with an online search) to see which of your wish list destinations are offered by each company. That will help you narrow your options. A post to TUG's free forums, asking which points-based company has resorts on your wish list will also help.

A $15 membership to TUG would provide you with good, detailed resort reviews of the resorts that interest you the most, so you can see whether their quality would suit you. This is a drop in the bucket compared with what you would be paying to buy in... and very well-spent, at that. No other program offers Disney-theming or a Disney atmosphere. But if you're seeking nice condo resorts in appealing locations for an excellent alternative to combine with your Disney ownership, do learn more. They're definitely out there!

Feel free to email me, if you have any questions about Fairfield. We love our ownership with them, because we're in the Southeast US and we like drive-to vacations at nice resorts with good family-oriented activities. Using points via RCI is a nice benefit too. There are many owners of other points-based programs who love their ownerships too. Enjoy learning about them!