DVC as a trading vehicle.........an alternative view

[EROS]

In the past I have always subscribed to the proposition that DVC is an EXPENSIVE timeshare for trading. Clearly, using points for non-DVC resorts has purchased fewer nights than at WDW and often has NOT been competitive with cash payment.

However, in looking this weekend at our vacation expenses during a 7 day stay at the Trapp Family Lodge(Vermont) in August, I came to an interesting conclusion. We avoided $600 in airfare to Orlando for the week(family of 3), but ALSO did not pay $560 ($140 x 4 days) for entry to the parks. So we essentially saved $1160 for the week compared to our expenses in going to WDW. This sum more than offset the expensive use of points for the I.I. trade.

Just a thought

 

[RobDoc]

Good points, EROS. There are many similar examples when you look through the Concierge Collection offerings. There are many resorts which have a low point cost and yet offer a great accommodation in a recreational or historical part of the country.

The same could be argued about HH and VB- especially when you can substitute other activities for park passes.


--Doc

 

[one_cat]

Though DVC is an expensive timeshare dues-wise I have heard that it trades very very well. I personally have never traded DVC into II however I've read where other people have been able to easily trade into resorts in Hawaii and other destinations using no more than low-season studio points leaving them points that could still be used for WDW vacations.

No matter how you slice it WDW costs a lot of money. We spent almost 2000.00 for our vacation this past week without buying park passes.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Yes, I agree that at WDW trip is expensive. That is why we bought into DVC. At least we can stay on-site easier. We tend to look at vacation as a time to "splurge" so we eat at better resraurants etc. The only added expense other than travel and food is park passes, and we do these as APs every other year. I always feel like the second year is free! LOL!

We DID get a very fast and inexpensive exchange to Hawaii for next April (160 points for 1 bedroom). Of course, we will probably "eat that up" in food costs!

 

[tiffany123]

We too are interested in using DVC at times as a trade vehicle or using the Concerige resorts. Which resort in Hawaii will you be visiting next April?

 

[baileybrad]

Doc,
Your point about HH and VB not requiring the passes is a good one. I know that your family has enjoyed HH several times. The flexibility to visit Orlando on a fairly regular basis at DVC accomodations and still have HH's 11 month window for summer visits is what makes the DVC such a pleasure for us. Many have argued that there are so many better accomodations/locations than HH DVC on the island but none with the flexibility to stay frequently on-site in Orlando.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Tiffany,
We will be at Kona Coast II.