DVC for non Disney vactions

[Bizneo]

Hello all, I've checked everywhere but I couldn't find a solid answer so I guess I'll ask if you don't mind.

I've noticed people say that DVC is only good for Disney vacation's (WDW,WDL)? Reason I ask is I'd like to use it for say Hawaii,Mexico,Caribbean and possibly any of the other areas that are open for us to visit. My goal would be to visit WDW every 2 years.

Thanks for any help in this matter.

 

[disneynutz]

Hello all, I've checked everywhere but I couldn't find a solid answer so I guess I'll ask if you don't mind.

I've noticed people say that DVC is only good for Disney vacation's (WDW,WDL)? Reason I ask is I'd like to use it for say Hawaii,Mexico,Caribbean and possibly any of the other areas that are open for us to visit. My goal would be to visit WDW every 2 years.

Thanks for any help in this matter.

Generally you can find better deals outside of the DVC to vacation elsewhere. You could buy a smaller contract and bank your points and use them every 2 years.

 

[Dean]

No reason to complicate your life with options that are often a poor deal, not guaranteed and you can't plan on. Buy only the points you'd use at DVC and look at other options for non DVC trips such as another timeshare system. Marriott might be a good choice for you as might several of the mini systems like RCI points, Bluegreen, Wyndham, Shell, etc.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Generally you can find better deals outside of the DVC to vacation elsewhere. You could buy a smaller contract and bank your points and use them every 2 years.

I agree. Generally, purchase just enough for your Disney fix.

HOWEVER, many would agree that if you occassionally want to go somewhere else, then it would be fine to use your points elsewhere.

i.e., don't purchase DVC to mainly go to other places, but don't feel trapped into only going to WDW with your points.

Ultimately, you purchase DVC to get the most enjoyment out of it. Only you know what has the most value to you and your family.

 

[mj2vacation]

Hello all, I've checked everywhere but I couldn't find a solid answer so I guess I'll ask if you don't mind.

I've noticed people say that DVC is only good for Disney vacation's (WDW,WDL)? Reason I ask is I'd like to use it for say Hawaii,Mexico,Caribbean and possibly any of the other areas that are open for us to visit. My goal would be to visit WDW every 2 years.

Thanks for any help in this matter.

I have a very different opinion than the other who have posted. We just returned from 2 weeks in the Caribbean (Aruba and St Thomas) that we traded into. Would we have grabbed a one bedroom at those resorts if we were paying cash? NO (would have cost at leat $8000-$10000 from the resorts directly)!

Quality of life is more important, and if we can do things like this regularly, and still get our disney fix......... Sign me up

I don't want to own second rate timeshares and I don't want to pay full rate. DVC works great, as long as you have some flexability when you trade outside.

My points were paid for in about 4 trips to Disney, so anything I get out of them feels like it is free......

 

[tinkerbellmom1]

We bought our DVC knowing we would use it to visit Disneyland and Disneyworld and we have. I love my DVC for that. But when we bought, we really liked the trading option and thought we could couple it with our traditional time share now and again to be able to travel to places other than just the Disney Resorts.

I submitted a request for Hawaii or Caribbean for a 2 month booking window and ended up having no openings in our 18month wait. We were disappointed. But the good news is that we compromised and are taking a Disney Cruise vacation to the Caribbean (our 3rd DCL vacation) with our points instead!

I would love to hear how from Mj2vacation how she was so successful getting a timeshare opening in St. Thomas! I'm really flexible and would love to go there, too! MJ, are you willing to share?

 

[Dean]

We bought our DVC knowing we would use it to visit Disneyland and Disneyworld and we have. I love my DVC for that. But when we bought, we really liked the trading option and thought we could couple it with our traditional time share now and again to be able to travel to places other than just the Disney Resorts.

I submitted a request for Hawaii or Caribbean for a 2 month booking window and ended up having no openings in our 18month wait. We were disappointed. But the good news is that we compromised and are taking a Disney Cruise vacation to the Caribbean (our 3rd DCL vacation) with our points instead!

I would love to hear how from Mj2vacation how she was so successful getting a timeshare opening in St. Thomas! I'm really flexible and would love to go there, too! MJ, are you willing to share?

Besides the cost involved, which someone buying in has the chance to minimize, there are other problems with trading DVC. DVC really has somewhat mediocre trade power and getting exchanges to top options is difficult for anyone unless you have a priority. Not to mention the fact that DVC limits your access to II, no bonus weeks, and you have full cost short notice exchanges. I'll tell you exactly how to maximize your trading success, DVC or otherwise.

Simply from the standpoint of getting the exchange here's what you'd do. Put in a request for what you want a full 2 years out if possible, for areas that mostly have smaller units (like HI & Caribbean) don't ask for a 2 BR, list as many resorts and as many weeks as possible. Even then if those choices are all top choices during a higher demand time, you may not be successful such as Hi & Caribbean for Xmas to mid April or mid summer.

Here are a few examples of my successses:

We were in HI in Jan for 2 weeks at GREAT resorts with exchanges (Westin & Wyndham), TOTAL cost to us including indirect expenses for almost the same as I could have rented out 160 points that one exchange would have been using DVC.

We've had some 10 or so exchanges in to DVC in the last 3 years or so (1 & 2 BR units) average cost about $300-400 per week (maint and exchange fees).

Just returned from Gatlinburg where we had a total of 9 2 BR units, our only cost was our fees, around $3K.

Will be in Aruba in Jan for 12 nights at the Marriott, total cost about about $750 plus air ($450 each inc tax).

We'll be in Orlando in Oct at the Hilton, 2 BR total cost about $300.

Cabo 1 BR in Jan 2010 at the Grand Mayan, total cost about $300. I could have had Grand Cayman's as well for that trip had I wanted.

I could go on but will stop there.

It's likely NONE of these trips would have been possible with DVC even ignoring the costs involve. Granted someone just getting started and looking for one system or timeshare as a trading options isn't going to be able to do all the things involved but one could easily get in a position to do 80-90% of it just as easily and cheaply as I. Top choices would be a good trading Marriott with a lockoff feature or one of the minisystems such as Wyndham or Bluegreen.

 

[Dean]

I don't want to own second rate timeshares and I don't want to pay full rate.

I think my above post proves it's possible to save a few $$$ trading timeshares if you position yourself well, plan ahead and put a little effort in. And to be honest, when it comes to exchanging, DVC is the second rate timeshare.

 

[tinkerbellmom1]

Besides the cost involved, which someone buying in has the chance to minimize, there are other problems with trading DVC. DVC really has somewhat mediocre trade power and getting exchanges to top options is difficult for anyone unless you have a priority. Not to mention the fact that DVC limits your access to II, no bonus weeks, and you have full cost short notice exchanges. I'll tell you exactly how to maximize your trading success, DVC or otherwise.

Simply from the standpoint of getting the exchange here's what you'd do. Put in a request for what you want a full 2 years out if possible, for areas that mostly have smaller units (like HI & Caribbean) don't ask for a 2 BR, list as many resorts and as many weeks as possible. Even then if those choices are all top choices during a higher demand time, you may not be successful such as Hi & Caribbean for Xmas to mid April or mid summer.

Here are a few examples of my successses:

We were in HI in Jan for 2 weeks at GREAT resorts with exchanges (Westin & Wyndham), TOTAL cost to us including indirect expenses for almost the same as I could have rented out 160 points that one exchange would have been using DVC.

We've had some 10 or so exchanges in to DVC in the last 3 years or so (1 & 2 BR units) average cost about $300-400 per week (maint and exchange fees).

Just returned from Gatlinburg where we had a total of 9 2 BR units, our only cost was our fees, around $3K.

Will be in Aruba in Jan for 12 nights at the Marriott, total cost about about $750 plus air ($450 each inc tax).

We'll be in Orlando in Oct at the Hilton, 2 BR total cost about $300.

Cabo 1 BR in Jan 2010 at the Grand Mayan, total cost about $300. I could have had Grand Cayman's as well for that trip had I wanted.

I could go on but will stop there.

It's likely NONE of these trips would have been possible with DVC even ignoring the costs involve. Granted someone just getting started and looking for one system or timeshare as a trading options isn't going to be able to do all the things involved but one could easily get in a position to do 80-90% of it just as easily and cheaply as I. Top choices would be a good trading Marriott with a lockoff feature or one of the minisystems such as Wyndham or Bluegreen.

Wow, Dean! You are the king of exchanges! You did this through your Marriott timeshare or Wyndham, or did you do these through DVC? We do have another traditional times share that we could trade with Interval International much easier than DVC, but we like to use it or let friends use it because of the location. Maybe we should re-think that.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Bizneo]

I dint understand, the book (plus the guide at WDW last week) shows you can use your points for many other locations other then Disney. From what you all are saying is it's not?

So all the locations the book shows as "World Wide" are useless? If so why? Very hard to get booked? Extra cost? I know Disney is planning to have a resort opened in Hawaii @ 2011 would that be worth it?

Sorry for all the questions but I really would like to join but I was hoping I cold visit all the locations in the book with my points on non-Disney years.

 

[Dean]

Wow, Dean! You are the king of exchanges! You did this through your Marriott timeshare or Wyndham, or did you do these through DVC? We do have another traditional times share that we could trade with Interval International much easier than DVC, but we like to use it or let friends use it because of the location. Maybe we should re-think that.

Thanks for your input!

There are many others that do far better than I, I was simply trying to make the point that there were options and you could do well if you tried and put the effort in. In part it depends on flexibility and we are currently empty nesters. Assuming you'd have to pay to belong to II it depends on how much use/value you get from it otherwise, what the trade power is, your personal situation and how flexible you are. Remember you could also trade through one of the independent exchange companies and thus avoid the yearly fee but you would have potentially less exchange options. To me it would largely depend on whether your week would get a bonus week (accommodation certificate) or not.

Ours were a combination of Marriott to Marriott, non Marriott II exchanges and RCI exchanges plus direct use of Bluegreen points. We do not own Wyndham but it appears to be a somewhat similar program to BG in many respects. I did not include use of Marriott's or DVC that we own Directly but they have also been good values for us overall.

I dint understand, the book (plus the guide at WDW last week) shows you can use your points for many other locations other then Disney. From what you all are saying is it's not?

So all the locations the book shows as "World Wide" are useless? If so why? Very hard to get booked? Extra cost? I know Disney is planning to have a resort opened in Hawaii @ 2011 would that be worth it?

Sorry for all the questions but I really would like to join but I was hoping I cold visit all the locations in the book with my points on non-Disney years.

You can divide up the exchange options into 3 groups. More traditional timeshare exchanges, direct timeshare exchanges and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are things like DCL, Concierge Collection and Disney Collection. Direct points exchanges are the BVTC which includes Club Cordial in Europe and Club Intrawest (mostly CAN and US). Timeshare exchanges are through Interval Intl. NONE of these programs are guaranteed and could go away or change dramatically tomorrow. Cash options usually return about $5-7 per point if you look at real world scenarios, when dues are $5 per point, that hardly is worthwhile. BVTC is leftovers from the two systems, usable but questionable. Nice to have but not worth buying points for. II is where you try to exchange to other timeshares. Realize that those that own the good stuff generally use it, rent it or trade it privately thus II gets little top shelf inventory. And since DVC has only Good (not great) trading power, there is almost always someone ahead of you in line and nothing you can do about that. Take Marriott's and Westin for example since they are a large portion of what most people want to trade for in II. II gives members of both systems preferential treatment and priority on getting deposits from their own system so you're already at a point where little will trickle down to you as a DVC exchangers other than places with a lot of inventory compared to demand or off season. That's not to say it doesn't happen, but not consistently enough to use DVC for exchanges. There are also extra fees and cancelation penalties that reduce the value further. There was someone recently who lost 134 points due to exchange cancelation issues. It's best to buy less DVC points and look at some other option if exchanging or non DVC options are important to you.

 

[rayelias]

Dean,

You are much more expert than I on non-DVC timeshares.

As I am thoroughly confused... can you recommend some websites where I can do some research on other timeshares - preferably someplace where you can hear some "real world" experiences (not the "everything's perfect" marketing you get from the timeshare websites)?

We own DVC (OKW & AK), and we've been thinking about purchasing another timeshare outside of Disney.

Frankly, I LOVE the (relative) ease of DVC in comparison to other timeshares, but that might be simply because of my ignorance of them.

However, we would like an occasional (1X/year) trip to the Caribbean or Hawaii, maybe Mexico (warm, tropical vacations). As you pointed out, DVC isn't exactly the best choice for that.

Which would you recommend for tropical, North American timeshare that is EASY and somewhat flexible (using at different times of year, trading, managing "points", etc)?

 

[culli]

Dean,

You are much more expert than I on non-DVC timeshares.

As I am thoroughly confused... can you recommend some websites where I can do some research on other timeshares - preferably someplace where you can hear some "real world" experiences (not the "everything's perfect" marketing you get from the timeshare websites)?

We own DVC (OKW & AK), and we've been thinking about purchasing another timeshare outside of Disney.

Frankly, I LOVE the (relative) ease of DVC in comparison to other timeshares, but that might be simply because of my ignorance of them.

However, we would like an occasional (1X/year) trip to the Caribbean or Hawaii, maybe Mexico (warm, tropical vacations). As you pointed out, DVC isn't exactly the best choice for that.

Which would you recommend for tropical, North American timeshare that is EASY and somewhat flexible (using at different times of year, trading, managing "points", etc)?

I started off buying DVC and love the simplicity...but I knew I was going to use it only at DVC. Yes you can use it at all the places in the book but the buy in and MF of DVC are an expensive way to do it. Not as expensive probably if you went direct to the resort/hotel and tried to rent. What Dean is saying is that there are much cheaper ways to do it if you are willing to do some research. Actually Dean (thank you) helped me out when I started doing research into similar questions.

Go to the tugs site, it is free and members have a wealth of knowledge. Here is the site: http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/index.php

After months of research I just bought 3 timeshares that fits my needs for under $3000 (total for all 3) from a few different resellers. Imagine what DVC would cost me for this.....probably 60k or more! Resale is the way to go for non DVC resorts. DVC depends on your situation if DVC direct or resale is the best option. I got a week 26 in a 2br in NC (excellent trade week or I can use myself) and just under 300k Wyndham pts - these both give me much more flexibility and options then just DVC. We love DVC and would probably live there if I could but cost is an issue for me and I couldn't afford to add this kind of vacation time through DVC.

Hope this make sense - good luck.

 

[Dean]

Dean,

You are much more expert than I on non-DVC timeshares.

As I am thoroughly confused... can you recommend some websites where I can do some research on other timeshares - preferably someplace where you can hear some "real world" experiences (not the "everything's perfect" marketing you get from the timeshare websites)?

We own DVC (OKW & AK), and we've been thinking about purchasing another timeshare outside of Disney.

Frankly, I LOVE the (relative) ease of DVC in comparison to other timeshares, but that might be simply because of my ignorance of them.

However, we would like an occasional (1X/year) trip to the Caribbean or Hawaii, maybe Mexico (warm, tropical vacations). As you pointed out, DVC isn't exactly the best choice for that.

Which would you recommend for tropical, North American timeshare that is EASY and somewhat flexible (using at different times of year, trading, managing "points", etc)?

I'd agree with TUG (Timeshare Users Group) at www.tug2.net. I'd also suggest redweeks.com, Timesharing today, ebay, bidshares.com as places to get some info. TUG will give you the best and most honest info overall. As for recommendations for a newby and given the parameters you posted, I'd say some of the best values that will make DVC members happy are some of the other points systems like Bluegreen & Wyndham. I'd also suggest Marriott, more expensive but possibly worth it for the right person.

One can get into both BG an Wyndham for around $3K and get a good Every Year (EY) trading Marriott for $5-7K, sometimes less, even for a lockoff. One could certainly buy cheap fixed week or similar timeshares and exchange to the max but more risk and less certainty. That's why Culli spent the time to research. I know BG gives you free RCI access and I think Wyndham does as well, there are members here that can confirm or deny. IMO, you should look at where you want to go, then evaluate the resorts in those areas as well as your personal flexibility. Marriott will give you good HI coverage plus Aruba. MX is fairly easy to trade to as is St. Marteen. BG will cover Aruba and Kauai, Wyndham will do better with HI. You could also look at an individual week in HI or the Caribbean and try to trade to the rest. From what you've said I think BG might be something you're comfortable with. Normally 2 day minimums, can book at 11 months out any LOS and no hidden fees. Can borrow one year and have limited banking for one year as well even with borrowed points. Wyndham is also fairly easy I understand but a little more complicated than BG and DVC. There are other points systems including RCI points.

Culli, glad I could help.

 

[culli]

I'd agree with TUG (Timeshare Users Group) at www.tug2.net. I'd also suggest Marriott, more expensive but possibly worth it for the right person.

Culli, glad I could help.

Tink - I don't know if have stayed in a Marriott resort or not but they are some pretty sweet places. I have stayed in a few and they are really nice. More pricey then some but you can get resale much cheaper then DVC equivalent, they do have ROFR but don't seem to be as aggressive as DVC. Plus like Dean mentioned they do have HI and some other "tropical" places. Plus for an exchange Marriott gives priority to Marriott owners, I can't remember exactly how it works but tugs has it all explained in their "sticky" notes. I seriously thought about Marriott and was soooooooo close to pulling the trigger with trans action realty. These people have a good rep on tug and you can find their info by a web search or posted on tug. I called and talked to Shelley - she was very informative and nice.

I would take my time research and make an informed decision. Good thing I like about DVC is it got me into TS and realize that they fit great into my family situation. DVC is pretty much a no brainier if you have the $$$ and plan using at WDW consistently. TS has such a bad name (and I for one thought they were rip offs) for various reasons but if you do some due diligence you can realize what a great value you can get. Plus with the economy the way it is there are some good buys out to be had.

 

[Starr W.]

Tink - I don't know if have stayed in a Marriott resort or not but they are some pretty sweet places. I have stayed in a few and they are really nice. More pricey then some but you can get resale much cheaper then DVC equivalent, they do have ROFR but don't seem to be as aggressive as DVC. Plus like Dean mentioned they do have HI and some other "tropical" places. Plus for an exchange Marriott gives priority to Marriott owners, I can't remember exactly how it works but tugs has it all explained in their "sticky" notes. I seriously thought about Marriott and was soooooooo close to pulling the trigger with trans action realty. These people have a good rep on tug and you can find their info by a web search or posted on tug. I called and talked to Shelley - she was very informative and nice.

I would take my time research and make an informed decision. Good thing I like about DVC is it got me into TS and realize that they fit great into my family situation. DVC is pretty much a no brainier if you have the $$$ and plan using at WDW consistently. TS has such a bad name (and I for one thought they were rip offs) for various reasons but if you do some due diligence you can realize what a great value you can get. Plus with the economy the way it is there are some good buys out to be had.

Yep, just got a really good deal at a resort we really like in Northern MI. $1587 w/all fees. I think with DVC and our Starwood week we're set for the time being.

 

[dis2cruise]

sorry very new here and if someone could explain to me...

lets say i want to go to aruba for one week and get a one bedroom
it runs on the point system that we have with our dvc and then we
need to pay a $95 fee because its not a dvc property is that it or is there other fees involved???

 

[Bizneo]

Thanks everyone for all the help.

One more question if I may. DVC work well with the Disney cruise? What about the Disney resort thats planned to open in Hawaii in '11?

I know, that was two questions, sorry.

Have a great day.

 

[crisi]

DVC and the Disney cruise:

A lot of members use their points to cruise. How well it works depends on how much you value your points and the flexibility. There are a few things you should know about DVC and DCL before purchasing with DCL in mind:

1) Cancellation policies are difficult - cancel a cruise and your points end up worthless to book a DVC unit with.

2) There are some fees involved (I think the $95)

3) Most importantly, the number of points it takes to cruise can change from year to year - and generally goes up. To me, this is the big reason not to buy DVC to cruise (but if you own DVC and decide its worthwhile that year to use your points to cruise, that's a different decision).

 

[Dean]

sorry very new here and if someone could explain to me...

lets say i want to go to aruba for one week and get a one bedroom
it runs on the point system that we have with our dvc and then we
need to pay a $95 fee because its not a dvc property is that it or is there other fees involved???

Some destination locations and some resorts charge extra fees. Aruba has a tax you pay that is a few $$$ a day and I believe based on room size. Some resorts charge extra for utilities or a fuel surcharge. But in general the points and exchange fee are it.

Cruises usually give you a return between about $4.50 a point and $7 a point. If you miss out on the early booking discounts, the numbers may look more favorable because you've missed the discounts. For higher cabins they tend to discount less so the return may be better in that situation as well. For me to use points for a given option (assuming I'm not losing them anyway) I want a return at least $9 a point. If it's less, I'll look at other options. The problem with using points for DCL is there are some many other risks that even if it were break even compared to renting out points, I'd rent rather than use points to cruise unless I were within about 3 months anyway.