DVC locations out west

[TALB]

We would like to use our DVC points to go out west. Has anyone done this? Can anyone recommend a resort that is within our program? Is there a way to search for trip reports like this? We have boys that are 10 and 14. We are thinking next summer or spring break. Ski season would be over, so would there still be things to do? Help, I don't even know where to start!! Thanks

 

[Deb & Bill]

We would like to use our DVC points to go out west. Has anyone done this? Can anyone recommend a resort that is within our program? Is there a way to search for trip reports like this? We have boys that are 10 and 14. We are thinking next summer or spring break. Ski season would be over, so would there still be things to do? Help, I don't even know where to start!! Thanks

The only DVC locations out west are The Grand Californian Villas at DL and Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Everything else would be RCI and it would be a trade.

 

[TALB]

Ok, then what trades would people recommend? thanks

 

[erionm]

The RCI Resorts that DVC has selected for exchange can be found here: http://b2b.rci.com/RDGateway/rdg/rdMain.do?clubId=102

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

There are also a few options in the concierge collection. The Fairmont in San Fran, Squaw Creek near Lake Tahoe, Keystone in Colorado and TheDelCoronado in San Diego.

 

[dwelty]

The places listed above are nice but expensive. There are lower cost options out west for trade as well. lake Tahoe is especially beautiful.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

The places listed above are nice but expensive. There are lower cost options out west for trade as well. lake Tahoe is especially beautiful.

There are 2 issues with an RCI trade. First, it will be for week at the same resort, so the OP really needs to research if any of the options make sense as a base for a week.

Second, while there are certainly some nice resorts in RCI, the best ones are very difficult to get through exchange, especially when schools are out. I would recommend doing research on TUG.

Perhaps a better option would be to rent/transfer excess points and pay out of pocket for the vacation. -- Suzanne

 

[PetePanMan]

Whistler, BC is great place any season and you can get units through RCI

 

[k3chantal]

I have traded my points with RCI and had a great experience. Though many people are negative about trading, there are fantastic experiences to be had. Call membership services and once they give you what is available, write it down. Take a chance, hang up that phone, do your own research on the resorts through your computer, call back and see if the desired resort is still available. That is what we did when we went to Hawaii. The worst is that the resort is already taken; but it might not be and you might end up with a great vacation. Good luck!

 

[Dean]

I have traded my points with RCI and had a great experience. Though many people are negative about trading, there are fantastic experiences to be had. Call membership services and once they give you what is available, write it down. Take a chance, hang up that phone, do your own research on the resorts through your computer, call back and see if the desired resort is still available. That is what we did when we went to Hawaii. The worst is that the resort is already taken; but it might not be and you might end up with a great vacation. Good luck!

Actually there are far worse things than not getting the trade. Getting a bad trade or ending up with a week you can't use (& DVC points are gone) are far worse outcomes. IMO there are NO trade options reasonable to buy for but there are a few RCI options reasonable to trade for if you own or are buying that many points anyway. The key is to do your homework so you know what you are and are not getting. The other key is to plan ahead, preferably at least a full year, 2 years is even better. Don't forget the BVTC options as well, maybe a little higher but there's something to be said for having more control.

Ok, then what trades would people recommend? thanks

It's a little hard to say much with so generic a question. I'd suggest looking at the DVC RCI list and picking a few areas and then looking at those resort critically. There's quite a difference between say LV, SF and Sonoma for example. Let me give you one gem that you might not think about for the Branson area. Bluegreen Wilderness Club at Big Cedar #6311, The Bass Pro Shop resort. There is a sister resort also, BG at Long Creek which are 5 BR Lake homes. That resort is not yet on DVC's list but expect it to be in the next year or so. My expectations is that if it's added to the list, the cost will be that of the 3 BR grid. I'd also look at regular timeshare places like Timeshare Forums and Timeshare Users Group for more expertise in this area.

 

[disneyatheart2]

Last year we stayed at the Big Cedar and our DSs (10 and 14 years) said it was better than going to WDW. We rented from an owner found on Red Week website. We were banking our points so that we could go to Hawaii this summer.