DVC or Wyndham or Bluegreen

[ksheppard]

Hello,

After reading a lot here and on TUGS and asking questions and getting responses.... it is unanimous that if I want to travel elsewhere then Disney all the time I am better off with another timeshare because IDsney is much more expensive.

My problem is the following, I just feel so confident in Disney (afterall... Disney is Disney; (when they do something, they do it right)) and I am having a rough time convincing myself that another compagnie is just as good.

After researching DVC and Wyndham I just feel that Disney doesn't compare to Wyndham. Am I right? I looked at the hotels via RCI and what I can get with DVC seems like top notch hotels while with Wyndham some are top notch but others are so-so. Again, Am I right?.

If they were equal in cost, which would you choose.

I realize that the cost difference is incredible(when buying resale for Wyndham) but will we be disappointed with Wyndham.

How is the administration with Wyndham when booking?.

I have not looked into Bluegreen yet but what is your opinion on them

Also, as a first time buying I am reluctant of buying through Ebay. Can you suggest any brokers that you would recommend.

Thank you so much for your help.

Kim

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Not to hi-jack your thread but where can I go to best learn about how Wyndham works? Everything on eBay looks CHEAP to me but is deeded to a specific resort. Does it work like DVC (points usable at other resorts)?

Sorry. I've been meaning to ask this but just never caught the right thread to ask. Some of these deals look too good to be true. What's the catch???

 

[Starr W.]

Not to hi-jack your thread but where can I go to best learn about how Wyndham works? Everything on eBay looks CHEAP to me but is deeded to a specific resort. Does it work like DVC (points usable at other resorts)?

Sorry. I've been meaning to ask this but just never caught the right thread to ask. Some of these deals look too good to be true. What's the catch???

Here is the Wyndham board: http://forums.atozed.com/index.php

Once you join(for free) you can download the primer, it gives a good basic rundown on the system. But I've noticed in trying to decided how many points to buy, the newer the resort the more points it requires!

Once you get past that, I'm sure Brian Noble on here owns Wyndham and has a pretty good handle on the system could answer some of your tougher questions.

I have a Bluegreen fixed week, which I bought for a song on ebay, as it was in an area we wanted and a great time(early August). Other than that one resort we weren't interested in the BG offerings.

 

[DVCGeek]

I have not looked into Bluegreen yet but what is your opinion on them

Sore spot; you opened the door for a rant on Bluegreen- YEARS ago my Ex & I bought from them while at a sales center in the Cleveland area. We never used it, couldn't even use the "free" trip they offered us as an incentive to go to the presentation due to restrictions on it. Their sales staff was a hard sell and said many things at best were EXTREMELY misleading to a timeshare noob if not outright lies. I knew we couldn't afford it at the time (just out of school), but we were told we could rent it out without a problem or sell at any time. Also that the loan didn't have anything to do with our credit score and wouldn't show up to others because it was all private and simply backed by the deed, etc.

After struggling to keep up for several months we tried renting, BG customer service said they didn't do that and I wasn't allowed to, but that I could pay a fee and do an exchange. I investigated selling it and didn't have the $$$ to pay the listing fees. Their customer service said we could turn it back to them and walk away. Having already paid several thousand we didn't have that was painful, but we were out of options. They said they noted it and we didn't have to make any more payments. We didn't and thought things were fine, just out a bunch of money. Then I later found a Foreclosure from them on my credit report!

Now I know I made HUGE mistakes but I feel almost conned by their sales staff.

Buying a BG resale that you have the $$$ for would probably be just fine, especially if you actually have enough money left to ever go on vacation and use it!

Ahh well... Fast forward to the present: I became a DVC member last year buying 160 points @ BLT directly from Disney and know I made the right choice this time! Granted I am certainly at a DRASTICALLY different place in my life, financially and otherwise! My (new) wife and I certainly enjoyed using our incentives (DPs) so far and I'm planning a small add-on @ VGC in two weeks before our 'home' even opens!

Good luck!

 

[Brian Noble]

The question isn't "which is better?" The question is "what fits your travel needs?" That's the question because the First Rule of Timeshare is own where you want to stay.

what I can get with DVC seems like top notch hotels while with Wyndham some are top notch but others are so-so

I think this is a fair comparison. Wyndham is fairly large as "mini-systems" go, and some resorts are more posh than others. But, the big advantage of Wyndham (or Bluegreen or WorldMark) vs. DVC is location diversity.

The big advantage of DVC is that it is "on-site" at Walt Disney World. (It's on-site at Disneyland, too, but there it doesn't matter nearly as much.)

If you think you want to return to WDW at least every other year or so for many many years, and you could not imagine staying offsite when you do so, then you probably ought to own some DVC, because you should own where you want to stay.

On the other hand, you should not be using DVC points to do other things on more than an every-once-in-a-while basis. If you want to go other places regularly, it might be the case that a different ownership would work well for those places. It would almost certainly be more cost-effective.

I think Wyndham, resale, is one of the better values in timeshare. It has a points system that is similar to (but a little more complicated than) DVCs, the cost of entry is literally peanuts, the resorts are generally nice, and the annual fees are "moderate"---less than some (Marriott, Disney) but more than some others (WorldMark, Bluegreen). But, it's only a value if those resorts look interesting to you.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Thank you Starr!!!!

 

[Dumbo]

Just a little more info on Wyndham resorts and RCI. Wyndham resorts are easy to trade into on RCI. I have what's called a very cheap weak trader for a timeshare. Last week I exchanged it on RCI for Wyndham Bonnet Creek 2 bedroom, third week of October, 2009. That's during the Food and Wine festival.

In fact there are still over 20 weeks at Bonnet Creek left for other people to exchange into. They have been there for over two weeks now.

Dumbo

 

[bwvBound]

The question isn't "which is better?" The question is "what fits your travel needs?"

Agreed!

Kim: We've owned Worldmark, recently waving the Wyndham flag, for a long number of years. This product is especially nice for us given the variety of locations across the western states, the flexible point system, the online reservation system, bonus time and affiliations w/ multiple exchange programs. We use it heavily (several stays each year) and have traded it occasionally (even back into DVC). Overall, I've been very pleased with WM's service (reservation reps, onsite resort staff) and resorts.

There are lots of timeshare options out there. Many offer unique advantages: day use, bonus weeks, internal exchange system, etc. Consider it a buffet line ... and enjoy considering your choices!

 

[ksheppard]

Sore spot; you opened the door for a rant on Bluegreen- YEARS ago my Ex & I bought from them while at a sales center in the Cleveland area. We never used it, couldn't even use the "free" trip they offered us as an incentive to go to the presentation due to restrictions on it. Their sales staff was a hard sell and said many things at best were EXTREMELY misleading to a timeshare noob if not outright lies. I knew we couldn't afford it at the time (just out of school), but we were told we could rent it out without a problem or sell at any time. Also that the loan didn't have anything to do with our credit score and wouldn't show up to others because it was all private and simply backed by the deed, etc.

After struggling to keep up for several months we tried renting, BG customer service said they didn't do that and I wasn't allowed to, but that I could pay a fee and do an exchange. I investigated selling it and didn't have the $$$ to pay the listing fees. Their customer service said we could turn it back to them and walk away. Having already paid several thousand we didn't have that was painful, but we were out of options. They said they noted it and we didn't have to make any more payments. We didn't and thought things were fine, just out a bunch of money. Then I later found a Foreclosure from them on my credit report!

Now I know I made HUGE mistakes but I feel almost conned by their sales staff.

Buying a BG resale that you have the $$$ for would probably be just fine, especially if you actually have enough money left to ever go on vacation and use it!

Ahh well... Fast forward to the present: I became a DVC member last year buying 160 points @ BLT directly from Disney and know I made the right choice this time! Granted I am certainly at a DRASTICALLY different place in my life, financially and otherwise! My (new) wife and I certainly enjoyed using our incentives (DPs) so far and I'm planning a small add-on @ VGC in two weeks before our 'home' even opens!

Good luck!

Thank you for your input.

Kim

 

[ksheppard]

The question isn't "which is better?" The question is "what fits your travel needs?" That's the question because the First Rule of Timeshare is own where you want to stay.


I think this is a fair comparison. Wyndham is fairly large as "mini-systems" go, and some resorts are more posh than others. But, the big advantage of Wyndham (or Bluegreen or WorldMark) vs. DVC is location diversity.

The big advantage of DVC is that it is "on-site" at Walt Disney World. (It's on-site at Disneyland, too, but there it doesn't matter nearly as much.)

If you think you want to return to WDW at least every other year or so for many many years, and you could not imagine staying offsite when you do so, then you probably ought to own some DVC, because you should own where you want to stay.

On the other hand, you should not be using DVC points to do other things on more than an every-once-in-a-while basis. If you want to go other places regularly, it might be the case that a different ownership would work well for those places. It would almost certainly be more cost-effective.

I think Wyndham, resale, is one of the better values in timeshare. It has a points system that is similar to (but a little more complicated than) DVCs, the cost of entry is literally peanuts, the resorts are generally nice, and the annual fees are "moderate"---less than some (Marriott, Disney) but more than some others (WorldMark, Bluegreen). But, it's only a value if those resorts look interesting to you.

Okay, thanks.

Also, can you suggest a broker or a compagnie to buy Wyndham resale.

Kim

 

[Brian Noble]

Wyndham resorts are easy to trade into on RCI.

Yes and no. Wyndham (like DVC) controls all deposits for points owners. Wyndham, though, is even more draconian than DVC about not depositing prime time at prime resorts. They almost never deposit summer mid-Atlantic or FL panhandle, or snowbird southern Florida. Alexandria is rare as hens' teeth (though I've seen one or two units over the last two years.) Bonnet Creek had gone years without a deposit, until the newest buildings opened leaving a glut of inventory. Heck, this year, they didn't even deposit June/July 2BRs in Williamsburg. Williamsburg!

I often trade back into Wyndham resorts with my Wyn points, because it works out to be a discount even considering the RCI exchange fee. But, that doesn't work at all of the resorts, because some of them simply aren't deposited at times I can travel.

If you are particular about when/where you go, then owning trumps exchanging in, because it provides superior availability. If you are flexible about when, where, or both, then exchanging in with an inexpensive trader can be very efficient.

 

[Brian Noble]

Also, can you suggest a broker or a compagnie to buy Wyndham resale.

I can, but I strongly encourage you to take your time. Wyndham is a relatively compex product. It takes some time to understand what you really need, and there are a wide variety of different kinds of deeds: converted fixed week, UDI deeded, UDI right-to-use, etc. A new product is coming down the line that isn't deeded at all, but based on a Trust.

Because of this diversity, the pros, cons, and costs vary widely---even, in some cases, for people who own at the very same resort.

It's very easy to buy a timeshare. It's very hard to sell one. Spend at least a few months learning about Wyndham and one or two other systems, so that you are going in with eyes wide open.

 

[Dean]

I agree, take your time and see what fits best for you. In general, each is best in their own way. DVC sill be best for on property options for many but the most expensive. BG is likely better as for trading to II and RCI. Wyndham and BG will be about the same value if you buy appropriately resale. Then it comes down to which fits your needs best and which has resorts in the areas you want to go. I can't speak for Wyndham but one can get qualified BG points under 50¢ a point and non qualified points for under 25¢ a points many times. It only makes sense to pay for qualified points if you'll use the underlying benefits. I know Wyndham has a similar set up where you have qualified developer points and non qualified points but I don't know how to go about getting qualified points other than buying directly, maybe Brian can say. BG will likely be easier to trade in to DVC using their system because you can chose the weeks/resorts deposited and Wyndham controls that aspect in their system. BG is also likely a better option for combining with a separate RCI points account than is Wyndham.

There are a lot of variables. Cancel your DVC contract until you are certain, you can always buy in later.

Sore spot; you opened the door for a rant on Bluegreen- YEARS ago my Ex & I bought from them while at a sales center in the Cleveland area. We never used it, couldn't even use the "free" trip they offered us as an incentive to go to the presentation due to restrictions on it. Their sales staff was a hard sell and said many things at best were EXTREMELY misleading to a timeshare noob if not outright lies. I knew we couldn't afford it at the time (just out of school), but we were told we could rent it out without a problem or sell at any time. Also that the loan didn't have anything to do with our credit score and wouldn't show up to others because it was all private and simply backed by the deed, etc.

After struggling to keep up for several months we tried renting, BG customer service said they didn't do that and I wasn't allowed to, but that I could pay a fee and do an exchange. I investigated selling it and didn't have the $$$ to pay the listing fees. Their customer service said we could turn it back to them and walk away. Having already paid several thousand we didn't have that was painful, but we were out of options. They said they noted it and we didn't have to make any more payments. We didn't and thought things were fine, just out a bunch of money. Then I later found a Foreclosure from them on my credit report!

Now I know I made HUGE mistakes but I feel almost conned by their sales staff.

Buying a BG resale that you have the $$$ for would probably be just fine, especially if you actually have enough money left to ever go on vacation and use it!

Ahh well... Fast forward to the present: I became a DVC member last year buying 160 points @ BLT directly from Disney and know I made the right choice this time! Granted I am certainly at a DRASTICALLY different place in my life, financially and otherwise! My (new) wife and I certainly enjoyed using our incentives (DPs) so far and I'm planning a small add-on @ VGC in two weeks before our 'home' even opens!

Good luck!

The same could be said about every system including Marriott, Starwood, Hilton, Hyatt and DVC. That's why I recently posted that one must separate out the sales process and usage as almost separate issues. A deed back in lie of foreclosure should show up on your credit report and is viewed almost like a foreclosure. While I love DVC and my Marriott's, I'd have to say that my BG points are by far the bet value I've found in timesharing for my situation. In many ways it's more flexible than is DVC but again, so is Marriott for exchanging. OTOH, buying Wyndham or BG or any one of a number of other systems retail are some of the worst values in timesharing.

 

[ksheppard]

okay so, besides the huge price difference, to trade out, it will be easier with Disney then with Wyndham (and in between with BG).

Is this the same notion when trading out to the Caribbean or Europe or does that get even harder?

 

[Brian Noble]

I'm afraid I don't understand your question.

 

[Starr W.]

I'm afraid I don't understand your question.

I think he wants to know what system is easier to make trades with.

 

[Brian Noble]

Ah.

I can't speak to bluegreen.

Internally, Wyndham works just like DVC does. You have priority at a home resort, and after a while, can book any other in the system, subject to availability. Instead of DVC's 11/7 month windows, it's 13/10. I find availability to be good, in general. There are a few things you have to get right at 10 months (Bonnet Creek easter/christmas) and some others that are just plain hard to get unless you own there (peak summer at the two Myrtle Beach resorts with lower point costs.) Wyndham has dozens and dozens of resorts, all over the US. Many people could be perfectly happy never leaving the Wyndham system for "external trades".

For external trades through RCI, Wyndham has strengths and weaknesses. At present, you cannot use it for the "hard to get" exchanges (DVC, Manhattan Club, etc.) On the other hand, it's possible to deposit "weeks" that cost you very little, and can be used to 'trade up' in shoulder seasons, over-deposited areas, or for last-minute bookings. You can also use it to get effective points discounts at some of the "less popular" Wyndham locations. It can generate stays that are very inexpensive. I've used a few for long weekends, throwing away 3-4 nights, and it's still a good deal.

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

I'm a straight-up Wyndham fan these days. It's the best deal on the resale market IMHO. The contracts are like DVC, so my objective was to buy where the MFs were cheapest, no special assessments were in the works, etc. Now I want more points specifically at one resort since I want the 13 month booking window there too. Anyways, I love Bonnet Creek better than I love DVC right now so I vote Wyndham resale (on Ebay) all the way!!

 

[littlestar]

You have received a lot of good advice on this thread. We have a mix of ownerships - 155 SSR points, an every other year Marriott, and an independent VRI managed resort in the mountains that trades wonderfully back into Marriotts in Orlando. This combo or smorgasboard (I like that term that was used in this thread) of ownerships work great for us. I'm basically a resort snob and I pretty much want DVC or Marriott quality when I'm on vacation - so that's what I prefer to own. The mountain resort that I own is a large two bedroom that locks off into two one bedrooms so it's a great value for the maintenence fees I pay when I go to trade it.

 

[Brian Noble]

This combo or smorgasboard (I like that term that was used in this thread) of ownerships work great for us.

We use this method too---a mix of different ownerships for different purposes. It's much more effective than trying to get one thing to meet all needs.