DVC-Using Points for other vacations

[robschaab]

Hi, Looking for some help! Very interested in joining the DVC but my wife does not want to vacation in WDW every year. I have read about the alternatives available such as the Concierge Collection, Disneyland Paris, etc. If I for example were to purchase a 150 point share in the DVC (which would buy me a minimum of a week's stay in a studio during any time other than "Premier Season") , would that bring me a week's vacation in Disneyland Paris, a week in Hawaii. etc.? I'm just worried that even though they say you can trade your DVC vacation for a vacation elsewhere,there isn't really a fair exchange. Thanks for your input!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Minimum for a week in Hawaii exchange through Interval International is 160 points for a 1 bedroom.

 

[Connears]

From the points charts, it will not get you a week at most of the Concierge collection.
Connears

 

[dianeschlicht]

I don't happen to think Concierge collection is a good deal. I think a direct exchange is better. We exchanged for a week in Hawaii last year. We got a 1 bedroom at Kona Coast II resort that had two baths for 160 points, which is the going off season rate for an exchange. It was a GREAT deal compared to all the points it costs for a Concierge collection stay.

 

[dvcmommy]

Quite honestly, I don't think any of the trade options are an equal value. That said, they can be a nice option. (Note my signature-I traded out one year!)

In Hawaii, the concierge collection offers two deluxe hotels, but you are just getting a hotel room, not a spacious villa.

With the exception of the Marriotts, if you do a direct exchange through Interval, you are receiving villa accommodations, but at resorts that are lesser quality than DVC. But, it's a trade-off. After all, you are in Hawaii!!

A 3rd option is to rent your points during the years you plan on NOT doing Disney and use the cash to stay anywhere you want. Many people do this to go on the Disney Cruise and come out ahead. An article on this can be found at

http://www.travelrap.com/ptsvscash.htm

The same theory applies to resorts anywhere. You can certainly find a resort vacation (possibly including air) for less than the equivalent "cost" of dvc points.

Hope this helps more than it confuses!!

Kim

 

[Dean]

Just buy the points you will use at DVC and look to other options for the non DVC trips.

 

[crisi]

Buy your 150 points. Use it to stay every other year in a bigger unit or for a longer stay (you'll have 300 points). Pay cash for other trips. If you have too many points (hahahahahahahaha, says the board, you will take your first trip in a one bedroom and never see a studio at Disney again), you'll discover you have all sorts of friends willing to relieve you of them - or you can rent them.

That's what we do. We have two children, so we like being able to book a 2 bedroom. Currently, the kids are little, and sleep in the living room, and we can bring friends. Later, they'll be in the second bedroom - and they can bring friends.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

I agree with Dean, while I may use points toward a cruise, I don't think I would ever use points to trade out, its just not a good deal, and alot of the time you can do better on your own.