dvc versus other timeshares

[ksheppard]

We bought 320 points last year at BLT. After we bought we had second thoughts because I read a lot of the Disboards and read from a lot of people that DVC was probably not my best option because we bought to travel to Disney but equally, and probably more often, to travel elsewhere through RCI. After analysing it all, we decided to stick with DVC even if we were paying more then we would have with other timeshares. In comparing DVC with other timeshares, DVC always came out on top (despite the price). Also, we were told by the department in charge of RCI with DVC that we get some sort of priority when booking, DVC takes care of our waitlist (so we are not on the internet at all hours of the night to get the reservation we want).

We now are thinking of buying another 220 points (we are five and will probably need a 2 bedroom soon). We are again going through the ins and outs of should we buy more DVC or go elsewhere like Wyndham (points). I am relunctant to buy elsewhere... people seem to be giving away their timeshare's, is it a poisoned asset, the fact that it is for life, we would never be able to get rid of it and would always be stuck with the maintenance fees.

I would like to hear about people's experience with other timeshares, for instance with Wyndham.

 

[arthur06]

I yield all non-DVC timeshare questions to Dean!

 

[goofydonald05]

I have only recently become a DVC member, but I also foresee using my membership points at places other than disney. I am sure that I will be doing adventures by disney when the kids are older. I do not own any other timeshare, but I did research on going that way before I bought DVC. My biggest problem was that I didn't want to be locked into a specific week or place that I had to go. DVC gives you the flexibility to go when and where you like.

I love that a DVC is going up in Hawaii, and that I could go to Maui and stay in the Grand Wailea using points (was at the Marriott next door a couple of years ago and the area is gorgeous).

I know there are others out there who bought DVC and another timeshare to go off site, but everyone's vacation plans are different. When I travel, I usually take my parents along (good trip for them, and help with the kids for me ) and for 5 people, disney is pretty pricey. That's why I bought DVC. Love the parks, get a nicer room (kitchen and washer/dryer), and will save money in the long run.

For me, flexibility is the key. Hope you find your answers here. Would love to hear what Dean has to say! Good Luck with your decision.

 

[abdmom]

I've been timesharing for close to 20 years. I own at DVC plus two other locations currently. I would only buy DVC if you HAVE to stay onsite. Otherwise, there are so many other great timeshares in Orlando and many other places that you can pick up for a song. You can also rent many timeshares cheaply through redweek and other sites. Go to TUG and do a lot of reading and ask questions there.

 

[ksheppard]

I've been timesharing for close to 20 years. I own at DVC plus two other locations currently. I would only buy DVC if you HAVE to stay onsite. Otherwise, there are so many other great timeshares in Orlando and many other places that you can pick up for a song. You can also rent many timeshares cheaply through redweek and other sites. Go to TUG and do a lot of reading and ask questions there.

I understand what you are saying but I am still afraid of being locked into another timeshare (eg Wyndham) for the rest of my life. I really think people are just trying to get rid of them because they are stuck with the maintenance fees. As must as it costs close to nothing to begin with, what are the negative aspects to having a timeshare with another company... or should I say.... what are the positive aspects of being with another company then Disnay apart from the price.

 

[ccigliano]

While Dean is definitely more versed than I am, I do own DVC, Marriott's Aruba Ocean Club, and Hanalei Bay in Hawaii. If you are still looking to vacation other places, I would use the DVC points that you have for just Disney and instead of adding points purchasing a non-expiring Marriott. If you purchase a resale from a Marriott that you know you'll visit you should be able to trade whereever else you'll want to go other times. The problem I see right now with DVC is that it is part of RCI and I haven't seen comparable resorts to my DVC trade in the locations that I visit. When DVC was part of II it was a better value of my trading power for II inventory since II includes most Marriotts and Hiltons. While there are certainly other nice resorts, you usually can't go wrong with any Marriott. Good Luck with your decision.

 

[Petraman]

I understand what you are saying but I am still afraid of being locked into another timeshare (eg Wyndham) for the rest of my life. I really think people are just trying to get rid of them because they are stuck with the maintenance fees. As must as it costs close to nothing to begin with, what are the negative aspects to having a timeshare with another company... or should I say.... what are the positive aspects of being with another company then Disnay apart from the price.

Well, I can only speak to my own experience (which may vary from some others), but we have now owned 3 other timeshares in our lives (not Wyndham which I hear is great), and in all 3 instances we were NEVER able to liquidate them, even at a great loss. We have tried a couple of the companies who "guarantee" their service to help sell your timeshare, which simply means they guarantee to try. I called the one company and they said I should list my unit at a fairly high price and I said I wanted to list it for less than half that price because I needed to get out from under it. They ran the ad for over 2 years and I did not receive a single offer in those 2 years. I finally sold it to my aunt who had just lost her husband and wanted to get away to the mountains once in awhile so we gave it to her for pennies on the dollar.

Some will say that it all depends on location, time frame, etc. but our experience simply didn't prove that out. We owned in Lake Tahoe winter season, and in Vail, CO.

So IMO if you are concerned you might not want to keep the other timeshare, then don't buy other than Disney. The one big advantage for Disney, at least for now, is there is a very robust resale market for Disney points where there just isn't for timeshares.

 

[ksheppard]

Well, I can only speak to my own experience (which may vary from some others), but we have now owned 3 other timeshares in our lives (not Wyndham which I hear is great), and in all 3 instances we were NEVER able to liquidate them, even at a great loss. We have tried a couple of the companies who "guarantee" their service to help sell your timeshare, which simply means they guarantee to try. I called the one company and they said I should list my unit at a fairly high price and I said I wanted to list it for less than half that price because I needed to get out from under it. They ran the ad for over 2 years and I did not receive a single offer in those 2 years. I finally sold it to my aunt who had just lost her husband and wanted to get away to the mountains once in awhile so we gave it to her for pennies on the dollar.

Some will say that it all depends on location, time frame, etc. but our experience simply didn't prove that out. We owned in Lake Tahoe winter season, and in Vail, CO.

So IMO if you are concerned you might not want to keep the other timeshare, then don't buy other than Disney. The one big advantage for Disney, at least for now, is there is a very robust resale market for Disney points where there just isn't for timeshares.

Thank you so much for your answer, it confirms what I was thinking but wasn't sure.

 

[culli]

Convienience, comfort and safety have a price and if you are willing to pay it....do what makes you feel secure. I strongly suggest you go to tug http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/ and do some reading. Wyndham is fantastic if it fits your needs just like DVC. If it doesn't fit your needs a large waste. I own DVC for our WDW trips, Wyndham for various other trips, and 2 fixed week strong trading units in Interval. WYndham is very flexible, has a large variety of resorts locations and once you figure out the basics can be easy to use. Wyn Pts does have a learning curve and DVC users are spoiled by the great MS reps. But Wyns online system is very easy to use and I rarely call their service line. BTW RCI and Wyndham are owned by the same parent company.

If cost is no issue by all means do the DVC thing. However, I get large accomidations, we are soon to be a family of 6 (7 when my Mom comes with us) so TS is a very cost effective way for us to travel to great locations. However, it takes some knowledge or you could end up holding the bag. Your head may feel like it is spinnig at first and a little info overload but it really isn't that bad. Research it like buying a car or even a house do your due dilegence and you can save a bundle. Due it wrong and you could end up paying a lot of money for a long time for something you don't use. DVC works wonderful for our family and is our favorite, but I don't ever ever see us using it for anything but WDW or possibly WDL. A quick example is we traded into Kona Hawaii and got a nice 1br...actually if I had been patient probably could of gotten an even nicer resort. I got the unit I used to trade for free ($350 in closing costs) so with MF and trade fee the unit was about $730. Sure you can do that with your dvc points but with your buy in costs and MF what would it cost you? We used the same unit to trade into Hilton Head at a 2br Marriott in July of 2010, the Marriott MFs alone are about $1000 for that unit. Now I plan way in advance and try to be flexible. We use our Wyn Pts to stay at Glacier Canyon at the WI Dells for the onsite mega waterpark (only 45 min drive for us) all the time and get 2 and 3 br units all time. Stayed over NYE in a large 2br and with MF I paid about 40% less than what friends paid for a hotel room at the same waterpark the week before. Got the Wyn pts for next to nothing and MF are very reasonable. So you really have access your needs and find the right system for you and your situation.

Good luck with whatever you do but do yourself a favor and do some reading on the TUG boards.

 

[Brian Noble]

Here's another example. I'm typing this while sitting in a 2BR condo in Bluegreen's Mountain Run @ Boyne. It's not quite ski in/ski out, but it's close, and there is constant shuttle service to the lodge. It's been a lot of fun---tubing, dog sledding, skiing, skating, the works.

We exchanged in with a unit that cost me annual fees of about $110. Even including carrying costs, amortization and depreciation, the unit I traded was about $135. Add the exchange fee, and our entire week here is about $325. We're only staying three nights---Friday through Monday---and are throwing away the other four. Even so, $325 wouldn't buy me a single night at the 2BR condos that Boyne owns on a holiday weekend.

Were I a Blueegreen owner, I probably could have even gotten those three nights for less. But, ski season is high season for Mountain Run, so a DVC owner would have to spend 185 points just for the three nights. If you value points at $10/per, that's over $600 *per night*.

I would probably be able to get a few dollars---a very few---if I were to want to sell the underlying ownership this exchange was drawn from (a Wyndham points deed). But, I only spent a few more than that buying it, so no great hardship.

But, I'm unlikely to want to sell it anytime soon. We're getting great vacations at a very affordable price. Indeed, the family joke for this trip was: "People vacation in hotel rooms? Really? Why?" It is *so* much more pleasant for the four of us to be able to spread out, use the kitchen, have a washer/dryer, etc.

 

[culli]

We're only staying three nights---Friday through Monday---and are throwing away the other four. Even so, $325 wouldn't buy me a single night at the 2BR condos that Boyne owns on a holiday weekend.

Were I a Blueegreen owner, I probably could have even gotten those three nights for less.

Brian we have done the same the Wyn 28k trades and II ACs. Feel for the $3-400 it cost us if we only stay 3-4 nights it is still a bargain.

 

[Husurdady]

We bought 320 points last year at BLT. After we bought we had second thoughts because I read a lot of the Disboards and read from a lot of people that DVC was probably not my best option because we bought to travel to Disney but equally, and probably more often, to travel elsewhere through RCI. After analysing it all, we decided to stick with DVC even if we were paying more then we would have with other timeshares. In comparing DVC with other timeshares, DVC always came out on top (despite the price). Also, we were told by the department in charge of RCI with DVC that we get some sort of priority when booking, DVC takes care of our waitlist (so we are not on the internet at all hours of the night to get the reservation we want).

We now are thinking of buying another 220 points (we are five and will probably need a 2 bedroom soon). We are again going through the ins and outs of should we buy more DVC or go elsewhere like Wyndham (points). I am relunctant to buy elsewhere... people seem to be giving away their timeshare's, is it a poisoned asset, the fact that it is for life, we would never be able to get rid of it and would always be stuck with the maintenance fees.

I would like to hear about people's experience with other timeshares, for instance with Wyndham.

DVC is TOP SHELF. All the other T. S.....are......well......My Daddy told me one thing; " son if you can't say something nice, then don't say nothing at all". WELCOME HOME.

 

[Brian Noble]

Brian we have done the same the Wyn 28k trades and II ACs. Feel for the $3-400 it cost us if we only stay 3-4 nights it is still a bargain.

Absolutely. My wife and I did a 4 night stay in OKW for the Friday through Tuesday of Memorial Day in '08 on an AC. A real bargain, even throwing away the other three nights.

 

[littlestar]

To me, DVC is for one thing only - staying onsite at WDW. If you use it for anything else on a regular basis, you're over paying out the whazoo. And you don't get any better trade power in RCI by using a a dues heavy/high upfront cost DVC resort as a trader. Orlando resorts as a rule don't trade as well because Orlando has an oversupply of great resorts.

Right now I'm sitting in a Hilton Vacation Club resort in Orlando - Hilton's new Parc Soleil resort - it has top of the line stainless steel appliances, beautiful laminate floors, flat screen TV's, gorgeous bathroom with soaking tub that has water that comes down from the ceiling to fill the tub (amazing). I'm tempted to start looking for a bargain Hilton resale after this stay.

I don't agree that other timeshare systems are worthless. If you buy resale for cheap enough and do your homework and buy a good season/system and don't overpay - you can give it away and still be way ahead. But, you have to buy smart! You need to do your homework. I read for a good six months before I recently purchased some Wyndham points resale - $26.00 on Ebay for 154,000 points at Wyndham Smoky Mts in Gatlinburg (a resort I plan to use and trade that has low dues). When I don't use my Wyndham points at my home resort, I'll book Wyndham's Bonnet Creek sitting next to Disney's Carribbean Beach resort. A 1 bedroom at Bonnet Creek will run me about $300 a week in a one bedroom in the season I plan to visit (based on dues).

A few years ago I bought a resale Marriott EOY (every other year) 2 bedroom lock-off ($2,400). Now, you could probably buy it for at least $1,000 less with the economy in the tank. That purchase gave me access to II (Interval International). With that membership to II, I'm able to book cash Getaway weeks for family and friends for sometimes less than $300 a week in 2 bedrooms. A perk I didn't have access to by ONLY owning DVC points.

My advice would be to go study the TUG boards (tugbbs.com) - all the major timeshare brands are discussed there. Study where you want to travel to and where different systems have resorts in locations you desire to visit. Decide on what level of quality you want - don't get in a hurry. Take your time. You may decide you don't need to buy anything - you can rent from timeshare owners on Redweek.com pretty easily without buying anything.

No way would I buy DVC points to trade them in RCI on a regular basis - you're overpaying big time. Plus, there's no guarantee that DVC will offer RCI trades in the future. I would only use DVC points in RCI for an occasional trade (and only to something NICE like a Hilton). Some people are actually buying into Hilton's timeshare points system resale (for a fourth to a third of the price of a DVC purchase) and using it to book DVC resorts through RCI! Then they get the best of both - pretty easy access to DVC and the great Hilton quality at locations outside of Orlando. I've actually thought about selling my DVC points and buying Hilton instead. And pocketing the thousands of dollars in the bank instead.

 

[littlestar]

DVC is TOP SHELF. All the other T. S.....are......well......My Daddy told me one thing; " son if you can't say something nice, then don't say nothing at all". WELCOME HOME.

DVC as far as accommodations alone go are really a little bit above average - Marriott, Hilton, Westin, and Hyatt vacation clubs are actually nicer when you look at the actual units - bedding, linens, appliances, design, square footage (except grand villas and OKW's large units). Where DVC excels is the location on site (close to the parks) and the great theming. I've always chalked it up to the fact that those major brands I mentioned are in the hotel business and Disney is in the entertainment/theme park business.

 

[culli]

DVC is TOP SHELF. All the other T. S.....are......well......My Daddy told me one thing; " son if you can't say something nice, then don't say nothing at all". WELCOME HOME.

Mickey thanks you for your support. This is exactly what they want you to think.

 

[bwvBound]

I would like to hear about people's experience with other timeshares, for instance with Wyndham.

what are the positive aspects of being with another company then Disnay apart from the price.

Thank you so much for your answer, it confirms what I was thinking but wasn't sure.

Abbreviated background: We own 5 different timeshare products; first look at timeshare was 1998 (DVC) with first purchase in 2000 (Worldmark). We own some products to use and others to trade. We consume ~60 nights of vacation each year between timeshare and cruising. Since you asked about Wyndham, I'll offer that, of our 5, "Worldmark by Wyndham" (WbW) is our 2nd favorite (although likely not the Wyndham you meant) and DVC is somewhere near the bottom.

My current location and mood: I'm writing this from a BWV 2BR unit shared only with my husband. The unit has been freshly refurb'ed (new carpet, drapes, paint, dressers, lamps, TVs, iHome, kitchen appliances, etc.) and is lovely. I booked this unit through RCI using WbW for our annual technical conference at the Dolphin/Swan.

This will be a difficult post to compose as it seems your mind is already made up -- and because, admittedly, I'm ready to drop into a really sour mood. I'm hoping today is a good day -- but was extremely frustrated by "all things Disney/DVC" yesterday. I'll try to keep this upbeat and positive.

Favorite aspects of my non-DVC timeshares, in no particular order:

• Individual membership in choice of exchange company. Individual membership gives me access to the discounted rental weeks, booking vacations online any time I choose, access to a wider inventory of destination properties (my choices are not restricted to DVC's "hand picked list"), etc. Cautions: Not all timeshares offer direct access to the exchange company; Not all timeshares allow choice of exchange company; the timeshare you use to open your RCI/II membership may color your RCI/II membership for the life of that membership.
• "Last minute" exchange upgrades in RCI/II. RCI/II both ease the "like for like" trade restrictions in the last 45-days (RCI) or 59-days (II) before travel. During this time it is said that "a blue studio" can book any available unit regardless of size/season. WbW readily acknowledges this advantage and plans for it: when I book a last minute exchange against WbW I am charged the equivalent of a low season studio for the entire week's stay regardless of the destination unit's size, season or quality. [Applied to DVC: why doesn't DVC advertise "last minute" exchanges for only ~96 vacation points (using the least expensive studio week from my home resort, SSR) regardless of size, season, etc.?]
• Real board members; better owner/member representation. At a smaller property over New Years I ran into the President of our Board and his wife while my niece and nephew were feeding carrots to the horses. He didn't recognize me and was quick to both introduce himself and to inquire of my ownership/use/enjoyment of the property. I think it is healthy to see our Directors using and enjoying the resorts side-by-side with the rest of us. As for my timeshare with largest membership, I might not run into WbW Directors poolside -- but I can write and expect a thoughtful, personal response. With most of my timeshares, saying a change was "requested by the ownership" isn't a sick joke.
• Day Use. Only two of my timeshares offer Day use -- but it can be a very useful perk for properties located near home. For us, Day Use replaces the need for fitness center membership, tennis club, golf membership, and owning/boarding horses.
• Drive-To Destinations. This was the #1 reason we chose Worldmark over DVC as our first timeshare. We get better use from properties located w/in a few hours drive from home than those requiring air travel: easier to pack/lug stuff; increased likelihood of unplanned escapes; etc.
• Bonus Time. Two of our timeshares allow us to book "last minute" reservations directly at our home resort/network at discounted cash rates instead of using our points/week. The cash rates are roughly equivalent to the dues for similar stays.
• Online Reservations.
• Wide choice locations. Of course, this depends on the specifics of the non-DVC timeshare -- but WbW offers some 60+ destinations in the immediate network w/out the burden of a "home resort." We've stayed at 40 over these past 10 years and hope to eventually visit them all.
• Less expensive to purchase.
• Less expensive annual costs. WbW: I can book 14 nights in a 2BR Red (High) season for roughly 2/3 the dues I pay for 7 nights in a 2BR Magic (2nd highest) season in DVC.
• Treated like an Owner. At least a couple of my timeshares treat me like an owner regardless of how I booked my stay: points, cash or exchange. When I show my membership card at check-in I still get the free internet, free parking, free newspaper delivery or whatever "owner" perks are appropriate for that location.
• More fun! Sorry, I'm adding this only because I'm missing the fun and freedom of my favorite timeshare property while being stuck here at WDW. Yesterday all I wanted was hiking, horseback and hot springs ... which are simply not here at WDW. (I'm homesick and pouting, sorry again.)
• Thrill of the hunt! For many of us, running midnight computer searches for the "perfect exchange" is a pleasure not a chore. There is something hugely satisfying stalking and booking highly rated exchanges against a less expensive property. Simply exhilarating.
• Upgrades and Bonus Weeks when Exchanging. My 1BR San Diego Summer Beach week scores great upgrades when traded through RCI (generally booking 3BR units against the dues of a 1BR unit) and is often offered 1 or 2 bonus weeks when deposited with smaller exchange companies (2-3 weeks vacation for dues of 1 week).
• Community. Two of our properties near home offer frequent owner/member socials and events. We've formed and maintained friendships with other owners/members through frequent encounters on the properties and at related events.
• Flexibility. DVC isn't my only timeshare offering choice of "when to travel, where to travel, how often to travel, or what unit size" to book.

Of course, there are downsides, drawbacks and cautions:

• Learning Curve! You must invest the time and resources to truly learn how to use each ownership to its best potential.
• Nuisance Fees. Some timeshares may have fees for housekeeping, reservations, cancellations, transient occupancy taxes, etc. Be sure to identify these before purchase and factor them into your total cost of ownership/use.
• Owner Involvement. Generally, what you own, you must care for/manage. While DVC tends to be a fairly "hands-free" ownership (from the owner perspective) -- our other properties aren't shy inviting us to attend the annual meetings; read candidate statements and vote for Directors; participate in "owner's work day" events, etc.
• Exchange costs. While individual membership to RCI/II is a benefit I enjoy -- it comes with costs. Each has an annual membership fee (often discounted in various promotions) and exchange fees.

Bottom line: There is no singularly perfect timeshare. Many offer great features and have distinct advantages -- mix'n'match as needed to create the blend uniquely perfect for your family's needs.

 

[bwvBound]

Given your valid concerns, the economy, the present market for timeshares and the many stressed owners out there ... I'd suggest that now is a GREAT TIME to RENT vacations instead of BUYing them. Lots of variety, plenty of selection ... no long term impact.

 

[Dean]

DVC is TOP SHELF. All the other T. S.....are......well......My Daddy told me one thing; " son if you can't say something nice, then don't say nothing at all". WELCOME HOME.

As others have noted, there are many other timeshares as nice or nicer than DVC. DVC has a lot going for it certainly but so do many other places. Just look at HH where there are at least 3 other timeshares that many would place ahead of DVC, some far ahead. Have you seen other timeshares like Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Westin, etc?

I understand what you are saying but I am still afraid of being locked into another timeshare (eg Wyndham) for the rest of my life. I really think people are just trying to get rid of them because they are stuck with the maintenance fees. As must as it costs close to nothing to begin with, what are the negative aspects to having a timeshare with another company... or should I say.... what are the positive aspects of being with another company then Disnay apart from the price.

There are so many variables that it's impossible to say what's the best choice. Certainly if you want to do a fair number of non DVC trips I'd look at something else rather than more DVC points. You have more, better and cheaper choices all the way around if you make good decisions.

You've got a lot of good info. You should spend 6 months or so investigating what's right for you. We'll be glad to help where we can. I can give a lot of overall info, exchange info (RCI, II, RCI points), Marriott, and Bluegreen esp. Others have a lot of info as well and I'd defer to Brian on Wyndham as my knowledge there is spotty and his is top notch.

You should consider factors like.
W

• here you want to go.
• How long you want to stay.
• Unit size.
• How varied you want to be
• demand of your usual travel time
• How adventurous you want to be in exchanging
• Your tastes
• Budget
• and many others

I would say that for ONE option, another points minisystem like Bluegreen or Wyndham is likely the next best item. I to agree you've got to learn any system WELL to make it reasonable to buy. Now is the perfect time to get into Wyndham or Bluegreen. I'll give you some examples with BG, Brian or others might be able to do the same with Wyndham, etc. One could buy say 20K BG non qualified points at maybe $2K with yearly fees of around $1K. Qualified points are more but not that much more right now and would give you some additional benefits. I have 72K BG points putting me at Platinum Premier status (max out at 60K). For that I get 3 free weeks a year, I get to go on the wait list 4 months before non premier, free cancelations, free travelers plus which gives me access to some shell resort similar to DVC's BVTC options and many more benefits including access to RCI points exchanges directly through BG. BG comes with free regular RCI weeks account included with the above dues.

Wyndham may be better to use for many as they have more and overall slightly better resorts but it's hard to beat places like the Lodge Alley Inn Charleston, Big Cedar Wilderness Club (BASS pro shop) Branson, Hammocks in the Keys, etc.

If you'll mostly be traveling a full week and you're a bit of a snob like us, you may find Marriott a better choice due to quality and the II internal trading preference. I can't speak too much to Hilton, Westin or Hyatt other than they have great resort as well. See, too many choices.

 

[Brian Noble]

I would like to hear about people's experience with other timeshares, for instance with Wyndham.

In my opinion, for folks who live in the eastern US, a Wyndham timeshare deed---purchased resale at a resort with an owner-controlled board and reasonable fees---is one of the very best bargains in timeshare.

Wyndham's system is quite extensive, with some very nice resorts at good to great locations. The units are not ultra-luxurious in the way that a Hilton or some of the better Marriotts might be, but they are well-equipped, very comfortable, and tend to carry lower annual fees than resorts in those systems do, as well. Wyndham is a system that you would buy to use, not buy to trade---the better inventory is kept for owners, rather than given to exchange companies, and as a result trade power is mediocre at best. But, when used internally, the system delivers solid value. There are a number of nuisance fees, but with a modest amount of planning, those are easy to avoid. And, if you pay one here or there, it's still no great hardship, as the overall ownership costs are still very modest.

It's worth looking at their directory---ignore the Affiliate resorts, as they have little actual inventory---to see if the locations/resorts are of interest.

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/wyndham/memberdirectory0910/


The other main players in the "mini-system" game are Bluegreen and Worldmark. Worldmark seems to concentrate more in the western US. Bluegreen has a nice portfolio as well, with a few locations that the others don't serve. As I mentioned, we just got back from Mountain Run, a Bluegreen resort, and I really liked it. Maureen thought the unit itself was a small notch below most of the Wyndhams we've visited, but this is a minor quibble. It was reasonably well-equpped, well-maintained, and the resort staff was very service-oriented.