dvc vs Marriott Vacation club

[JoEllen]

We definitely like our Marriott for what it is, but let me just say:

I know DVC. DVC is a friend of mine. And Marriott is no DVC.

I like your style Bill, maybe you should go into politics!

 

[Dean]

Just curious: WHY did your sister recommend DVC rather than Marriott?

Unless she actually has knowledge of the timeshare product, I don't think the information is all that helpful. Just working for Marriott doesn't give one insight into timeshare just like being a CM doesn't automatically give one any insight into DVC either. To me one of the true tests is whether the sales staff own their product. With both DVC and Marriott, I've found that many do that have been with the system for a while. It's still different as the employees get a better deal than the rest of us do.

DVC is far more of a specialty purchase than MVCI due to it's limited use options (7 resorts, limited exchange options and little or no value points use options). DVC is only reasonable for use at the DVC resorts while Marriott is a far more well rounded choice for timeshare usage.

 

[BeantownDisneyFan]

She had numerour reasons, including, but not limited to:

1. She thought Disney was a much better company,
2. At one point she was an interior designer for Marriot, working directly on designing their rooms, and yet before that she had done independent contracting with Disney (the Candy Cauldron in DD? All hers), so knew the quality that went into Disney,
3. Having seen firsthand all sorts of vacation plan options, she thought Disney's was by far the most creative, and
4. She thought 30 years down the road Disney properties had a much better chance of standing the test of time (again, she's both an architect and interior designer so she thinks that way).

All of that, plus more that I can't recall in the moment, was persuasive for us.

****

We own both Disney and Marriott, plus several others, and to me, the most critical aspects of vacation ownership include: access (availability when making reservations), the magnitude and vastness of the network, children's programs, flexibility, service, reliabilty, and value. Way beyond that I'd put the structural integrity of the resort's buildings. Not to suggest that that is not important, but its just not at the top of my list of "vacation ownership" concerns, which focus more on deriving pleasure, than being concerned about the tiny incrimental share of "real estate that we own (probably about the size of a plot in a cemetery, if you attempt to figure out how large the "real estate interest" is that you really own). After all, I'd trust Disney and Marriott's construction standards way more than most residential homebuilders.

I suspect there are those who believe that their timeshare purchase is an investment of some sort, and those (like me) who believe that they have taken disposable income and purchased something that will bring them many years of enjoyment, even if it does not offer the return that residential real estate does. In looking back on the "value" that we have derived from more than ten years of DVC and Marriott ownership, we can easily demonstrate a two or three time return on our purchases (and many more years of enjoyment ahead).

Finally, I was told that those who are involved in the design of Marriott Hotels are in an entirely seperate entity than those in Marriott's timeshare division.

Getting back to the Original Poster's question, I believe that both our Disney and Marriott ownerships are very fine products. They both fit our needs. They both offer different, complimentary options. Our Disney membership gets us access to Disney resorts within the parks, the very reason, and sole reason why we purchased at DVC. Our Marriott ownership gives us access to a vast network of very fine resorts, and the Marriott points program gives us access to "travel packages" which we have used to get air for two and hotel certificates, and to stay in Five Star hotels all over the world that we would have never otherwise paid to stay at. Our Marriott ownership would not give us the reliable access to DVC resorts that we want, and our Disney ownership would not give us access to the Marriott and Renaiisance Hotels using Marriott Rewards points, which we value, not the Marriott priority which we especially enjoy to Marriott Vacation Club resorts. As I indicated earlier, in terms of value, the vacations that we have enjoyed from both our Disney and Marriott ownership have exceeded - - several times over -- what we paid for them, and continue to pay to own both - - and, we have equity that we would have never otherwise had if we paid the going rate at Disney and Marriott resorts.

My recommendation, (1) assess your needs and desires, (2) evaluate both programs carefully, and (3) talk with owners of both, to see if your particular needs may be met.

Good luck!

 

[Cruelladeville]

I also own both Marriott and DVC, and agree that Marriott is no DVC. First and foremost is that for most Marriott's, you can't recoup your initial investment, since the resales are very low. Buy resale and save the remaining cash. You won't have as much to lose. With DVC, the prices go up all the time, and so do the resale prices, so you are less likely to lose your initial investment.

The second concerns the fees that several people mentioned: cancelling your vacation costs $39, as does altering the day of arrival, which is no easy feat. You can't just choose to arrive whenever you want at a Marriott, they decide by resort, but it's usually Th-Sun, and a change requires changing in your week, and then waiting for your same week with the day you want, which is another $79, after the initial membership in II, which I think is $79, not $50, as someone mentioned before. Also, the maintenance quoted here is low, I pay nearly $700 per year for a fall week, which is off-season.

Marriott resorts trade well, but beware of the costs associated with it. That was one shock I was not prepared for when I joined. If you are aware of that when buying, you will enjoy your Marriott a lot more. I like my Marriott very much, but giving Marriott to your kids is a lot like giving them a debt that they will have to keep paying for forever--they may not appreciate the gesture.

 

[Piper260]

In my opinion DVC is not as good as Marriott in terms of accomadations. I own at the Beach Club(DVC) and the Aruba Surf Club(MVCI). I have stayed at both resorts and the Marriott rooms are bigger and are laid out better. I have also stayed at the Grand Vista and the rooms were bigger there. I can't judge any of the other DVC resorts because i have only stayed at the Beach Club Villas.

As for fees they are both more money than alot of other timeshares but your getting a good reputable product.

I think if you ask anybody who knows alot about timeshares they would put MVC ahead of DVC.

As others have said they are a great compliment to each other and i enjoy owning both.

 

[5infam]

I own DVC and have just purchased my first Marriott (in escrow right now), and here are some issues we considered, many have been stated by others:

1. I love DVC, great for WDW stays and I wouldn't change that. The points system is great too as it adds flexability for stays.

2. However, trading DVC for higher end timeshares like Marriott, especially in Hawaii, is difficult to impossible at best. I have had many requests in, and could get, IMHO, lesser timeshares for my DVC, and not the ones I wanted like Marriott or Westin (keep in mind I need to travel peak season). It is also a bad use of points, again IMHO, and there is still a transfer fee.

3. Went with Marriott on Maui as it is where I want to stay 90% of the time, and if I want to trade, it is the top Marriott trader in II (or at least the folks on TUG seem to think so).

4. Marriott can be bought on the resale market for 50% to 60% of retail prices!!!!! This is a huge difference between DVC and MVCI. I just bought a 1bdr, 1 week every year, deeded forever, for $12,300 on Maui. This same unit sells for $24,000 from Marriott. I passed Marriott ROFR in 2 days. The nice thing is I can use my week anytime from January to Dec., except for the last 2 weeks of the year (that is the platinum plus season and I own platinum).

5. The one downside to buying Marriott as a resale is that you can not participate in the Marriott Rewards Point System. This is basically where you can trade in your timeshare week for points that can be used at Marriott hotels, travel packages, etc. IMHO, the conversion factor is poor at best and not worth trading in your week. It is far better to save a ton of cash up front, and rent your week for cash, or trade it through II, or through a private party trade.

So to sum it up, buy where you want to stay the most, that way you don't have to mess with all of the other fees and rules of the timeshare companies. Then look at what will trade the best, internally first, then externally second. Of course, cost is always a factor that I look at. However, I am glad that I paid a lot more for my DVC, than I would have paid for a Marriott resale in Orlando. To me, being on site is worth the extra $$. Location, location, location. Good luck!!

 

[JimC]

To add to 5infam's post. Here is a Spring 2005 cost comparison between Marriott's Cypress Harbour in Orlando (we own there as well) and DVC. Note that Cypress Harbour only has two bedroom units (no lock-offs). In comparison it is most like OKW in layout, theming and style.

To buy resale four weeks evenly spread throughout the year (thus capturing most seasons).

Cypress Harbour would likely cost 37% of an OKW two bedroom with only 73% of the OKW annual fees.

Cypress Harbour would likely cost 51% of an OKW one bedroom with 99% of the OKW annual fees.

Cypress Harbour would likely cost 38% of a BCV one bedroom with only 71% of the BCV annual fees.

We bought the Cypress Harbour for non-Disney vacations in central Florida.

 

[Beach_Bound9]

Great discussion, thank you folks. And a special thank you to the knowledgable and insightful information shared by 5infam, Cruelladeville,BeantownDisneyFan, Viki, nezy and Caskbill, very helpful as we consider this as an option. Much appreciated.

 

[Viki]

Great discussion, thank you folks. And a special thank you to the knowledgable and insightful information shared by 5infam, Cruelladeville,BeantownDisneyFan, Viki, nezy and Caskbill, very helpful as we consider this as an option. Much appreciated.

You are very welcome. Good luck and have fun!

 

[littlestar]

I am so glad I saw this thread as I have booked a Cypress Harbour package before our OKW stay to try it out as I thought Cypress Harbour reminded me of OKW in theming. Sounds like some of you own at Marriott's Cypress Harbour and really like it.

I had posted a question over on the dvc planning board asking about Cypress Harbour before I saw this thread.

 

[nezy]

I am so glad I saw this thread as I have booked a Cypress Harbour package before our OKW stay to try it out as I thought Cypress Harbour reminded me of OKW in theming. Sounds like some of you own at Marriott's Cypress Harbour and really like it.

I had posted a question over on the dvc planning board asking about Cypress Harbour before I saw this thread.

We will be going to Cypress Harbor in Feb. My kids love it. There is an activity area w/ basketball, ping-pong, pool and video games. You can also rent peddle boats. Thr resort is very roomy w/ 2 major pools and a small quiet pool. Yes it does have on OKW feel to it. We really like this resort-hopr you have fun.
I do recommend that you have a car though.

 

[jmminarik]

What would be the advantage of owning a timeshare over just going the hotel route if you want to travel to many places (different places each year)?

Other than the rooms themselves, it depends where you want to vacation. Other than WDW, we'd rather travel to major cities in the Eastern US and Europe. We could care less about beaches, ski resorts, Williamsburg and the truly perplexing to me, Branson. There are only a few truly 'downtown' timeshares that I've found...unlike the thousands of hotels and B&B's that exist in the urban environment.

-Joe

 

[nezy]

Timeshare does serve a different purpose than the sort of travel you are discussing. I have used my Disney points to stay in Manhattan-but in Europe I think B&B's or pensions are a great way to go. It is a different way of traveling in Europe. I feel that you stay in a city for a few days, move on to another city. Timeshare is more of get there stay there!

 

[jmminarik]

Timeshare does serve a different purpose than the sort of travel you are discussing. I have used my Disney points to stay in Manhattan

Yea...we're weird. If we're not in WDW, we'd rather be in a walkable city with lots of history and culture, or on a beach in a Jamaican all-inclusive where you only need to pack a carryon's worth of clothes and a desire to drink lots of rum.

-Joe

 

[DisneyKidds]

DVC spoiled us as far as vacation accomodations.

As for our background, we own DVC, and on our last trip to Orlando we spent 4 nights at Marriott's Grande Vista in a 1BR, took the tour, and learned all about the program.

We absolutely love the DVC program and it's flexibility for our Disney vacationing needs. I'll let those who actually own both DVC and MVCI provide info on how the programs compare. My impression is that Marriott has a very good program, and with Grande Vista offering two weeks for the price of one, with the ability to split a 2Br, trade within the Florida Club, convert weeks to Marriott Rewards points, etc. the program provides a lot of opportunity for the cost. So, had we seriously been in the market to own another timeshare I might have thought long and hard about buying it as a compliment to our DVC ownership.

That being said.....given what I know, if I were in the market for my first and only vacation club purchase, intended to be used primarily in the Orlando area, there is absolutely no way I'd buy Marriott over Disney.....and it all has to do with the statement I quoted above.

As much as we didn't want or intend to, we spent our whole time comparing Grande Vista to the DVC resorts, and The DVC resorts are head and shoulders above the Marriott resorts......at least Grande Vista, and Grande Vista was very nice. As others have said, Marriott ain't no DVC. Yes, the Marriott 1Br villa was bigger than Disney's, but size isn't everything. I'd have to agree with what another poster relayed from their relative who worked for Marriott, and that is that DVC holds a distinctive edge in quality. Inside the rooms, the buildings in general, the overall resort, everything related to the accomodations and the resort itself. To me that makes a huge difference. Disney has simply spoiled us with the quality of the accomodations and the resort experience you get compared to something like Grande Vista. Yes, Marriott might have more activities and require Julie the Cruise Director to help you navigate it all, but with all of WDW outside your door there is just no way that Marriott can hold a candle to DVC if your first preference is to vacation at Disney or in the Orlando area.

 

[manning]

Timeshare does serve a different purpose than the sort of travel you are discussing. I have used my Disney points to stay in Manhattan-but in Europe I think B&B's or pensions are a great way to go. It is a different way of traveling in Europe. I feel that you stay in a city for a few days, move on to another city. Timeshare is more of get there stay there!

You got me, What are pensions???

 

[nezy]

I Know I spelled it wrong because the "pensions" as I wrote is what you get after working for a company for so many years!! When I went to EU we stayed in pen-si-ons pronounced pen -see-owns!! (Sorry about that)

Anyway they were small hotels, with minimal services, low prices and alot of character-but very clean. This was years ago. They are rated 1 star, 2 star and up. We stayed in the 4 stars which were as i said minimal services, but we did a lot of touring and out and about. Weren't in rooms let alone cities for that long.

 

[BeantownDisneyFan]

Other than the rooms themselves, it depends where you want to vacation. Other than WDW, we'd rather travel to major cities in the Eastern US and Europe. We could care less about beaches, ski resorts, Williamsburg and the truly perplexing to me, Branson. There are only a few truly 'downtown' timeshares that I've found...unlike the thousands of hotels and B&B's that exist in the urban environment.

-Joe

And the beauty of owning with Marriott, is that you can use your Marriott timeshare to access Marriott's Hotels (and Renaissance and some Ritz-Carlton) all over the world, including major cities. We just used a few Marriott points for a night in Philadelphia, when the prevailing rates were very high, and we routinely use Marriott points for the two Marriott Courtyard hotels in Manhattan. We tend to use our Marriott points in blocks of seven nights, often combining our hotel certificate with air for two, and traveling to places that would have otherwise been ruled out as being too expensive, and at times of the year that are the most expensive. Additionally, we earn a lot of points on the Marriott Visa card annually, and don't mind burning a few points on the occassional one or two night stay, as was the case in Philadelphia, a few weeks ago.