DVC vs other timeshare experience?

[lightningcoach]

We stayed at my mother's timeshare location this weekend at North Redington Beach. It was an efficiency with a full kitchen. It smelled like smoke and was really run down. But since my mom owns another unit there it only cost $40 a night to rent this unit and it was right on the beach. Even though that is extremely cheap- I still missed DVC! I missed just the magic of being at Disney. I missed the family atmosphere. I missed the no-smoking at the pool (yuck!) I missed everything about it. My mom paid only $1000 on resale for her unit- but I still can't compare Disney to hers because of the overwhelming joy of just being at Disney!
Am I crazy or just spoiled?

 

[vacationman]

In addition to the BWV/DVC, I also am in Hilton's Grand Vacation Club and have yet to be disappointed. There are all kinds of timeshares out there and, for the most part, you get what you pay for. The premium we pay for DVC has - so far - been worth it while Hilton - at about half the cost of DVC - has also been great.

 

[spiceycat]

you are spoiled - but hey that is what DVC is for -right - to spoil us DVC members.....

I have another timeshare that I though was pretty wonderful - okay the timeshare needs work - but the view is what sells this place - so how was the view was it great - or pretty bad?

I don't think they allow smoking in the inside pool (but I think that is more Florida's law than the timeshare) - the outside was the gulf -

now you might like Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt - plus the one at Orange Lake - maybe Worldmarks - but alot of the older ones are like you described hotels that they changed to timeshares.

 

[jbthi]

Isn't DVC great

I own 8 other weeks at 5 other TS. 3 of the TS are more luxurious than DVC but DVC is still my favorite. In fact I have been trading some thru II to get more DVC time.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

In February 2003 we had a chance for a free week at the Vistana which we decided to take advantage of. It was a very nice place but it was not Disney. We felt bad the whole time because we kept comparing it in unfavorable ways to DVC. So the moral of the story is that in the future we will not stay at a non DVC resort in Orlando, even if it's free. We added on following this stay to make sure we wouldn't have to.

HBC

 

[bobbiwoz]

The only experience we've had was to take the sales weekend at Hilton's Grand Vacation Club, and it was beautiful. But one evening, we went to WL for dinner at Artist Point. We walked around the grounds and for the first time, we went up to the pool at the villas. We both felt we would rather be there. This was in early '02 and it still took a year and a half for us to commit to a timeshare. DVC was a purchase totally out of character for us, but we're very glad we did it.

I have friends who are very happy with Marriott's timeshare program, in Branson and Orlando.

Bobbi

 

[Dean]

I think this is one of the problems that many DVC members have. You stayed at a lower level resort that is on the DVC list. There are many timeshares just as nice as DVC and many even nicer in many ways. And the owners at many of those resorts are treated just as well as the DVC members are when they are home. Aren't you glad you didn't give up 106-134 points for this studio? It just emphasizes one of my pet peeves, to make sure one checks out a timeshare before you accept it for exchange.

 

[lightningcoach]

Actually this resort isn't on DVC's list. It's an RCI timeshare. The beach view was nice. It is a nice beach, but being from Florida- again I am spoiled because we could go to the beach everyday.

Still nothing compares to Disney. After my weekend I don't feel bad about spending the money for DVC. It is well worth it!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by lightningcoach
Actually this resort isn't on DVC's list. It's an RCI timeshare. The beach view was nice. It is a nice beach, but being from Florida- again I am spoiled because we could go to the beach everyday.

Still nothing compares to Disney. After my weekend I don't feel bad about spending the money for DVC. It is well worth it!

Sorry, read this as the Redington Ambassador which used to be on the DVC exchange list. Still the principles hold.

 

[mickeyc]

In addition to DVC, which is the best, we have a Mariott timeshare. The Cypress Harbour is very relaxing and quiet.

My favorites remain BWVs and BCVs.

Enjoy!

 

[MDonley]

I guess that my signature says it all. But to be fair, you can't beat having BOTH II and RCI for exchanges. The only disadvantage is, both timeshares are extremely selective and have no qualms on telling you that other timeshare exchanges don't meet their standards. Then again, maybe that is an advanatage too!

 

[Coach Rick]

I have owned Timshare since 1981. Our first week is in the Mountains, and we have enjoyed many a ski trip there. We have traded many times, including three times at Orange Lake. Yes Orange Lake is nice, but IMHO doesn't hold a candle to DVC, and we are just going home for the first time in August. Our trip in 96 sealed the deal for us, although we didn't buy until our last trip in 02. I had won a trip for three nights to WDW, and could choose any resort on property we wanted, but for some reason chose All Star Music. We were just blown away by the way we were treated in this "Value" resort. After the Three nights were up we had made ressies at Lifetime of Vacations almost accross the street from the property on 192. We had a 2 bdr there, and as nice as it was we were very unhappy there in comparison to being on property. We vowed at that time to "NEVER" stay off property again. So when on a whim (trip planned 3 weeks prior to going) we stayed at the Poly, and imediately purchased our points "FINALLY" on that trip.

In addition to the New Hampshire week, I now own another week in Newport, RI at a Fairfield resort..again NO COMPARISON...Nice place, but it's not Disney.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Hey CoachRick, we also own in Newport RI. We inherited a Blue (off-season) floating week from my late in-laws, at avery nice harborfront timeshare (the Wellington - which is in Disney's approved exchange list). But come on; RI in Nov-April? Not gonna happen in our family.

So we've been trying to trade out thru II. Unfortunately, tho our dues are fairly high in the timeshare scale (but moderate compared to DVC), we are having trouble getting anything we would want . So I suspect we'll put in an ongoing search for DVC propoerties and just send my Auntie down whenever we get one (she can and will go absolutely any time), and at least cover our dues. Also in the resale market, our week is not gonna bring much (no ROFR supporting the prices).

Hey but if anyone wants a nice 2BR in Newport RI for Thxgiving week 2005, I'd be willing to negotiate

 

[barb45]

Dean - I wish I had found these boards before I exchanged 252 points for a week (2 bedroom) for the Sands of Kahana for this coming November. Of course we wouldn't have been able to "check it out" first since it's in hawaii but from what I've read on these boards, I didn't make a very good deal. I'm almost dreading going now.

 

[rocketriter]

barb45, don't "dread going." The happiness of your trip shouldn't be based on whether you made the best possible deal. You've got a week coming in Hawaii in roomy quarters. Enjoy! Next time you'll be more experienced and might use skills you've picked up from this board to book an even better deal.

Everyone else, please be aware that this is what happens when people get too doctrinaire about their way of booking being the only way. Someone as experienced as Dean always tempers his advice with room for other opinions. But others don't, and can wind up accidentally throwing a wet blanket over other peoples' vacations. The same thing happens with discussions about the view from DVC rooms. People get so worked up discussing views on this board that if they check in and find a less than perfect view, their vacation is ruined. A bit of balance can be a real kindness.

Grump, grump...

 

[bwvBound]

Originally posted by vacationman
In addition to the BWV/DVC, I also am in ... (name other resorts)... and have yet to be disappointed.

This would describe me, also. DVC has its distinct purpose/place ... but my personal favorite is a nearby ranch with a large hot springs pool, plenty of horses, miles of trails, and the most beautiful night-time sky around!

 

[Mickmse2002]

Originally posted by rocketriter
barb45, don't "dread going." The happiness of your trip shouldn't be based on whether you made the best possible deal. You've got a week coming in Hawaii in roomy quarters. Enjoy! Next time you'll be more experienced and might use skills you've picked up from this board to book an even better deal.

Everyone else, please be aware that this is what happens when people get too doctrinaire about their way of booking being the only way. Someone as experienced as Dean always tempers his advice with room for other opinions. But others don't, and can wind up accidentally throwing a wet blanket over other peoples' vacations. The same thing happens with discussions about the view from DVC rooms. People get so worked up discussing views on this board that if they check in and find a less than perfect view, their vacation is ruined. A bit of balance can be a real kindness.

Grump, grump...

Excellent advice! My family goes camping in Northern Michigan every June and weather frequently sucks, the communal restrooms should be condemned and the state park employees never say "Welcome Home" but I wouldn't miss the opportunity to spend a week away with my wife and kids for anything. It's not always about the accommodations as it who your are accommodating with.

 

[nuts]

Exactly!
My view is that DVC is nothing more than a prepaid vacation. I love the room sizes, the magic, etc....but what I really love is the time with my family. I don't pay much attention to the "the light bulb was out over my sink, so my vacation was completely ruined" comments. I just view them as comic relief.

 

[wintergreen]

bwvBound:

I'd love to know where this ranch of yours is. Sounds fabulous!

 

[FLYNZ4]

Originally posted by bwvBound
This would describe me, also. DVC has its distinct purpose/place ... but my personal favorite is a nearby ranch with a large hot springs pool, plenty of horses, miles of trails, and the most beautiful night-time sky around!

We use our other timeshares a lot (similar to bwvBound) and generally like the variety of locations available that are absolutely incredible. We will be spending the next 8 days overlooking the inner harbor of Victoria BC, followed by being perched above the crashing waves against the cliffs of Depoe Bay OR.

DVC would not be our first choice if we could only own one timeshare... but when we go to WDW, we think that DVC is the very best available.

/Jim