Help needed--timeshare owners

[Cruelladeville]

I own 450 pts at Disney, and want to add more time for vacations, since I found out that I get free airfare thru my DD's airline job. I am only used to how Disney does things, and am mostly uninformed about other timeshares. My sister owns Marriott, and tells me that they only rent by the week, Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday, and there are hidden costs associated with Marriott. A week in one place that's not Disney is too long for my DH. Nevertheless, in another 10 years or so when we retire, we could use a week at a timeshare in Florida in the winter. Should I just buy another 100-150 pts at Disney because I have so much flexibility there, even though the cost is somewhat higher, or is there another timeshare out there where I could have more flexibility than staying a week in one spot? I could buy a Marriott week on the Timeshare Bd. now for about $6500-$9500. I am really torn between the price/flexibility, and the chance that if I bought outside Disney, I might end up with a white elephant where I couldn't recoup a fair portion of my investment. Opinions, please!!!

 

[kem330]

Cruella, don't know a darn thing about other timeshares, but just want to caution you about flying on airline passes. My sister has worked for United for 18 years and while in the past it was a nice perk for my parents to fly free, it is becoming more and more difficult to get on the flights. Since the airlines have cut back there schedules the planes are much fuller and you can be stuck somewhere for days (even weeks). Forget flying at peak seasons and at holidays. Maybe your daughters situation is different, I'm sure each airline has its differences, but be very careful flying on a pass when you have a confirmed hotel reservation- you may not make it there.

 

[Firefighter Mickey]

I would suggest that you visit the Timeshare Users Group web site and become a member and browse thru the various timeshare reviews that they have (and the message boards - which don't require membership).

There are other points based systems, for example Fairfield - though I don't think Fairfield is quite as flexible as DVC, I think the minimum stay is 3 nights (I could be wrong though - it's been sometime since I've looked at them).

Another thing to consider is even with a week ownership, you might spend time investigating the surrounding area - we own a week in Santa Fe and have had lots of fun the last few years exploring Santa Fe and New Mexico in general.

Also, with various timeshares you can usually trade the week thru RCI or II (depending on which one the timeshare belongs to).

 

[Dean]

There are many other options out there and no one family is the same as another. We love Marriott and for many, that is a great complement to a DVC membership. True, Marriott tends to deal in certain season and unit size (usually 2 BR) for a full week. For some that works well, for others not. As noted, there are a number of other points based systems out there. If you look to buy in FL but not DVC, I'd recommend getting something you would use but on the ocean. HH is another good area, particularly for Marriott.

 

[Lisa P.]

We own points with Fairfield and we like it a lot. But, as with DVC, it's not for everyone. Most points-based programs will allow for very flexible stays (there are a lot of programs!) but sometimes there are restrictions or fees when you want to stay for short stays (especially during prime season). With Fairfield, there's technically a 2-night minimum, but if there's a single night available and you want it, they'll let you book it. Annual dues are lower than with DVC, but you pay for certain services if you use them, more a la carte.

I agree with the person above who suggested TUG. Visit the Points forum there and the Advice articles (all linked through TUG's home page). Start by considering where you want to visit, using the timeshare points. Look for a points-based program with resorts in your desired destinations. For a good points program with nice resorts in Florida, look into HGVC - Hilton Grand Vacations Club and Fairfield Resorts. You can learn a little bit about those resorts at their websites and here are some owners' websites regarding unofficial HGVC and unofficial Fairfield.

Then join TUG ($15 first year, incl free want ad - and worth every penny!) to read the TUG Resort Reviews for the resorts that interest you. This will tell you whether the resorts are maintained well and would suit your needs. Most are not as upscale as DVC but many are quite nice, with plenty of happy owners. You'll learn a lot without risking getting into something unfamiliar with a lot of money spent.

Buying resale points will save you a bundle! By purchasing resale, you will risk much less and will be more likely to recover your costs if you later decide that it's not for you and you resell. Hope this helped!

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I wouldn't buy more points at Disney unless you are planning to use them at Disney (even if its Hilton Head or Vero)

I would definitely expend the time and effort to research timeshares and then buy resale.

I have a second, non-point timeshare that I own outright. It's for a full week but...there is nothing saying you have to use the unit for the week! If you pay a small enough amount and the maintenance fees are low enough who cares? The only thing you are really tied into is using the unit over a weekend.

The one suggestion I would make is...don't buy a unit in Orlando...and in fact I wouldn't buy a unit in Florida. Florida is overbuilt when it comes to timeshares and it is easier to trade elsewhere if you own someplace that has demand but a relatively low number of units. For example a winter week in Park City.

 

[Shontell_Crawford]

Hi Cruella,

I am going to reinforce some of what has already been said, with a couple of twists.

When it comes to timeshares, DVC is my #1 seller, which I don't need to explain the advantages of to you. However, outside of DVC, Marriott is #2 and I think it is due to the quality of the management. They are usually top notch.
I've sold a few Marriott's Ocean Pointe in Palm Beach lately and some of its advantages are the ability to have a split week option, lock out options, etc. While certainly not as flexible as Disney, it trades beautifully and every season currently gets a bonus week (extra week for $199) when traded through Interval.
Both Hilton and Fairfield offer points based programs which take some time to educate yourself about....the websites referenced are good resources...but might be just what you are looking for in flexibility. Still, most will not compare to DVC. I have had many happy clients speak well of all the above mentioned organizations.
There are a few other "wanna be" programs that I won't mention that I would encourage you to stear clear of until a few years down the road as they establish themselves.

Good luck with your decision. The most difficult part is educating yourself to a level of comfort. Once you feel good about a program, find the best price and go for it!!

Best regards,
Shontell

 

[Desperado]

Lisa P.
Thanks for the great resources.

 

[Cruelladeville]

Thanks everyone for your help. I visited Tug over the weekend, and the classified ads quickly told me where I should think twice before buying. I really enjoyed the articles, and will check out the web sites you all mentioned. Also, thanks to everyone who mentioned their experiences with their own timeshares. Since Tug didn't have very many of the timeshares listed that you all mentioned, I am guessing that you have each supplied me with a good timeshare to check into further. Thanks alot Also, thanks to Shontell for the suggestions, too!

 

[Dean]

Don't let the add prices scare you away. I'd like to sell me car for $20K but it's really only worth $13K or so.

 

[OKWKirt]

I own two other timeshares besides DVC and like said by others none are as flexible as DVC, but I love one of my others and the other is nice and works fine. Mine are all points based and allows flexible stays and unit size, which I wouldn't buy unless it did. Like said for DVC purchases, when buying into another vacation club buy where you want to stay, not where you might want to trade to. I own Big Cedar Wilderness Club through the Bluegreen Vacation Club which has 20 some places to trade to, mostly the south east with several in Florida. But like DVC, I'm staying where I own. So far what I have seen, I think Bluegreen Vacation Club is very good.