HELP with decisions for twin sister who loves DVC but not WDW

[3DisneyNUTS]

My sister wants to buy into a timeshare. SO since she does not see the thrill of WDW (she went on her honeymoon and wound up getting sick of seeing Mickey everywhere). I suggested looking into the marriot vacation club.

I started off showing her why we bought DVC and went to different sites showed her the pictures explained how it worked and etc. She thought all the resorts were amazing but especially was fond of wilderness lodge (for her boyfriend) and beach club villas for herself.

Now before you Her husband was killed 2 years ago. She just started dating again and found a really nice guy.

SO her boyfriend would LOVE wilderness lodge and she thought the Beach Club villas were amazing for herself.

After giving her the tour of all the resorts and explaining everything. I went to Marriot sites and she was dissappointed . She kept saying how they did not look fun. She loves the themeing of DVC. How everything in the resort follows a specific theme and how fun everything is. So she kept going back to saying how she loves DVC.

I kept telling her that DVC is centered aroung WDW (which she isn't thrilled about it like we are). I think it would be a mistake for her to purchase at DVC if she isn't a Disney NUT.

So I have 2 questions.
Is there any other timeshare that is themed like DVC but not centered around the mouse?

Would it be a huge mistake for her to buy DVC even if she planned to rarely go into the parks? She has no children but would definitely enjoy seeing her nephew in WDW. But I would not count on that as being an annual thing maybe every other year if that.

She is also interested in trading out of DVC to go oither places. It is a shame that DVC scapped plans to expand because she would have been able to travel to more places within dvc. I wouldn't feel the need to talk her out of going with DVC if they had kept with the Cali, NY and the other plans.

So I need all opinions please. I want to know which way to steer her. I am planning on doing a trip with her so she can see what DVC is all about. But I still feel it may not be right for her vacationing needs.

 

[CarolMN]

Does she like the beach? Perhaps you could show her HH and VB - maybe she would like those. She could still trade into VWL and BCV on occasion.

If you really do not think she will ever become a "Disney NUT", I would agree with you - DVC will not be a very good value for her. That said, if she likes theDVC theming, maye she is a "latent" Disney NUT and just doesn't know it (or hasn't admitted it to herself yet). Possible?

Good luck!

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Yes that is exactly what I was thinking! I was shocked how she felt the pull (through visiting online noless) but does not like the parks. I will try and see if she will want to visit hilton head next month (we are going to Georgia). Maybe iof she gets first hand view of Hilton head she will understand DVC doesn't have to be just about the mouse per se.

I don't know LOL I am just shocked that my twin doesn't love WDW like I do LOL. She always had to do the opposite of what I did and always steal my clothes. Ugh sisters LOL!

 

[PamOKW]

Before she makes a purchase decision, could she and her boyfriend take a trip to a WDW DVC resort? If they could combine a few days at Vero with it, that would be even better.

It's possible to really love WDW and all the resorts have to offer without really loving the parks (there I said it!) This may be where your sister falls into the scheme of things. There are so many activities, restaurants, etc. I see the parks as an extension of this more than chasing Mickey or getting on every ride. Wandering around World Showcase or AK can be wonderful. If they visit and explore things of interest to them -- do they golf? -- she can get a better feel for how much she enjoys it. If SSR or OKW appealed to her in the photos those might be good choices since they will not be so much "in the parks" but still very much in the middle of all the WDW resort offers.

If she finds that she truly rarely expects to not return to WDW on a regular basis, I think she should explore other timeshare options.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by PamOKW
Before she makes a purchase decision, could she and her boyfriend take a trip to a WDW DVC resort? If they could combine a few days at Vero with it, that would be even better.

It's possible to really love WDW and all the resorts have to offer without really loving the parks (there I said it!) This may be where your sister falls into the scheme of things. There are so many activities, restaurants, etc. I see the parks as an extension of this more than chasing Mickey or getting on every ride. Wandering around World Showcase or AK can be wonderful. If they visit and explore things of interest to them -- do they golf? -- she can get a better feel for how much she enjoys it. If SSR or OKW appealed to her in the photos those might be good choices since they will not be so much "in the parks" but still very much in the middle of all the WDW resort offers.

If she finds that she truly rarely expects to not return to WDW on a regular basis, I think she should explore other timeshare options.

Thanks Pam!!!! I have to take her down there she was married in 1999 (or was it A998 omg I am so bad) so much has changed in the world. DTD and WEST side are completely different than when she was there last.

 

[PamOKW]

If you could gear the trip so it's more what she might like, that would give her a better idea of how happy she'd be (or not). Rather than tagging along with the kids to the parks, let her go to the spa in the morning and then have tea at the GF. Schedule a round of golf followed by shopping at the outlets and then dinner at the CG. (Just some ideas -- base what you do on what she likes). If you know what type of vacation she's enjoyed, maybe we can help you come up with Disney ideas to match.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by PamOKW
If you could gear the trip so it's more what she might like, that would give her a better idea of how happy she'd be (or not). Rather than tagging along with the kids to the parks, let her go to the spa in the morning and then have tea at the GF. Schedule a round of golf followed by shopping at the outlets and then dinner at the CG. (Just some ideas -- base what you do on what she likes). If you know what type of vacation she's enjoyed, maybe we can help you come up with Disney ideas to match.

GREAT IDEA!!! Thanks again Pam

 

[Dancind]

I was browsing the trip reports last night and found a link to Kevin Stringer's web page and reports. He's a UK DVC member with two daughters. His 2003 trip included a Magic cruise, and almost a week at BCV with only one day at the parks. He tells all the things they did instead, there's a lot to do!

There have been many discussions of DVC trips that involve little or no park time taken by veteran DVC'ers, I think your sister may just be ahead of the game. If she can't find another time share with more appeal (perhaps a Caribbean island, but then there's the problem of getting there), I say more power to her!

 

[canwegosoon]

The other thing is I would think small, and resale. I might be wrong, but to me a 50-60 point contract at VB or HH might give them a start. Since it doesn't seem like they will go every year at first. Then if things change (and she wants to go to WDW) she could always go to VWL or another spot on banked points for a short stay. The option to add on always exists, and then she can tailor her purchases to her likes. Good luck...and the Cruise, as you know, is always an option too!!!

 

[zulaya]

Laurabearz also did a no-parks trip in the past year at VWL. Search for her trip report. Even with kids, it shows there are a lot of things to do at each resort.

 

[Disney Doll]

You know, there is a lot to do in the greater Orlando area that is not Disney (OMG!!!!!!!!Did I just say that????? ).

But seriously, if she likes the levell of accomodations that the DVC offers, there is nothing that says she has to go to the parks every day.

There's golf, mini golf, tennis, horseback riding, relaxing by the pool, shopping, dining, SeaWorld, water parks, Dolphin's Cove, US/IOA(if she prefers those characters over The Mouse), Kennedy Space Center,the beach, Downtown Disney, Cirque de Soleil. She could get DVC points and do a combo VB/WDW vacation, where she spends a few days at WDW enjoying the greater Orlando area, spending as much or as little time in the parks as they choose, and then head to the beach to relax.

I wouldn't necessarily talk her out of DVC. Just make sure she knows that it is "Disneyfied" since it is a Disney product.

 

[ErinC]

Let her buy a very large contract, if she doesn't like it, she can give you the points to use!! JUST KIDDING!

Really, I think there is so much to do at WDW besides the parks, I think there is something for everyone. VWL is great and she won't even be able to see a theme park from there. We went for 10 days in May, and only went to the parks 2 days. We had a great time just swimming in the pools, eating, shopping, did I mention eating! She really needs to visit, and see If she might feel different about it a second time. Most people that don't like WDW went in the heat of the summer, and did the parks from dawn til dusk, and went back home exhausted. (At least thats what I find.) Best of luck helping her decide.

 

[KristiKelly]

Your sister kinda reminds me of my DH. Our first trip was in 1998, we went without our DS then 18 monthes (we wanted to do what we wanted to do @ WDW because we knew that our next trip(s) we would be at the mercy of our kids). Anyway, DH would say, "every store has the same thing", "you can't buy anything that doesn't have something to do with Disney" (well duh), etc. DH was just not big on WDW at all. The following year 1999, we went back with DS (then 2-1/2), went back in 2003 with DS 4 & DD 2, again in 2004 & now 2005 in Oct., we have just purchased SSR & are starting to plan next years trip. DH is starting to really like WDW & is ready for our fall trip. Point being, is your sister ever planning on having kids? That is what changed everything for DH, seeing WDW through your eyes is one thing, but it's just MAGICAL seeing it in/through a childs' eyes. DH is eager to try Hilton Head though, being in NC, we may make that trip more as our kids get older.

I do believe that I could go to a WDW resort & not do the parks though, expecially if I stayed around the BW area. shop during the day & just sit and watch people @ night on the Boardwalk. But I don't know if I would have bought into it, knowing I wouldn't be going to the parks, but time may change her over time - it did DH. Good luck in whatever decision she makes.

I know I didn't offer much help, but I can say that DH liked WDW better each time he went.

 

[cds62]

I have owned DVC since the beginning and have nothing but positive things to say about it. I also own timeshares through Hilton and Marriott. If your sister is not into the Disney thing than take a look at some of the properties that Hilton has to offer. I agree with you that some of the older Marriott's are not that exciting but if you look at the new locations in Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas and Hilton Head you will see that they are well above Disney in the amenities.
If you are looking for a timeshare that is good for using at your home resort as well as trading than I would recommend Hilton Grand Vacations Club. With the new resort in Orlando and others around the world and the fact that it is also a points based program much like Disney I think Hilton is one of the best buys out there.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by cds62
I have owned DVC since the beginning and have nothing but positive things to say about it. I also own timeshares through Hilton and Marriott. If your sister is not into the Disney thing than take a look at some of the properties that Hilton has to offer. I agree with you that some of the older Marriott's are not that exciting but if you look at the new locations in Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas and Hilton Head you will see that they are well above Disney in the amenities.
If you are looking for a timeshare that is good for using at your home resort as well as trading than I would recommend Hilton Grand Vacations Club. With the new resort in Orlando and others around the world and the fact that it is also a points based program much like Disney I think Hilton is one of the best buys out there.

Thanks I have to check these out

As far as her having kids that was the plan with her Dh but everything has changed since he passed away. It is still a touchy subject so I don't bring it up unless she does. She is still on the I am never having kids kick and that is probably the way she is dealing with the grief still.

 

[chrissyk]

We've been on plenty of DVC trips where we didn't go to the parks at all. We don't have any desire to pay full price for AP's, and we won't be FL residents officially for a while. Hence, we enjoy the resorts and skip the parks for now. It's fine with me...I actually love the resorts much more than the parks in all honestly. I think that my DH misses going to the parks sometimes, though. Frankly, I'm just as happy hanging out at the pool and enjoying the theming of the resorts

 

[Merilyn]

From one twin to another, I would, as others have said, tell her to check out VB and HH. She could trade into WDW resorts if she wanted that kind of vacation. Nice to hear we have twins here. My sister and I own together at VB and OKW. We travel together and live together and work together. Can't get closer than that!!!

 

[MDonley]

As CDS62 pointed out, Hilton Grand Vacation Club has a lot to offer. Their point system is similar to DVC in that it is not based on an entire week ... can stay by the day. They have 2 Orlando resorts, 1 in Miami, 2 or 3 in Vegas. Can bank/borrow, convert points to Hilton HHonors points for Hilton hotel stays ($69 fee to do just about anything though except home resort). They're RCI instead of II. Sales pitch is more high pressure. Might want to check out HGVC.com and order the video first. We used it to stay in UK ... they were very picky ... a lot of RCI resorts weren't up to their standards (just like DVC with II). .... you can convert points to HHonors and stay at the Hilton on property and still qualify for Early Entry to the parks. No expiration of 2054 like DVC. Goes to your heirs and they get stuck with membership/maint. fees.

Heard that Mariott is nice, but it's a weekly setup

So, who's the Evil twin there?

 

[lovesdisney]

My DH and I are DVC'rs but do not always visit the parks. The way I see it is that when we have 'beach holdiays', we do not use the sea at all ( I can't stand the sand) and only ever use hotels pools.

Last vacation we stayed at OKW and VB only using the pools, no beach and no parks. I can honestly say that the week spent at OKW was the best ever, the resort is fantastic and standards are higher than anywhere else we have been able to afford to stay so I would say go ahead.

 

[OneMoreTry]

If she went to WDW for her honeymoon, I'm sure she has great memories there and at some point that will sink in and she'll want to go back. It sounds like she may have more affection for WDW than she realizes.

We also are not as excited about the parks as we used to be. That's why I'm glad we own at OKW. We'll probably bank points, visit less frequently, use the Grand Villas and take friends. We'll relax more while there. Enjoy other Orlando attractions and off-site restaurants.

And if we get decent ticket discounts through DVC, we'll probably take short visits to the parks for select shows and restaurants.