How hard/easy is it doing a Non-Disney timeshare vacation?

[zakatak]

We are considering purchasing a timeshare, but my dh would like to see other places too, besides Disney. How easy and what do they charge for, say, a week in the Bahamas?

Oh, and how many points would you suggest we buy up front? We have three kids so we would like enough points to get a 2 bedroom unit, at least.

Thanks.

We'd also like to visit out WEST, Arizona, California, and Mexico too.

Karen

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'm confused. Are you asking about DVC that you would use elsewhere, or are you asking about "any" timeshare?

 

[zakatak]

I'm wondering about purchasing into DVC and the ease of using it to travel other places in addition to Disney.

Thanks!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Okay. It really depends on where you want to go and how often. ANY timeshare would require a trade to stay somewhere other than where you own, and Disney is no different. There are a number of ways to trade, both through DVC/Interval International, and also privately through TUG or someother trading company. That being said, it is not necessarily the most cost effective to use DVC as a trade because the maintenance fees and initial cost of DVC is on the higher end. That doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't, it just means it might not be the best use. If you are thinking you mostly want to stay at DVC and Disney, but occationally travel elsewhere, it is certainly not difficult, because lots of folks are wanting to trade into DVC. I, however, think owning a less expensive timeshare to trade is a better idea, and maybe get fewer DVC points, if you are thinking you only want to do Disney every other year or so. DVC is a great way to trade into other places that might be difficult to get (like Hawaii), but I certainly wouldn't want to trade into a mediocre resort just for the sake of trading.

 

[grb5]

I found it very difficult trying to go to HI last year, so much so that I abandoned the process. I would not recommend doing DVC if you expect to use it frequently for trading to other locations (you may want to get a member to inquire for you about the specifics (i.e. availability, waitlists, etc. for somewhere you may consider going on a trade (maybe HI is just bad but not other locations)). This is a significant part of their selling process that I think is stressed too much given the difficulty in actually doing the trades. If others have had better experiences I would love to hear how they did it so my hopes could be restored.

 

[dianeschlicht]

grb, you have to be very flexible when you are trying a hard to get trade like Hawaii. By that, I mean you have to leave the date and location fairly open and make your other plans from there. When we traded to Hawaii, we requested any island EXCEPT Oahu and any time from January1 through June 1. We started our request two years from when we expected to travel. We got the first offer of an exchange in just 5 days, and it was for the first week of May. We decided to take that one, and then searched for an exchange through another timeshare for a week on either side of that week. I found it to be quite easy, but we were prepared for it to take much longer. Of course, you might not like the exchange you are offered, in which case you would keep the request open.

 

[Dean]

You'd be far better off buying less DVC points and another timeshare for exchange. Your learning curve will be steeper and longer but you'll get a lot further for less money if you do it correctly. Unfortunately many DVC members want to let DVC make all the decisions and assume they will take care of us. Even with limiting to the top group of resorts, it brings a lot of risk to the system, not to mention a lot of avoidable cost.

I've seen member post here they didn't want to learn another system. That's fine, but don't exchange. If you don't do your homework and exchange, you deserve what you get regardless of how bad it is.

 

[Synonymous]

I found it to be very easy. We're travelling to Cancun next month. Our request came through very quickly and we're getting a 2BR for the same points as a 1BR at WDW.

Concierge Collection also works great, we've done Plaza in NYC and Charleston Place in South Carolina; but points for those are pretty steep.

 

[senecabeach]

I have 3 timeshares. 2 through RCI and 1 DVC (BC).

My RCI's are deeded 99 yr leases and bequeathable: 2 weeks in Cape Cod (12K), and, 2 weeks in Cancun (7K). I have had all of them for over 10 years. My maintenance fees range from $350-$450 per week. Lets not even discuss the DVC fees!

RCI has an extensive inventory and I have traded them all over the world with NO problems. When I have stayed off site near WDW, I can get a 2-3 bdrm villa easily. Its a very cheap trade to get anywhere in Fla.

II has a very bad rap, which is common knowlwdge in the timeshare scene.
Example:
I.E...You pay a search fee up front and it is refundable UNTIL they (II) finds you a match. If you choose to pass on the match, or continue searching, the fee (which is $75) is then NON-REFUNDABLE...

Unheard of in RCI!! I would never waste my DVC points in an II trade!!
Its strictly for Disney.

Its all how your family plans on vacationing? Hope this has helped a bit.
Good Luck in whatever you decide!

 

[Dean]

I have 3 timeshares. 2 through RCI and 1 DVC (BC).

My RCI's are deeded 99 yr leases and bequeathable: 2 weeks in Cape Cod (12K), and, 2 weeks in Cancun (7K). I have had all of them for over 10 years. My maintenance fees range from $350-$450 per week. Lets not even discuss the DVC fees!

RCI has an extensive inventory and I have traded them all over the world with NO problems. When I have stayed off site near WDW, I can get a 2-3 bdrm villa easily. Its a very cheap trade to get anywhere in Fla.

II has a very bad rap, which is common knowlwdge in the timeshare scene.
Example:
I.E...You pay a search fee up front and it is refundable UNTIL they (II) finds you a match. If you choose to pass on the match, or continue searching, the fee (which is $75) is then NON-REFUNDABLE...

Unheard of in RCI!! I would never waste my DVC points in an II trade!!
Its strictly for Disney.

Its all how your family plans on vacationing? Hope this has helped a bit.
Good Luck in whatever you decide!

I would disagree that RCI is great and II is bad. I think the overall concensus in the timesharing world is that neither is great but RCI is worse that II, especially when talking about weeks trades only. RCI has changed a lot in the last 4-5 years since they rolled out the points options and gotten heavy into renting out their "escess" weeks. It's true there are differences some of which are important to some people. Go to TUG and search around. But either should work OK if you're flexible and plan ahead, with RCI that's more like 2 years.

 

[senecabeach]

Dean...

Sorry you've had a problem with RCI. Thanks for your feedback!!

I have never experienced any difficulties with RCI in all my 10 yrs...hopefully never will. Though..I have friends who have sold their II because they couldn't get much of a selection on trades, and bought RCI..and also love it! Guess...different strokes..etc.

 

[Dean]

Dean...

Sorry you've had a problem with RCI. Thanks for your feedback!!

I have never experienced any difficulties with RCI in all my 10 yrs...hopefully never will. Though..I have friends who have sold their II because they couldn't get much of a selection on trades, and bought RCI..and also love it! Guess...different strokes..etc.

It's not a question of a problem, just the reality of what happens and how they are both set up. Each have plusses and minuses. II has better resorts but mostly due to DVC and Marriott. RCI has more but overall lower quality. II doesn't allow you to say yes or no as they automatically confirm exchanges, except for DVC. RCI has more inventory and tend to get it further in advance. Both companies have taken to renting excess inventory and also buying other inventory to rent out thus competing with the exchanges. Some would say RCI does this very extensively and some believe they actually rent non excess inventory to the detriment of the trade matches. Some would also say that RCI is so set on their points system that they allow the points owners to raid the weeks inventory.

The bottom line is both are good, and bad, in their own way. And anyone who uses them should learn how their systems work and react accordingly. One thing I disagree with RCI on is their situation of putting so much emphasis on timing of the deposits that they allow those that know the system to buy low demand/quality weeks but trade far out and get all the good stuff. That leaves other owners with trade options that are far inferior to what they deposited. II does far better at limiting trades to like for like. Regardless whether you are a RCI fan or not, they have gone down hill the last few years. You have to use more than one persons experience to judge the overall situation of either company.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Dean, how does DVC get around the II acceptance thing? Why are we able to have them keep searching for one fee?

 

[Dean]

Dean, how does DVC get around the II acceptance thing? Why are we able to have them keep searching for one fee?

DVC has always been a little different either with RCI or II. For non DVC II members, the standard search types are deposit first and search first. Search first routinely can only be used for units that occur before the dates of what you're giving up. Marriott has a wider search first where you can search for anything for up to 2 years post your unit BUT IT'S ONLY IF YOU'RE SEARCHING FOR JUST OTHER MARRIOTT'S, for non Marriott's it's the same as other II members. To my knowledge, DVC has two unique options when using II. First is that they can search first for anything for up to 2 years out and second is that you get the chance to say yes or no after they find a match. The only risk currently is to your $75 fee which even then was refundable even once they found a match until the last year or two.

Why this is different or why II is willing to make an exception, I do not know. My guess is it's related to DVC acting as Vacation Counselors for II. DVC actually has direct computer access to II's inventory and they can search around themselves in the II system. This gives them and subsequently the DVC members, access to info that would not be available to other II members including the actual ratings of the resorts in question. II has at least 3 rating systems that I am aware of though I don't know how they arrive at them. First there's the 5* or no 5* rating. Then there's the Quality Rating System which I think comes from the surveys that exchangers fill out. Then there's an ABC system which I suspect is done somewhat objectively and more like a cleanliness rating would be for a restaurant.

Diane, did that answer your question?

 

[cymomtx]

I own 3 weeks in Cancun and am registered with II. I have never had a problem exchanging. The only time I paid the search fee upfront was to get into DVC and they called me every couple of days with availability and I could say yes or no the issue of no refund never came up. When I finally agreed on the resort it was easily done.

 

[Dean]

I own 3 weeks in Cancun and am registered with II. I have never had a problem exchanging. The only time I paid the search fee upfront was to get into DVC and they called me every couple of days with availability and I could say yes or no the issue of no refund never came up. When I finally agreed on the resort it was easily done.

II won't call you if you match exactly what you requsted. They will call for a unit that's not a Fri-Sun start or for a resort or unit size that's not on your list. And they will call once time gets short, I think it's 37 days out.

 

[mab7]

Dean,

I know you had responded to a previous post I made about not being sure if I should buy just DVC if I plan on trading out. I am still very confused and it seems that there are a few people here who are very knowledeable on timeshare. We would like to go to disney maybe once a year or every other year but most def want to travek to all the islands and other places. After much headache trying to decide between marriott aruba surf club and DVC I decided to go ahead with 270 points from DVC figuring I could go to the islands during the summer for a week and go to disney for 5 nights during an off season at disney. I put my deposit down and am still going through the contract procedure when I tried to book a vaca for St. John for next April or JUne/July.. I was told by member services that you have to try to book anywhere outside disney especically an island 1 1/2 years to 2 years out and that those rooms ARE ALWAYS considered (high season) I wanted to cry! I dont want to have to wait and pray that a trip to the islands will come up in a year or so out!! Now I am back to square one and thinking maybe I should just buy 150 DVC points and look into maybe marriot aruba resale or what about Westin st john for thanksgiving week?? My head hurts from all the worrying about doing the right thing. If I was to buy another timeshare in addition to DVC at 150 points, which works best for trading power??? WHat do you think of a westin st john for thanksgiving week for 12,500? I just want a delux island once a year and disney too when we can. Please advise, it seems like you all are very knowledgeable. Thanks so much Mabelline

 

[Dean]

Dean,

I know you had responded to a previous post I made about not being sure if I should buy just DVC if I plan on trading out. I am still very confused and it seems that there are a few people here who are very knowledeable on timeshare. We would like to go to disney maybe once a year or every other year but most def want to travek to all the islands and other places. After much headache trying to decide between marriott aruba surf club and DVC I decided to go ahead with 270 points from DVC figuring I could go to the islands during the summer for a week and go to disney for 5 nights during an off season at disney. I put my deposit down and am still going through the contract procedure when I tried to book a vaca for St. John for next April or JUne/July.. I was told by member services that you have to try to book anywhere outside disney especically an island 1 1/2 years to 2 years out and that those rooms ARE ALWAYS considered (high season) I wanted to cry! I dont want to have to wait and pray that a trip to the islands will come up in a year or so out!! Now I am back to square one and thinking maybe I should just buy 150 DVC points and look into maybe marriot aruba resale or what about Westin st john for thanksgiving week?? My head hurts from all the worrying about doing the right thing. If I was to buy another timeshare in addition to DVC at 150 points, which works best for trading power??? WHat do you think of a westin st john for thanksgiving week for 12,500? I just want a delux island once a year and disney too when we can. Please advise, it seems like you all are very knowledgeable. Thanks so much Mabelline

I hate to say I told you so, but. First, I think it's best to plan 2 years out but as long as you plan a full year out, you should be as OK as you would otherwise. Still, most options you get would be a down trade using DVC OR Marriott's Aruba options. And most exchanges don't match until around 6 months out or less. There are a few of us who are knowledgeable about both and getting to be a few more it seems.

Only you know where you want to go consistently, how much you're willing to pay and what your standards are. I'll try to cover a few options and situations and maybe I'll hit one that somewhat fits you. First, I'd definitely agree with buying less points maybe even less than 150 would work for many. I don't recall your family size and whether you need a 2 BR or not does have a major affect on the best suggestions.

I get nervous when people are only looking at the most expensive options like Westin St Johns, new Marriott's, DVC and the like. One can do almost the same thing for 2 weeks a year for $5000 buy in and total yearly fees of less than $1000 a year or maybe even less. Or one could buy what they will use, say DVC and Aruba and spend $40K with yearly fees of $2000 a year or more. IF you told me you wanted to go only to those resorts most years and wanted to guarantee your options, I'd say go for it if you can afford it. OTOH, paying more doesn't guarantee you more options or better options. Don't buy anything at the top of the food chain for trading. If you want a Marriott to trade, drop down a little or a lot depending on your circumstances. You can trade in to DVC for some times of the year for a 1 BR or smaller but less likely to get a 2 BR. If you want to take advantage of the lower week day points, you'll need to own of course.

Here are some options that come to mind.

• Bluegreen points will get you all over the south and Atlanticc area and are cheap on the resale market. Fees are not cheap but not as high as DVC.
• RCI points give you a lot of choices and are a very good option if you can travel off season and on short notice.
• Worldmark is a particularly good option for the Western half of the US, it's another points system.
• Buy a low amount of DVC points, maybe even less than 150. Remember to add as many people to the deed as you want to get the discounts.
• Buy a Cancun or Caribbean unit you can use part of the time and trade it the rest. It's not the cheapest option but is much less than some of the ones you are thinking about and still gives you the same flexibility.
• Buy a cheaper Marriott to trade or one that's less but you can use part time and trade the rest.

There are many other similar situations and variations. You should spend at least 6 months on TUG and the like getting educated. You'll be glad you did and the deals will all be there. Even if the prices go up somewhat, you'll be better off. Of course you could buy say DVC now and look for the others over time.

 

[Dean]

The Westin seems high to me but I haven't checked into it. Does it come with points or would you have to convert at an additional cost?

 

[mab7]

Dean,

The Westin is through Starwood vacations, which is only one fixed week. Thankyou for all the information, you're a wealth of it. We are a fam of 4 who at this time can only travel during the end of April or the summer months. (kids in school) going to disney would be great for a few days once per year and a great week vacation during the summer to a delux island would be a beautiful thing. I mentioned Aruba and St. John not because I have been there, but because they are places I want to go and have heard are just great! I have not ever been inside a Westin or Marriott either, infact had never saw a timeshare before the disney tour. I cant afford to shell out 40K, not now anyway. It was hard enough signing for 270 points at DVC prices, but I think I just may opt to change my points back to 150, that would give me 5 nights in a studio at BW in June anyway. I could always add on down the road if I needed too. I signed a contract for 270 thinking this would get me to a week in the island and a few nights at DVC, but now Im too afraid to risk not getting anywhere a year out in advance. I think I can have them rewrite the contract for less points although the sales lady will not be too happy since I went back and forth 30 times. I guess I can try to rent timeshare in the islands until I find the ultimate spot and buy another, or just saave the cash and stay in a hotel. Seems like cancun is reasonable to buy in too, but dont know if I would want to go there every year either. What has the most trading power anyway. For exam, if we bought in cancun through an unknown timeshare company, is trading still easy to other places? or are the all the same for trading power? DVC, Marriott, etc... yikes... I want my cake and eat it too! I wish I was as lucky as you to have some many choices, your family is lucky to have so many options... mabelline