Newbie with questions

[princess_disneymom]

My husband and I have been talking about purchasing a timeshare and there are just so many out there, different terms and so much information.
My one big question is that from what I have read on this board the Disney Timeshares are only for a specific amount of time. Is that correct?
I know I have looked at others and once you deed them they are yours forever. Is that not true with Disney? If we purchase a timeshare I would like to pass it on to my children/grandchildren for them to enjoy in the future. Now both my husband and I are young so it will be awhile before we have any grandchildren but the thought of passing it down to them is nice.
What are the pros and cons of purchasing a Disney timeshare versus RCI or another timeshare?

Any information would be very helpfull.
We would be looking to travel once every other year (a full week) and maybe a 1/2 week the other years. Our accomodations are usually in a Value/Moderate Resort.

Is purchasing a timeshare worth it? How is the trade value with other resorts in the US? Trade value with Cruises?

Are you limited on when you can travel? Are there any blackout dates?

Thanks for your input
Kristina

 

[Granny]

Yes, DVC timeshares are a right to use for a specific amount of time. If purchasing Saratoga Springs Resort through Disney right now, all of those contracts will expire in 2054. All previous DVC resorts expire in 2042.

You can deed them to your children, or sell them. But the contracts still expire in those years and there are no announced means of extending them at this time.

DVC is not the least expensive timeshare out there, and is probably only a good value if used primarily to stay at the DVC resorts. There are trade-out options but if that is the primary goal with occasional WDW trips, then you may be better off with a different timeshare such as Marriott, etc.

In fact, using the DVC points to primarily stay at WDW resorts other than DVC (such as Grand Floridian, Polyesian, AKL, etc) or Disney Cruises is not a particularly good idea either as the points needed for these trades are relatively high compared to booking cash with various discount options such as AP, etc.


Timeshares aren't for everyone, and certainly DVC is not the typical timeshare. Keep doing the research, and keep asking questions as it is a substantial investment.Good luck with your decision.

 

[byoung]

I agree.