Non Disney Locations

[Hidden_Mickey]

Has anyone stayed in a location that was not a Disney site? London? Italy? NYC? Hawaii? Caribbean? How were the accommodations? Same as WDW? Better than your average room? Are they centrally located near popular tourist sites?

We love WDW but we also want to see so many other places. We don't want to be restricted as to where we want to stay. I already have some places on my "must see" list, like the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, that I don't think have DVC locations. We may buy a small contract and bank points for a Disney trip every other year, or 3 years, alternating with other locations. We are interested but want to tread very carefully...

 

[Sandisw]

That is what I think a lot of people who are interested in other trips do. They buy only enough DVC points for their trips to WDW.

From what I understand from all the reading that I have done, using DVC points for travel outside the Mouse is an expensive way to do it. There are other timeshares out there that are much better suited for that.

I think your plan of buying a small DVC contract to travel EOY or E3Y is a great idea and sounds like a great way to become members.

Good luck!!!

 

[christa112]

I cannot speak from experience because we are new owners to the DVC.

You are definately going to get mixed emotions from DIS'er about using your points for other than Disney. I am definately going to take advantage of other spots around the country with my DVC. Whether it is a waste of my points, that is all in the eye of the beholder. In my eyes we only take one vacation a year and if I choose to use my points for a cruise or to got to DC that is my option and they are my points to use. I love Disney but don't always want to go there, this will give us the option to stay elsewhere.

Good Luck in your decision.

 

[Disneypapa]

I did a DVC exchange in 2004. Stayed at the Marriott Ko-Olina resort on the west side of Oahu. Accommodations were just as good as DVC. Location was so-so, about 20 miles from Waikiki Beach and Honolulu.

FYI, and yes this is adjacent to where DVC is building their new resort.

 

[Ed T]

We have done 2 trips to London on points. We stayed at the Dorchester the first time and Royal Gardens the second time. You google them up to see the accommodation. Most European accommodations are a bit smaller than a DVC resort but more in line with a studio. Both locations were central to the Tube (London subway) with very easily access in and out of the city. The amenities are both hotels were great.

 

[Ed T]

We have done 2 trips to London on points. We stayed at the Dorchester the first time and Royal Gardens the second time. You google them up to see the accommodation. Most European accommodations are a bit smaller than a DVC resort but more in line with a studio. Both locations were central to the Tube (London subway) with very easily access in and out of the city. The amenities are both hotels were great.

 

[Dean]

Just buy the number of points you need for DVC and look at other means for non DVC trips including DCL. Cheaper, less risk, far more options and less hassles. Cash and other timeshares are considerations depending on specifics.

 

[dvcmomdeh]

My kids are going to Massachusetts next years for spring break to RCI. I'll have to let you know how it goes.

We are waiting "patiently" for Hawaii.

 

[rentayenta]

I cannot speak from experience because we are new owners to the DVC.

You are definately going to get mixed emotions from DIS'er about using your points for other than Disney. I am definately going to take advantage of other spots around the country with my DVC. Whether it is a waste of my points, that is all in the eye of the beholder. In my eyes we only take one vacation a year and if I choose to use my points for a cruise or to got to DC that is my option and they are my points to use. I love Disney but don't always want to go there, this will give us the option to stay elsewhere.

Good Luck in your decision.

MTE! We will be going to Mexico next March using 160 of our 2008's points.


OP, I will let you know how our one bedroom was. I can tell you the customer service through the resort has been just as good as Disney.