On Fence: DVC vs. Marriott

[mdmom2004]

Hi all, Happy New Year.

I'm still on the fence but edging closer to DVC. From all my research on timeshares on TUG and on this and other boards, I'm pretty sure we're going to buy into DVC (probably HH). We can see going to WDW once every 4 years or so, and alternating to HH, Vero, and World Passport. Yes, I know, not the most economical to trade out once every 4 years. But the Disney resorts seem to be the best, and we want to be "forced" to take great vacations, if you know what I mean. Our one reservation is the WDW burnout factor. We're not waaay into the parks (as you may recall from an earlier post, thanks again to all who replied), but our attitude is that we still love warm, sunny nice places (i.e. Orlando), and WDW area has lots of cool stuff besides Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

Okay, here's what I'd like to know from the board: for those of you who seriously weighed a decision between DVC and Marriott (or other points based or hotel-based timeshare), what factors made you choose DVC?

THANKS!

Cathie in Maryland

 

[JimC]

We love Disney and wanted to stay on site -- so DVC was the really the only choice. We do not use our points outside of Disney. We have used them at other WDW resorts and are scheduled to use points at DL this year. We paid cash for our DCL trip this May. Using points outside of DVC is not their best value, but it can work within Disney if the AP codes are not that great or if there are no great deals available (DL this year). Many will say to rent the points and pay cash because you can rent for more, which is often true. But the difference needs to be sufficient to go to the trouble of renting (IMO)

We did not buy in to DVC with any expectation of trading outside of Disney. We are seriously considering a Marriott timeshare for use at Marriott properties and for trading.

My sense is that if you are only going to WDW once every four years Marriott may be a better use of your money.

 

[burnsoc]

We looked at both programs before deciding on DVC. The deciding factors for us were the flexibility of the points based system, the resorts really impressed us, and we felt more comfortable with Disney for that kind of long term commitment. I wouldn't worry about not being crazy park people. My DW and I find that we're spending less time in the parks each trip and enjoying our vacations more. There is so much to do at the resorts and non-park areas at WDW. The best thing to us is how much we get to relax when we're there. Vero Beach and Hilton Head are great alternatives when you want a change from Orlando. Marriott has a great program, but I definitely feel we made the right decision buying DVC.
-Chris

 

[Dean]

First, Marriott is not really a points based system. You can trade your week for reward points, not at all the same thing. In your situation, DVC may or may not be the best option. You may want to consider buying less DVC points AND a Marriott. The things that would help me decide what I think would be best for you would be your usual travel window, how many people, how long you'd like to stay, how flexible you are and the like. Assuming you are picky about your resort and won't be satisfied for lessor than DVC or the top Marriott's, here are a few thoughts.

• Buy Marriott' Ocean point in a lockoff that works for the time of year you're likely to travel. If you need less than a 2 BR, you can even get an exchange AND a visit to West Palm the same year. You could then trade to HH, other locations and Orlando. Yes possibly even DVC depending on your situation, timing of travel and the like. You would actually get at least 2 trades per year by separating the lockoff's, possibly a third if you get a bonus week through II.
• Buy a HH week that fits your needs. These are not lockoff's but would be a better choice if it's important to be on the beach, you need a 2 BR and you will stay for a full week most trips. You can still exchange but not lockoff's.
• Buy a lessor Marriott and try to trade for all the options you want.

And you could add a smaller DVC package to any of these options. Marriott has also just started a program where you buy two every other year units at different resorts, perfect for your situation if you could buy at two locations that suited you. DVC will work best for WDW stays. The cheapest option will be the buy cheaper and trade option. Even cheaper still would be to buy a good trading non Marriott or buy another points system like Bluegreen, Hilton, Fairfield, RCI points or the like.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

I took the Marriott tour at the Grande Vista in August and i just started the process to buy a contract resale at DVC. I wanted to start out with a small contract and add on as I wanted or needed to. One thought would be, if you wanted to do Disney onsite as regular as every three years, you could buy a small resale contract at DVC and a regular one week at Marriott for trading and so forth. The small contract could, with banking and borrowing, be used to take an extended and "great vacation" at Disney every three years and then use the Marriott for the other years for other vacations. This might work out to your advantage. JMHO! I don't think you will be disappointed with either one.

 

[mdmom2004]

Hi Dean, Thanks for chiming in. I've found your posts to be very valuable.

We don't need a 2 BR, and since we're on the East Coast, we're envisioning 3 or 4 nights at a time at HH or WDW. So the DVC flexibilty is nice. We're not a one-week in Aruba, Hawaii, etc. type family - but of course that could change as the kids get older.

You've got an interesting point about the 2BR lockoff in Ocean Pointe, which I'll explore. Not to get too far off DVC topic, but do you think Platinum OP would pull the nicer Marriotts? (HH Grande Ocean, Aruba, etc.).

Anybody else out there go through this dilmena? I swear, if DVC had one more resort (Colorado! Hawaii!) I'd be sold . . .

- Cathie in Maryland

 

[Dean]

Hi Dean, Thanks for chiming in. I've found your posts to be very valuable.

We don't need a 2 BR, and since we're on the East Coast, we're envisioning 3 or 4 nights at a time at HH or WDW. So the DVC flexibilty is nice. We're not a one-week in Aruba, Hawaii, etc. type family - but of course that could change as the kids get older.

You've got an interesting point about the 2BR lockoff in Ocean Pointe, which I'll explore. Not to get too far off DVC topic, but do you think Platinum OP would pull the nicer Marriotts? (HH Grande Ocean, Aruba, etc.).

Anybody else out there go through this dilmena? I swear, if DVC had one more resort (Colorado! Hawaii!) I'd be sold . . .

- Cathie in Maryland

OP trades very well, even Gold (summer). If your thinking long weekends at the DVC resorts, DON'T, few in any timeshare will fit this bill. Marriott also has a program called the FL club where you stay 3 days at one resort and 4 at another. There are limitations so I don't think it's a good choice for most people, but it is something to consider. This won't work for HH though. There have been rumors of a similar club for Europe and HI and also the possibility of the newer resorts in HH being included in the "Florida Club" but I doubt that will happen. What time of year would you normally travel, or put another way, how flexible are you. Can you travel times when school is in session for DVC and HH? Can you do Jan, May, Sept, Oct and the like?

I'm assuming you are thinking of doing 3-4 day weekends, if so, cash will be your best option by far. The best alternatives will be a cheap enough timeshare with trading to make throwing away a few days here and there still worthwhile. Programs like Bluegreen will allow short notice usage that may benefit you as well but their regular points usage is also not reasonable for weekends alone.

 

[mdmom2004]

Dean - We were thinking Sat, Sun, Mon and maybe Tues night stays. While we might sneak away once in a while in late Jan or Feb to Orlando, we're pretty much looking at spring break and summer, at least for the next 15 years! Your thoughts? - Cathie

 

[Dean]

Dean - We were thinking Sat, Sun, Mon and maybe Tues night stays. While we might sneak away once in a while in late Jan or Feb to Orlando, we're pretty much looking at spring break and summer, at least for the next 15 years! Your thoughts? - Cathie

If you will consistently do Sat as part of your stay and only 3 or 4 nights, I don't think it's reasonable to own for that purpose. But that's my opinion for what it's worth.

 

[tamu91]

This is a great question. My family also looked into Marriott before buying DVC and the deciding factor for us was being able to stay at a deluxe property inside WDW first and the flexibility second.
However, if we weren't planning on visiting WDW on a yearly basis, I don't know if we would've bought DVC. I mean Marriott is everybit nice as DVC, more property to chose from, less yearly dues and cheaper resale cost in general. And Marriott deeds do not expire like DVC's, correct?
I like Dean's suggestion about buying Marriott + fewer DVC points.

 

[Granny]

Okay, here's what I'd like to know from the board: for those of you who seriously weighed a decision between DVC and Marriott (or other points based or hotel-based timeshare), what factors made you choose DVC?

Cathie....we did consider other timeshares including Marriott but in the end found that staying on-site at WDW is an important part of the vacation experience.

And I know what you mean about "forcing" great vacations...that's exactly what DVC has done for us (me) and my number one reason I will never regret the purchase decision.

 

[klh]

I had the same conserns. WDW burnout, when the kids get older. So I bought HH, 150 points. I felt better knowing I could schedule my beach vacations 11 months in advance during the peak seasons. The 7 month window should me find for me at WDW as I can go any time. As HH I want to go in the summer. I live in NJ and I liked the fact I can drive to my Time Share in less then one day drive. WDW is two days for me. I can not drive straight throw like some people.