On the fence about joining DVC - help!

[Ted's Dad]

Last week I almost bought a 130 point resale at SSR (with an additional 126 points banked!). (I chose SSR because I am not that concerned about my home resort and I like the 2054 expiration.) I decided not to go forward at this time because I was concerned that the transaction would not close in time to get the accommodations I wanted (1 BR at BW or BCV) for an October trip. I thought about renting points, but I think we (me, wife, 14 y/o son, and 11 y/o daughter) are going to stay at the Swan instead. From there, we can check out BW and, time permitting, go thru a DVC presentation.
I am still interested in DVC, but I want to make sure it makes sense for us before investing $11,000 or more, plus annual MF. We live in South Carolina and visit WDW about every other year. If I bought DVC, I don't think that would change. We usually visit for a long weekend during an off season (October or February) - so I would need about 130 points for a one-bedroom for each trip to WDW. However, I can get a room for 3 nights at the Swan or Dolphin for just a little more than I would pay for one year of MF on 130 points. During the non-WDW year, I would like to exchange my points for a non-DVC resort. Also, we are close to HHI, so I might use some points there for weekend trips in the fall or spring.
Given our situation, I would appreciate your thoughts on whether DVC is right for us. In a few years, the kids will be gone, but the idea of a "pre-paid" vacation for my wife and me (maybe with grandkids in 20 years?) is appealing. Like many, I have always been skeptical of timeshares because of the problems that arose when they first started. However, it appears that Disney, Marriott, and maybe a couple of others are doing it right and offering a good product.
Also, I know some of you own timeshares in addition to your DVC ownership, and I would like to know if you have been satisfied with them. Do any offer points ownership like Disney? I have no interest in owning a specific week at at specific facility, but I really like the DVC points concept.
Thank you in advance for your comments. The information I have learned on this board (and wdwinfo.com) is invaluable.

 

[crisi]

There are a few red flags.

You are going to use your points half the time for trading - DVC isn't a great exchanger - there are cheaper timeshares (and its usually cheaper to travel on cash than on points if you aren't staying at a DVC resort).

You like long weekends. Weekends are about twice the number of points as weeknights, making it difficult to break even.

You seem happy with your hotel room Swolphin situation - which isn't costing you much more and the Swolphin often has great deals.

(it sounds like you like the BW area - and like October - its ...more stressful.... to get the Epcot resorts in October without owning there - the 2054 expiration is nice, but I'm on the, I'd rather spend 35 years stress free at the resort I like, than 50 at a resort I don't - or stressing about getting to be where I want, side of the fence).

 

[Dean]

You could also buy a non DVC II timeshare and trade in for that time and use the option for non DVC trips as well.

 

[Slakk]

There are a few red flags.

You are going to use your points half the time for trading - DVC isn't a great exchanger - there are cheaper timeshares (and its usually cheaper to travel on cash than on points if you aren't staying at a DVC resort).

You like long weekends. Weekends are about twice the number of points as weeknights, making it difficult to break even.

You seem happy with your hotel room Swolphin situation - which isn't costing you much more and the Swolphin often has great deals.

(it sounds like you like the BW area - and like October - its ...more stressful.... to get the Epcot resorts in October without owning there - the 2054 expiration is nice, but I'm on the, I'd rather spend 35 years stress free at the resort I like, than 50 at a resort I don't - or stressing about getting to be where I want, side of the fence).

Agree totally. Weekend trips to WDW and HHI are point killersl. I am in NC and the Fri and Sat points for HHI during peak times about make me puke! They make the WDW points seem no biggie.

Unless you are planning to change your vacationing habits I would vote no on DVC.

 

[Cruelladeville]

There are several non-DVC timeshares out there that trade well, that you could buy for around $3000 resale. Since being on-property isn't important to you, a cheap but good trader would probably work better for you than DVC. If you like to live slightly dangerously, you could try eBay for a timeshare. I
recently bought a lovely timeshare at the ocean for $5; At that rate, I figure that it would be hard to lose money on it.

 

[littlestar]

Go check out tugbbs.com (timeshare users group). They have timeshare discussion boards that cover all areas of the country, different brands (Marriott, Hyatt, Starwood, etc.) We bought our Marriott after studying those boards for almost a year. If you like points, you should read up on Fairfield(Wyndham) or Bluegreen, too.

If you are planning on using DVC for long weekend trips, I wouldn't buy in. I don't think it would be a good value for you.

 

[coloradodad]

Just a side note, it is encouraging to see members not tell every person to jump right in. Sound advice across the board.

mg

 

[Ted's Dad]

Thanks for all of the excellent feedback. You have confirmed that some of my concerns are legitimate, given my circumstances. However, I am not ruling DVC out. As the kids get older and my wife and I have more flexibility to avoid weekend travel, I think DVC might be good for us. We both like the idea of having a "prepaid" vacation for the next 30+ years.
By the way, if I buy in and then decide it's not for me, does anybody know how much the commission is on a resale? Having that information will help me evaluate what my risk is if I buy in.
Thanks again for all the candid advice.

 

[crisi]

Thanks for all of the excellent feedback. You have confirmed that some of my concerns are legitimate, given my circumstances. However, I am not ruling DVC out. As the kids get older and my wife and I have more flexibility to avoid weekend travel, I think DVC might be good for us. We both like the idea of having a "prepaid" vacation for the next 30+ years.
By the way, if I buy in and then decide it's not for me, does anybody know how much the commission is on a resale? Having that information will help me evaluate what my risk is if I buy in.
Thanks again for all the candid advice.

Between 10% and 12%. - The Timeshare Store charges 10%, I believe.

 

[Dean]

Thanks for all of the excellent feedback. You have confirmed that some of my concerns are legitimate, given my circumstances. However, I am not ruling DVC out. As the kids get older and my wife and I have more flexibility to avoid weekend travel, I think DVC might be good for us. We both like the idea of having a "prepaid" vacation for the next 30+ years.
By the way, if I buy in and then decide it's not for me, does anybody know how much the commission is on a resale? Having that information will help me evaluate what my risk is if I buy in.
Thanks again for all the candid advice.

Actually a small points package resale plus another timeshare can be the perfect complement. Possibly buy just enough points for one trip every 2-3 years Sun-Fri in the unit size and season you need.