Other Timeshares and DVC?

[borncinderella]

I was just wondering if anyone else out there owned other timeshares besides DVC? Before my puchase of SSR, I did a lot of research into many other kinds of TS. I am very impressed with the DVC program but I just wondered if other people owned elsewhere. Living in Colorado, where I have wonderful travel opportunities 90 minutes away from me (and, yes, I am jealous of all of you that live close to Disney!); DVC has opened my eyes to the whole issue. So, for me, the question becomes add on to DVC or look in my own backyard! I was wondering if I was the only one or if most people just owned DVC.

I was also curious, for those who have been doing this longer than I have, how you would rate DVC service versus other TS groups (e.g. Marriott, Hilton, etc.). I see on the TUG (Timeshare Users Group) website that the Disney resorts are in the top ten (which makes me feel great about my purchase!).

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) DVC is great, but can't satisfy all our needs
2) We also own at Orange Lake Country Club and Resort
. . . golf (90 holes)
. . . tennis (several courts and a stadium court)
. . . several pools
. . . lake with 80 acres
. . . boat and ski-doo rentals
. . . water skiing
. . . splash lagoon
. . . several restaurants
. . . daily activities for kids
. . . daily activities for adults
. . . evening activities for families and adults
. . . near Disney
. . . good for trading as an RCI Gold Crown resort

 

[Dean]

DVC is great for the WDW fix. Other timeshares are more appropriate for exchanging options. Of course there are many more options than the ones you mentioned. Still, buying something you will use at least part of the time is a good idea. Good luck.

 

[chunkygal]

We own Marroitt. Mainly because of Hawaii. Marriott is "forever" not just limited time--- Although if my kids hate hawaii I'm not sure how they'll get it out of them in 2105! That's their problem.

Marriott sticks you with all kinds of add on fees. DVC is a better value, I think, but the properties for Marriott are usually equal quality and more of them.

We' re going to London this year on Marriott. At least their cruises I don't have to hear it's a small world.



With other timeshare, the being locked into a date,type of room seems unappealing. I would also worry about the quality issues and upkeep, which I don't with both of these.

 

[monarchsfan16]

We have a timeshare through RCI, with the points program. We own up at Attitash Bear Peak, which is a ski resort in northern NH. In all honesty I think the only reason my mom and stepdad bought that one was for exchanging. We'll probably never actually stay at that resort, but we have thousands of resorts open to us because of that one. They just bought that timeshare in July, and DVC last month. So it's hard to compare, since we haven't even started to use DVC yet. One nice thing about RCI, like the previous poster said about Marriott is it lasts more then the 50 years we have at SSR.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by chunkygal
We own Marroitt. Mainly because of Hawaii. Marriott is "forever" not just limited time--- Although if my kids hate hawaii I'm not sure how they'll get it out of them in 2105! That's their problem.

Marriott sticks you with all kinds of add on fees. DVC is a better value, I think, but the properties for Marriott are usually equal quality and more of them.

We' re going to London this year on Marriott. At least their cruises I don't have to hear it's a small world.



With other timeshare, the being locked into a date,type of room seems unappealing. I would also worry about the quality issues and upkeep, which I don't with both of these.

Not all Marriott's are fee simple. I know that Custom House and Aruba Ocean club are etiher leasehold or RTU. I thought some of the HI properties are as well. As for DVC being a better value, I don't know that's true. DVC is a specialty purchase to stay at the DVC resorts. Even with the extra fees, DVC will be more expensive than Marriott in most situations. My Grande Oceans weeks are $715 per week for yearly dues. That's about half what dues on points for a full week in a 2 BR at HH would be. Of course the flexibility of DVC adds value as well. HI is not a fair comparison as it is very expensive in terms of purchase and dues as well.

 

[Doug Wolfe]

Before purchasing DVC I looked at: DVC, Marriott & Hilton Grand Vacations.

I chose DVC. The most important thing to me was the flexibility. I pick the time of year to go.

A couple we are friends with have Hilton and swear by it. They like getting the Hilton points for free airline milage. But of course they are locked into certain times of the year.

It is all a matter of personal choice. They love Hilton and I love Disney.

 

[Lisa P.]

Since you are considering your "own backyard," you may want to check into WorldMark the Club. They have a popular points system and are mostly in the western U.S., including Steamboat Springs, CO.

Fairfield has resorts in Durango and Pagosa Springs, CO - some full weeks, some in points.

Marriott has resorts in Vail and Breckenridge, CO - full weeks.

Hyatt has resorts in Avon and Breckenridge, CO - some Hyatts are in points.

So if you wanted to buy into a system with a variety of resorts including some in your region, there are a few options to consider. Remember to look for a discounted resale if you want to save significant money.

Buying where you may actually vacation some years is a wise choice, IMHO. This can complement a DVC membership quite well. Marriott and Hyatt are a bit more upscale than Fairfield and WorldMark. However, all of these offer a pleasant vacation experience for non-Disney trips. HTH.