"Other" Vacations

[crocko33]

Future DVC owner speaking:

I've looked over the different plans (outside of WDW) and was very interested in the collections showing trips to foreign Disney Parks and just simply other foreign locations (i.e. Ireland, Italy, Australia...)

I've had a lot of trouble, though, finding cost information about these trips related to the DVC cost/point system. Does anyone have information that could compare the pricing/points related to DVC and how some of these foreign trips/collections compare?

Also, does anyone have points information for the cruises?

If I'm asking for too much information, what is the easiest way to find out about pricing and points for not just WDW resorts, but for the "other" collections and trips as well?

Thanks in advance!!
John.

 

[Lucky82061]

Most of the international resorts and exchanges happen through the Interval International (or II) exchange system. The points cost for a 1Br in peak season for 1 week (these can only be done in week intervals) is 160 points.

Cruises as you can imagine vary drastically depending on room type and location as well as trip length. A 3 day cruise in a inside stateroom is around 150-200 points where as a 14-day cruise in a exterior stateroom w/verandah will be alot more.

If you happen to be in or near WDW, schedule a tour with one of the guide's. They are all very helpful and don't pressure you into the sale at all. They will give you all the information you need about the other exchange opportunities.

All the exchange opportunities outside of DVC resorts and some disney collection resorts are not that great of a value per point ratio. You will get the most out of your DVC membership by going to DVC resorts. Also, keep in mind, these exchanges are not guaranteed to be around from year to year, so I would not buy into DVC if having these options is going to be a key factor.

With that said I love my DVC and having these options is just a huge plus.. hopefully I will get around to taking a cruise one of these days

 

[Ferris]

I am also looking to purchase with DVC, and happened to start researching this very topic a few months ago. I can tell you that if you request the free informational book and DVD, all of the point requirements for the different collections and the cruises are listed there. There are also point values listed for trading through Interval International (which covers a wide variety of other locations around the world).

I think most people here agree that if you are buying into DVC to travel to non-DVC locations, it is not very cost effective. It sounds like you are looking for a mix of DVC and non-DVC vacations around the world (much as I am). I think the best suggestion I have seen so far is to sell DVC points for the year that you want to book a non-DVC resort and just pay in cash.

For what it's worth, I currently own a timeshare at the Embassy Kaanapali in Maui (one of the resorts you can stay at through Interval), and it is actually roughly the same for me to buy points through DVC and try to trade into the Embassy, as it is for me to own there. Although I have to admit, I am still very skeptical about this and trying to do more research on it, I would rather try to trade out of a Disney resort than trade into one.

 

[crocko33]

Thanks for the feedback so far....

I'm a huge Disney fan and see my family spending most of our time in WDW. I just like the idea of being able to take trips that I might normally plan on (but would love to take part in) and wanted to get an idea of what the points would be like. I appreciate the tips about cashing in points to pay as opposed to necessarily using points to take the trip.

 

[skibum]

I would certainly not buy into DVC for the ability to "trade", but for the occasional trip to do something different, it would be OK. I would probably attempt to rent my points out and use the cash to purchase the trip I wanted.
I have seen some people state that for the DVC cruise, the points are valued at about $7 each, which some people feel is fair because it is a no-hassle way to use the points - and they bought them to use them.
Remember, that with many of these 'trading' options, there is an additional cash fee that must be paid to process the transaction. Also, these options have typically increased in point values, as they are renegotiated every year.
For WDW though, it is a great option that provides on-site lodging in bigger, better accomodations.

 

[bwvBound]

I appreciate the tips about cashing in points to pay as opposed to necessarily using points to take the trip.

Related tip: Buy fewer DVC points than you currently think you'll need. Consider building a "gap year" into your plan where you must take a year off (doing something else!) while allowing your point balance to replenish. Besides ... if you buy all your points at the start ... how will you respond to that "great deal" offered for add-ons in the [inevitable] future?