Points needed for non-Disney resorts?

[Newcastle]

We are seriously contemplating joining DVC however we do not necessarily want to spend every vacation at Disney. I have heard a few rumors that one would require a significantly larger number of points (i.e. above the number required at the DVC resorts) if they wanted to stay at one of the other "500" resorts around the world. I have had no luck trying to find out the points needed for these other destinations (Disney is sending me some info and I'm hoping there will be some specific details included in this regard) so I was hoping that one of you seasoned veterans could just give me some ideas as to whether more points are required and maybe even some examples pertaining to the number of points needed (e.g. perhaps for a week stay in Hawaii or Bahamas; only examples...anything would be helpful). We just need to make sure that we will not be in a situation where we cannot afford to visit any of these other places because we have not purchased enough points (even if we do try to bank/borrow points).

Thanks!!

 

[keys2kingdom]

In many cases (especially with the Concierge Collection) the difference is quite significant. If you do not plan to vacation at a DVC resort at least once every three years I would not purchase DVC. If you requested the info packet from DVC there will be points charts for all destinations in the big blue "dream" book that they send you (it comes FedEx so it gets there pretty quickly). Good luck with your decision.

 

[Dean]

You'd be far better off to buy just the number of points you'd use at DVC then use cash or look at other options for the non DVC options. The points for the Disney Collection, Adventurer Collection, DCL and the Concierge Collection are significantly higher than you could get for cash, usually about twice as much. Interval International timeshare trades can be a better deal but they are not guaranteed. It works on a barter system, where you are waiting to see if you get what you want or not, it is not a true reservation system. There are also other costs and risks to using the points exchange that rob on average about an additional $2 per point value.