Sharing DVC Trips with other DVC'rs to optimize points

[peabody58]

DW and I are looking to retire in a few years (hopefully at age 60), and are looking at an active 55+ community (i.e., Del Webb, etc.) for the social interaction/activities and maintenance free lifestyle. Currently looking at GA or SC at this time. We are united that we do not want to retire in FL.

So with a large group of retired couples in these communities (i.e., Del Webb Sun City Peachtree has over 3500 homes), surely there would be several residents who are also DVC members. I'm looking at the long term possibility of sharing our DVC trips with other like minded couples such that one trip we would utilize use our points (160 BLT) and the next trip their points. This would certainly extend the value of our DVC membership. DW says no to a shared Studio or 1 BR, but is open to a 2 BR shared situation.

Question is: Has anyone shared DVC trips in this manner with other DVC members, and what are your pro/cons to such an arrangement?

Thanks in advance, and we still have a few years to finalize any plans.

 

[disneynutz]

Do you want the people or the points?

Bill

 

[peabody58]

Do you want the people or the points?

Valid question. I'd have to admit that it's probably a little of both. Vacations 'can' be more fun with others along.

 

[disneynutz]

Valid question. I'd have to admit that it's probably a little of both. Vacations 'can' be more fun with others along.

Depends on who the others are. Sharing a room with your neighbor could be a challenge. If you end up not getting along with your vacation roommate, everyone back at Boca Vista will hear about it.

Bill

 

[cvjw]

For the points required for a 2 bedroom every other year, you could book a studio trip for yourself each year using only your points. The only way I would be interested in traveling with neighbors is if everyone had their own studio or 1 bedroom.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Except for family members, DH insists that we get a studio for friends, and that we do not share a 1-2 bedroom. I have made some Disboard DVC friends over the years, and I would be willing to share a 2 bedroom with some, but it would not work with my DH.

 

[Sandisw]

I have not done it, but would probably agree that doing it with others would have me booking my own room but trying to plan trips at the same time.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We have done this with my BFF who is also a DVC member. We pooled our points for a GV one trip.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

Sounds like a really good way to get to hate your neighbors quickly. We shared a room with great friends at Disney and it went terribly, I would never go with just a neighbor. I like the idea of just planning trips around the same time, and maybe meeting up for some meals or relaxing by the pool with one another, but definitely not sharing a room.

Sent from my phone using DISBoards Ap, please excuse any typos and autocorrect mistakes.

 

[Dean]

DW and I are looking to retire in a few years (hopefully at age 60), and are looking at an active 55+ community (i.e., Del Webb, etc.) for the social interaction/activities and maintenance free lifestyle. Currently looking at GA or SC at this time. We are united that we do not want to retire in FL.

So with a large group of retired couples in these communities (i.e., Del Webb Sun City Peachtree has over 3500 homes), surely there would be several residents who are also DVC members. I'm looking at the long term possibility of sharing our DVC trips with other like minded couples such that one trip we would utilize use our points (160 BLT) and the next trip their points. This would certainly extend the value of our DVC membership. DW says no to a shared Studio or 1 BR, but is open to a 2 BR shared situation.

Question is: Has anyone shared DVC trips in this manner with other DVC members, and what are your pro/cons to such an arrangement?

Thanks in advance, and we still have a few years to finalize any plans.

This sounds like a really bad idea to generate drama and/or to increase costs not decrease them. Non timeshare people tend to think of timeshares as free. Renting a part of a room as a plan is almost always a bad idea. If you have someone you tend to vacation with and it easily falls into place, that's one thing, but to try to arrange this for benefit of each party is a recipe for disaster IMO.

 

[Donna M]

We frequently do this with friends and have a good time. We always get a two bedroom and randomly switch off on who takes the master. The way we have done it the last few times is usually we use our points for 3 nights and then they use their points for three nights. We have changed resorts because we wanted to, or we stayed in the same unit without having to change. We have thrown a 3 day cruise in the middle that we each pay for separately.
I wouldn't want to rotate years because something could happen and you could lose your turn.

I don't think you'll have a problem if you become friends first. Who would want to stay in a unit with strangers?