Should we go for it???

[allison k]

My husband and I have been to WDW 5 times in the 8 years we've been married. This last time (12/02), we decided to go on the tour at DVC and are seriously thinking about buying points for BCV. One of the things that has made DVC attractive to us is the opportunity to exchange for other timeshare resorts using Interval International. What's involved in using II? What are the chances you'll get what what you want? The rep at DVC told us that we could make our 11 month reservations at our home resorts and put in a request at II, and then just cancel the DVC when II comes through. Is this right?

We are not necessarily looking at going to WDW every 1-2 years (we're in Orange County, so we go to Disneyland quite a bit). However, now that we have a child (16 months) that could change. If we do buy, are there extra costs when you go through resale? My brother works for WDI and we will get a 15% discount if we purchase direct. So I'm not sure which is best.

Well, I know that was a lot. We just want to make sure we make a good decision. I appreciate any advice that anyone can give.

Thanks -
Allison

11/94 - Contemporary
8/97 - Dixie Landings
8/98 - Brother's Apartment
7/00 - Coronado Springs
12/02 - Port Orleans

 

[EROS]

Allison, DVC is NOT a good investment when primarily thinking of trading into II. There are MUCH CHEAPER timeshares on the market which can serve as good trading vehicles. The Best use of DVC is @ DVC resorts ........

If you can get a 15% discount, I'd take it. That would bring your out of pocket cost down to $68/point, which is quite competitive with resale; you've got to remember that resale purchases generally include $400-$500 in closing expenses on top of the negotiated point cost.......

 

[Dean]

I agree, if exchanging is a primary goal, don't buy DVC. What you might consider is buying less points and using them when you go then looking at other options for the in between trips like renting or other timeshares.

 

[crisi]

You've gone basically every two years in the past, now you have a little one, and you think you won't be going every two years in the future.

We are every other year folks. Banking and borrowing make it really easy to go every other year (or even every three). With a small 150 point contract, its about a week in a two bedroom every other year.

If we decide we don't want to go, there is a list of family and friends who are willing to use our points for the cost of dues.

 

[allison k]

It's funny, when I checked for replies and looked at my post, I noticed that we do average visits every 2 years. Besides, I just talked to my DH, and it looks like I assumed incorrectly. He's thinking of using the exchange occasionally (and not for a while - like ten years) and going to WDW about every two years, which is what I would ideally like. I'm still nervous that if we decided to exchange, we wouldn't get what we wanted. Am I being paranoid? The DVC rep called a little while ago, and he said that DVC resorts are highly desirable for exchange and it shouldn't be a problem.

Well, I think we're leaning heavily towards purchasing at BCV. Now we've gotta pay for it! Thanks for all this information and advice. It's been incredibly useful!

Allison

 

[Dean]

If you want to go places where and when everyone else wants to, you will have problems. HI most of the year, school holiday times, Caribbean and MX between Xmas and Easter plus summer; all will be difficult to get because the owners usually don't give up prime weeks and the exchangers are competing heavily for the few that are deposited. If you can go slightly off times compared to most people, you can do well.

 

[allison k]

We tend to prefer to travel off season. When our daughter (& more) start school, I know that it will be different.

Dean, thanks for your info. Your replies to other posts have helped me out as well.