Still not at peace re: trading-out issue

[shantay1008]

Okay, so people have posted again and again that you shouldn't buy DVC with the intention of using your points for other places. "Buy DVC to stay at DVC," we've been told. I'm going to confess right here that one of the reasons we bought DVC was because we wanted to travel to as many of the amazing places in the various collections as we could over the next 50 (now 48) years.

And I'll admit it bugs me a little that apparently it was naive of me to believe that we could really do that. I mean, people jump in now and again to tell about their experiences trading out, and that's always great to hear. But I still feel like I've been scolded by the prof for not paying attention in class or reading my materials (or some other better metaphor).

But then, I open the latest issue of Vacation Magic, and there's a two-page spread inviting us to enjoy the wonders of Scotland. At the end, it does say "Vacation reservations are subject to availability, and holiday weeks often aren't available." Well, okay...same as DVC resorts. I just don't know why trading-out can't be a full-fledged, fully embraced part of DVC membership.
Shannon

I'm editing this to say that I sound whiny-er in this post than I intended...the kids were really wound up tonight.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I just don't know why trading-out can't be a full-fledged, fully embraced part of DVC membership.

The simple answer is because you could purchase a MUCH less expensive time share that you could use to trade to those other places.

But that being said it's important for each member to use DVC as they see fit for them and their family. I used points for a cruise on two occasions. Once to pay for the whole thing and once to pay for one adult in the cabin. Both of these went against the "common wisdom" but that's what I wanted to do so I did it.

There are a lot of members who I'm sure use it to trade out. I don't think the Dis-Boards is totally representative of the entire membership. It is after all the "DIS-BOARDS" and it is Disney that brought most of us here.

HBC

 

[LIFERBABE]

Okay, so people have posted again and again that you shouldn't buy DVC with the intention of using your points for other places. "Buy DVC to stay at DVC," we've been told. I'm going to confess right here that one of the reasons we bought DVC was because we wanted to travel to as many of the amazing places in the various collections as we could over the next 50 (now 48) years.

And I'll admit it bugs me a little that apparently it was naive of me to believe that we could really do that. I mean, people jump in now and again to tell about their experiences trading out, and that's always great to hear. But I still feel like I've been scolded by the prof for not paying attention in class or reading my materials (or some other better metaphor).

But then, I open the latest issue of Vacation Magic, and there's a two-page spread inviting us to enjoy the wonders of Scotland. At the end, it does say "Vacation reservations are subject to availability, and holiday weeks often aren't available." Well, okay...same as DVC resorts. I just don't know why trading-out can't be a full-fledged, fully embraced part of DVC membership.
Shannon

I'm editing this to say that I sound whiny-er in this post than I intended...the kids were really wound up tonight.

DVC would love it if more members traded out. They have been encouraging it for years and the Disers keep discouraging it.
I trust DVC and the beautiful places they have selected for us to trade out to.
The issue is, that those points go fast because so many of them are required.
We could have booked our DCL on points, but we got a much better deal paying cash and renting out our points.
They are your points and use them however you want. We will most likely use our points to trade out too.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Edtied, because I didn't read the orginal post well enough 1st.

I think DVC flexibility is great, but if you wanted to do all the other things your money could be better spent in other ways.

But then again when your DVC investment has already "paid for itself." being able to do many other things with it is a good thing.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We used points several years ago for the three of us on the 4 night DCL. It used up a lot of points, but we had a great time and it was worth it to us. We thought about using points for DL, but I wanted to use them in the Spring 07 for our 25th wedding anniversary instead. So on the DL trips (we have two planned for this summer, crazy isn't it?), we're using cash to stay.

 

[Jen D]

I just don't know why trading-out can't be a full-fledged, fully embraced part of DVC membership.

I'm new like you and at this point I have no plans to trade out as we have x number of trips to get in the next few years and it is hard to think beyond that.

However, despite some helpful cautions here about the lack of value in trading out, I am glad to have it as an option. I do fear Disney burnout or fatigue and I'm happy that there is a possibility of trading out to mix things up a bit.

I think the warnings here are well-meant and help us be mindful of the true value of the different trade-out options. But there is also a value in taking advantage of these options without worrying about the alternative costs or renting points to pay cash or whatever. Whatever works for your family.

 

[mommyceratops]

I used the fact that you can trade out as a selling point to DH. Sneaky I know but I want to go to Disney every year!

I told him on our honeymoon a happy wife is one that goes to Disney every year!

 

[Boston5602]

As someone who is still waiting to close on DVC , and also someone who at this time has no intention of staying anywhere but where I bought , I'm hoping 10-20-30 years done the road I will start out at other DVC resorts and maybe even somewhere around the world. The OPTION of being able to spend my points in such a way helps keep me happy about buying into DVC !!!

 

[Dean]

Okay, so people have posted again and again that you shouldn't buy DVC with the intention of using your points for other places. "Buy DVC to stay at DVC," we've been told. I'm going to confess right here that one of the reasons we bought DVC was because we wanted to travel to as many of the amazing places in the various collections as we could over the next 50 (now 48) years.

And I'll admit it bugs me a little that apparently it was naive of me to believe that we could really do that. I mean, people jump in now and again to tell about their experiences trading out, and that's always great to hear. But I still feel like I've been scolded by the prof for not paying attention in class or reading my materials (or some other better metaphor).

But then, I open the latest issue of Vacation Magic, and there's a two-page spread inviting us to enjoy the wonders of Scotland. At the end, it does say "Vacation reservations are subject to availability, and holiday weeks often aren't available." Well, okay...same as DVC resorts. I just don't know why trading-out can't be a full-fledged, fully embraced part of DVC membership.
Shannon

I'm editing this to say that I sound whiny-er in this post than I intended...the kids were really wound up tonight.

I'm sorry you feel that way. Remember that these discussions are generally around someone looking to buy with trading in mind as part of their decisions or, on occasion, someone looking to see IF there's value in this option. IMO, that's a significantly different set point than one who owns and decides to use their points for trading out. The analogy I've used before is the difference between buying a stock and holding it if you already own. No one said you couldn't or shouldn't, only that it is generally not a good deal. There are exceptions, just not enough to make buying with that purpose reasonable. I know this is an emotional issue for some, like finding out a car dealership sold the same exact car to your neighbor for significantly less. If you were upset, it should be with the dealership, not your neighbor. IMO and as I've posted before, DVC has so much more potential from a trading standpoint and I am disappointed that they have not tapped into that potential.

It is good to have options so if you have points you can't use otherwise or want to try for the top options just in case you get lucky. And anyone can do what they want with their points. But I'd quibble with one point that some people make. Doing an exchange and enjoying it does not automatically make it a good deal.

As for DVC wanting us to trade out, you bet they do. They get fresh meat to try to sell to plus new visitors tend to have higher per person expenditures for the same length of trip. Plus they get more benefits from II, whether it's direct or only indirect benefits is the question. Remember that Disney makes money on the points we exchange for cash type options like DCL in the form of a fee on the rental.

 

[tomandrobin]

I used the fact that you can trade out as a selling point to DH. Sneaky I know but I want to go to Disney every year!

I told him on our honeymoon a happy wife is one that goes to Disney every year!

LOL....I like the saying "Happy Wife, Happy Life"!

 

[tomandrobin]

As a general rule, trading out of DVC is not a good choice when you consider all the costs. However, there are exceptions to the rule. DVC is an above average timeshare and has a high trading value in the timeshare world. You can make some quality direct trades using your membership. You can get some real quality trade using II. Trading to Hawaii, say a Westin or Marriot is good. Trading to Branson is not good. I have friends who own in St John. They would trade thier two bedroom villa for one at DVC. That would be a good trade. Renting out your points and taking the cash is another option that should be considered. Would the money from renting the points cover the cost of your stay in cash?

I do think that I will trade out in the future. I have already talked to other timeshare owners about doing a direct trade to Atlantis Harborside Villas in 2008. But again, for most timeshares trades, its just not worth it. But then there is that voice that tells me its not an investment and just enjoy the ride.

 

[CarolA]

I don't get the OP. The post acts like Disney lied to you and you can't trade out?

You can do ANYTHING you want with your points. It appears to me that you are letting the "advice" you get on here tell you what to do. That's all it is, advice. I personally do what I want with my points. I don't want to RENT them out for money so if I want to I will trade them. I have used them on a cruise (which all the "experts" say is BAD, but I enjoyed the cruise. I don't enjoy trying to rent the points. I did not buy the points to run a small business on the side!)

The points belong to you, use them as you want

 

[Daitcher]

My take for what it is worth(not much apparently) is that those points are your points. Do what you want with them. The posts you see on here about trading not being a good value are true. Just because something isn't a good value doesn't mean you can't still choose to do it. It is like buying that Lexus when you could have bought a Toyota. Same car really so why buy the Lexus? People want what they want sometimes and don't care if it is a good value all the time. Posts about trading "not being worth it" shouldn't stop you from exploring those options if you choose. If your family is happy with the decision then so be it. Many would say splurging on a Beach Cottage at VB for 4 people is a silly use of points. Guess what, I did it and we loved that trip. I wouldn't have purchased DVC solely for trading that is for sure but I will trade out some over the course of time. Enjoy your membership however you choose. You don't need the go ahead from the Dis members to trade.


DAVE

 

[cobbler]

I used my points for the Disney collection. Well I am using them for the Disney collection this upcoming trip.

Is it the best way to trade out? Not really but I do want to try the other 4 non-DVC deluxe resorts and that is one thing that appealed to me about DVC points is that I can use them there.

I am going during value season for 5 nights Sunday - Friday and it is costing me 200 points to stay in the Tower at CR. My points cost me 5.68 per point this year so that means I paid $1136 for my CR tower room (5.68 x 200).

Rack rate is 355/night so for the 5 nights it would have cost me $1979. So I did save some $$ - $843.

Now if I would get an AP rate saying $75 off which seems to be the trend then the total room would have cost me $1561. So still a savings $425.

BUT I could have rented out all 200 points, received $2000 and for a minor $185 more stayed 7 nights in the same hotel with an AP rate instead of just 5. So the trade off for convienence of not renting and having to go through the things required in renting my points was 2 nights less.

So it really all depends on what is worth it to you.

 

[pb4ugo]

And I'll admit it bugs me a little that apparently it was naive of me to believe that we could really do that. I mean, people jump in now and again to tell about their experiences trading out, and that's always great to hear. But I still feel like I've been scolded by the prof for not paying attention in class or reading my materials (or some other better metaphor).

shantay -
take the information for what it is worth and from whence the information comes!

while many of the posters come here with information that is most valuable and of great benefit for newbies such as ourselves , there are others here who come across as authorities not to be questioned - that's what makes this such a great place to be - there's lots of material to be evaluated.

we all did the analysis we needed to do for us before we plunked down buckets of $$ in making our purchase. our vacations are now paid for for years to come - how we decide to use those possibilities are endless!

i have been a disney enthusiast from the days of annette and cubby and spin and marty - but i do not have a disney tatto, nor do i bleed disney! the opportunity to trade-out whenever we don't feel like indulging in a disney resort was an attractive aspect in our decision to purchase. and if disney makes money on our trade-out - good on 'em!

enjoy your disney points to create magical memories that would not have happened if it weren't for possibilities!!!!!

 

[Oreo Cookie]

I don't get the OP. The post acts like Disney lied to you and you can't trade out?

You can do ANYTHING you want with your points. It appears to me that you are letting the "advice" you get on here tell you what to do. That's all it is, advice. I personally do what I want with my points. I don't want to RENT them out for money so if I want to I will trade them. I have used them on a cruise (which all the "experts" say is BAD, but I enjoyed the cruise. I don't enjoy trying to rent the points. I did not buy the points to run a small business on the side!)

The points belong to you, use them as you want

I gotta agree with you. My points are just that, they're mine to do with as I please. I enjoy reading everyone's opinions on the DVC, but to me they are just that opinions. Only I can decide the worth of my vacations.

Since joining in 2001, we have gone to WDW taking the extended family, we've been to Hawaii twice, went to Aruba, and to San Francisco. This year we're planning on going back to WDW. Do I think I got a great value for my points? The answer is yes!

I had wonderful trips, and amazing memories. The hotels and resorts we traded out to were 5 star properties, and they were worth every point to us.

 

[crisi]

They are your points and you can use them however you choose.

We want more flexibility than the DVC trade out program allows. Plus, we only bought enough DVC points to fill our needs for Disney, so I don't HAVE extra points to go stay at the Broadmoor. The final issue is value, I think I can get better deals paying cash. But for other people, the value is in not having to spend the cash.

 

[littlestar]

I think the one bedroom option for trading through II (124 to 160 points) could be a decent trade. Depending on what resort they offer you.

I would take the Westin Kaanapali Villas on Maui in a heartbeat. Even the studios there have a large sitting area and a jacuzzi tub. I think the room rates start at about $345 a night.

 

[shantay1008]

Thanks for the responses, everyone. Sometimes it's hard to get my point across well in just a few lines of typed text.

When we bought into DVC, we knew that we would be getting our money's worth...we have family in Melbourne and because we want to a) make sure our kids get to know those relatives and b) escape from the cold, we knew we'd be making Florida trips every other year. So we definitely bought to stay at WDW, but we also hoped to make some other fun trips with the kids (and someday just the two of us...Concierge Collection points wouldn't seem like so much to you if you'd had to get two-bedrooms all the time).

I realize DVC didn't lie about it, but still.... I suppose the best thing is to try one of the collections out and see how it goes.
Shannon

 

[rocketriter]

You made a good choice. Don't fret. There's always somebody who bought something "just like yours" for less money. There's always somebody who thinks that you should spend hours saving a few bucks. You've joined a long-term vacation plan. Now enjoy it any way you want!