timeshare

[steffali]

Anyone have suggestions for a good timeshare to buy?????

 

[tomandrobin]

That is a very open ended question. To give an answer, you really need to be specific in your wants and needs.

Personally we own Westin and Disney (DVC). Disney for the obvious reasons, and Westin to take us to everyplace else.

 

[ChelleinNC]

Since you're posting on the Disboards, I'd say DVC would be worth looking at

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

here are some links to point you in the right direction:

http://www.timesharestogo.com/how-timeshares-work.htm

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?referrerid=914

Also if you've heard of the ....for Dummies books, they have a Timeshares for Dummies that explains it all very well. It's a major purchase so don't jump in too quickly. Do your research so you don't have any regrets. There's different types and what works for 1 family, wouldn't work for another. Fixed week vs. floating, points vs. weeks, deeded vs. RTU, etc.
I can't speak for DVC but for most other ts, be sure to buy resale.(though I beleive Marriott gives some point incentives for not buying resale.)
Builders would have you believe buying resale is like buying a used car but it's not the same. We all know the condo you will be staying in will also be used by other people for the other 51 weeks/year whether you buy "new" or resale so you might as well buy resale.
We bought from www.holidaygroup.com and they were very nice to deal with and all was legit. Read the TUG boards to find other reputable sellers.
good luck!

 

[Brian Noble]

Anyone have suggestions for a good timeshare to buy?????

None of them. At least, not yet.

It's really easy to buy a timeshare. But, with a very few exceptions, it's really hard to sell one. What's more, unless and until you do sell it, you'll be paying the annual fees on it, whether you are getting value out of it or not.

So, don't even think about buying one until you know that that timeshare unit is right for you. Join TUG. Read a lot. Read some more. I'd consider buying only when you don't have to ask "which one". What's more, you probably shouldn't buy any specific week until you know whether the price you are being offered for the unit you would like is a good deal.

You also want to know *why* you want to own. Are you trying to get the best possible bottom line on your lodging costs, or are you hoping to upgrade the quality of your lodging at a modest increase in expense? Are you intent on spending a specific time in Orlando every year or are you flexible about when and how often you visit? Is Orlando/Disney your primary vacation destination for at least the next decade, or do you want to go other places too? The answers to these questions would lead you to different conclusions about how well various ownership options might fit your future plans.

I own a couple different timeshare weeks, and they are great fits for me. But, I purchased them only after doing A LOT of homework.

 

[Lisa P.]

I agree with Brian Noble: Definitely visit TUG - Timeshare Users Group (see my sig below) and TS4Ms - Timeshare Forums to learn more about timeshares before you buy so that you won't make a costly mistake. Buying what's right for you (who cares what works for us?) and buying (usually) resale can make you a very satisfied timesharer. Buying the wrong thing for your purposes or paying too much can make you a very dissatisfied owner. We enjoy ours a lot and we don't own in FL. HTH.

 

[spiceycat]

i agree with tug - but go with the advice section first

http://www.tug2.net/tugadvic.shtml

www.tug2.net

everyone is different. but would get a nice timeshare close to where you live. especially if it one of the timeshares that allows you to use their facilties (recreation, pools, tennis, golf) when you are NOT staying there.

then check their maintence fees. once you know it, check the rental price for the week you want. It is very, very sad - but some timeshares will charge their owners more than the owner would pay as a renter.

so be sure and check this!!!

don't buy Orlando unless you are buying DVC. Orlando has high maintence fees and there are a bunch of timeshares in Orlando - so it is a fairly easy trade.

DVC is an exemption - DVC does not allow their holiday weeks to go to II most of the time (exceptions do happen). DVC controls their excess inventory - so it does NOT go to II. DVC never charges maintence fees higher than rental - if you own DVC long enough - it will be about 70% to 80% less than a rack rate rental from Disney.

DVC also controls their prices.

so the timeshares you can get for under $5,000 will never be Disney at 160 points.

now you can get a DVC trading through II with another timeshares - but most of the weeks will be in May, Sept, Oct, Nov, Jan - off season times.

it is rare to find a 2-bedroom for spring break or summer or the weeks before christmas.

don't think christmas to NY even goes to II.

 

[AbsolutLaney]

I'd also say DVC would be worth looking at..

 

[123Disney]

Looking into DVC is a great idea. It is one of the most flexible timeshares I have ever experineced.

 

[swilshire]

Looking into DVC is a great idea. It is one of the most flexible timeshares I have ever experineced.

And one of the most expensive in terms of annual maintenance fees.

That's what convinced me that I could sacrifice a bit of the magic to stay off-site for MUCH less.

Sheila

 

[iluvflorida]

Check out Tug for sure. My personal advice. Don't if you are thinking of using in Florida. They can be rented cheaper than main & taxes. If you really want to buy, buy a re-sale NEVER from the resort (50- 75% cheaper)

 

[calgarygary]

Anyone have suggestions for a good timeshare to buy?????

Asking such a question tells me that you are not ready to buy. Educate yourself using the sites that others have suggested and stay away from timeshare presentations until you are educated.

 

[cey]

Our experience was not positive trying to exchange into specific timeshares during peak periods. Unless you are an owner at a specific timeshare, you will find that many times when you try to exchange in, you will be placed in an older section and told that the newer sections are for owners or prospective owners. Orange Lake is famous for doing this. I would recommend you to do your homework and buy into a timeshare that you do not mind holidaying in every year or has good rental potential. After doing the timeshare thing for many years, we have gone the rental villa/home route and are very satisfied with that experience. Much more privacy and it is lovely having your own pool. I do not miss the timeshare hard sell sessions at all!

Cheryl

 

[Brian Noble]

Orange Lake is famous for doing this.

This has changed, now that OL is listed as four separate RCI resorts. Now, if you exchange into East Village, or River Island, that's where you'll be staying. On the other hand, if you exchange into West, well, you won't be at River Island.