Trading for other destinations

[duffy]

I'm trying to find out if the DVC is something we want to get into. It's something I'd never considered until recently, and I'm trying to research.

One thing I'm curious about, is the ability to use my points in other places. (We're planning a trip to the Grand Canyon someday!) I understand there are other locations, but the only info I can find is very vague. Where can I find information on where these locations are, how many points they would require, etc.? I want to know how feasible this would be.

Thanks.

 

[Dean]

I'm trying to find out if the DVC is something we want to get into. It's something I'd never considered until recently, and I'm trying to research.

One thing I'm curious about, is the ability to use my points in other places. (We're planning a trip to the Grand Canyon someday!) I understand there are other locations, but the only info I can find is very vague. Where can I find information on where these locations are, how many points they would require, etc.? I want to know how feasible this would be.

Thanks.

Most II exchanges are for 160 (1 BR) or 270 (2 BR) points. You have to plan ahead, usually at least a year. It's not like making a reservation and you may or may not get your request or if you do, it might be too late for your needs. IMO, there are no trades in DVC worth buying for, few worth doing even if you own already. I would buy less points enough for your DVC trips and then look for other options for the non DVC trips.

 

[duffy]

Thanks! Where did you get this information? I'd like to see what options there are.

 

[DVCAustralia]

Having started with a non-DVC timeshare and now having DVC, there is no value in using DVC points outside DVC. Even other Disney properties are marginal value.

 

[5forDiz]

Go to Disney's official site and click on Vacation Club; you can request information which in past has been DVD & book which gives further info.

 

[Dean]

Thanks! Where did you get this information? I'd like to see what options there are.

Lots of places, I feel comfortable in saying I am very knowledgeable about exchange options. The options are timeshare exchanges like II (Interval Intl) where you effectively trade a week for a week though DVC uses a set number of points to represent a week. There are cash equivalent options where you trade points and DVC turns them in to cash. These include DCL, CC (concierge Collection), Disney Collection (non DVC Disney hotels) and Adventures by Disney. All are very high cost items and generally return between $6-7 a point (fees are around $5 a pt). Then there are two timeshares systems where members can trade directly, Club Cordial (Europe) and Club Intrawest (USA, Canada). Most are high cost, none are guaranteed and few return a good value. Simply not a good choice to buy in to use for those options much or at all. For one interested in some of the timeshare exchanges, I'd recommend buying a non DVC timeshare then less DVC points, maybe about the number you'd likely use, possibly with a small cushion. You could come out a lot cheaper, and/or end up with a lot more and better options depending on the choices you made.

 

[duffy]

Dean, you say "lots of places." Can you give me a link?

Disney's official site doesn't have much information, I've already ordered the dvd, but I don't think I'll get an unbiased opinion there. Not to mention how vague the site is! For instance, it says this about the United States locations: "Delve into a majestic land as diverse as its people. Stroll cosmopolitan landmarks and enjoy unparalleled entertainment, food and shopping. From the Big Apple to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, there's something for everyone. "

Um, could you be more specific, please? Unfortunately, that's all it says. Maybe I'm just not getting something?

 

[Dean]

Dean, you say "lots of places." Can you give me a link?

Disney's official site doesn't have much information, I've already ordered the dvd, but I don't think I'll get an unbiased opinion there. Not to mention how vague the site is! For instance, it says this about the United States locations: "Delve into a majestic land as diverse as its people. Stroll cosmopolitan landmarks and enjoy unparalleled entertainment, food and shopping. From the Big Apple to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, there's something for everyone. "

Um, could you be more specific, please? Unfortunately, that's all it says. Maybe I'm just not getting something?

It's taken me 15 years to learn what I know about timeshares and exchanging. Much is personal experience and a lot is a compilation of others experiences and posts over the years added to my own. I'll try to give you some more ideas and places, I may get a little chaotic and flighty but you did ask.

Timeshare Users Group with BBS, reviews, ratings and classifieds.
Disney's non member home page for DVC
A link to the DVC exchange list
Interval's home page where you can see more info on resorts.
Timesharing Today Magazine
Redweeks

There are others. Being well versed in other timeshares and non DVC Interval exchanging is both a blessing and a curse. Much I've gotten by trial and error. I read the fine print and I call and ask questions of II, RCI, Bluegreen, Marriott, DVC, etc. I sometimes call back at a different time if I'm unsure of the answers or just to check them out. But I also think I have a mentality that lends itself to these type of issues. Myself and others have estimated that it takes a good 6 months of true effort and time investment to start to get comfortable with the timeshare process. I'd further estimate it take another several years to get truly proficient and that assumes one conts to put the effort forth and actually gets some real world experience in the process. Even then some never really get there for one reason or another.

Added: for non DVC cash equivalent options it's very simple. Take the points costs and see what you could get the same or substantially similar for on your own. Divide the cost by the points and that gives you the per point cost of a given option.

 

[duffy]

Thank you sooo much!! I'll be reading there a lot in the future.

 

[Dean]

Thank you sooo much!! I'll be reading there a lot in the future.

Enjoy and good luck. Careful what you wish for as it can become as or more obsessive than DVC.

 

[culli]

Enjoy and good luck. Careful what you wish for as it can become as or more obsessive than DVC.

Yup!!!!!!!! I started with similar questions to Dean about non DVC TS and he pointed me to tugs.....BTW great site with lots of info. Well I now own 2 fixed week traders and 289K Wyndham points plus our DVC. So beware TS are a great value if you do your homework and find what fits your needs. If you don't it can be a disaster.

DVC is great for Disney vacations and we might even get more points to enhance these vacations but I would get it to trade. If you do it on occassion it is nice to know you do have that option.

 

[mytwoboys]

It's taken me 15 years to learn what I know about timeshares and exchanging. Much is personal experience and a lot is a compilation of others experiences and posts over the years added to my own. I'll try to give you some more ideas and places, I may get a little chaotic and flighty but you did ask.

Timeshare Users Group with BBS, reviews, ratings and classifieds.
Disney's non member home page for DVC
A link to the DVC exchange list
Interval's home page where you can see more info on resorts.
Timesharing Today Magazine
Redweeks

There are others. Being well versed in other timeshares and non DVC Interval exchanging is both a blessing and a curse. Much I've gotten by trial and error. I read the fine print and I call and ask questions of II, RCI, Bluegreen, Marriott, DVC, etc. I sometimes call back at a different time if I'm unsure of the answers or just to check them out. But I also think I have a mentality that lends itself to these type of issues. Myself and others have estimated that it takes a good 6 months of true effort and time investment to start to get comfortable with the timeshare process. I'd further estimate it take another several years to get truly proficient and that assumes one conts to put the effort forth and actually gets some real world experience in the process. Even then some never really get there for one reason or another.

Added: for non DVC cash equivalent options it's very simple. Take the points costs and see what you could get the same or substantially similar for on your own. Divide the cost by the points and that gives you the per point cost of a given option.

I actually almost bought a Marriott timeshare instead of Disney, if you plan to trade out often, I wouldn't recommend the Disney cost of ownership! There are several other properties with lower maintenance costs.
However, with Disney's point system and REAL ROFR, if you plan to go Disney more than half the time - plus with the available dining plan and magical express, is a bargain! IMO

 

[mytwoboys]

Sorry I don't know if I really needed to quote that, I just wanted to add on to the great advice given. TUG is awesome!!!

 

[mytwoboys]

Also check http://disney.intervalworld.com/web/cs?a=1500

 

[Dean]

I actually almost bought a Marriott timeshare instead of Disney, if you plan to trade out often, I wouldn't recommend the Disney cost of ownership! There are several other properties with lower maintenance costs.
However, with Disney's point system and REAL ROFR, if you plan to go Disney more than half the time - plus with the available dining plan and magical express, is a bargain! IMO

I'm not sure one can use the words Bargain and Disney in the same paragraph, it is all relative. The only time I might concur that DVC is a bargain is for studios and 2 BR units S-F during peak times. It's a fair to good deal some of the rest of the time depending on specifics. DVC allows on property luxury for a fair and controlled price and as long as one doesn't set themselves up by doing a lot of long weekends or a lot of the cash equivalent trades like DCL it can be affordable luxury. I'd suggest that for many interested in DVC stays and other locations that less DVC points and a good trading reasonably priced non DVC timeshare can be the best of both worlds.