Using DVC for non- Disney resorts

[ella6599]

DH, our DD's and I just returned from a trip to Disney, and of course, I'm already thinking of going again. I've considered the idea of DVC- the trouble is, we don't go to Disney yearly, or even every other year, but we do want to take a yearly vacation. The planning DVD shows all these families talking about other vacation opporunities, but there's no information on how these compare to stay at Disney DVC resorts, and I don't see people on the forums mentioning using points at other places. Is it worthwhile? Not really a savings? Need to book last minute? Other reasons why it would be a bad idea, if we're not planning on staying at a DVC resort regularly? What about using points at other Disney locations- Disneyland, Disney cruises...

TIA.

 

[Granny]

It doesn't sound like you are a good fit for DVC. DVC works best for those families who:

1. Go to WDW (or HH or VB) at least every other year.
2. Stay on-site in moderates or deluxe resorts.
3. Can plan their vacations in advance...at least 6-7 months and preferably 11 months before a trip.

Yes, you can trade out to other destinations but the experts here indicate that DVC is an expensive way to do that. You sound like you might be a better candidate for Marriott or other timeshares besides DVC.

 

[mj2vacation]

we have used our dvc points to go to many locations, both disney and non disney, and have found it to be a good value. We have done a few vacations that we would not have done if we had to pay out of pocket (using points hurts much less than whipping out that Amex card!).

Some will argue that the absolute best value is staying in the dvc resorts, and that is true, but if you can do other things, and you have "broken even" on your points (menaing that you would have given Disney the money either renting or owning DVC), what harm is done?

We have owned for several years, and know that we already have gotten more than we have paid for, so I don'r worry about the absolute best value. I go where and when I want, and enjoy every minute of it!

We have been to a Westin and several Marriott properties with our DVC, and have found them to be very nice. Service was of varying quality (one Marriott was the best resort we have ever been to, and another Marriott was THE worst).

That being said, it is not for everyone, and you should evaluate your own needs. If you are going to go to WDW or DL at least 6-10 times and spend $3000-$5000 on rooms, it probably makes sense.

 

[mark&sue]

We have used our DVC points for an exchange to a UK seaside resort, for stays to Disneyland Paris and next year we are using them for the Disneycruise as well of course staying at DVC resorts. Obviously for us living in the UK two flights to the USA during the school holidays is too prohibative so until we can go anytime we will continue to us some of our points in europe.



Susan

 

[CarolMN]

DH, our DD's and I just returned from a trip to Disney, and of course, I'm already thinking of going again. I've considered the idea of DVC- the trouble is, we don't go to Disney yearly, or even every other year, but we do want to take a yearly vacation. The planning DVD shows all these families talking about other vacation opporunities, but there's no information on how these compare to stay at Disney DVC resorts, and I don't see people on the forums mentioning using points at other places. Is it worthwhile? Not really a savings? Need to book last minute? Other reasons why it would be a bad idea, if we're not planning on staying at a DVC resort regularly? What about using points at other Disney locations- Disneyland, Disney cruises...

TIA.

It really doesn't sound like you are a good fit for DVC. DVC can be used for vacations outside of the DVC resorts, but it is an expensive way to go if yo plan to do that on a regualr basis. There are many timeshares out there that are less expensive than DVC that can be used for trading.

The best value of DVC is using it to stay at one of the DVC resorts. The points required to cruise and to stay at non-DVC Disney resorts tend to go up every year. The total number of points required to reserve every room in a DVC resort for a year cannot change - DVC can rearrange the points between seasons, days of the week, room types, etc., but it cannot increase the total. That is not true for any of the non-DVC options.

If you use points for a non -DVC option, you pay a premium for the convenience. That's OK on an occasional basis, but if you do it regularly, DVC will not save you money - in fact, IMHO, it will end up costing you more!

You might consider buying just enough DVC points to go every other or every third year and doing something else for your non-DVC trips.

My advice would be to rent points for your WDW trips - especially if you do not want to commit to a DVC trip at least every other year .

Keep reading and keep asking questions - saavy people do a lot of homework before they buy. DVC is not a good value for everyone.

 

[veenstra56]

You said that you like the thought of DVC, but don't plan on going to Disney every year. You might want to consider a small resale contract that will allow you to stay in one of the seven (and counting) DVC resorts every other or every third year.

For example, just a 50 point resale contract would allow you to:
a) stay at OKW in a studio for an entire week over Christmas/Spring Break every third year
b) stay at BWV in a two bedroom Sun-Thurs (5 nights) in Sept./Jan every third year (preferred view)

The nice thing about the small contract is low buy in price, low annual dues, and ease of selling the contract if DVC is not right for you (as small contracts are relatively easy to sell). You could also buy more points directly through Disney in the event that you want more points down the line.

Just another option to consider. Good luck!