Using My Points in Europe

[Olaf]

At the suggestion of Carol, at the US DVC board, I'm posting this question over here.

We're a military family, set to be in Europe for the next three years. Was wondering about using our points over here: I know Disney Paris is an option, but I was wondering about other possibilities. Have any of you ever traded out for something on this side of the pond?

After some research, it's looking as if renting the points out and then using the cash would be the best option. The Disney Med Cruise looks really good.

Would appreciate any input. Many thanks.

 

[princess jackson]

I have only used my point for Paris, sorry not able to help.

 

[KENNYBOT]

It seems you're right. My research shows points are worth more using inside DVC> If you can, I think its better to turn them to cash and then plan to stay wherever you wish. Enjoy.

 

[JimC]

Agree with your thinking. Best use of DVC is at DVC resorts. We always book cash for DCL.

 

[paulh]

a few years ago would have been ok but disney try to get you to use points in dvc so the points outside are a bad option, agree with most to rent out and use the cash instead
Paul

 

[CandyMandy]

The OP asked a reasonable question which has no simple answer, particulary the generic "trading never makes financial sense" points being made here. That's a gospel that never takes into account where and when one is looking to trade into, much less the increasing complaints about the drop in upkeep and service at many Disney properties, much less the fact supply of rental points is currently way above demand for them.

So to help the OP:

First, I would do a thumbs down on Disney Paris, in that you are forced to buy a full stay park ticket when reserving there which basically destroys the value of using those resorts as a home base for properly touring Paris or other areas near it. However, if you don't care about that and only want to do the parks, then full speed ahead.

Secondly, here is how I would approach your question on finding European trade options:

Determine what countries you are really interested in, since number of potential RCI properties varies (decent numbers in the U.K. and Spain/Portugal, a handful in Italy, one each in Austria and Croatia, a few in Greece . Unfortunately, nothing in France, Germany, Scandanavia and Switzerland). Also note that for classification purposes, the DVC accessible RCI European properties include three beach resorts in the Canary Islands (which are off the coast of Africa).

Assess the kind of travel experience you want. You'll generally find that urban locations (i.e. "culture," the first thing most people look for in Europe) tend to skew "hotelish" with true time share properties generally falling into the rural resort category.

Once you have zeroed in on the areas and type of properties you are most interested in, google the ones that come up in RCI. Fifteen minutes reading about them on TripAdvisor will tell you more than anyone here can about the property itself and will leave you with a clear sense of whether it is worth considering as a trade.