Using Points at non-Disney locations

[alexb]

My wife and I are just in the very early stages of exploring a DVC timeshare so of course we have a lot of questions. I've been doing a lot of reading on the board and it has been very helprful so far.

One question we have for which I haven't found an answer yet is, is how hard is it to convert DVC points to a non-Disney property? For example I learned that the American Club in Kohler, WI is a place that would accept points but we're wondering how easy is it to use them there.

Another question we have is do the non-Disney properties change from time to time. For example, is it possible that in 5 years the American Club will no longer accept DVC points?

Thank you for your answers and patience of a newbie!

 

[spiceycat]

non-DVC are very, very expensive!!!

DVC gives the points to CRO who rents them. So these extra expenses must be pay for plus they might not rent.

American CLub standard sun-thurs is now 33 to 48 points depending upon the time of year.

You can stay at OKW studio for 8 to 15 points

So using DVC to stay at any place expect DVC is not a great deal at all.

Disney gives these resorts cash. the only cancelling has been on Disney part. Members came back and complainted so Disney took it off their list.

 

[CarolMN]

My wife and I are just in the very early stages of exploring a DVC timeshare so of course we have a lot of questions. I've been doing a lot of reading on the board and it has been very helprful so far.

One question we have for which I haven't found an answer yet is, is how hard is it to convert DVC points to a non-Disney property? For example I learned that the American Club in Kohler, WI is a place that would accept points but we're wondering how easy is it to use them there.

It's very easy - you just call Member Services and the CM there will make all the arrangements for you. I have friends who have used their points for the Kohler at least 3 times. They have not had a problem getting in. As spicey posted, you may not want to spend your points outside of the DVC resorts very often - it is expensive!

Another question we have is do the non-Disney properties change from time to time. For example, is it possible that in 5 years the American Club will no longer accept DVC points?

Thank you for your answers and patience of a newbie!

Yes, the options for trading outside the DVC resorts are subject to change at anytime. And the points required to utilize them also change - expect them to increase. Generally, it is not a good value to buy DVC if you plan to trade on a frquent basis. There are less expensive timeshares out there that can be used for trading.

Best wishes-

 

[Laurajean1014]

We've been on vacations and cruises with our points and found it not expensive. (that is a relative term).

We've been to Colorado for skiing, NY State in Summer (Sagamore Inn) and a few cruises. We paid less in point than it would have cost for a nights' stay.

As for DVC changes: anything is possible.

 

[DVCLiz]

alexb, you've opened an issue that a lot of DVCers feel strongly about - the use of points at non-DVC resorts. The short answer is, yes, there are plenty of wonderful places to use those points outside the DVC system. Many members look at what those resorts would rent for in cash, and compare it to the money they could get by renting their DVC points out and using that cash for other vacation options. In that scenario, renting your points and paying cash is almost always a better FINANCIAL option, because it will be cheaper. However, there are an equal number of DVCers whose attitude is, "They are my points, all paid for, and even if it is more "expensive" from one persprective, I'm using these "free" points for a wonderful vacation instead of spending any cash on accomodations.

Both of these opinions are equally valid, and you'll figure out which side of the fence you fall on pretty quickly. For me, the hassle of renting points isn't worth the savings, so I'll probably use my points for some stays outside the DVC properties in the future. For others, the bottom-line dollars and cents issues are the overriding factor, and they will use DVC points only at DVC properties.

It's a good question, but don't let some opinions on one side or the other dissuade you if you diagree. DVC is a wonderful and flexible program that meets almost everyone's needs in a different way!!!!

And yes, points can change and resorts can be dropped - so if the trade to a specific resort is a critical factor for you, know going in it could change during the life of your contract. However, remember too that you might then find a new favorite you never thought you'd find!!!!

 

[winniesgirl]

I am new to this forum, and not sure of all the abbreviations but wanted very much to reply to your question, so will try to not be too wordy.. We did our first exchange for a 1 bedroom at the Maui Marriott VC in Oct 2004. We loved the set up and size of the unit,which had just been completely renovated and was spotless. The Marriott is on the walkway on Kannapali Beach and a short walk to Whalers Shopping Village. It has a great setting, very tropical with a great pool area. I would definately recommend trying to get in there. I did ALOT of research before deciding on the Marriott, it was our #1 choice, 2nd- Westin, 3rd Embassey. The new Westin Vacation CLub is scheduled to be opened shortly and if it is available for DVC exchanges I will try for that for next trip (Oct 2006).

 

[pbharris4]

I agree with DVCLiz....we use our pts mostly for WDW, but have used it to stay at Tha Plaza in NYC, have used them for a 3 day DCL cruise this year, and will rent out pts to pay for a 7 night cruise (well, part of it) next year. You can do what you want with your points. I, personally do not want to go to WDW every single years until I am 70. I also don't plan on exchanging all the time either. When you book outside of the DVC resorts there's a $75 charge and should you cancel you cannot stay at a DVC resort, but can stay at a hotel in the DIsney Collection. The hotels have changed from time to time. I know The Jefferson in Wash., D.C. isn't listed anymore but now it's a different one.

 

[skibum]

Just curious as to how many points it cost to stay at Marriott's Maui Ocean Club?

 

[mydogdrew]

While it may be possible to get a reasonable value with points outside DVC resorts today, I have not seen a compelling example yet. There is no disputing there you have absolutely no inflation protection when you stay outside DVC. If you are considering trading out - do it sooner than later. However, I would suggest that the rental income from DVC points should keep pace with room inflation outside DVC. IMO, that's the only way to go.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think doing a week's trade through Interval International is a better value than doing the Concierge Collection type trades. Most of those are quite point pricey, while you can get a week at a very nice timeshare for less points than a few days will cost you at one of the CC collection resorts. That being said, if just a few days is what you are looking for or you specifically want a few nights at that resort, then why not splurg once in awhile. In general, I think the CC reservations are a bit easier to get because you know right away if you have gotten the reservation. With the II trades, you could wait a very long time before a match comes up.

 

[mark&sue]

For us exchanges were really important as we live in the UK. We have 520 points and can only really fly out to Orlando once a year (the flights from UK to Orlando are really expensive during our school holidays). With our spare points we have booked for a trip to Disneyland Paris (which we can drive to) and for a week by the seaside in England. This is only our first year as DVC members and look forward to many years at DVC and other locations.

I hope you make the right decision for you and your family.


Susan

 

[winniesgirl]

Just curious as to how many points it cost to stay at Marriott's Maui Ocean Club?

For a 1 bedroom during Oct (mid season) I used 144 points. I feel it was a
good use of points as the accommodations were excellent , I am a Marriott
Member and found using my DVC points for this resort was better economically
than paying out of pocket.

 

[Dean]

DVC is simply a poor choice to use for exchanges of any type. Most are too expensive and those that are of reasonable value (Top II during peak season) are too hard to get to make it worth counting on. If people want to go to places they like and kid themselves that they got good value just because they enjoyed themselves, that is up to them.

 

[dougmatt]

While I personally will acknowledge that Dean is "the master" when it comes to TS in general



I will have to disagree (a little bit) here. We primarily want to vacation at DVC resorts. We are happy with WDW, HH, and VB for 80% of our ts trips, BUT every so often would like to stay in a DVC quality resort elsewhere.... We do make cash reservations alot, but the ability to trade to the "nicer" resorts is worth it.

To answer your specific questions, DVC makes it easy for the CC resorts, but the WS resorts can be kinda hairy (Dean mentioned their dificulty). Call a guide, they are low pressure(!) and will send you a book with example point charts to trade out to other destinations.

We considered buying into Marriot (and still are esp the new St Thomas resort!) for Marriot trading. When you compare "equivalent" DVC ownership I feel that DVC is MUCH cheaper and flexible.... Espescially when trading.

I believe what Dean is referring to is buying a "cheap" TS, for <2k or so with maint fee's in the <400 range will often give you access to just as many (if not more / better) trades than DVC... So if you are buying with the intent of NEVER staying at DVC resorts, then you are better off in this situation (DVC is rather hard to trade into).

HTH

D

 

[Dean]

While I personally will acknowledge that Dean is "the master" when it comes to TS in general



I will have to disagree (a little bit) here. We primarily want to vacation at DVC resorts. We are happy with WDW, HH, and VB for 80% of our ts trips, BUT every so often would like to stay in a DVC quality resort elsewhere.... We do make cash reservations alot, but the ability to trade to the "nicer" resorts is worth it.

To answer your specific questions, DVC makes it easy for the CC resorts, but the WS resorts can be kinda hairy (Dean mentioned their dificulty). Call a guide, they are low pressure(!) and will send you a book with example point charts to trade out to other destinations.

We considered buying into Marriot (and still are esp the new St Thomas resort!) for Marriot trading. When you compare "equivalent" DVC ownership I feel that DVC is MUCH cheaper and flexible.... Espescially when trading.

I believe what Dean is referring to is buying a "cheap" TS, for <2k or so with maint fee's in the <400 range will often give you access to just as many (if not more / better) trades than DVC... So if you are buying with the intent of NEVER staying at DVC resorts, then you are better off in this situation (DVC is rather hard to trade into).

HTH

D

While there are anecdotal situations that may seem to make sense, IMO, they do not make enough sense to justify owning to exchange. If one wants DVC, buy the points you'll want there and look at other options for non DVC stays.

• Disney Collection - Far too many points to be a reasonable value in essentially every case.
• Concierge Collection - Far too many points to be a reasonable value in almost every case. Exceptions would only be times when no discounts would be available and you'd go even for cash at rack rates.
• DCL - Far too many points to be a reasonable value in essentially every case.
• Adventurer Collection - poor value other than select HAL cruises might be just OK.
• II - better value for SOME options but the things that would be a good value are by no means guaranteed. Not reasonable to buy with this in mind even though some options might be worthwhile at times.

 

[dougmatt]

If one wants DVC, buy the points you'll want there and look at other options for non DVC stays.
[[/list]

Well said! Exactly what I am trying to figure out now... In the mean time, only thing I would add is that once you are an owner, that is spent money which has a lower perceived value than cash.... A non-lazy person (NOT ME ) would rent the points at $10 or so a point and pay cash for a non-DVC trip.... Sadly I am lazy....

The real point was best made in the quote above though... By enough points for your DVC stays. No more, no less... Plan to do something else for other stays if you evaluate all the options and find DVC to be "expensive" for your taste.

D

 

[Dean]

Well said! Exactly what I am trying to figure out now... In the mean time, only thing I would add is that once you are an owner, that is spent money which has a lower perceived value than cash.... A non-lazy person (NOT ME ) would rent the points at $10 or so a point and pay cash for a non-DVC trip.... Sadly I am lazy....

The real point was best made in the quote above though... By enough points for your DVC stays. No more, no less... Plan to do something else for other stays if you evaluate all the options and find DVC to be "expensive" for your taste.

D

I spelled out the point in a recent thread but will repeat it here as it seems to apply. When this comes up and these recommendations are made, it's usually in relationship to one thinking about buying. The set point and recommendations for all things is different when buying than when already owning (like stocks). While the items in my list above apply in large part to those that own already, there are extenuating circumstances. If you already own, no reason not to go for the gold and try to get the cream of the crop exchange. Sadly, most people who exchange DVC don't have a clue what the best of the best really is else we would see essentially few if any trades to MX and the Caribbean outside Xmas to Easter, or summer CA desert, or KCR HI or to the lower quality resorts across the world. I know there are special circumstances where you have points that might expire or are locked in to specific situations that might skew the basic thinking. And while I understand that having a good time is very important, IT DOESN'T NECESSARILY MAKE THE EXCHANGE A GOOD VALUE.

Under the old system, off season trades would be some of the best deals. Now they are essentially never a good deal other than a way to use points that might expire.

 

[alexb]

I must say that I am genuinely impressed by the quality of the responses to my questions and they have given my wife and me a lot more to consider.

If we do decide to go with DVC we would use the points to stay at a DVC location 90% of the time. It's the times that we wouldn't or couldn't go that prompted the question. Personally I wouldn't mind going to a DVC location every year or every other year. HH is especially appealing since we could drop the kids off at the in-laws in Savannah, GA and then my wife and I could get away for a few days.

Again, many thanks to everyone who responded. I'll probably have more questions to ask at some point.

 

[Dean]

I must say that I am genuinely impressed by the quality of the responses to my questions and they have given my wife and me a lot more to consider.

If we do decide to go with DVC we would use the points to stay at a DVC location 90% of the time. It's the times that we wouldn't or couldn't go that prompted the question. Personally I wouldn't mind going to a DVC location every year or every other year. HH is especially appealing since we could drop the kids off at the in-laws in Savannah, GA and then my wife and I could get away for a few days.

Again, many thanks to everyone who responded. I'll probably have more questions to ask at some point.

Whether DVC would be reasonable and you could overcome the negatives associated with the exchanges depends on how you use DVC otherwise. Unless you've been to HH DVC, I wouldn't count that in the equation as it's definitely not on the beach. But don't forget you can buy less points and only use them for DVC then look at other options separately.