using points at nondisney resorts

[lodgepole]

we are considering becoming dvc members but typically we only visit wdw every few years. the other properties are appealing to us. we really like the flexibility of the point system. what have your experiences been with using your points at nondisney properties--ease of use and satisfaction with your stay?

thanks.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We have done one II exchange to Hawaii and were very pleased with the experience. That being said, it is generally considered that DVC is not always the best value to use for trading, since it is a pricey to purchase and maintain timeshare. You are better off with less expensive and lower maintenance timeshares for trading. I, however think it IS s good value if you are planning to use it for properties that are hard to get into. For that reason, I think places like Hawaii are good value exchanges.

Also, remember that you can bank and borrow, so you can use 3 years of points at one time for a longer WDW stay every third year.

 

[Dean]

IMO, the value is not there for non DVC uses including Disney Cruise, other Disney Hotels, and the Concierge Collection. Timeshare trading through II is hit and miss but it suffices to say that most people do not get the value in trade that they gave up. Since you have the opportunity to plan, simply buy the number of points you'll use with DVC and look at other options for the non DCL trips. I can discuss further if necessary. I do have extensive experience with timeshare trading and have investigated many of the other options in the above group. The value of a point usually ranges from about $5-7 used with the non DVC options. Most people feel the cash value is or should be at least $10 pp.

 

[OkieDisney]

I think that it depends on the value of the exchange

We recently stayed at Big Cedar lodge for 85 points. Considering about $6/point plus the $95 exchange the value came to $605. The cash reservation would have been $757.

We love Big Cedar Lodge and will use points there as long as it makes sense.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

If you are only interested in Disney every few years do not buy DVC. You will be throwing your money away. Hie thee over to www.tug2.net and see what other timeshare you can buy that is a better fit for your travel needs. Make sure you buy it used and in an area you like to visit more frequently than once every few years. "Lesser" timeshares will trade into the exact same locations as DVC but at a cheaper cost to you. If you can't get in using the non-DVC timeshare you purchased (used at a fraction of the price) you can always pay cash.

To prove to yourself just what a poor use of points trading out is...take a look at the rates at some of the resorts and hotels (non-Interval) charge versus what you are giving up in Disney accomodations. With one or two exceptions it will probably be a losing proposition.

NOTE: With the exception of DVC do not buy an Orlando timeshare. Buy a decent ski resort in high season, buy hawaii, buy a beach resort in high season.

 

[OkieDisney]

I did forget to say, that we use a majority of points at DVC resorts.

But don't be afraid to use points elsewhere for occasional visits.

Cheers

 

[littlestar]

I wouldn't buy DVC unless you know you want to stay in DVC resorts at least every other year. As others have said, most of the time cash is a better deal on anything but the dvc resorts. Exchanges through Interval can be good depending on the resort you trade out to. Most of them, though, don't measure up to what you give up.

Take at a look at tug2.net (timeshare users group). You can learn a lot there about timeshares. It costs $15 to join, but there are ratings on just about any timeshare there is (including Disney).

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Okay, while I know almost nadda about other timeshares, I think DVC is a good choice if you visit WDW every three years. If you figure out how many points you will use every third year, you could buy 1/3 that many points. With banking and borrowing, you would be all set.
The only thing is that unless you will use at least 450 points every third year, you may have to buy a resale in order to get a smaller contract.

Personally, I figure my actual cost at $6 per point when comparing to a cash price.
I am not motivated, nor do I want the hassle and responsibility of renting points.

MG

 

[snowbirds]

Dean,

I would very much appreciate your discussing this issue. We are considering an exchange for a week at the Paradise Beach Villas in Aruba, but 160 points seems like a lot to spend for a one bedroom.

What alternative might you suggest.

Originally posted by Dean
IMO, the value is not there for non DVC uses including Disney Cruise, other Disney Hotels, and the Concierge Collection. Timeshare trading through II is hit and miss but it suffices to say that most people do not get the value in trade that they gave up. Since you have the opportunity to plan, simply buy the number of points you'll use with DVC and look at other options for the non DCL trips. I can discuss further if necessary. I do have extensive experience with timeshare trading and have investigated many of the other options in the above group. The value of a point usually ranges from about $5-7 used with the non DVC options. Most people feel the cash value is or should be at least $10 pp.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by snowbirds
Dean,

I would very much appreciate your discussing this issue. We are considering an exchange for a week at the Paradise Beach Villas in Aruba, but 160 points seems like a lot to spend for a one bedroom.

What alternative might you suggest.

I assume you are looking at a high season between Xmas and Easter or thereabouts. Of the choices available through DVC - II, that's not one I'd put as a great value but it can be a good one. Still, Aruba for prime time is hard to get. PBV is not a 5* resort but seems to be well received by those that stay there. The only ones on the island that are truly comparable to DVC are the Marriott and Casa Linda. Playa Linda and the Royal Palm Club are pretty close as well. PBV and La Cabana are definitely a notch below but each have their following.

My final answer would depend on when you're going. If it's Xmas 2004 on during the high season I noted above, I'd put anything you're comfortable with. I'd also contact members on TUG and several independents including San Francisco Exchange, Trading Places, Platinum Interchange and Dial an exchange.

If it's for any time other than Xmas to Easter, I'd not trade DVC EVEN except maybe, and I repeat, maybe for the Marriott. You may want to consider offeringless points privately, especially for a LOW season exchange.

 

[snowbirds]

Dean,
Thanks for the prompt response. We are novices at this exchange business. How does one do an exchange privately?

Originally posted by Dean
I assume you are looking at a high season between Xmas and Easter or thereabouts. Of the choices available through DVC - II, that's not one I'd put as a great value but it can be a good one. Still, Aruba for prime time is hard to get. PBV is not a 5* resort but seems to be well received by those that stay there. The only ones on the island that are truly comparable to DVC are the Marriott and Casa Linda. Playa Linda and the Royal Palm Club are pretty close as well. PBV and La Cabana are definitely a notch below but each have their following.

My final answer would depend on when you're going. If it's Xmas 2004 on during the high season I noted above, I'd put anything you're comfortable with. I'd also contact members on TUG and several independents including San Francisco Exchange, Trading Places, Platinum Interchange and Dial an exchange.

If it's for any time other than Xmas to Easter, I'd not trade DVC EVEN except maybe, and I repeat, maybe for the Marriott. You may want to consider offeringless points privately, especially for a LOW season exchange.

 

[dpglow]

I also had a question about other II exchanges. I visited their site and saw all the properties they had to offer. Are all those available to DVC? I seem to remember the number 200 as the number of different properties available for exchange through II, but they seem to have far more than that, and they have alot more locations than what shows on the map on the DVC non member website.

Thanks

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by snowbirds
Dean,
Thanks for the prompt response. We are novices at this exchange business. How does one do an exchange privately?

You make an reservation in their name and in turn the other person makes arrangements for you. There is some risk but it can be minimal. The process for using one of the indepenents is not that much different other than you're using a company instead of an individual.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by dpglow
I also had a question about other II exchanges. I visited their site and saw all the properties they had to offer. Are all those available to DVC? I seem to remember the number 200 as the number of different properties available for exchange through II, but they seem to have far more than that, and they have alot more locations than what shows on the map on the DVC non member website.

Thanks

No, DVC has chosen to pick and chose the ones you can exchange into. I think the number is up over 300 now but there are many good choices not on the list. They say they're trying to protect you from a bad exchange and I suspect there's some truth in that. The reality is that II does this to a certain extent with all members. While they may send you the book with 1900 resorts and may let you list for any of them, they will not let you exchange for them all. They take the unit size, quality and ranking of the week you're giving up and say you can't exchange too far up or down the scale. Many companies also block exchanges in one way or another. For DVC it's other Orlando properties plus other HH properties.

 

[snowbirds]

Dean,

We're learning a lot as we read all the comments. Thank you for your input.

Is it better to go to Web sites offering timeshare rentals and rent from an individual rather than go through II or RCI?

Snowbirds