What about vacations outside of Disney

[jfinke]

Yes and no. There's no one option that fits everyone. I usually suggest one investigate for 6 months or so to find out what's best for them. Factors are budget, where you live, where you want to vacation, use it vs trade it, flexibility and the like. You can email me directly if you like (or when you're ready to investigate further) with this type of information and I'll be happy to make suggestions for things for you to look at. Don't forget TUG (Timeshare Users Group) where you could get a lot more info than one single person could give you. For many DVC members I'd often suggest Marriott for quality, locations, II trading or some of the mini points systems like Hilton, Bluegreen, Wyndham or RCI points. And the number one suggestion, education, learn what you're getting into and when you jump, learn that system well so you can use it better than everyone else.

Thanks!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

However, this is the DVC operations discussion board. While I do like to be a realist, and informing people that it may or may not be a good decision to use DVC in a certain way is a good thing, perhaps we should focus more on specifics of how to optimize our membership in this establishment instead of saying it's impossible or not worth it.

Actually, this is the DVC Planning board. I think everyone has their niche knowledge, and it is the wide variety of people with different niches that make the DVC boards so useful for people. Focusing on how to optimize our membership might be most useful for you in your scenario, but there are many people that just want to know "is DVC right for me?". Dean happens have great knowledge in trading values and he better than most can explain why (if someone wants DVC primarily or greatly for trading) DVC isn't right for them. This is his niche. He's not negative, he's honest and helpful, and is likely saving someone from making a mistake.

Don't take it personally or even as anti-DVC.

 

[TXdeVille]

Actually, this is the DVC Planning board. I think everyone has their niche knowledge, and it is the wide variety of people with different niches that make the DVC boards so useful for people. Focusing on how to optimize our membership might be most useful for you in your scenario, but there are many people that just want to know "is DVC right for me?". Dean happens have great knowledge in trading values and he better than most can explain why (if someone wants DVC primarily or greatly for trading) DVC isn't right for them. This is his niche. He's not negative, he's honest and helpful, and is likely saving someone from making a mistake.

Don't take it personally or even as anti-DVC.

This thread was originally started on the Operations Board....hence the reason for the comment. Again, I realize that Dean is knowledgeable. I just believe in giving people the facts and empower them to make their own decision. If the OP asked a question and we went all around it. And continue to do so. I am not saying someone is anti-DVC but it seems that the other timeshares are pushed a lot. This board is about dealing with DVC, not how to purchase other timeshares and why it is better. I don't think OP asked the question with the purpose of purchasing DVC solely for trading. He asked about possibilities. Other people have done it. It's on the boards.

(maybe you're an A&M fan)

I'm surprised you didn't mention "Longhorn fan" as they were the National Champs. Just because I am from Texas (and perhaps in your eyes ignorant) I am an Aggie fan?

 

[phyllisnnj]

I just believe in giving people the facts and empower them to make their own decision.

I believe everything that is discussed here is giving people the facts so they can make their own decision.

For example if someone asked me about a particular resort on Oahu, not only would I give them the facts about that particular resort but offer my opinion on the pros and cons of other resorts in the area. I just don't feel I'm giving them all of the facts if I just limit my feedback to what was originally ask when there is so much more to consider.

LOL, but my friends know that's just the way I am. So they know not to ask unless they want to hear my entire evaluation

 

[Dean]

Dean
Just starting researching DVC and have question about using Disney points to stay at Hotels in New York or San Diego for example? Is the only way you can do this is by trading points with someone else? Please explain the process as it is so confusing? Thanks
Marlene
Eagan, MN

There are several exchange options with DVC. II which is a direct timeshare exchange, BVTC which is a direct timeshare reservation but only to a few locations with 2 groups, then there are cash equivalent options where DVC rents out rooms to generate cash to pay for them. These include Disney collection (applicable Disney hotels), DCL, Concierge Collection which is what you are referring to and Adventures by Disney. There are points charts for all plus an extra exchange fee for all but DL options.

I think the thing to mention here is that the OP asked about using points outside of DVC. I don't think he or she intended to do it ALL the time. I have heard of people who plan for non-DVC vacations using points, although its not a good value, OCCASIONALLY, such as when they first join and there are last years points, developer points, and current points all available and you have a limited time to use them. It's an individual choice. I agree with not buying DVC just to trade. That is a waste. But to know that you have options, even if it isn't the BEST option, is again, an individual choice. People smoke and know it causes cancer and is bad for them. But they still make the conscience decision to continue. Everyday and every person around the world has examples to follow this.

The person only asked about use outside DVC, that is what is being discussed. ANYONE buying in saying they don't want to go every year for DVC resorts needs to know what the options, risks and costs are. There is no scenario where it's reasonable to buy in to DVC expecting to trade out periodically, NONE. Is it their choice to do so, yes, of course. Is it reasonable with the developer points on a one time basis, maybe, assuming buying in and that number of points is reasonable otherwise.

Dean happens have great knowledge in trading values and he better than most can explain why (if someone wants DVC primarily or greatly for trading) DVC isn't right for them. This is his niche. He's not negative, he's honest and helpful, and is likely saving someone from making a mistake.

Don't take it personally or even as anti-DVC.

Thank you, that is my goal, education and information.

This thread was originally started on the Operations Board....hence the reason for the comment. Again, I realize that Dean is knowledgeable. I just believe in giving people the facts and empower them to make their own decision. If the OP asked a question and we went all around it. And continue to do so. I am not saying someone is anti-DVC but it seems that the other timeshares are pushed a lot. This board is about dealing with DVC, not how to purchase other timeshares and why it is better. I don't think OP asked the question with the purpose of purchasing DVC solely for trading. He asked about possibilities. Other people have done it. It's on the boards.

It was a planning question regardless of where it was placed. I believe I do give facts, information, and opinion. The truth is little of what we discuss here is truly fact as presented, and even if it is fact, our saying it doesn't make it so. If you are saying keep the opinions out of it, you may as well shut down the BBS for good tonight. IMO, those that have more knowledge and experience in a given area should provide their opinion on the choices involved. Can you come up with even a single example of an exchange option outside DVC that consistently gives a value of $10 a point or more, is guaranteed to be available and is guaranteed to cont to be an option. The truth is that other than a very limited number of II resorts during peak times, there isn't one example that satisfies even one of those 3 parameters

I'm surprised you didn't mention "Longhorn fan" as they were the National Champs. Just because I am from Texas (and perhaps in your eyes ignorant) I am an Aggie fan?

I simply mentioned A&M due to their poor showing and loss to make a point how emotional people get about football, kind of like someone talking bad about their family. It was not meant to talk anyone down including A&M, I'd do that elsewhere if I were so inclined. And I have no reason to talk down Texas, I think it's a fine state, and I'm partial to the south. Still, Wasn't Texas National champs now 3 years ago with FL then LSU since. It seems to me you have a chip on your shoulder that I've rattled, for that I apologize.

 

[TXdeVille]

I simply mentioned A&M due to their poor showing and loss to make a point how emotional people get about football, kind of like someone talking bad about their family. It was not meant to talk anyone down including A&M, I'd do that elsewhere if I were so inclined. And I have no reason to talk down Texas, I think it's a fine state, and I'm partial to the south. Still, Wasn't Texas National champs now 3 years ago with FL then LSU since. It seems to me you have a chip on your shoulder that I've rattled, for that I apologize.

There are many schools in Texas. A&M has had their time in the sun. Perhaps not as often as Nebraska, Texas, OU to name a few. They also have a habit of beating defending National Champs that are in their conference. There are others that are good contenders this year who have otherwise been unnoticed. I think talking about football in Texas is almost equivalent to talking about religion or politics. For a lot of people, football in Texas is both of those...religion AND politics. Not for me. And yes, they were National Champs three years ago. But you no doubt saw my avatar and place of residence and picked a school with "poor showing and loss". What about SMU, University of Houston, Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech? I wouldn't bring up a Georgia Tech comment solely because you are apparently in Georgia.

Have a good weekend.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

This board is about dealing with DVC, not how to purchase other timeshares and why it is better. I don't think OP asked the question with the purpose of purchasing DVC solely for trading. He asked about possibilities. Other people have done it. It's on the boards.

First, I didn't say "soley" I said "primarily or greatly".

Look... I want to help you understand this... If someone was considering joining DVC because they want to take Disney cruises (not uncommon), I would strongly advise them not to join.

I have experience both in using points for and paying cash for a Disney cruise. I know first hand it is significantly cheaper to pay cash than to use points. This is the fact and just because I love DVC doesn't mean I should encourage someone to join if the facts don't support it. And if, (for some reason) some other timeshare traded into the Disney cruises cheaper also, I would surely pass that information on. I'm not here to sell DVC, though I do quite a bit... when it seems right.

I don't know how to better explain it. It is not negative. It is honest and helpful.

I need to say too, I'm a little taken back by your assertion of how we should be focusing our discussion on the DVC boards... I have been posting here (daily) for a couple years and I would not be so bold as to suggest to those who have been here long before I, what their posts should be focusing on.....

I hope you can take this as an attempt to help.

 

[TXdeVille]

First, I didn't say "soley" I said "primarily or greatly".

Look... I want to help you understand this... If someone was considering joining DVC because they want to take Disney cruises (not uncommon), I would strongly advise them not to join.

I have experience both in using points for and paying cash for a Disney cruise. I know first hand it is significantly cheaper to pay cash than to use points. This is the fact and just because I love DVC doesn't mean I should encourage someone to join if the facts don't support it. And if, (for some reason) some other timeshare traded into the Disney cruises cheaper also, I would surely pass that information on. I'm not here to sell DVC, though I do quite a bit... when it seems right.

I don't know how to better explain it. It is not negative. It is honest and helpful.

I need to say too, I'm a little taken back by your assertion of how we should be focusing our discussion on the DVC boards... I have been posting here (daily) for a couple years and I would not be so bold as to suggest to those who have been here long before I, what their posts should be focusing on.....

I hope you can take this as an attempt to help.

GOTCHA!!

I'm spent anyways....

 

[drag n' fly]

First, I didn't say "soley" I said "primarily or greatly".

Look... I want to help you understand this... If someone was considering joining DVC because they want to take Disney cruises (not uncommon), I would strongly advise them not to join.

I have experience both in using points for and paying cash for a Disney cruise. I know first hand it is significantly cheaper to pay cash than to use points. This is the fact and just because I love DVC doesn't mean I should encourage someone to join if the facts don't support it. And if, (for some reason) some other timeshare traded into the Disney cruises cheaper also, I would surely pass that information on. I'm not here to sell DVC, though I do quite a bit... when it seems right.

I don't know how to better explain it. It is not negative. It is honest and helpful.

I need to say too, I'm a little taken back by your assertion of how we should be focusing our discussion on the DVC boards... I have been posting here (daily) for a couple years and I would not be so bold as to suggest to those who have been here long before I, what their posts should be focusing on.....

I hope you can take this as an attempt to help.

We are taking our three children on a Disney cruise this Christmas. We paid for this cruise using.....POINTS I was born but it wasn't yesterday and how someone uses their points is no one elses business. I spent almost a year researching before we purchased DVC. The continuous flow of threads relating to how not to use your points are really getting old. Why do so many people care about what others do with their points? Maybe a sticky on the best use of ones points for those who feel they need to inform others would be helpful. My three kids get to take a trip that normally we would never take and to me those points are worth their weight in gold. Last I checked this was a DVC forum. I am sorry you are taken aback that the discussion in these forums should be primarily related to such. Posts are continuously being moved due to the fact they are not relevant to the specific forum itself. Being condescending towards other posters is no attempt at help IMO.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

.....

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I simply mentioned A&M due to their poor showing and loss to make a point how emotional people get about football, kind of like someone talking bad about their family. It was not meant to talk anyone down including A&M, I'd do that elsewhere if I were so inclined. And I have no reason to talk down Texas, I think it's a fine state, and I'm partial to the south. Still, Wasn't Texas National champs now 3 years ago with FL then LSU since. It seems to me you have a chip on your shoulder that I've rattled, for that I apologize.

FEAR THE TURTLE!! GO TERPS!

 

[TXdeVille]

FEAR THE TURTLE!! GO TERPS!

.....

 

[Dean]

There are many schools in Texas. A&M has had their time in the sun. Perhaps not as often as Nebraska, Texas, OU to name a few. They also have a habit of beating defending National Champs that are in their conference. There are others that are good contenders this year who have otherwise been unnoticed. I think talking about football in Texas is almost equivalent to talking about religion or politics. For a lot of people, football in Texas is both of those...religion AND politics. Not for me. And yes, they were National Champs three years ago. But you no doubt saw my avatar and place of residence and picked a school with "poor showing and loss". What about SMU, University of Houston, Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech? I wouldn't bring up a Georgia Tech comment solely because you are apparently in Georgia.

Have a good weekend.

Actually I'm in FL, grew up in Alabama. As I said, I brought up A&M to potentially make a point. I chose them due to their recent loss with the idea of making the point that some people were overly sensitive in these areas but it seems you've made that point for me. We've seen the same here over the years where some people perceived resort bashing where there was none.

Last I checked this was a DVC forum.

Certainly but discussion of DVC could be pro or con. When it comes to trading in any form, there is little pro to discuss. If you're saying it has to be mostly neutral to positive and that one can't reference or tangent to something else when it applies, I don't think you want to read any of my posts. As I said earlier on this thread, put me or anyone else who might be more honest about what DVC is and isn't, on your ignore list, that way you'll never see the posts. I've been here for what, over 10 years (posts and dates started over in August of 1999) and I feel confident in stating that my posting style hasn't changed much. However, my knowledge in certain areas has changed a lot in that period of time. IMO, not given someone information who's specifically looking and asking for it, would be extremely poor form. If they ask then don't like the answers, that's their problem. I don't believe I've ever told anyone else what to do with their points or even a directed post that someone specifically was making a poor choice unless they asked for information on that subject. However, if my feeling that certain choices are a poor one and I say it here in general terms, but it happens to make someone feel bad because they made the choice that I feel is a poor one, I can't control that and I won't try, because I believe honesty is the best policy.

And I feel confident in saying that there are quite a few people out there that only knew DVC and learned about other options through this BBS are are VERY happy they did.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We are taking our three children on a Disney cruise this Christmas. We paid for this cruise using.....POINTS I was born but it wasn't yesterday and how someone uses their points is no one elses business. I spent almost a year researching before we purchased DVC. The continuous flow of threads relating to how not to use your points are really getting old. Why do so many people care about what others do with their points? Maybe a sticky on the best use of ones points for those who feel they need to inform others would be helpful. My three kids get to take a trip that normally we would never take and to me those points are worth their weight in gold. Last I checked this was a DVC forum. I am sorry you are taken aback that the discussion in these forums should be primarily related to such. Posts are continuously being moved due to the fact they are not relevant to the specific forum itself. Being condescending towards other posters is no attempt at help IMO.

First, let me say that we took our children on our first Disney cruise using points also. And that would not have happened for us either had we not been DVC members. I am not saying one should not ever use points to cruise, but we did discovered we could have rented out our points and paid cash for the cruise and saved about $400.

You are taking this too personal. I am not telling you how to use your points. I simply said if someone said they were considering buying into DVC to take cruises I would advise against it.

People care about what other people do with their points (or any subject) when those other people ask for advice on what to do with their points. I.e... what should I do... I need help... newbie here... I'm thinking of doing this... What would you do... will this work... is this smart.... and so on.

Of course this is the DVC boards? What I was taken aback by was a very new DIS member telling another DIS member of nearly 10 years that he should change the focus of his discussions. I am not a condescending type of person, but I will tell it as I am seeing it.

I think it all comes down to what is appropriate. I recently started a threat "What Do You Have Planned for 2009?" and really meant what DVC plans, but many (maybe most) people are including what they are planning outside of and beyond DVC. Should that be off limits? Should their posts be censored?

The mods walk a line when with they review these threads and if someone creates a thread for DVC members that asks... "What State are You From" (which has nothing to do with DVC) should they delete or lock the thread? I've seen it go both ways many times, but usually it is the just plain inappropriate or inflammatory threads that get chopped.

There are a lot common subjects and issues DVC members have and experience that are not directly related to DVC, but sometimes DVC members most trust their DVC counterparts to give them good honest information and feedback on something they are dealing with that might even involve an answer that is unrelated to DVC.

I am sorry if my words offended you. I try very hard to word things to not offend people. I need to try harder.

 

[drag n' fly]

I concur we definitely need that sticky

 

[WolfpackFan]

I think the problem is that some folks are just afraid of hearing the truth. They've been sold a bill of goods by their guide and believe that now they are members they can take all these great vacations or cruises on points. At first I was that way. I was all excited about joining DVC and had these ideas in my head that I'd use the points to take vacations all over the place. I'd post questions and then others would reply (including Dean), that doing II trades in it's current form wasn't a great use of my points. But I tried an exchange once and never got a single match and left it sitting there for six months at least before canceling. I then started looking at the points value for the exchanges (even if you could get one) and it changed my mind about exchanges. Dean is right, there are better ways to use your points. If nothing else, rent them out and pay cash for the ressie. As it is now, it takes all our points plus some just to stay at WDW and HHI, so I've about given up on exchanges. That isn't to say we won't do one in the future. In a few years, I might try to do one for Arizona, but I don't see this being something we do very much. If we do anything, we'll be using our WDW points to stay more at HHI and VB (and perhaps the Hawaii DVC resort if it's ever built).

 

[Dean]

I think the problem is that some folks are just afraid of hearing the truth. They've been sold a bill of goods by their guide and believe that now they are members they can take all these great vacations or cruises on points. At first I was that way. I was all excited about joining DVC and had these ideas in my head that I'd use the points to take vacations all over the place. I'd post questions and then others would reply (including Dean), that doing II trades in it's current form wasn't a great use of my points. But I tried an exchange once and never got a single match and left it sitting there for six months at least before canceling. I then started looking at the points value for the exchanges (even if you could get one) and it changed my mind about exchanges. Dean is right, there are better ways to use your points. If nothing else, rent them out and pay cash for the ressie. As it is now, it takes all our points plus some just to stay at WDW and HHI, so I've about given up on exchanges. That isn't to say we won't do one in the future. In a few years, I might try to do one for Arizona, but I don't see this being something we do very much. If we do anything, we'll be using our WDW points to stay more at HHI and VB (and perhaps the Hawaii DVC resort if it's ever built).

While not reasonable to buy for, there is a subset of exchange options that are a good deal if you can get them. I've listed many times suggestions to maximize the options. IMO, one who has the points and wants to use them for an exchange, esp for a high ticket item, should do so if they want, it's just not a good value to buy in for that reason and it's often not a good value for those that already own. However, I feel there is one approach that would work out for certain owners. That is, keep an ongoing search for things that you would want that are high demand, like Maui or Fours Seasons. Then if you get it, great, if not and you've planned accordingly, no harm done. Basically take advantage of the search first flexibility. I think some let the "nonrefundable" $95 exchange fee deter them from reasonable exchange requests.

 

[TXdeVille]

I think the problem is that some folks are just afraid of hearing the truth. They've been sold a bill of goods by their guide and believe that now they are members they can take all these great vacations or cruises on points. At first I was that way. I was all excited about joining DVC and had these ideas in my head that I'd use the points to take vacations all over the place. I'd post questions and then others would reply (including Dean), that doing II trades in it's current form wasn't a great use of my points. But I tried an exchange once and never got a single match and left it sitting there for six months at least before canceling. I then started looking at the points value for the exchanges (even if you could get one) and it changed my mind about exchanges. Dean is right, there are better ways to use your points. If nothing else, rent them out and pay cash for the ressie. As it is now, it takes all our points plus some just to stay at WDW and HHI, so I've about given up on exchanges. That isn't to say we won't do one in the future. In a few years, I might try to do one for Arizona, but I don't see this being something we do very much. If we do anything, we'll be using our WDW points to stay more at HHI and VB (and perhaps the Hawaii DVC resort if it's ever built).

I'm never afraid to hear the truth. As a matter of fact, I expect it. I wouldn't be surprised that they are out there, but I don't think people buy into DVC with the expectation that they can go all over the world through exchanges. I bought DVC because I love Disney and so do my children. And I liked the places where they had other DVC resorts. And it helps/forces me to take a vacation and I don't have to worry about finding the best place to stay. I know they will be at least the minimum that I require in my own snobby way. I even have plans to help my sister and her family get to Disney in nicer accommodations than they can afford and we can go with her. I just hope I get up the courage one day to rent my points in order to go to other places as well. For now, the kids are in the nest and my focus is on them.

I'm not really sure that I (since I don't see anyone else that shows signs of being "offended") was truly offended per se. It takes a lot to offend me and none of you has accomplished that....yet.

 

[Dean]

I wouldn't be surprised that they are out there, but I don't think people buy into DVC with the expectation that they can go all over the world through exchanges. I bought DVC because I love Disney and so do my children. And I liked the places where they had other DVC resorts. And it helps/forces me to take a vacation and I don't have to worry about finding the best place to stay.

Forcing a vacation can be a good thing, timeshares (esp DVC) have done that for me as well. One should buy DVC because they love Disney and value staying on property, but not that everyone who does is truly a good candidate for DVC. I think part of the disconnect is that those of us who have been here much longer HAVE seen people that have bought truly expecting those other options to not only be easy, but guaranteed. Many have the expectation, apparently created by the sales staff, that II holds inventory waiting for DVC members simply to call and claim it. Others expect it's a reservation system much like any hotel and all they have to do is call up and make a reservation. And still others get the same perspective that one who lives in a high housing cost area does when the move to a much lower cost area, that everything looks like a good deal.

To be fair, I think the sales staff is giving a somewhat more reasonable picture the last couple of years though as a rule, however they are not very knowledgeable overall about exchanging, with II esp, but then most sales resps aren't with any timeshare system. I'd far rather step on your toes than have even a single person buy for the wrong reasons, and that is the choice as I see it in this discussion. And I'm fully aware, and prepared to accept, that being so honest and upfront may scare someone off where DVC would actually be a good fit for them.