What about vacations outside of Disney

[Starr W.]

So many people have bought into it to use their points at DVC resorts. I think a fairly small percentage of members use points outside of DVC, and those that do will only do it a few times over the life of their membership. And that's fine. It becomes a very poor value if you want to trade outside of the system as often or more often than you stay at DVC resorts.

For that use, buying 'multiple timeshares' will actually cost you less than it would to buy DVC for your trades. It's often suggested here that people buy only as many DVC points as they need for their DVC stays, and then buy another timeshare (Marriott, Fairfield, etc) at resale for trading. The key piece of this is that those other timeshares are vastly cheaper on the resale market; I've heard of folks picking them up for a few thousand dollars. Your cost for the DVC points you'd need to trade out regularly is going to be far, far higher than that, and that's without figuring in the high maintenance fees.

As for trading power, in the 7 years I've been hanging out on these boards, I can't count the number of sad stories I've read from folks who've tried and tried to trade out, never getting the resort they wanted, sometimes not getting anything at all.

Empowering people with information is a good thing. That's what Dean does on a daily basis here. He knows the timeshare business better than anyone else on these boards. What he has to say may not be what folks want to hear when they're caught up in the emotion of buying DVC, or when they've just heard a rosy sales pitch from DVC, but....it's the truth. It's important for potential members to understand how trading works in the real world.

When I'm deciding whether I'm going to spend tens of thousands of dollars, I don't want sunshine and butterflies. I want someone to give me hard financial and practical information.

You can hear the same sad stories on TUG, either internal trading in a system or using II/RCI. It's never as easy as any salesperson would let you believe(DVC,Starwood, the list goes on).

Trading can be a nerve wracking experience, I've traded my Starwood week twice. Had to bail on my 1st search as plans changed. But we did end up with having a great time in Park City, UT. We will definately go back, but initially that wasn't even considered in our vacation plans.

For us it seems to work, as DH and I don't have our heart set on a specific area or resort. If I did I would either rent my week out and rent what I want from an owner or try to do a direct exchange. I think it's kind of fun to try new places and gamble a bit. But it's not for everyone.

 

[drag n' fly]

Duly noted. It's just that every time you say something it really feels like a shot towards people, and it may be just me, that DVC really isn't worth it. I want to say that one of my friends owns at Marriott and the other I am not positive about. I read posts all the time about how other people got their matches without much difficulty. I realize it is multi-factorial. And I am NOT calling anyone a liar.

All I am simply saying is that on a DVC discussion board, don't put it down 90% of the time. This isn't a board to sell other timeshares.

OP stated his kids are home schooled and he has a flexible job. I say run with it. Dean, you have mentioned several times about non-peak times to try for properties in places such as the Caribbean or Colorado. I have taken down your suggestions and plan on using them, btw. But IMHO, and I am new at this, the optimist that I can be would be to suggest to him to try the non-peak times. Perhaps the world is his oyster. Never quit. That's my mantra. If one doesn't work, try another.

I do realize that there may be better timeshares than DVC. 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.

The other people who may only own at DVC can figure out creative solutions to use the properties and not only be Disney. Stay at a DVC property but go to Busch Gardens, Universal, Sea World, enoy the beach...whatever. There are almost limitless solutions.

I don't wish for this to get any more heated than it is. Some of us have dreams which may or may not be realized.

Have a good evening

I 100% agree with you. That is why I never post in the DVC forum anymore. As soon as you try to ask a question or make a post. Along comes the Timeshare Nazis......you summed it up perfectly.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

honestly, I would not buy DVC with the intention of going elsewhere, buy just enough points to use there, whether it's every year or every other year. DVC is expensive, and trading makes it even more expensive. Especially when there are so many deals out there. Between airline packages, direct timeshare rentals, etc. You can still see the world, I just wouldn't use my DVC for that.

 

[HayGan]

honestly, I would not buy DVC with the intention of going elsewhere, buy just enough points to use there, whether it's every year or every other year. DVC is expensive, and trading makes it even more expensive. Especially when there are so many deals out there. Between airline packages, direct timeshare rentals, etc. You can still see the world, I just wouldn't use my DVC for that.

Exactly! We have purchased DVC as a way to better spend our DISNEY vacations. We have decided that if we take off a year of Disney we will either bank our points for the following year or rent them out and use those funds to get other accomodations.

 

[bookwormde]

If you want to go 2 out of 3 years just buy 2/3 as many points as you need for a normal stay and bank and borrow, for every other year buy ½ the points. If you get below the DVC minimums just buy resale (which is many cases is cheaper any way).

Take $500 of the money you did not spend on DVC and go on ebay and buy any of thousands of sought after tradable timeshare for next to nothing and do your other vacation that way and put $5000 in you pocket.

Trading DVC points for other timeshares makes no financial sense at all, even though DVC sales pushes it as a selling point.

bookwormde

 

[Dean]

You can hear the same sad stories on TUG, either internal trading in a system or using II/RCI. It's never as easy as any salesperson would let you believe(DVC,Starwood, the list goes on).

Trading can be a nerve wracking experience, I've traded my Starwood week twice. Had to bail on my 1st search as plans changed. But we did end up with having a great time in Park City, UT. We will definately go back, but initially that wasn't even considered in our vacation plans.

For us it seems to work, as DH and I don't have our heart set on a specific area or resort. If I did I would either rent my week out and rent what I want from an owner or try to do a direct exchange. I think it's kind of fun to try new places and gamble a bit. But it's not for everyone.

I know you know this but for others sake. Trading is some what of a gambling mentality. It's really important to position oneself up front with the purchase and to understand how to maximize the the chances of success. Trading is infinitely more complicated than we've touched on for this thread. Unfortunately most timeshare owners don't know enough prior to purchase and then have to scramble to make the most of things later, DVC and otherwise. Unfortunately most never put the time and energy into the learning curve or plan enough ahead. They'd rather complain about the failures and lost money than do so it seems. Sadly, there are many limitations on trading but also many opportunities. One will not routinely be able to trade a sow's ear for a silk purse, just doesn't happen. It's rare that the top options are going to be available as there are simply some resorts and/or times of the year when one simply can't get anything and if that's all you want, things likely will never work out for you.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I know you know this but for others sake. Trading is some what of a gambling mentality. It's really important to position oneself up front with the purchase and to understand how to maximize the the chances of success. Trading is infinitely more complicated than we've touched on for this thread. Unfortunately most timeshare owners don't know enough prior to purchase and then have to scramble to make the most of things later, DVC and otherwise. Unfortunately most never put the time and energy into the learning curve or plan enough ahead. They'd rather complain about the failures and lost money than do so it seems. Sadly, there are many limitations on trading but also many opportunities. One will not routinely be able to trade a sow's ear for a silk purse, just doesn't happen. It's rare that the top options are going to be available as there are simply some resorts and/or times of the year when one simply can't get anything and if that's all you want, things likely will never work out for you.

I am still learning the ins and outs of the traditional timeshares (just jointed TUG). As a DVC member, I find trading out to II via MS very easy. Whether the chances of success are diminished thru DVC I don't know, but after reading what some have to do to trade thru II and RCI based on inidividual timeshares owned, it is rather mind boggling.

 

[Dean]

I am still learning the ins and outs of the traditional timeshares (just jointed TUG). As a DVC member, I find trading out to II via MS very easy. Whether the chances of success are diminished thru DVC I don't know, but after reading what some have to do to trade thru II and RCI based on inidividual timeshares owned, it is rather mind boggling.

Not really, once you understand it's actually easier directly than through DVC. And don't equate easy with better, a sub prime mortgage was easy too.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Not really, once you understand it's actually easier directly than through DVC. And don't equate easy with better, a sub prime mortgage was easy too.

Thats the key phrase " once you understand"! Still reading and learning!

 

[Starr W.]

I know you know this but for others sake. Trading is some what of a gambling mentality. It's really important to position oneself up front with the purchase and to understand how to maximize the the chances of success. Trading is infinitely more complicated than we've touched on for this thread. Unfortunately most timeshare owners don't know enough prior to purchase and then have to scramble to make the most of things later, DVC and otherwise. Unfortunately most never put the time and energy into the learning curve or plan enough ahead. They'd rather complain about the failures and lost money than do so it seems. Sadly, there are many limitations on trading but also many opportunities. One will not routinely be able to trade a sow's ear for a silk purse, just doesn't happen. It's rare that the top options are going to be available as there are simply some resorts and/or times of the year when one simply can't get anything and if that's all you want, things likely will never work out for you.

That's kind of why I have left the trades for summer vacations, I have a bigger range of dates to play with. I know I would be going nuts if I try to put in a search for Spring Break or Thanksgiving. That's when I use my Starwood week or DVC points.

Now to be honest I haven't tried for a "silk purse" week yet.

 

[Dean]

That's kind of why I have left the trades for summer vacations, I have a bigger range of dates to play with. I know I would be going nuts if I try to put in a search for Spring Break or Thanksgiving. That's when I use my Starwood week or DVC points.

Now to be honest I haven't tried for a "silk purse" week yet.

One option is to make a reservation that you can cancel such as DVC then put in for a search for the same dates. If you get it, cancel the other, if not, no harm done.

 

[jerseygal]

I've been told though if you get on a waiting list through Interval International for $95, you better be sure you want to go to that property at that week...The computer automatically makes a match and commits the points....

The only scary thing is say you want St.Maarten and you say put in for July 09...You can monitor the situation yourself by watching the airline rates.
If say by March 09 the airfare is too high, you can remove that property from your wait list..

If all the properties on your wait list don't come up and it is say 3 months before your trip and airfare is too high, you can take all properties off Interval Waitlist and get $95 back..Then you still will have reservation at a DVC "in case" already made.

Its tricky, but I guess when you know the rules you must monitor airfare to see if those particular places are still "within reach" according to airline fare.
I usually make my airline reservations 7 months ahead. If I put in an interval reservation for say the Caribbean, I will probably remove myself from the waitlist by 4 months ahead..By that time, fares are usually too high!

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Dean]

I've been told though if you get on a waiting list through Interval International for $95, you better be sure you want to go to that property at that week...The computer automatically makes a match and commits the points....

The only scary thing is say you want St.Maarten and you say put in for July 09...You can monitor the situation yourself by watching the airline rates.
If say by March 09 the airfare is too high, you can remove that property from your wait list..

If all the properties on your wait list don't come up and it is say 3 months before your trip and airfare is too high, you can take all properties off Interval Waitlist and get $95 back..Then you still will have reservation at a DVC "in case" already made.

Its tricky, but I guess when you know the rules you must monitor airfare to see if those particular places are still "within reach" according to airline fare.
I usually make my airline reservations 7 months ahead. If I put in an interval reservation for say the Caribbean, I will probably remove myself from the waitlist by 4 months ahead..By that time, fares are usually too high!

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's true they will match you automatically but up until that time you could change or cancel as you want. I wouldn't list anything you would not want to get. If you're not sure about some dates or resorts don't list them and cont to investigate your options, you can always add later if you want. I use the principle of getting something but keep looking all the time. Since I own other timeshares I somtimes reserve my week then search for the same week and resort (or any that interest me) then if I get it I either invite family or I rent or exchange that week. Or if I already have an exchange and I find something I like better, I ask them to "re-trade" it so I can get the better unit. I did this for my daughter for HI last year. I traded a studio for a studio at the Maui Marriott then up traded it for a 1 BR later. I did have to pay an extra $89 exchange fee but I felt it was worth it for a 1 BR, esp for their honeymoon. I warned her to expect a parking deck view but she called me to rub it in, I got the call the next day after they arrive, about 9 am HI time. She said listen and help the phone up, they had gotten a 5th floor ocean front unit but then she's always so lucky.

Another approach when air is involved, esp for places like HI and Aruba, is to go ahead and set your week, get the air set then make a cancelable hotel or condo reservation while searching. You're committed to the trip the only question is where you're staying and how much. This works esp well when using FF miles. Along those lines and with HI as an example, I usually fly in to Honolulu on Fri and out on Sun. That way I have all start days and all islands as options.

 

[jerseygal]

Thanks for sharing!

 

[bwvBound]

One will not routinely be able to trade a sow's ear for a silk purse, just doesn't happen.

Say it ain't so! Someday the great ride on my humble week in South Africa might come to an end .... ?? Noooooo, I'm not done having fun yet!

Edit to add: Ryan, you still here, buddy?

 

[Dean]

Say it ain't so! Someday the great ride on my humble week in South Africa might come to an end .... ?? Noooooo, I'm not done having fun yet!

Actually it does happen at times if you know how and plan ahead, just not enough to count on.

 

[jfinke]

Dean,

I for one appreciate your knowledge of all things outside of DVC.

I am not sure I am ready to purchase another timeshare at this time. Do you have a recommendation for one that has a high trade value?

Thanks!

 

[Dean]

Dean,

I for one appreciate your knowledge of all things outside of DVC.

I am not sure I am ready to purchase another timeshare at this time. Do you have a recommendation for one that has a high trade value?

Thanks!

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.

 

[Marlene1313]

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

 

[TXdeVille]

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.

And for the record, I have never understood the type of people that bash other football teams....or anything else for that matter. Perhaps I am just a better person than most, I don't know. I am all for education...it is a small part of my job....as well as being realistic in regards to negative outcomes....again a small part of my job. The only thing absolute is death and taxes. With everything else there is possibility.