What other timeshare do you like?

[AnnaKristoff2013]

I was just looking in Interval International on the Getaways section....honestly some of the getaways are so cheap (esp to Orlando; $70/night for some 2 bedrooms that look nice!) that it's a strong competitor to actually owning a second external timeshare.

Using Getaways for Sheraton Vistana Resort at $400-$700 for a week is an incredible gem when you run out of DVC points.

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

But there is only one timeshare operator that is on Disney property

Well… Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek is inside the Disney Gates. (Yes I I know it’s technically “off-property” because of the weird shape of the parcel, but you have to drive into Disney World to get to it).

 

[muppets3d]

Well… Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek is inside the Disney Gates. (Yes I I know it’s technically “off-property” because of the weird shape of the parcel, but you have to drive into Disney World to get to it).

It's the closest you can get to being on Disney property, that's for sure.

 

[Doug7856]

Well… Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek is inside the Disney Gates. (Yes I I know it’s technically “off-property” because of the weird shape of the parcel, but you have to drive into Disney World to get to it).

True, but it doesn't have the Disney benefits. While it is better than the average Wyndham, it's still the basic Wyndham product and still doesn't come close to Disney benefits, proximity and comfort. The rooms are generally larger, but that is probably the only point that differentiates it from DVC. All of this is opinion and subjective. I know many friends who are perfectly happy with Bonnet Creek.

 

[muppets3d]

True, but it doesn't have the Disney benefits. While it is better than the average Wyndham, it's still the basic Wyndham product and still doesn't come close to Disney benefits, proximity and comfort. The rooms are generally larger, but that is probably the only point that differentiates it from DVC. All of this is opinion and subjective. I know many friends who are perfectly happy with Bonnet Creek.

It's closer than some DVC properties to the parks, which is a big benefit. Plus they offer infrequent bus transportation to the parks. Very few timeshares offer transportation at all. Bonnet Creek would certainly be my second choice vs DVC. I don't think Bonnet Creek participates in Interval International exchanges (at least, I don't see any in there), so as a DVC member and AP holder - if I ran out of points and had a car, I'd buy an II Getaway to a Westgate or Vistana resort on I-Drive.

 

[Judique]

Pretty much all timeshare systems other than DVC have high-pressure sales tactics. The one my in-laws own - they're required to visit the sales booth at check-in to pick up their parking pass and are pressured to attend an "owner update" sales presentation during their stay.

DVC is starting to go down that path with owner update sales presentations, but they're not high pressure. That switch could flip at any time however.

I attended a Disney one this past week. 30 minutes and an overview of Disney vacation opportunities almost exactly as you'd get at Hilton, Marriott etc, but without the pressure. I had an ulterior motive which I was able to achieve and in addition I got a little gift.

 

[Judique]

It's closer than some DVC properties to the parks, which is a big benefit. Plus they offer infrequent bus transportation to the parks. Very few timeshares offer transportation at all. Bonnet Creek would certainly be my second choice vs DVC. I don't think Bonnet Creek participates in Interval International exchanges (at least, I don't see any in there), so as a DVC member and AP holder - if I ran out of points and had a car, I'd buy an II Getaway to a Westgate or Vistana resort on I-Drive.

I'm not sure about staying at Westgate but I've stayed at Vistana Villages when it was new. Very nice! Not sure of condition now as it was one and done as I have DVC.

DD had a free week from an owner/friend that we can get anytime. She liked everything except no elevator. I would have gone but not in July!

 

[Brian Noble]

The biggest negative is the horrific pressure to attend "owner updates".

I am a Wyndham owner, and have gotten to the point where I have fun with these. I've never attended a timeshare tour for any developer, and certainly not with Wyndham, and they can see that. So, my first response is, "Heavens no! I've never attended one, and I want to keep my perfect streak intact." At my last check-in, the body snatcher took one look at the CRM report, and said "Yeah, you never do go to these..." and glumly sent me on my way.

If they press--and sometimes they do, particularly if they are not just body snatchers but also on the sales staff--I ask for a sheet of paper and a pen. I write a number on the paper, fold it, and hand it back to them. "This is my consultant rate for 90 minutes. If you can beat this, we'll talk."

The last time I did that, the sales agent gaped and exclaimed: "Wow! What do you do for a living?" And that was pretty much the end of that.

still doesn't come close to Disney benefits, proximity and comfort.

Benefits? True. You don't get early entry, early shots at LLMP, etc. But, as Disney has trimmed the onsite benefits, this has mattered less and less. However last time I stayed there, they had the Must Do Disney loop on one of their TV channels! My ex was not happy; she was hoping to escape Stacy by not staiyng in a DVC unit. (This tells you how long it has been, in part).

Proximity? Of some, but certainly not all. If you ever stay at OKW or SSR, you will often drive past Bonnet Creek on your way to/from other Disney destinations.

Comfort: I will put a Bonnet Creek 2BR up against just about any DVC 2BR in the system. The dining table at Bonnet comfortably seats six, it's not a galley kitchen, has full-sized appliances, and the living room is apporpriately sized for the unit's sleeping capacity.

Don't get me wrong: DVC was worth every penny, I'm glad I bought it, and prefer it to Bonnet when I am visiting WDW. But it's an outstanding option that can be had at a very small fraction of the price.

I'm not sure about staying at Westgate

You could not pay me to stay at a Westgate property. Orlando is chock full of much better options. They do have great locations in Park City and Gatlinburg, but I've never stayed at either. I have eaten in their Park City pub; it's a good burger.

 

[Doug7856]

I am a Wyndham owner, and have gotten to the point where I have fun with these. I've never attended a timeshare tour for any developer, and certainly not with Wyndham, and they can see that. So, my first response is, "Heavens no! I've never attended one, and I want to keep my perfect streak intact." At my last check-in, the body snatcher took one look at the CRM report, and said "Yeah, you never do go to these..." and glumly sent me on my way.

If they press--and sometimes they do, particularly if they are not just body snatchers but also on the sales staff--I ask for a sheet of paper and a pen. I write a number on the paper, fold it, and hand it back to them. "This is my consultant rate for 90 minutes. If you can beat this, we'll talk."

The last time I did that, the sales agent gaped and exclaimed: "Wow! What do you do for a living?" And that was pretty much the end of that.


Benefits? True. You don't get early entry, early shots at LLMP, etc. But, as Disney has trimmed the onsite benefits, this has mattered less and less. However last time I stayed there, they had the Must Do Disney loop on one of their TV channels! My ex was not happy; she was hoping to escape Stacy by not staing in a DVC unit. (This tells you how long it has been, in part).

Proximity? Of some, but certainly not all. If you ever stay at OKW or SSR, you will often drive past Bonnet Creek on your way to/from other Disney destinations.

Comfort: I will put a Bonnet Creek 2BR up against just about any DVC 2BR in the system. The dining table at Bonnet comfortably seats six, it's not a galley kitchen, has full-sized appliances, and the living room is apporpriately sized for the unit's sleeping capacity.

Don't get me wrong: DVC was worth every penny, I'm glad I bought it, and prefer it to Bonnet when I am visiting WDW. But it's an outstanding option that can be had at a very small fraction of the price.


You could not pay me to stay at a Westgate property. Orlando is chock full of much better options. They do have great locations in Park City and Gatlinburg, but I've never been to either. I have eaten in their Park City pub; it's a good burger.

Resort preference is very subjective, but I'd take SSR over Bonnet Creek every time. The room furnishings are more comfortable. I agree the dining table size is a negative for DVC. I do consider the buses to be a significant benefit and that half hour early entry in the morning is gold. Unit size, in my opinion, is the one significant advantage to Bonnet Creek. In August we did a seven night stay at Beach Club and that proximity to Epcot and DHS is stellar and even the bus ride to MK for a 7:30 a.m. early entry was far easier than traveling from Bonnet Creek. I agree with you on everything else.

I really appreciate your posts and insights, consistently good reads!

 

[muppets3d]

I'm not sure about staying at Westgate but I've stayed at Vistana Villages when it was new. Very nice! Not sure of condition now as it was one and done as I have DVC.

DD had a free week from an owner/friend that we can get anytime. She liked everything except no elevator. I would have gone but not in July!

I haven't stayed at a Westgate in Orlando, and for the price difference for a Getaway for a Westgate vs. Vistana Villages, I'd pick Vistana too, tbh.

 

[Brian Noble]

All things being equal, I'd agree with you. I'd rather stay at SSR as well. But, all things are not equal---in particular, the price! Given what it costs (resale) to own there, Bonnet is an incredible value, and a very good alternative if you don't have tens of thousands of dollars lying around.

 

[Doug7856]

All things being equal, I'd agree with you. I'd rather stay at SSR as well. But, all things are not equal---in particular, the price! Given what it costs (resale) to own there, Bonnet is an incredible value, and a very good alternative if you don't have tens of thousands of dollars lying around.

Indeed. We purchased DVC in 2003 so, yes current price is an important factor for current purchasers. Our Wyndham was resale and we've been happy with the value there. We feel the member annual fees give us great accommodations for the cost. For us the combo of DVC and Wyndham has enabled some great vacations.

 

[Cfabar1]

We always say no but have experienced some truly offensive sales tactics in my opinion. For me, I would never buy Wyndham direct from the developer.

oh... do tell!!

 

[DoubleBaconBLT]

I write a number on the paper, fold it, and hand it back to them. "This is my consultant rate for 90 minutes. If you can beat this, we'll talk."

Man, I feel like I owe you for all the time you've spent answering my DVC questions on here! So thanks again for all the help!

 

[Doug7856]

oh... do tell!!

The worst was checking in at Bonnet Creek, actually. It was after a late flight checking in after 11 p.m. The "concierge" would not give us our "bands" to enter the room. He was quite offensive, especially after a long day of work and travel. I've since learned that we can bypass the concierge if so desired unless we really want those bands.