Where have you gone with your DVC?

[TnRobin]

Many times we have people asking about what they can do with DVC outside of the DVC resorts.

Tell everyone about your favorite use of DVC outside the DVC resorts.

Ours has to be going to Hawaii. I never thought I would ever get to go to Hawaii due to the cost. But with my DVC is was almost painless. (Airfare is murder). We enjoyed it so much we are going to try a different island this year.

 

[debbiedoo]

We have not traded out, but the plan is to go for Hawaii in 2006

Any tips??

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Oh what a sheltered life I lead...
I have not used points for anything outside of Disney. We have used them for YC, AKL, VB, VWL, and the Poly.

MG

 

[Scott H]

DCL, Hawaii, DLP, GC at DL, and Tanzania for the Safari. I forgot Polly, AKL , and GF.

 

[gopherit]

My DH and I have only ventured on WDW soil with our DVC membership (members since '99) but my DVC sister (since '93) and her fam have gone to HHI, Tanque Verde ranch, Hawaai, and the inns / lodges up in Vermont/NH area (I know one was the Von Trapp one; think the other was Stowe?), and the Claremont. They went somewhere else in Ca. but I can't recall where -- maybe it was Shutters? They have been to the Grovepark Inn too - although not on pts, and also to the resort listed in Charleston SC (again, not on pts).

I am really looking forward to a few yrs down the road -- we would really like to take the kids on a nice ski trip, or maybe out to Tanque Verde. My sis said Tanque was THE BEST. Hawaii, of course, would also be good!

 

[RobDoc]

We've used points to visit Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. The resort is a stately old place with lots of history and elegance. We felt the points required were also a good value.

 

[travelbug]

I used points to go to the Mauna Lani in Hawaii. It was a splurge with points, but I have no regrets. We loved it there and had a fabulous time.

Glad we went there when we did. The points required for that place have really gone up in the last 3 years!

 

[LOUTED76]

I actually used my points to take a Disney Cruise twice. Both times were terrific.

 

[Doug7856]

snip . . . But with my DVC is was almost painless. (Airfare is murder). We enjoyed it so much we are going to try a different island this year.

When using a DVC trade to Hawaii, you may want to contact a travel agent and book a package -- get baulk airfare and a few nights pre/post timeshare stay with the car for the whole trip. That way you can take advantage of the lower rates that major tour companies negotiate with the airlines and car rental agencies. I find this a great way to save money when traveling to places like Hawaii.

 

[timC]

Disneyland's Grand Californian. It was rather expensive, pointswise, but we had a great time in southern cal., and the Californian is a great resort.

No plans for trades outside of WDW...

 

[mouseclick1]

We did a cruise at Easter last year and it cost a ton of points. I pretty sure we'll just pay cash next time.

In June we will be spending 3 nights at the Broadmoor.

 

[debbiedoo]

When using a DVC trade to Hawaii, you may want to contact a travel agent and book a package -- get baulk airfare and a few nights pre/post timeshare stay with the car for the whole trip. That way you can take advantage of the lower rates that major tour companies negotiate with the airlines and car rental agencies. I find this a great way to save money when traveling to places like Hawaii.

How much was a pre/post savings did you save??? Do you know where I might look into this??(a good TA)

 

[Ksp]

We've been thinking about using points to go elsewhere....haven't gotten to do that yet.
Keep posting, everybody.....I need some feedback about places you liked.
I have this crazy idea of trying to surprise the family with a "disney" trip....but then we get on a plane that takes us to a different vacation destination.
Our 20 year wedding anniversary is coming up this summer, and I'd like to plan something a bit more special...magical, even.

 

[DVC-Don]

Not really outside Disney, but we have swapped for a Disney cruise and the Grand Californian at Disneyland.

 

[dbond]

Keystone, CO
Grand Californian, DL
The Plaza Hotel, NYC
The Polynesian, WDW
Disney Cruise Line