Which Timeshare?

[Blackunicorn]

This a big, dumb question about timeshares...

We're current DVC members, and we're considering adding on points. But we also travel to DL frequently, and I thought maybe there was another timeshare out there that might serve our needs better? We have family in CA, and it doesn't look like we're going to stop visiting any time soon. But we're not going to give up our Disney fix, either. Does anyone recommend a different timeshare? Is there anyplace that I can go to get more information? My attempts to do an internet search have been pretty pathetic. I've heard vague things about Fairfield and Marriott--mostly, that they exist--but I find their websites EXTREMELY confusing, and I have no comprehension of how their system works. I don't want to be stuck with a salesperson calling me all of the time--I liked that DVC was very little pressure. So, I guess what I'm saying is that any and all information anyone can give me would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

[kweaver]

Marriott's Newport Coast is supposed to be very nice. The land was owned by DVC at one point, but they sold it off when they decided not to build properties away from WDW anymore.

There have been rumors about DVC at DL...so if you aren't in the market immediately and would consider purchasing DVC there...it might be worth the wait. They are just rumors, though.

There are a couple of good websites for timeshares...the ultimate community forums seem to be at www.tug2.net. For a very low membership fee, you can learn everything you possibly wanted to know about timeshares, and more!

Fairfield owners also have a very robust users group over on Yahoo...if you are interested in purchasing, they will let you join. Very informative.

Good luck!

 

[pumpkinboy]

I'd go with the Marriott Newport Coast, which started life on the drawing board as a possible West Coast DVC site. Disney sold to Marriott, who seems to have done a pretty decent job of it. It is both on the coast and a half hour from Disneyland, so I think this might fit the bill. It is my understanding that Marriott runs a pretty good timeshare organization, but I'm sure you'll hear opinions on that here soon enough.

 

[bwvBound]

Does anyone recommend a different timeshare?

You might want to consider Worldmark the Club. It is a points-based system, has 50+ resort locations, relatively low dues, exchanges through both II and RCI, offers "Bonus Time", etc.

There are several WM properties in California (including Dolphins Cove at DL), several along the Rocky Mountains (AZ, CO, UT and ID), several in warm places (HI, Mexico, Fiji), a few covering ski places (Whistler, UT, CO, CA) and new locations coming online every year.

You may want to print the Owner's Education Handbook for "owner" level information (not "sales pitch" information).

 

[Caskbill]

We stayed at Marriott's Newport Coast just last summer. (Traded a Marriott week we own in Palm Springs for it). It is an excellent resort, but if you plan on purchasing, be prepared to pay much more than you would for DVC. Newport Coast is one of Marriott's premier locations.

ONe day at an owner's meeting, we asked about DVC selling them the land. Apparently that is misunderstood. Marriott originally purchased the land about 30 years ago. Not clear then if DVC eventually bought the land from them, and then sold it back, or whether Disney just had an offer to buy it, then backed out, leaving Marriott to develop the property themselves.

I would not recommend purchasing Newport Coast and using it as a place to stay so you could visit Disneyland. It's too expensive and too nice for that. If you own there you should use the amenities of the resort. Just MHO.

 

[docbrown]

There is a site called TUG (timeshare users group).
There you can get all the information about timesharing.
I found it really helpful when we bought our DVC points few years ago.
There are public areas and members only areas. The membership is like
10 bucks a year, but worth it.
the site is:
http://www.tug2.net/

 

[Cruelladeville]

I am a Marriott owner, as well as a DVC owner, and one hint: BUY RESALE!!! Marriott devalues quickly, since they don't have price supports, at least none that I can tell. My sister is staying at Newport Coast this Easter, and she traded in from Marriott Grand Vista in Orlando, purchased resale for $10,000. That's about 1/2 the price of purchasing new. There are many Marriott's in California, including Palm Springs, which is VERY nice!

Marriott's system works very differently than DVC, and takes some getting used to. You still pay for many things after you buy. My sister's vacation at Newport Coast cost her $79 for a II membership--Marriott does all their ressies thru II, except for your home resort--and another $79(I think) once they make the ressie. If she cancelled or changed days, it costs money, too, up to another $179, depending upon if your change can be immediately fulfilled or not. You cannot waitlist while holding a ressie, either, your other ressie is immediately cancelled, and that costs MORE. You also don't get trash and towel but the units are VERY large by DVC standards(except for OKW) and are very nice. Just be aware that closing could take 3-4 months to get into Marriott's system so that you can use your week.

 

[Blackunicorn]

Hmmmm...it sounds like we need to do some research and join TUG.

It's funny...we didn't do much research before buying DVC. I remember when I first saw the ad for it, I just about started crying, I was so happy.

Thank you everyone! Of course, I still welcome opinions about any and all timeshares...

 

[Dean]

Go to TUG, spend 6 months and get yourself educated. There are far too many options and risks to jump into anything just because we think it's a good idea.

 

[Sherri]

We own two westgate weeks. The first purchased through the resort is a two bedroom loft with whirlpool tub in master bathroom. We paid 17,000.00 for it,. Our second is the same as the first but we bought resale for $3200.00 (yes we are mad at ourselves for not doing that in the first place).
We have had no problem traded, even traded the two bedroom loft for a three bedroom cottage in Ireland. The trades are wonderful. It does cost a little bit of money to trade your week and location, but for the little bit it costs, it sure is nice to travel the world. We have also traded for a place in Spain, also very nice. I would pick one up as a resale. Look at the difference in price? We do love our Disney points also and keep them for our Disney trips. We mostly trade our orlando Westgate.