Why buy DVC if RCI or II can trade easy to Orlando?

[mom in 2005]

Hi gang, I'm still looking at buying DVC esp. the 100 AKV points buy in option. While continuing to think it thru, it occurred to me that some of you might own other timeshares that can easily trade to Orlando (maybe some of the nicer ones like Orange lake or the HGVC), so why did you buy Disney? Is being on site that important, do you really think the DVC resorts really offer as much space, amenities, service are comparable or better?

Thanks.
-N

 

[WaltEeyoreWorld]

We own both DVC and Marriott and have used our Marriott weeks in DVC resorts before. A few things. First, which is the case is almost all time shares, you almost always get your best deal by using your time share rather than trading it. When we trade into DVC using Marriott through II there are several fees costing a few hundred dollars. Also, we have found that much of the time when trading into DVC it is hard to get anything but one bedrooms (we have had about 50% results on getting 2 bedrooms after much longer periods of time on the wait) and usually get OKW or SSR as those are the largest, so if you like 2(3) bedrooms or other resorts, DVC or cash are about your only options. Finally, keep in mind that your traditional time shares (mostly) are for a fixed week length of time. Thus when you trade into DVC you get a week. If you want to go for only 3 days or 10 days you can cover. DVC allows you to use only the points needed for the length of stay and room size you want. Much more flexible. In the end, if you really want to be in Disney, buy Disney. If you want to travel the world and only go to Disney every now and then, look at another good trading time share and buy a resort you will go to most. Good luck!

 

[Brian Noble]

In general, DVC units tend to be a little smaller and a little bit less well-appointed than the top-shelf offsite resorts. As an aside, I'm not sure I'd put Orange Lake in the "top-shelf" class.

I would probably include the two HGVCs, two (or maybe three) of the Marriotts, Vistana Villages, and maybe Wyndham Bonnet Creek along with the Disney resorts. For many timeshare owners, trading into those is anything but certain through RCI or II. You pretty much need to own Wyndham to get into Bonnet Creek, because it is very rarely deposited. HGVC shows up more often, but a mediocre trader often will not see it in peak seasons. The Marriott's require a pretty decent quality trader in exchange, and the DVCs have an even more stringent quality filter. Vistana Villages isn't too tough through II, but a mediocre trader often won't see it either.

Orlando is an easy trade, but the better resorts less so.

The advantage of DVC is that it is Disney---inside the bubble, fully integrated with the theme parks, and a seamless experience. Wyndham BC "feels like" it's located on property, but technically it is not. An excellent location to be sure, and we love it there, but it's not seamless in the way the DVCs are.

There is a premium to be paid for this seamlessness. If you are there for Disney, and you expect to be for a good long time, then DVC has a leg up. If you are there for "Florida", or "until the kids get tired of it," well, it's probably not worth the price.

 

[crisi]

We are onsite snobs. If we weren't, we would own a much less expensive timeshare - or no timeshare at all since its pretty easy to get timeshare weeks on skyauction.

 

[kimberh]

I have a very hot week in Tn that trades very well into Orlando, but not at DVC. I wanted to be able to book What I wanted when I wanted it. We have stayed at Orange Lake, Vistana Villages, plus a few others in two bedrooms several times. They are very nice but they are not onsite, we have to drive, pay to park etc. Once we ever stayed onsite, in a value, no less I knew I had to figure something out. Then we moved up to AKL, 3 rooms at one time. This was a awesome trip, but expensive. I started checking into DVC. I really wanted to get what I wanted, when I wanted it. That pretty much sums it up for me. I was tired of playing the waiting game with RCI to get as close to Disney as I could. We were so tired at the end of the day, we did not want to drive back to the room. Now, with the DDP, if you stay offsite, you don't qualify for that. With my large family, when we travel as a group, this is a must have. They eat whatever they want, I don't worry about the bill.

 

[spiceycat]

dvc does not trade with RCI - so you must own an II and generally one on the beach or 5 stars.

II will take less than 5 stars for the beach.

anyway I do both - trade my beach one to DVC (if my relatives don't want to go to the beach) and use my DVC for WDW.

brought this one for my nephew who at the time, didn't want to go to WDW - since it was unfair everyone else got to go where they wanted and he didn't.

brought him one on PCB, Fl - well one year he didn't want it so traded it to II and expected to stay offsite. Got a shock it traded for SSR and also gave me a bonus week.... so 2 weeks at DVC!!!

but as been stated the dvc weeks that I see are generally studios or 1-bedroom, very, very few 2-bedroom, those have only been SSR.

AKV is yet to appear.

 

[ldo]

we love DVC--being onsite, taking ME, etc., but we have also stayed off-site thru RCI trades for 8+ years. You can read tons on this BB about + of DVC--I agree with all. My personal pros are--no need for trading thru RCI or II, you can get the exact number of days and time you want (but you still have to plan ahead), and you can vary your unit.
For offsite thru RCI, I would say that you can buy a MUCH cheaper timeshare (resale) and trade, or buy a points system, whether Hilton, Starwood, or Wyndham. If you don't buy a points system, I would buy a cheap timeshare at a place that you would like to use yourself---so an East Coast Beach week, Mountain week, etc.--buy resale and buy cheap--but be sure to get high season (just think of when schools are out). Also, if you need a 2 BR for a full week, it is much more cost effective to trade thru RCI into Orlando than using DVC.
If you really want the convenience of tkaing the bus and going back to DVC during the day, then you need DVC. But, if you can stay at park all day, or have older kids who don't really care, then off-site might be for you---no right answer (we'll be at DVC this summer and Orange LAkes thru a RCI trade next Easter).

 

[culli]

Does anyone know if you trade into DVC through II can you use ME?

 

[JLitfin]

Does anyone know if you trade into DVC through II can you use ME?

Yes, I trade into DVC with my other timeshare all the time and always use the Magical Express Bus and purchase the Dining Plan.

 

[kimberh]

Yes, I trade into DVC with my other timeshare all the time and always use the Magical Express Bus and purchase the Dining Plan.

Is there an additional fee for this? I was told there was by someone that traded into DVC.

 

[WaltEeyoreWorld]

There is not an additional fee for ME but there is a $95 fee you have to pay when checking in for "transportation"... The funny thing is that transportation is also already paid for through the DVC owners annual MFs. So basically it looks like Disney gets double. In any case, that and internet service seems to be the only fee differences.

 

[culli]

There is not an additional fee for ME but there is a $95 fee you have to pay when checking in for "transportation"... The funny thing is that transportation is also already paid for through the DVC owners annual MFs. So basically it looks like Disney gets double. In any case, that and internet service seems to be the only fee differences.

HUH??

You pay a $95 transportation fee regardless if you use ME? I wonder what it is for then? Do you have to pay these if you get a II trade but are a DVC member?

 

[kimberh]

There is not an additional fee for ME but there is a $95 fee you have to pay when checking in for "transportation"... The funny thing is that transportation is also already paid for through the DVC owners annual MFs. So basically it looks like Disney gets double. In any case, that and internet service seems to be the only fee differences.

My friend thought the $95.00 fee was for ME, is it to use Disney Transportation to and from the Parks?

 

[JLitfin]

HUH??

You pay a $95 transportation fee regardless if you use ME? I wonder what it is for then? Do you have to pay these if you get a II trade but are a DVC member?

Every one who trades into DVC are required to pay the $95 fee. This fee isn't just for Disney transportation, it's for all the other services that you would get while staying onsite at a DVC. Like using member services to book meals, activities etc.

 

[Caskbill]

Keep in mind if you trade in, that does not entitle you to any member benefits. You are more like a cash customer. You are not eligible for restaurant discounts, pool hopping, free internet, free valet, etc.

You are entitled to all regular hotel guests amenities, such as free parking at the theme parks, use of all Disney transportation, etc.

 

[ldo]

keep in mind that trading into DVC is really hit or miss. If you aren't particular where you stay and have a lot of flexibility and can go at non-peak times, then it is not too hard. But, if you need a certain week, or want a certain DVC, or can only go on a peak week, trading is very hit or miss.
Trading into Orlando, on the other hand, is pretty easy b/c there is so much supply. All but Christmas week are fairly easy to get at 1 year out.
Thus, I would not recommned buying another TS with the thought that you could just trade back into DVC--also, DVC has a regional block--so, definitely do not buy an Orlando TS to trade back into DVC, or you'll find yourself blocked out of DVC at WDW.
tug2.net is a good place to get info about other timeshare options.

 

[utahkennedys]

We trade into Orlando (both DVC and Marriotts) and love the flexibility of owning at DVC too. For our February trip we stayed at OKW one night before 7 nights at Marriott Cypress Harbour --this saved us about $400 on airfare. In Sept. I used one of our other timeshares to trade into OKW into 2 1 bedroom units (my Mom is coming) but I booked one night at BCV in the middle to use the pool and facilities for one day, and to have a fun overnight with DH while my Mom watches the girls. What I LOVE about DVC is the total flexibility which I DO NOT get with my other timeshares. I can only trade for 7 nights, period, and usually can only check in on a weekend. In all honesty I prefer a points system the more I have used my timeshares (I have 4 in all including DVC).

I would say it isn't always cost effective trading in with another timeshare either-- you have to take your maintenance fee for the year (which for nice Marriotts can be $800-1000 or more a year), add the $139 Interval exchange fee, then the $95 DVC fee...not cheap. If you are only getting a studio you may be better renting points.

All in all, we have LOVED having both but for Disney, there is nothing like owning your own DVC points, booking where and when you want to stay for the most part, and having total flexibility on room size and length of stay.

 

[WaltEeyoreWorld]

o you have to pay these if you get a II trade but are a DVC member?

We are DVC members but when we trade into DVC using II we have to pay the $95. Additionally, we do not get the other perks like free internet, v parking, etc.

 

[culli]

We are DVC members but when we trade into DVC using II we have to pay the $95. Additionally, we do not get the other perks like free internet, v parking, etc.

I heard you get treated like a "cash" customer, do you know is daily house keeping or the same as our "point" reservations?

 

[mom in 2005]

Thanks for all the replies. Gave me alot to think about, esp. if I'm not really going to do Disney at least every other or every 3 yrs. then maybe I should rethink about buying DVC. I own a couple of beach location timeshares now and seems that at the times of year I travel, I can easily get into Orlando, so I'm on the fence about buying DVC.

-N