World Passport...? about the good and the bad...

[Pedler]

Hi all,

We are looking into DVC. I have read through some of the boards here, ordered the info package (DVD) from Disney and still have some questions about transfering points using the World Passport program.

As a FYI our interest in DVC isn't just for WDW. We may go once every few years but we are also looking for some type of timeshare program that works like DVC with points so we are not locked into a specific place for a specific week.

On the DVD the World Passport program looks like it would fit the bill. But... I can not find any details at all on how that works, what type of exchange rate there is between Disney points and other locations.

I am really interested in the nuts and bolts mechanics of how World Passport works and some real word examples of what people have traded for and how easy or hard it is to do.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Lisa1976]

Hi Pedler, I haven't yet bought into DVC but will be doing so on our next trip in January.

We too were like you wanted to something other than just DVC at Disney. From what i have researched its around 160 (ish) points for a week on the exchange. You need to give DVC as much notice as possible of your dates, where you want to go etc and they come up with an exchange (i.e. someone in Mexico has a week and wants to exchange for a week at Disney). There are quite a few people here who have used the exchange so it does work.

Thats about as much as i know im afraid.

Lisa

 

[Dean]

Don't buy DVC points to use for the WP collection. far too many negatives and limitations. If you want that type of thing, just buy less DVC points and maybe another system. Marriott, Fairfield, Bluegreen, RCI points, worldmark, Hyatt, Hilton, etc may offer something for you. BG is the one that interest me in that it is so cheap to buy and gives a lot of benefits for those that plan ahead.

 

[Pedler]

For us it would be an either or type of situation. We wouldn't use the minimum purchase of 150 points each year. Our thought was that we would like to get something that can be used at Disney for some years and other places for other years.

 

[rocketriter]

While it's true that you can save a bit of money by renting your points and using the money to take a trip, or by juggling two or more timeshare properties, for some of us the time and effort are not worth the savings. Different families have different priorities. Trading out through DVC is not difficult if you're flexible about travel weeks and/or locations, and if you spend five minutes checking resort reviews to make sure you're not trading into a lemon. Our family has traded to Hawaii and to Williamsburg without any problem, and for points costs that were reasonable.

That said, it's best to remember that DVC points are most effectively used at DVC properties. When you stay inside the system you get the best quality, the best service and the best value. Don't hesitate to trade out once in a while if this appeals to you. But keep your investment primarily focused within DVC.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

I too am thinking of buying DVC but want the option of going somewhere different once in a while- (maybe every 4th or 5th year). Is it more sensible to do a trade through World Passport or to simply rent unused points and use the $$ to stay elsewhere? Or is it pretty much a wash?

 

[Dean]

I too am thinking of buying DVC but want the option of going somewhere different once in a while- (maybe every 4th or 5th year). Is it more sensible to do a trade through World Passport or to simply rent unused points and use the $$ to stay elsewhere? Or is it pretty much a wash?

The most sensible choice is to buy the number of points you'll use at DVC and look for other options including cash rentals on the off years. However given your question, it's likely best to rent out the points and use the proceeds to pay for stays. But the two are not mutually exclusive. You can vary your approach, do private trades with other timeshare owners, search for the best options in II and any other variation you can get a lead on. Timeshare exchanging is a high risk and complicated process to do correctly and it seems most DVC members don't want to put the time or effort into it to do it well. If you don't want to do the resort and trading investigation, I definitely wouldn't plan on exchanging.