time share advice wanted.

mickeymad

We are already members of dvc but are looking to perhaps buy another timeshare. We may just add on to our dvc but i am just trying to weigh the costs involved in other schemes compared to ours. We are only really interested in holidaying in florida. I know there are loads of other schemes out there ie marriot,hilton etc but i know nothing about the costs involved. Just really want a heads up on which are good schemes to join.

vivatifosi

We are also DVC members. The big issue for me in deciding whether you want to buy more points is what you want to use them for. If you definitely want to go to Disney, then I'd stay with them. You can get different packages through Marriott and Hilton etc, but Disney hold their value well. If on the other hand you want to use your points on non-Disney outings on a regular basis, then Marriott I've heard are a lot more flexible. Disney would probably see Hilton and Marriott as its main competitors.

If you do add on points, you may be able to get a better deal from a second hand seller such as the Timeshare Store, which specialises in DVC. We own at OKW. We bought in many years ago at $52 per point and could sell now for over $60 (bear in mind we've used 18 years of our 50 year contract). DVC points new are significantly more expensive than that as you are probably aware: over $100 per point. Timeshare Store also lists some Marriott and Hilton properties in Orlando so you can get an idea of their resale prices too.

Bear in mind that if you aren't using Disney or a primary seller, you will be responsible for your own legal costs. Also always make sure that you buy the same use year, or it is much harder to use your points. It is also easier to add on at the same resort (in Disney terms) or you potentially end up with one bunch of points you can book 11 months out but have to wait until 7 months out to finish your reservation. Also, when buying resale, ensure that all fees have been paid before taking the account over.

In terms of buying into the others, we are annual pass holders, but if you aren't, bear in mind that you will need to factor in the cost of parking at Disney and hiring a car if you pitch up elsewhere. I looked into buying into Marriott about 4 years ago and they were slightly cheaper, but not massively so. IIRC their scheme did not expire, so you weren't buying a specific number of years, unlike Disney. IIRC Marriott also has a timeshare that you can swap into at Disneyland Paris, which may also be a factor if you are interested.

There are DVC specific fora on wdwinfo.com that you may want to have a look through.

Feel free to pm me if you think I can help further.

mickeymad

Thanks for the answer. We bought 320 points at ssr through resale last year. Although we usually stay onsite i was thinking along the lines of having say 2 weeks disney and a week elsewere. Just working out the pros and cons as to if its worth it or not. At the moment if we want more dvc points i will just rent from another member but i am just thinking longterm. Lots to think about-thanks again.

budgetflyer

To me, the Marriott seem like the best "non Disney" membership. Depending on season and resort you could be in on a floating week from £2000 to £6000 + closing + annual fees with http://www.timeshare-hypermarket.com

You can also search https://www.ebay.com for some amazing Marriott bargains ie 5 hrs to go bids at $5.50 + closing http://cgi.ebay.com/MARRIOTT-LEGENDS-EDGE-PANAMA-BEACH-FLORIDA-TIMESHARE-/270661666369?pt=Timeshares&hash=item3f04b14641#ht_9130wt_905

Pollycat

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