Are the DVC resorts worth it for exchanges and what are the best alternatives?

[Yellowfin]

I have never been to a DVC resort but and from what i read:
- SSR is a more likely RCI exchange than OKW and AK
-1 bdr only
- $199 fee for exchanges
Given the $199 fee and that we prefer 2 BR (but we are still ok in a 1 BR), can someone tell me what are the advantages of exchanging into DVC vs an Orlando Marriott, Vistana, HGVC or Wyndham resort?

 

[CPNY]

I have never been to a DVC resort but and from what i read:
- SSR is a more likely RCI exchange than OKW and AK
-1 bdr only
- $199 fee for exchanges
Given the $199 fee and that we prefer 2 BR (but we are still ok in a 1 BR), can someone tell me what are the advantages of exchanging into DVC vs an Orlando Marriott, Vistana, HGVC or Wyndham resort?

You’re on property so you’ll have free parking at the resort and parks, free transportation, you can take advantage of dining plans, you can use your magic band to charge back to the room in the park which means you won’t need as much to carry around, you also get 60 day fast passes.

 

[rickandcindy23]

You get FP+ at <60 days out, instead of the <30 days out of non-Disney guests.

 

[littlestar]

The exchange fee is $239 and Disney fee at checkin is $190.

 

[Panina]

It is a nice experience staying at a Disney property. Where I have my favorites at hgvc and Marriott and have no problem staying at them, my preference is Disney. I love staying at SSR. Go once and then you will know and can decide for future visits.

 

[simon63]

Anybody know the max ocupancy for an studio.

 

[mdurette]

For an all Disney Orlando vacation. Yes, there is value and it is what I prefer.
With that said....I won't give up over 35 TPUs for it.
IMO, the Marriott resorts are nicer and roomier and unless I can get a cheap TPU exchange I will stick with them.

 

[bendadin]

Normally we stay at Wyndham. We own at DVC but my kids really don't want to do the studio thing any longer. We did just have a week at SSR and while we almost moved, we stuck it out and enjoyed it. It wasn't as much space as we are accustomed to but we managed since when on Disney, you spend time at Disney. Now we are at WBC and we haven't gone to a park once.

I've never seen a studio deposited. They sleep 4 or 5 though if saving on meals is part of the plan, the studios have a microwave, toaster, paper plates, and plastic cutlery. The one bedrooms have a full kitchen.

 

[littlestar]

Disney SSR studios sleep 4. But I have never seen a DVC studio in RCI.

 

[presley]

It gives you access to all the transportation and you can charge stuff to your room. If you believe that you would book your FPs 60 days in advance and use the transportation and charge to your room, it may be worth it to you. It's very personal regarding how you like to vacation.

 

[simon63]

I’m not very familiar with Disney Resorts, but I’m watching in world to go (FAVC Travel agency) studios in Disney’s all starts Music, all starts Sports or Art Resorts starting in $110, I think is a good price. It said for 2 persons, but usually in other Resorts they let 2 adults and 2 kids, that because my question.

 

[Firepath]

And who would want a studio when you can get a 1 BR?

 

[CPNY]

And who would want a studio when you can get a 1 BR?

Studios are great if you’re using DVC points since they are less points. I agree, with RCI points I’d rather a one bedroom

 

[paxsarah]

I’m not very familiar with Disney Resorts, but I’m watching in world to go (FAVC Travel agency) studios in Disney’s all starts Music, all starts Sports or Art Resorts starting in $110, I think is a good price. It said for 2 persons, but usually in other Resorts they let 2 adults and 2 kids, that because my question.

These are not the units that are available via exchange in RCI. The resorts you mention are standard hotel rooms at Disney resorts that are not part of the timeshare arm and would not ever be available in RCI. The DVC locations offer studios, as well as 1BR, 2BR, and 3BR units, though through RCI exchange we typically only see 1BR units and the vast majority at Saratoga Springs.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Those are tiny hotel rooms at All Star resorts. Those are not timeshare. Compare the prices of those with the deluxe villas (which are timeshare). Disney stays undoubtedly give more benefits than any other timeshare system out there, if you want to fully immerse yourself in Disney. That is us when we stay on Disney property. When we stay at a Marriott or Vistana, it's tougher to leave the comfort of the unit.

 

[simon63]

So all start Resorts are the hotel side, I only see studios or 1 br. I also see St, 1br and 2br at Sarasota resort but very expensive

 

[CPNY]

So all start Resorts are the hotel side, I only see studios or 1 br. I also see St, 1br and 2br at Sarasota resort but very expensive

I believe the hotels do have family rooms that are low key one bedrooms, maybe a kitchenette, a Murphy bed in a living room and a separate bedroom. We had one at art of animation. Saratoga springs are villas for the Disney vacation club and will generally operate at more of a timeshare feel. Either way, it’s pricey to pay out of pocket to stay at Disney. So yes, if you can get an exchange, even with the Disney 190 + RCI exchange fee, it is worth it.

 

[simon63]

Ok thanks for your information

 

[rickandcindy23]

I am afraid that threads like this one are encouraging people to rent exchanges. That has always been my concern with talking openly about Disney availability in RCI. Look at Redweek for a long list of exchanges for rent. You cannot rent your own DVC points because why get a studio for $1,200 through a DVC member, if you can get a 1 bedroom for about the same price + $190. It's hurting owners.

 

[Jan M.]

I haven't seen a two bedroom at a Disney property though RCI in probably 4 years now. Not sure if they are going to ongoing searches so I never get to see them or they aren't being deposited any more. Has anyone else gotten a two bedroom in the last few years?

 

[rickandcindy23]

I haven't seen a two bedroom at a Disney property though RCI in probably 4 years now. Not sure if they are going to ongoing searches so I never get to see them or they aren't being deposited any more. Has anyone else gotten a two bedroom in the last few years?

This keeps our daughter from staying at Disney resorts because they have a boy and a girl. One bedrooms do not work for them, anymore. Even a 2 bedroom is a bit awkward for teens/pre-teens. She loved Hilton SeaWorld 3 bedrooms, but those are too expensive for exchange, plus the $25 per day fee. I won't do that.

There are other 3 bedrooms I can get for her. We can add five people to our Disney units for FP+ purposes. When there are just the two kids and 3 grandkids, It works okay. The annoyance with the Disney RCI desk is something else. Our RCI Points account no longer has the kids listed. I didn't want to get a guest certificate, so Rick was on one room, I was on the other room. The lady at Disney's RCI desk said, "You aren't going to sleep separately from your husband. You need to add a guest certificate through RCI." I told her it was none of her business and then slammed her in the after-call survey. None of your business, lady. She was rude. I don't know her name, but I should have asked.

 

[TheHolleys87]

This keeps our daughter from staying at Disney resorts because they have a boy and a girl. One bedrooms do not work for them, anymore.

I believe the renovations at SSR are adding a single-size (not sure if a full twin or if bunk size) Murphy bed to the living room area of the 1 and 2 bedroom units, meaning the 1 bedrooms will have three sleeping surfaces. So that might help your daughter - if the kids can get beyond the teen/preteen awkwardness!

 

[CPNY]

I haven't seen a two bedroom at a Disney property though RCI in probably 4 years now. Not sure if they are going to ongoing searches so I never get to see them or they aren't being deposited any more. Has anyone else gotten a two bedroom in the last few years?

Someone with welk points just reported matching a two bedroom last month for a week in march I believe

 

[paxsarah]

Welk is the only system with that type of access to 2BRs. It's been at least 5-6 years since the rest of us have seen them.

 

[Shankilicious]

There's a 2BR at SSR available for May right now to Welk owners. 10 1BR units and a couple at OKW between next week and July.