DVC /Hotel Chain comparison

[benjaminb13]

Always wanted to buy dVC- But Never could justify another long flight to Orlando- SO I chose to be more conventional and travel to Hawaii instead-
Some of you are fortunate enough to own both
Now with DVC coming to California and possibly Hawaii in the future---an objective comparison between the newer dVC resorts- WL, SSR and aKV and the more conventional Hotel Chain resorts- (Hyatt, Starwood HGVC and marriott). would be great info

 

[Steamboat Bill]

This is too broad..what specifically are you asking for?

 

[myip]

The resorts are compatible with highend hotel resort. the reason I buy DVC is the extra benefits that other resort don't have when I visit Orlando. ie: magic express, magic hours, close to park, dinning plan. It is not that bad to go to Orlando from CA. It is the same flight time as going to Hawaii. My long term plan is to buy DVC CA and sell the one that I have. I am most likely go to cA than Orlando . Currently, I brought brought enough DVC points to go to Orlando once very 3 years. At 7 months booking, I don't think it will be hard to book DVC Orlando since they have so many resorts.

 

[Negma]

I am not sure I understand the long flight issue, it is not any longer to Orlando than Hawaii and it is cheaper too. Unless I miised the sarcasm?

The resorts in Orlando are great, we go almost every year, but you go because it is Disney and you are on site, those are the advantages. The rooms are maybe a little below the starwood rooms, but we are being picky here. With Hawaii and California we will wait to see what they look like before we do anything, I really do not need more points or time shares, BUT...

 

[Carmel85]

Hi Benji,

I also was looking into DVC but I think IM going to pass (kids do grow up fast). DVC has a short life span compares to other hotel timeshare and high MF's. So I will rent the DVC unit if i need to go there is always somebody that will rent out their units or DVC points.DVC is coming to California and they are going to build in Hawaii between the JW marriott and Marriott timeshare but it is not in the best of the best location but it does have a nice lagoon to swim in for kids.

I would prefer to go to the other Islands in Hawaii.

Disney has big plans for the Anaheim area with a few more timeshare not just the 50 rooms at the "grand Californian" plus in the travel industry there is talk Disney with bring their cruise ship out here to the west coast full time with sailing to Mexico,Alaska and Hawaii during the different seasons.

So at this time I will pass on DVC do to the costs,MF's,Time over all usage!!! I will rent the points for DVC owners !!!!

Good luck have a nice weekend!

 

[Steamboat Bill]

Renting DVC points is pretty easy and the going rate is $10-12pp.

When you consider that the annual dues is between $4-5pp you are only paying about $5-8pp over what a DVC owner pays and you did not have to spend $12,000-20,000 to join DVC.

If DVC costs $100pp to join, then the lost opportunity costs (5%) of buying into DVC is at an almost break-even compared to renting.

If anyone finances DVC at 13% interest, they would be better to rent than buy (IMHO) as their net cost is about $20pp if you factor in downpayment, annual dues and interest.

 

[Carmel85]

Renting DVC points is pretty easy and the going rate is $10-12pp.

When you consider that the annual dues is between $4-5pp you are only paying about $5-8pp over what a DVC owner pays and you did not have to spend $12,000-20,000 to join DVC.

If DVC costs $100pp to join, then the lost opportunity costs (5%) of buying into DVC is at an almost break-even compared to renting.

If anyone finances DVC at 13% interest, they would be better to rent than buy (IMHO) as their net cost is about $20pp if you factor in downpayment, annual dues and interest.

I agree 100% you got is 100% correct those are my thought too!!! RENT!!!

 

[Steamboat Bill]

I agree 100% you got is 100% correct those are my thought too!!! RENT!!!

I am glad at least one person agrees with my DVC analysis. I got tarred and feathered last year when I posted a similar opinion on DISboards last year. I really love DVC and used to own over 1,000 points, but financing is not a smart financial move when you can rent cheaper.

 

[Carmel85]

I am glad at least one person agrees with my DVC analysis. I got tarred and feathered last year when I posted a similar opinion on DISboards last year. I really love DVC and used to own over 1,000 points, but financing is not a smart financial move when you can rent cheaper.

You are so right 1000% in regards to DVC plus dont forget the DVC time table what 45 years or something?

Sorry you got tarred and feathered but you are right on DVC!!!

You same theory is for some area of the country buying or renting, like here in Monterey/Carmel Ca cost 1 million for a house but you can rent it for $2500 or pay a mortgage for 7k per month plus taxes etc... Some things are a no brainer!!!

 

[benjaminb13]

This is too broad..what specifically are you asking for?

Unit comparison
grounds
resort activities
service

Any one of the four will work

 

[benjaminb13]

I am not sure I understand the long flight issue, it is not any longer to Orlando than Hawaii and it is cheaper too. Unless I miised the sarcasm?

The resorts in Orlando are great, we go almost every year, but you go because it is Disney and you are on site, those are the advantages. The rooms are maybe a little below the starwood rooms, but we are being picky here. With Hawaii and California we will wait to see what they look like before we do anything, I really do not need more points or time shares, BUT...

flights are about the same- cost the same- IMO Hawaii is just the better vacation spot - unlike you , I can only go EOY- I spend the other in CA.

 

[benjaminb13]

Renting DVC points is pretty easy and the going rate is $10-12pp.

When you consider that the annual dues is between $4-5pp you are only paying about $5-8pp over what a DVC owner pays and you did not have to spend $12,000-20,000 to join DVC.

If DVC costs $100pp to join, then the lost opportunity costs (5%) of buying into DVC is at an almost break-even compared to renting.

If anyone finances DVC at 13% interest, they would be better to rent than buy (IMHO) as their net cost is about $20pp if you factor in downpayment, annual dues and interest.

Bill
In retrosprect- Do you feel you should have invested in another timeshare other than your dVC?

 

[Carmel85]

Benji,

What are you thinking of buying at DVC? Anaheim? FL? Hawaii?

Bob

 

[Steamboat Bill]

Bill
In retrosprect- Do you feel you should have invested in another timeshare other than your dVC?

Absolutely not....I have made a ton of $$$ on my (7) DVC purchases. My previous posts dealt with buying new today and financing.

People should note that my average cost per point for my DVC is around $65 per point.

I will probably also buy California and Hawaii add-ons.

 

[ciscogizmo1]

One thing I like about DVC is that you bank & borrow. So, we just bought enough points to every 2 years give or take a few. For example, we went Dec 2006/Jan 2007. Our use year is Dec so, we use banked points from Dec 2005, current years points & borrowed some of our Dec 2007 points. We stayed in a one bedroom for 10 nights at Villas of Wilderness Lodge.

We love the extras like Magical Express, dining plan, Bus service.. We like all the extras they have to offer like minature golfing, golf, water parks, etc.. I know you can do many of things staying off site but I love the theming and being onsite. It isn't for everyone so, I would visit before you purchase just make sure. I find most people either hate it or love it.

I love the flexibility DVC has to offer...

The flight to Orlando from CA is a pain for us. There are no direct flights from Sacramento or even SFO (but we wouldn't drive that far for a flight as it saves no time whatsoever for us especially in traffic). So, the last two times we flew red-eye which actually worked out great for us. We left on Friday night around 10 pm and arrived in Orlando around 8 am. Then, we go to the resort and hang out by the pool. We own at BCV so, we just have a nice dinner on the boardwalk somewhere usually the flying fish. Then,we are in bed by 8 or 9 pm and ready and refreshed for the next day. We found otherwise, the most expensive flights leave in the morning like 8 am and you arrive around 5 pm. Or the cheaper flights leave at 3 or 4 pm and you arrive around midnight (we did that flight the 1st time around and it was difficult to catch up on sleep).

Also, check out my signature of the 2 resorts I have visited so far. OUr next trip is July 2009 and we are hoping to stay 10 nights. Can't wait..

Good luck on decision...

 

[benjaminb13]

Benji,

What are you thinking of buying at DVC? Anaheim? FL? Hawaii?

Bob

probably anaheim- Ill wait for Hyatt to get to Maui

 

[Denise L]

Unit comparison
grounds
resort activities
service

Any one of the four will work

Just buy one of each! It's that simple .

I can only compare Starwood's WKORV with Disney's BCV and VWL. I have seen the inside of the HGVC International Drive units, and they were quite spacious. I own Hyatt, but have yet to stay at a resort.

Disney's BCV & VWL --smallest units, great theming, manicured grounds, Disney activities, friendly CMs. Units are cozy and very nice. Some minor maintenance issues. Convenience to WDW sold us , plus I'm a huge Disney fan. Reservation system is easy to use, not a lot of fees involved. We may sell our BCV once the CA DVC goes on sale.

Starwood's WKORV -- good sized units, functional furniture, great bathrooms with Heavenly shower, Heavenly beds, 5 star beach, friendly staff, palm trees everywhere, beautiful grounds. It's on our favorite island, so a no-brainer to own there . Reservation system is painful but it's only once a year (usually).

HGVC International Drive -- huge, well-appointed units. Sprawling resort. My sister has never had trouble booking any HGVC at the 9 month mark. If they had a Maui resort or a couple of CA resorts, I'd probably have some HGVC points.

Hyatt-- haven't stayed in any Hyatts yet, but have been dying to try them. Reservation system is great, so far. Tahoe coming up in February and Carmel in July. I've never heard anything negative about Hyatt resorts.

 

[benjaminb13]

Like you im from Northern California- I guess redeye does make sense--

The Wilderness lodge pics are great - Im thinking I may try 2009 or 2010 going to Hyatt coconut plantation for a xmas week and driving to dWL or aKV-2nd week---for new years
once you get to Orlando- do you need a car? Or does dvC handle the Shuttle service

 

[benjaminb13]

Just buy one of each! It's that simple .

I can only compare Starwood's WKORV with Disney's BCV and VWL. I have seen the inside of the HGVC International Drive units, and they were quite spacious. I own Hyatt, but have yet to stay at a resort.

Disney's BCV & VWL --smallest units, great theming, manicured grounds, Disney activities, friendly CMs. Units are cozy and very nice. Some minor maintenance issues. Convenience to WDW sold us , plus I'm a huge Disney fan. Reservation system is easy to use, not a lot of fees involved. We may sell our BCV once the CA DVC goes on sale.

Starwood's WKORV -- good sized units, functional furniture, great bathrooms with Heavenly shower, Heavenly beds, 5 star beach, friendly staff, palm trees everywhere, beautiful grounds. It's on our favorite island, so a no-brainer to own there . Reservation system is painful but it's only once a year (usually).

HGVC International Drive -- huge, well-appointed units. Sprawling resort. My sister has never had trouble booking any HGVC at the 9 month mark. If they had a Maui resort or a couple of CA resorts, I'd probably have some HGVC points.

Hyatt-- haven't stayed in any Hyatts yet, but have been dying to try them. Reservation system is great, so far. Tahoe coming up in February and Carmel in July. I've never heard anything negative about Hyatt resorts.

One of each is the plan-Youll need to loan me the cash Denise -LOL

 

[benjaminb13]

Just buy one of each! It's that simple .

I can only compare Starwood's WKORV with Disney's BCV and VWL. I have seen the inside of the HGVC International Drive units, and they were quite spacious. I own Hyatt, but have yet to stay at a resort.

Disney's BCV & VWL --smallest units, great theming, manicured grounds, Disney activities, friendly CMs. Units are cozy and very nice. Some minor maintenance issues. Convenience to WDW sold us , plus I'm a huge Disney fan. Reservation system is easy to use, not a lot of fees involved. We may sell our BCV once the CA DVC goes on sale.

Starwood's WKORV -- good sized units, functional furniture, great bathrooms with Heavenly shower, Heavenly beds, 5 star beach, friendly staff, palm trees everywhere, beautiful grounds. It's on our favorite island, so a no-brainer to own there . Reservation system is painful but it's only once a year (usually).

HGVC International Drive -- huge, well-appointed units. Sprawling resort. My sister has never had trouble booking any HGVC at the 9 month mark. If they had a Maui resort or a couple of CA resorts, I'd probably have some HGVC points.

Hyatt-- haven't stayed in any Hyatts yet, but have been dying to try them. Reservation system is great, so far. Tahoe coming up in February and Carmel in July. I've never heard anything negative about Hyatt resorts.

You are right--- HGVC is soooo user friendly- I managed to book HGVC Waikoloa for 12 days next year - at the 9 month window no problem- Although I own there I wanted to upgrade - so I made my home reservation 12 mos out and then upgraded at 9 months-- this resort in waikoloa is absolutely gorgeous-

 

[Denise L]

One of each is the plan-Youll need to loan me the cash Denise -LOL

HA HA :hysterical: !

Still paying my addiction off on 0% credit cards that I move every 11-12 months. It is worth it, though, for all of the great vacations we have had!

 

[benjaminb13]

Me 2 --
So like a loyal timeshare Junkie- whats new???
Im purchasing Marriott NCV of course-
Hey denise- Soon we really can start our own private xchange
Funny thing though- although most of us have our individual preferences - We all agree on HYATT

 

[ciscogizmo1]

Like you im from Northern California- I guess redeye does make sense--

The Wilderness lodge pics are great - Im thinking I may try 2009 or 2010 going to Hyatt coconut plantation for a xmas week and driving to dWL or aKV-2nd week---for new years
once you get to Orlando- do you need a car? Or does dvC handle the Shuttle service

Tehnically, no you don't need a car if you are staying onsite. You can use the Magical Express to and from the airport. They even get your luggage for you. You do not wait for it at baggage claim. You can also use a grocery service like Wegoshop.com or netgrocer.com to buy food. We use the grocery service to buy us water, milk, breakfast items & snacks. The food in Florida is way cheaper than here. Juice boxes were half the price here.

Last time for the fun of it we did rent a car. We drove and got our groceries and went to Walmart. Walmart had some great Disney items. We drove to any restaurants that were in hotels in the evenings. However, we used Disney transportation to go to all the parks except Animal Kingdom & MGM. We didn't find it faster but we were going at the busiest time of the year.

Of course, you need to remember all these extra perks could go away at anytime. You just never know.

Good luck...

 

[gsturtz]

Funny thing though- although most of us have our individual preferences - We all agree on HYATT

:annoyed: Grrr, I haven't even closed on my HGVC, and now y'all have me seriously looking at Hyatt!

What is a good price for 2000 Hyatt points?

 

[benjaminb13]

Tehnically, no you don't need a car if you are staying onsite. You can use the Magical Express to and from the airport. They even get your luggage for you. You do not wait for it at baggage claim. You can also use a grocery service like Wegoshop.com or netgrocer.com to buy food. We use the grocery service to buy us water, milk, breakfast items & snacks. The food in Florida is way cheaper than here. Juice boxes were half the price here.

Last time for the fun of it we did rent a car. We drove and got our groceries and went to Walmart. Walmart had some great Disney items. We drove to any restaurants that were in hotels in the evenings. However, we used Disney transportation to go to all the parks except Animal Kingdom & MGM. We didn't find it faster but we were going at the busiest time of the year.

Of course, you need to remember all these extra perks could go away at anytime. You just never know.

Good luck...

Thats really helpful- saving 7 days of car rental 600.00 --- makes WDW orlando more attractive-to this Californian- I really want to check out AKV-
ill probably plan an exchange - once Carmel get s the new "private exchange group going"- Hes the one guy who can get it done-