DVC v. Marriott Vacation Club - Beware!

[ndang3]

I don't think many people would be looking to trade into DVC in HHI. Too many other options there. Most people would be looking to trade into DVC resorts on WDW property. It seems to happen often enough in RCI, not sure why it would be any different with II. People here seem to have their expectations straight.

If you read the previous comments, someone mentioned finally getting in Disney's HHI through II. Regardless, why would anyone give up their DVC points where they own or can get in places like the Rivieria, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Poly, The Boardwalk, Animal Kindom Lodge, etc... to stay at a Marriott???? Sorry, but there's no comparison. We own Vistana because Westin is a step up from Marriott in our book and to have the ability to travel to other places DVC doesn't have a property...but Disney is the top brand in II no doubt and hands down incomparable.

 

[dioxide45]

If you read the previous comments, someone mentioned finally getting in Disney's HHI through II. Regardless, why would anyone give up their DVC points where they own or can get in places like the Rivieria, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Poly, The Boardwalk, Animal Kindom Lodge, etc... to stay at a Marriott???? Sorry, but there's no comparison. We own Vistana because Westin is a step up from Marriott in our book and to have the ability to travel to other places DVC doesn't have a property...but Disney is the top brand in II no doubt and hands down incomparable.

While DVC may be a top tiered brand, inside their villas, they have a lot to be desired. They have a longer than usual refurbishment cycle (where do the MFs go?) when compared to other hotel brand timeshares. If it wasn't for the resorts that the rooms are located in, they aren't anything special. DVC is what it is because of location, location, location. The rooms are nothing special and anyone can visit the resorts. Something not as easy to do with a Marriott or a Westin.

Also, the only post I can find that references trading in to HHI is #17 and I believe they were referencing a previous trade into HHI many years ago. Not something they were expecting in the future.

 

[ndang3]

While DVC may be a top tiered brand, inside their villas, they have a lot to be desired. They have a longer than usual refurbishment cycle (where do the MFs go?) when compared to other hotel brand timeshares. If it wasn't for the resorts that the rooms are located in, they aren't anything special. DVC is what it is because of location, location, location. The rooms are nothing special and anyone can visit the resorts. Something not as easy to do with a Marriott or a Westin.

Also, the only post I can find that references trading in to HHI is #17 and I believe they were referencing a previous trade into HHI many years ago. Not something they were expecting in the future.

Uhh, not sure what you’re talking about and which DVC resort is left to be desired. I can assure you I’ve stayed at almost all the dvc (Disney vacation club which are the deluxe resorts, we’re not talking moderate or below like the All-Stars here) resorts at different locations and I’ve stayed at numerous MVC including the ones everyone raves about in Hawaii Ko’Olina and Maui. If you like finding pubic hair on bathroom floors, stained sheets and mildewy dingy smells then I guess MVC is a better fit for you. A two bedroom villa at the most desired MVC locations don’t even cost $1000 a night. A 2 br at the Floridian, Riveria, Contemporary you name the deluxe resort they run much higher than $1000 a night. Plus dvc resales hold their value. You won’t find a dvc resale for $500 buddy. We snagged a gold week in a 2-br St. John Vistana resale for $500.

 

[SueDonJ]

Uhh, not sure what you’re talking about and which DVC resort is left to be desired. I can assure you I’ve stayed at almost all the dvc (Disney vacation club which are the deluxe resorts, we’re not talking moderate or below like the All-Stars here) resorts at different locations and I’ve stayed at numerous MVC including the ones everyone raves about in Hawaii Ko’Olina and Maui. If you like finding pubic hair on bathroom floors, stained sheets and mildewy dingy smells then I guess MVC is a better fit for you. A two bedroom villa at the most desired MVC locations don’t even cost $1000 a night. A 2 br at the Floridian, Riveria, Contemporary you name the deluxe resort they run much higher than $1000 a night. Plus dvc resales hold their value. You won’t find a dvc resale for $500 buddy. We snagged a gold week in a 2-br St. John Vistana resale for $500.

Here on TUG we who are interested in Disney vacations are pretty much well aware of the difference between Disney hotels and Disney timeshares. No one compares Disney's All-Star hotels with other high-end timeshares. There's no doubt, Disney timeshares hold a resale value better than any other system, and it's very expensive to pay cash rates for stays in Disney timeshares. That's exactly as to be expected because no other timeshares are as enmeshed with an overall vacation experience than that offered by Disney - where the Disney-branded theme parks are a unique draw, the "pixie dust" is everywhere even extending to Hilton Head and Hawaii, and most members/guests in the timeshares/hotels are perfectly happy to never step one foot off of Disney property. Disney could put a theme park in the middle of a swamp and make a mint of money surrounding it with hotels and timeshares - oh but wait, that's exactly what they did! Minus that captive audience factor there's no way that Disney timeshares wouldn't be as susceptible to the ravages of the external resale market as every other timeshare.

If members/guests were not captive to the overall theme park experience, and we were comparing each company's building/unit layouts and different management styles, I agree with @dioxide45 that Disney pales in comparison to some. My comparison is to the Marriott timeshares I own which have larger units, more comfortable beds, busier onsite activities schedules AND more activities outreach in the surrounding community, more-frequent soft- and hard-goods refurbishments (5 and 10 years,) and, higher housekeeping standards (which I know can be hit-or-miss and maybe I've just been unlucky during my numerous Disney stays.)

As for cash rates, again, the captive audience factor supports Disney's sky-high cash rates. If it weren't "SOLD OUT" on the website I'd be able to give you comparison figures for a cash stay in my SurfWatch 3BR July week. As far as availability, I've never had a problem finding cash-rate availability at Disney timeshares. (Again, maybe that's just luck, or the fact that I don't do stays at Disney when it's most crowded.)

It's okay for all of us to have different opinions about all the different timeshares - TUG exists because we all like different things! I'm writing this as a self-admitted Disney freak who loves DisneyWorld but my husband does not, which is why we bought Marriott without ever feeling that it was inferior to DVC. Fortunately it's possible for me to indulge my Disney love with cash stays and DVC owner rentals, and we're enjoying the best of both worlds.

I am sorry that you found horrible housekeeping issues during your Marriott stays. We Marriott owners find that the onsite GM's are generally responsive to legitimate guest complaints so next time, you should stop at the front desk and ask to speak to the GM.

 

[dioxide45]

Uhh, not sure what you’re talking about and which DVC resort is left to be desired. I can assure you I’ve stayed at almost all the dvc (Disney vacation club which are the deluxe resorts, we’re not talking moderate or below like the All-Stars here) resorts at different locations and I’ve stayed at numerous MVC including the ones everyone raves about in Hawaii Ko’Olina and Maui. If you like finding pubic hair on bathroom floors, stained sheets and mildewy dingy smells then I guess MVC is a better fit for you. A two bedroom villa at the most desired MVC locations don’t even cost $1000 a night. A 2 br at the Floridian, Riviera, Contemporary you name the deluxe resort they run much higher than $1000 a night. Plus dvc resales hold their value. You won’t find a dvc resale for $500 buddy. We snagged a gold week in a 2-br St. John Vistana resale for $500.

Most certainly housekeeping issues can happen anywhere. I am sure some have found the same at a Disney resort. We certainly haven't found what you say you have at a MVC. We have been to five DVC resorts and stayed in studios in each one, never were we afforded a king bed. Though OKW did have two doubles/queens. I am simply comparing the accommodation. Not trying to put DVC down. They have fantastic resorts and can get the prices they charge because of their location. The location and convenience is what is driving the price. The same reason why a Deluxe hotel room on property costs much more than a comparable one that isn't a Disney hotel offsite.

I certainly was also not comparing resale value. The good thing though, you can get the same or better accommodations for a much cheaper resale price than DVC by buying Marriott, Vistana or other non DVC timeshare.

 

[CPNY]

Here on TUG we who are interested in Disney vacations are pretty much well aware of the difference between Disney hotels and Disney timeshares. No one compares Disney's All-Star hotels with other high-end timeshares. There's no doubt, Disney timeshares hold a resale value better than any other system, and it's very expensive to pay cash rates for stays in Disney timeshares. That's exactly as to be expected because no other timeshares are as enmeshed with an overall vacation experience than that offered by Disney - where the Disney-branded theme parks are a unique draw, the "pixie dust" is everywhere even extending to Hilton Head and Hawaii, and most members/guests in the timeshares/hotels are perfectly happy to never step one foot off of Disney property. Disney could put a theme park in the middle of a swamp and make a mint of money surrounding it with hotels and timeshares - oh but wait, that's exactly what they did! Minus that captive audience factor there's no way that Disney timeshares wouldn't be as susceptible to the ravages of the external resale market as every other timeshare.

If members/guests were not captive to the overall theme park experience, and we were comparing each company's building/unit layouts and different management styles, I agree with @dioxide45 that Disney pales in comparison to some. My comparison is to the Marriott timeshares I own which have larger units, more comfortable beds, busier onsite activities schedules AND more activities outreach in the surrounding community, more-frequent soft- and hard-goods refurbishments (5 and 10 years,) and, higher housekeeping standards (which I know can be hit-or-miss and maybe I've just been unlucky during my numerous Disney stays.)

As for cash rates, again, the captive audience factor supports Disney's sky-high cash rates. If it weren't "SOLD OUT" on the website I'd be able to give you comparison figures for a cash stay in my SurfWatch 3BR July week. As far as availability, I've never had a problem finding cash-rate availability at Disney timeshares. (Again, maybe that's just luck, or the fact that I don't do stays at Disney when it's most crowded.)

It's okay for all of us to have different opinions about all the different timeshares - TUG exists because we all like different things! I'm writing this as a self-admitted Disney freak who loves DisneyWorld but my husband does not, which is why we bought Marriott without ever feeling that it was inferior to DVC. Fortunately it's possible for me to indulge my Disney love with cash stays and DVC owner rentals, and we're enjoying the best of both worlds.

I am sorry that you found horrible housekeeping issues during your Marriott stays. We Marriott owners find that the onsite GM's are generally responsive to legitimate guest complaints so next time, you should stop at the front desk and ask to speak to the GM.

Couldn’t agree more.

I have my last two trades into DVC using my RCI points coming up in Jan. While I’m looking forward to being in the renovated rooms at SSR, I’d much rather stay at a Marriott or Sheraton in Orlando. There really is no comparison to the rooms. One of the only things that DVC has over Marriott is the soap! The H2O products are killer. The sea marine shampoo and the sea salt body wash is absolutely better than Marriott bath soaps. Other than that… Marriott resorts are a Better choice. I always thought I wanted to be “in the bubble”. But after a lackluster stay at AKL, I’d rather the room I’m currently in at Sheraton vistana resort (which is probably the worst orlando resort in all of MVW).

 

[CPNY]

Now don't be ragging on SVR. Though I kind of agree, I would probably stay at any other Sheraton or Marriott timeshare in Orlando over SVR (except perhaps Harbour Lake).

Looks like we are neighbors this week. We are over in Falls. While not renovated, we love the room. I actually prefer this section over the Lakes/Fountains side.

Excellent! I’ll be here all week, hopefully we’ll get to say hello. I’m in the same room I had last time. Def not ragging on it, It’s becoming my favorite for Disney trips. It’s super close and the room I am in is huge. In the summer, I’d stay at a resort with better pools. The ones here are awful

 

[ndang3]

Here on TUG we who are interested in Disney vacations are pretty much well aware of the difference between Disney hotels and Disney timeshares. No one compares Disney's All-Star hotels with other high-end timeshares. There's no doubt, Disney timeshares hold a resale value better than any other system, and it's very expensive to pay cash rates for stays in Disney timeshares. That's exactly as to be expected because no other timeshares are as enmeshed with an overall vacation experience than that offered by Disney - where the Disney-branded theme parks are a unique draw, the "pixie dust" is everywhere even extending to Hilton Head and Hawaii, and most members/guests in the timeshares/hotels are perfectly happy to never step one foot off of Disney property. Disney could put a theme park in the middle of a swamp and make a mint of money surrounding it with hotels and timeshares - oh but wait, that's exactly what they did! Minus that captive audience factor there's no way that Disney timeshares wouldn't be as susceptible to the ravages of the external resale market as every other timeshare.

If members/guests were not captive to the overall theme park experience, and we were comparing each company's building/unit layouts and different management styles, I agree with @dioxide45 that Disney pales in comparison to some. My comparison is to the Marriott timeshares I own which have larger units, more comfortable beds, busier onsite activities schedules AND more activities outreach in the surrounding community, more-frequent soft- and hard-goods refurbishments (5 and 10 years,) and, higher housekeeping standards (which I know can be hit-or-miss and maybe I've just been unlucky during my numerous Disney stays.)

As for cash rates, again, the captive audience factor supports Disney's sky-high cash rates. If it weren't "SOLD OUT" on the website I'd be able to give you comparison figures for a cash stay in my SurfWatch 3BR July week. As far as availability, I've never had a problem finding cash-rate availability at Disney timeshares. (Again, maybe that's just luck, or the fact that I don't do stays at Disney when it's most crowded.)

It's okay for all of us to have different opinions about all the different timeshares - TUG exists because we all like different things! I'm writing this as a self-admitted Disney freak who loves DisneyWorld but my husband does not, which is why we bought Marriott without ever feeling that it was inferior to DVC. Fortunately it's possible for me to indulge my Disney love with cash stays and DVC owner rentals, and we're enjoying the best of both worlds.

I am sorry that you found horrible housekeeping issues during your Marriott stays. We Marriott owners find that the onsite GM's are generally responsive to legitimate guest complaints so next time, you should stop at the front desk and ask to speak to the GM.

“My comparison is to the Marriott timeshares I own which have larger units, more comfortable beds, busier onsite activities schedules AND more activities outreach in the surrounding community, more-frequent soft- and hard-goods refurbishments (5 and 10 years,) and, higher housekeeping standards (which I know can be hit-or-miss and maybe I've just been unlucky during my numerous Disney stays.)”

could not disagree more. We’ve traveled a bit and hate most if not all of our Marriott stays. Too many properties all owned by franchisors so the standards are totally inconsistent. Our friend is an executive at Hilton and can attest. Disney has 15 timeshare properties and are all maintained by Disney. I can assure you the quality brand, quality standards, superb customer service and consistency. I can give you many examples of a cast member going above an beyond but don’t have the time. Whenever we’ve had an issue at a Marriott it’s a stare and silence or a shrug pretty much.

[Moderator Note: Edited to clarify quoted content] <-- SueDonJ

 

[ndang3]

Most certainly housekeeping issues can happen anywhere. I am sure some have found the same at a Disney resort. We certainly haven't found what you say you have at a MVC. We have been to five DVC resorts and stayed in studios in each one, never were we afforded a king bed. Though OKW did have two doubles/queens. I am simply comparing the accommodation. Not trying to put DVC down. They have fantastic resorts and can get the prices they charge because of their location. The location and convenience is what is driving the price. The same reason why a Deluxe hotel room on property costs much more than a comparable one that isn't a Disney hotel offsite.

I certainly was also not comparing resale value. The good thing though, you can get the same or better accommodations for a much cheaper resale price than DVC by buying Marriott, Vistana or other non DVC timeshare.

The price and reputation of DVC is not just because of their location. We have stayed at dvc and have had no desire to go to the parks so it has nothing to do with the parks or being on property. It’s about the complete experience. You’ve obviously never stayed at the Riveria for example. There’s a signature rooftop dining experience Topolinos excellent Italian fare. The rooms are gorgeous. As soon as you enter there is the fantastic distinctive and familiar “Disney smell”. No one knows what it is but when we smell it we know it’s Disney. Tell me which Marriott property is so great I would love to try. They’re all needing refurbishment, the furniture is gross, the beds are not comfortable, you’re sure to find pubic hair in the bathrooms and the smell is old mildew to say the least. When I’ve called to ask for something the response time is about 8 hours.

 

[paxsarah]

Too many properties all owned by franchisors so the standards are totally inconsistent.

Marriott timeshares are owned by franchisees?

 

[SueDonJ]

“My comparison is to the Marriott timeshares I own which have larger units, more comfortable beds, busier onsite activities schedules AND more activities outreach in the surrounding community, more-frequent soft- and hard-goods refurbishments (5 and 10 years,) and, higher housekeeping standards (which I know can be hit-or-miss and maybe I've just been unlucky during my numerous Disney stays.)”

could not disagree more. We’ve traveled a bit and hate most if not all of our Marriott stays. Too many properties all owned by franchisors so the standards are totally inconsistent. Our friend is an executive at Hilton and can attest. Disney has 15 timeshare properties and are all maintained by Disney. I can assure you the quality brand, quality standards, superb customer service and consistency. I can give you many examples of a cast member going above an beyond but don’t have the time. Whenever we’ve had an issue at a Marriott it’s a stare and silence or a shrug pretty much.

[Moderator Note: Edited to clarify quoted content] <-- SueDonJ

Nothing wrong at all with each of us having our favorites for different reasons - with timeshares "one size fits all" definitely doesn't ring true! But I question why it's necessary for you to have criticize the timeshares that aren't Disney-branded in order to enhance your preference for those that are, because it sure gives you the appearance of "methinks you doth protest too much." You need to realize that those of us who are pushing back against your all-encompassing criticism of all things Not Disney also have the benefit of multiple stays in both companies' timeshares. Our purpose here isn't to bash Disney, it's to explain why we - same as you - have a personal preference for one over the other.

I do want to correct one point on which you are simply wrong - Marriott-branded timeshares are not now and never have been, "owned by franchisors." They are all managed by Marriott Vacations Worldwide, which is a completely separate company from the Marriott, Int'l hotel company. Even prior to the timeshare segment being spun off of Marriott, Int'l to the separate Marriott Vacations Worldwide timeshare company, it was only hotel properties that were franchised, never timeshare properties. It's simply not a legitimate criticism to level against Marriott Vacation Club timeshares.

 

[SueDonJ]

Marriott timeshares are owned by franchisees?

They are not.

 

[dioxide45]

“My comparison is to the Marriott timeshares I own which have larger units, more comfortable beds, busier onsite activities schedules AND more activities outreach in the surrounding community, more-frequent soft- and hard-goods refurbishments (5 and 10 years,) and, higher housekeeping standards (which I know can be hit-or-miss and maybe I've just been unlucky during my numerous Disney stays.)” could not disagree more. We’ve traveled a bit and hate most if not all of our Marriott stays. Too many properties all owned by franchisors so the standards are totally inconsistent. Our friend is an executive at Hilton and can attest. Disney has 15 timeshare properties and are all maintained by Disney. I can assure you the quality brand, quality standards, superb customer service and consistency. I can give you many examples of a cast member going above an beyond but don’t have the time. Whenever we’ve had an issue at a Marriott it’s a stare and silence or a shrug pretty much.

You seem to be comparing much of your experience to Marriott hotels. All Marriott timeshare properties are managed by Marriott Vacation Club None operated by different franchisors. The only licensee here is Marriott Vacation Club, operating the timeshares under an agreement with Marriott International. ALl of the big brands now operate this way. I certainly agree with customer service, but I interact with employees very little and am in the room a lot. I put more importance on the resort and room experience.

 

[dioxide45]

The price and reputation of DVC is not just because of their location. We have stayed at dvc and have had no desire to go to the parks so it has nothing to do with the parks or being on property. It’s about the complete experience. You’ve obviously never stayed at the Riveria for example. There’s a signature rooftop dining experience Topolinos excellent Italian fare. The rooms are gorgeous. As soon as you enter there is the fantastic distinctive and familiar “Disney smell”. No one knows what it is but when we smell it we know it’s Disney. Tell me which Marriott property is so great I would love to try. They’re all needing refurbishment, the furniture is gross, the beds are not comfortable, you’re sure to find pubic hair in the bathrooms and the smell is old mildew to say the least. When I’ve called to ask for something the response time is about 8 hours.

It seems you are again comparing DVC to a Marriott hotel. Most (if not all) of the Marriott timeshare properties go through a full refurbishment every 10 years and a soft good refurbishment every 5 years. That is certainly more often that DVC does it. How many people were complaining about the SSR rooms before the latest refurbishment? When was the last time that resort had a full redo of the rooms?

We were just at Marriott's Ocean Pointe, they renovated one of their buildings last year. They were due to renovate another this year but was dleayed due to supply chain issues. They renovate a building every five years with one building being done every year. Going through the 5/10 year cycle.

I would also argue that it still has a lot to do about the location. If it wasn't about the location, Vero Beach, HHI and Aulani would have sold much faster than they did and there wouldn't be talk about them dropping the first two resorts I mentioned once their deed expiration dates hit.

 

[dioxide45]

Marriott timeshares are owned by franchisees?

They aren't. @ndang3 seems to be comparing DVC with their local airport Marriott hotel.

 

[Ty1on]

Nothing wrong at all with each of us having our favorites for different reasons - with timeshares "one size fits all" definitely doesn't ring true! But I question why it's necessary for you to have criticize the timeshares that aren't Disney-branded in order to enhance your preference for those that are, because it sure gives you the appearance of "methinks you doth protest too much." You need to realize that those of us who are pushing back against your all-encompassing criticism of all things Not Disney also have the benefit of multiple stays in both companies' timeshares. Our purpose here isn't to bash Disney, it's to explain why we - same as you - have a personal preference for one over the other.

I do want to correct one point on which you are simply wrong - Marriott-branded timeshares are not now and never have been, "owned by franchisors." They are all managed by Marriott Vacations Worldwide, which is a completely separate company from the Marriott, Int'l hotel company. Even prior to the timeshare segment being spun off of Marriott, Int'l to the separate Marriott Vacations Worldwide timeshare company, it was only hotel properties that were franchised, never timeshare properties. It's simply not a legitimate criticism to level against Marriott Vacation Club timeshares.

And I want to add, no franchisor of the size and variety of classes of Marriott is more meticulous about maintenance of brand standards than they are. I have stayed in many Marriott hotels and have never experienced any of the wild accusations ndang3 has made against them. I agree with you that we all have opinions, but that particular one is just....bizarre. Are there mistakes made at Marriott? Of course, just like there are at DVC resorts and any other hospitality operation. But to broadbrush Marriott hotels as if they were a fleabag chain confounds me.

[Moderator Note: Edited to reflect edit in the quoted text.] <-- SueDonJ

 

[SueDonJ]

Ok good luck! HHI and GC consistently sell out at 11 mo with very little movement. Obviously some people have emergencies and other things come up, but dvc has an internal waitlist system while mvc does not I believe so as soon as any property is released someone within dvc is able to snag it. ...

A second point on which you are simply wrong:

Although the Marriott Vacation Club Weeks side of the house does not have a waitlist system, the Marriott Destination Club points side does in fact have one and many DC Points members have reported successfully using it.

 

[rickandcindy23]

The price and reputation of DVC is not just because of their location. We have stayed at dvc and have had no desire to go to the parks so it has nothing to do with the parks or being on property. It’s about the complete experience. You’ve obviously never stayed at the Riveria for example. There’s a signature rooftop dining experience Topolinos excellent Italian fare. The rooms are gorgeous. As soon as you enter there is the fantastic distinctive and familiar “Disney smell”. No one knows what it is but when we smell it we know it’s Disney. Tell me which Marriott property is so great I would love to try. They’re all needing refurbishment, the furniture is gross, the beds are not comfortable, you’re sure to find pubic hair in the bathrooms and the smell is old mildew to say the least. When I’ve called to ask for something the response time is about 8 hours.

What Marriott Vacation Club resort did you try? I am asking about actual Marriott? Marriott resorts are the best, followed by Westin. I am talking timeshares, not hotel rooms. There is a difference.

 

[bnoble]

not sure what you’re talking about and which DVC resort is left to be desired.

Consider the "second generation" DVC resorts: BCV, BRV, BWV, and SSR, all of which share the same basic layout.

As 1BRs, the living area is small but not ridiculously so. The kitchen is a little cramped, but again it is not horrible. In the 2BR configuration, the living room is vastly under-sized for the sleeping capacity of the unit. The dining room table sits at most four people comfortably---except in BRV, where it is more like 2-3. The balconies are barely big enough for two small and uncomfortable chairs and a very small side table. And, my personal pet peeve: the fridges do not have ice makers.

A lot of these things got fixed in later designs, but there still isn't a 2BR DVC unit with a dining table that seats more than four people in a unit rated for at least eight.

As stand-alone resorts, the DVC units don't measure up to the best of the rest in Orlando. It is only when you consider them in the larger context of the larger Walt Disney World that the resorts are able to command what they do.

 

[paxsarah]

Regardless, why would anyone give up their DVC points where they own or can get in places like the Rivieria, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Poly, The Boardwalk, Animal Kindom Lodge, etc...

This seems like a reasonable question, but one doesn't need to know the answer to "why" to understand that for whatever reason, some DVC members simply do deposit their points to an exchange company. It's what's allowed me to exchange into multiple DVC resorts over the last 10 years while they were in RCI. There's no reason to believe this won't continue with the move to II.

However, for those of you who think you'll able to use Hyatt, MVC, Hilton, etc...to get in to DVC....you'll be surprised...We own both Vistana and DVC and DVC is EXTREMELY hard to get in....remember there are only like 15 DVC properties. If you don't own at HHI or Grand Californian, you can forget getting in those two places through II guaranteed

This is a little bit of "tell me you don't understand how timeshare exchanges work without telling me you don't understand how timeshare exchanges work." If DVC owners choose to deposit points into their exchange company - which we've seen they do - then DVC will make units available to users of that exchange company. Those units will no longer be available for internal booking by DVC owners - they are deposited into the exchange company. The owners of other timeshares who want to make an exchange will not be competing against DVC owners booking internally; they'll be competing against each other within II. It's quite possible that those owners, yes, will not be able to book HHI or Grand Californian, because DVC will likely not deposit them into II (just as they haven't been deposited to RCI for years). But it's certain that DVC units will be deposited, and II members will be able to exchange into them. I'm not an II member so I can't speculate how easy or difficult it will be, but I can say that in RCI it hasn't been very difficult to book SSR or OKW during the times I've wanted.

EDIT: Now that the thread has been split, this post is more suited to the other thread (DVC moving to II) than this one (DVC vs. Marriott). Sorry it’s kind of off topic for this thread! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[rickandcindy23]

For staying in the resort, as bnoble pointed out, the living areas are nicer in size in Marriott resorts, the kitchens have more room for food storage and cooking, and the internet access at Marriott resorts is faster as well, so streaming movies has been a better experience.

But when we want to be onsite, nothing beats Disney. Our kids and grandkids are staying at Saratoga Springs in January, and we will be at Old Key West. They will be cramped, but we rarely take a full day off to spend much time in the unit.

 

[ndang3]

Marriott timeshares are owned by franchisees?

Yeah, if you know anything about the hospitality industry, the brands pay the brick and mortar owners to slap their name on the buildings. Marriott pays the owner to put their name on the structure. Someone else typically manages the operations. I suggest you read the investor filings. Disney own and manages all their properties.

 

[Ty1on]

Yeah, if you know anything about the hospitality industry, the brands pay the brick and mortar owners to slap their name on the buildings. Marriott pays the owner to put their name on the structure. Someone else typically manages the operations. I suggest you read the investor filings. Disney own and manages all their properties.

Seriously, you need to stop proving that you know absolutely nothing about any facet of the hospitality industry. Yet another thing you have backward. In the hotel franchise world, owners PAY franchisors for the use of their names, brands, and reservation portals. Marriott fetches among the highest franchise fee rates in the industry, and for good reason: They have built a strong and trusted brand.

But to reiterate, this has NOTHING to do with the topic at hand, because this thread is about timeshare systems and resorts, not hotel chains.

 

[bnoble]

if you know anything about the hospitality industry

Friend, you are posting in a forum absolutely full of people who not only know something about the hospitality industry, but people who pore over the 10Qs, quarterlies, and annuals for resorts at which they do not even own looking for any small advantage they can find in using their timeshares, and have been doing that for years and years now. Some of these people have (had) careers in that industry, served on the boards of HOAs of timeshares, etc. etc. So you might want to think twice before snarky little comments like that.

And, what those people are telling you is that unlike the hotel side of the business, the timeshare side of the Marriott world is managed entirely by the legal entity that is VAC. That is separate from the legal entity that is MAR, but that is only because the latter spun off the former for stock price manipulation; they are still for all intents and purposes one thing.

You've been asked to share specifically which Marriott timeshare resort you have expeirenced that compared so unfavorably to DVC, and have yet to answer that question. Until you tell me otherwise, I'll assume that means you have stayed at precisely zero of them.

This is a little bit of "tell me you don't understand how timeshare exchanges work without telling me you don't understand how timeshare exchanges work."

Everyone has their weird success story. Here's mine.

In '13 or maybe '14, I got a 1BR at BCV. It was just sitting in open inventory. It was under a Wyndham RCI promotion and discounted less than a mid-season studio normally costs.

It was over Halloween and during Food & Wine. (!)

If I owned DVC, I would have had to scratch and claw to get that booking, and even then would have had to have had some luck and maybe sacrificed a chicken. But, due to some sequence of strange and unlikely events, there I was on a whim. I'd say it was due to clean living, but that was well before I got sober, so that's certainly not it!

 

[ndang3]

A second point on which you are simply wrong:

Although the Marriott Vacation Club Weeks side of the house does not have a waitlist system, the Marriott Destination Club points side does in fact have one and many DC Points members have reported successfully using it.

My in laws are platinum mvc owners and there is no waitlist system.