Honest Review of Wyndham Club

[boxer156]

Let me preface this by saying we are Disney DVC Owners for several years--so we understand how Timeshares work, and actually have thoroughly enjoyed/used our DVC timeshare. With that said, we recently stayed at Bonnet Creek, and attended the Sales offering. I am NOT an impulsive person, but they caught me with what I 'thought' to be a pretty good offer. My sanity returned when we got home last night, and I sent the rescission letter today (via UPS--will follow up with another one tomorrow with USPS). With that said, I really did love the resort, and would be interested in getting a Wydham timeshare--so looking for the following opinions/advice:

1. We will mostly stay at Bonnet Creek and/or FL. We are used to booking at 10mos+ out, so is there any availability issues with this resort/area? We typically travel during the 'value' seasons, so thinking that should help too
2. Any restrictions to booking (or anything) if we buy resale?
3. In terms of the RCI exchange--the Sales guy made a comment we can get an RCI room for a cash payment (instead of points) for like $400/week. Is this true? How tough are these to book--or are there any 'hidden' obstacles to do so?
4. What is your opinion on Club Wyndham as a whole? Again, we use our DVC timeshare religiously--and plan to do so with this one if we decide to purchase
5. Do I still get the booking window of 13mos at Bonnet Creek if I buy resale?
6. Is it true it may be 6mos for ownership to transfer if I buy resale???


Thanks for any help!!!

 

[jp10558]

1. We will mostly stay at Bonnet Creek and/or FL. We are used to booking at 10mos+ out, so is there any availability issues with this resort/area? We typically travel during the 'value' seasons, so thinking that should help too

I doubt you need to buy at Bonnet Creek to book there at 10 months out.

2. Any restrictions to booking (or anything) if we buy resale?

Can't use ClubPass for Worldmark.

3. In terms of the RCI exchange--the Sales guy made a comment we can get an RCI room for a cash payment (instead of points) for like $400/week. Is this true? How tough are these to book--or are there any 'hidden' obstacles to do so?

It can be true though I'd estimate more like $600 if it shows up in Last Call once you figure in resort fees and taxes. Last Calls are only out 45 days. I don't see any Bonnet Creek availability in Last Call right now. The other more expensive option is Extra Vacations. It goes out further and depends on unit size. Right now there looks to be a bunch of availability over the next couple months anyway - I didn't keep scrolling. They're going for ~$750 1BR, ~$850 2BR. Plus tax and resort fees. Bonnet Creek as I understand isn't that hard to book Extra Vacations, but it is certainly far from guaranteed.

4. What is your opinion on Club Wyndham as a whole? Again, we use our DVC timeshare religiously--and plan to do so with this one if we decide to purchase

I think it's a little expensive for the resort qualities compared to HGVC, but it has way way more locations and so far no booking fees or anything when booked directly. The resorts are solid 3 to 3.5 star IMO so I like it a lot, and may someday get more points. Again, the locations are what make it killer IMO.

5. Do I still get the booking window of 13mos at Bonnet Creek if I buy resale?

Only if you buy something with ARP. I'd assume 10 months, but I haven't seen any issues at 10 months for availability most places in Wyndham.

6. Is it true it may be 6mos for ownership to transfer if I buy resale???

Yes. I waited 6 months last year when I bought.

 

[noreenkate]

Let me preface this by saying we are Disney DVC Owners for several years--so we understand how Timeshares work, and actually have thoroughly enjoyed/used our DVC timeshare. With that said, we recently stayed at Bonnet Creek, and attended the Sales offering. I am NOT an impulsive person, but they caught me with what I 'thought' to be a pretty good offer. My sanity returned when we got home last night, and I sent the rescission letter today (via UPS--will follow up with another one tomorrow with USPS). With that said, I really did love the resort, and would be interested in getting a Wydham timeshare--so looking for the following opinions/advice:

1. We will mostly stay at Bonnet Creek and/or FL. We are used to booking at 10mos+ out, so is there any availability issues with this resort/area? We typically travel during the 'value' seasons, so thinking that should help too
2. Any restrictions to booking (or anything) if we buy resale?
3. In terms of the RCI exchange--the Sales guy made a comment we can get an RCI room for a cash payment (instead of points) for like $400/week. Is this true? How tough are these to book--or are there any 'hidden' obstacles to do so?
4. What is your opinion on Club Wyndham as a whole? Again, we use our DVC timeshare religiously--and plan to do so with this one if we decide to purchase
5. Do I still get the booking window of 13mos at Bonnet Creek if I buy resale?
6. Is it true it may be 6mos for ownership to transfer if I buy resale???


Thanks for any help!!!

Also DVC family- and have picked up Wyndham resales…Congrats on rescinding!
1.- Availability At Bonnet Creek hasn’t been an issue for us at all- nothing like DVC and often less than 60 days out for two bedroom units. ( haven’t really tried for the larger ones.
2.- for us the resale restrictions that are in place really had no impact on how we use Club Wyndham.
3. We have used the RCI more for getaways and extra vacations. Don’t forget you can use your DVC interval account for Orlando area cash stays without an exchange. With the new bonus time Wyndham has I don’t think we will use it as much.
4. Honestly I like the accommodations at club Wyndham a lot - and I like that we were able to add days on to our Grand Californian Disneyland trip with it and explored the other coast and have reservations for near by Epic universe when it opens- but that the IT at Wyndham makes Disney IT look competent. I would have taken on more Wyndham but the IT experience made me stop and start picking up Marriott weeks.
5. Booking windows remain the same with Wyndham and unless your looking at major holidays home resort priority has not that necessary for us- it was a huge difference from DVC.
6. The fastest transfer time that I had was a Club Wyndham Access- but yeah Wyndham transfer time is long and we experienced problems almost immediately- that said using a decent legitimate closing service made a difference for us.

Good luck best wishes.

 

[boxer156]

Also DVC family- and have picked up Wyndham resales…Congrats on rescinding!
1.- Availability At Bonnet Creek hasn’t been an issue for us at all- nothing like DVC and often less than 60 days out for two bedroom units. ( haven’t really tried for the larger ones.
2.- for us the resale restrictions that are in place really had no impact on how we use Club Wyndham.
3. We have used the RCI more for getaways and extra vacations. Don’t forget you can use your DVC interval account for Orlando area cash stays without an exchange. With the new bonus time Wyndham has I don’t think we will use it as much.
4. Honestly I like the accommodations at club Wyndham a lot - and I like that we were able to add days on to our Grand Californian Disneyland trip with it and explored the other coast and have reservations for near by Epic universe when it opens- but that the IT at Wyndham makes Disney IT look competent. I would have taken on more Wyndham but the IT experience made me stop and start picking up Marriott weeks.
5. Booking windows remain the same with Wyndham and unless your looking at major holidays home resort priority has not that necessary for us- it was a huge difference from DVC.
6. The fastest transfer time that I had was a Club Wyndham Access- but yeah Wyndham transfer time is long and we experienced problems almost immediately- that said using a decent legitimate closing service made a difference for us.

Good luck best wishes.

Thank you!!! So it is tough to book yourself online (the IT comment)? Also, i have never used RCI while I had DVC , so I know nothing about it. Guide had mentioned about using RCI for a cash stay--- something like $400? But learning that might only be certain locations, at certain times--- is that right? We planned to use that for shorter getaways, or more last minute stays.


Finally, dumb question--- but why would people give AWAY their membership??? You would never see that in DVC....so wanna know why they do with WC?

 

[SmithOp]

People age out of timeshares and have got the value out of it, they may not be able to travel.

 

[Floridaman76]

I don't know anything about DVC so I can't answer anything there, especially resale value if any.

With very few exceptions, you should have no issues getting a booking at Bonnet Creek at any time of year unless you are looking to book Thanksgiving, New Years or Christmas. Or Spring Break. But even those you could probably do at 10 months as well.

As far as what to buy, there are 2 "basic" types of ownership. Club Wyndham Select and Club Wyndham Access.

Access gets you the ability to book at MOST resorts at 13 months and 10 months everywhere else.
Select gets you the ability to book at your home resort at 13 months and 10 months everywhere else.

You can usually find a Select contract with much lower maintenance fees than access. Basically you pay more to own access for the ability to book most places at 13 months. Just remember, not every resort has access inventory, and some only has limited access inventory.

I can't speak for how much Access inventory Bonnet Creek has, but I would not pay a premium to own Access...

At 10 months, points are points... and if you have flexibility in booking dates, Select is the way to go.

RCI is largely a waste, it's leftover inventory that is more often than not, not worth booking.

 

[boxer156]

People age out of timeshares and have got the value out of it, they may not be able to travel.

I don't know anything about DVC so I can't answer anything there, especially resale value if any.

With very few exceptions, you should have no issues getting a booking at Bonnet Creek at any time of year unless you are looking to book Thanksgiving, New Years or Christmas. Or Spring Break. But even those you could probably do at 10 months as well.

As far as what to buy, there are 2 "basic" types of ownership. Club Wyndham Select and Club Wyndham Access.

Access gets you the ability to book at MOST resorts at 13 months and 10 months everywhere else.
Select gets you the ability to book at your home resort at 13 months and 10 months everywhere else.

You can usually find a Select contract with much lower maintenance fees than access. Basically you pay more to own access for the ability to book most places at 13 months. Just remember, not every resort has access inventory, and some only has limited access inventory.

I can't speak for how much Access inventory Bonnet Creek has, but I would not pay a premium to own Access...

At 10 months, points are points... and if you have flexibility in booking dates, Select is the way to go.

RCI is largely a waste, it's leftover inventory that is more often than not, not worth booking.

Wow...i didn't know there were 2 different memberships?!?! So, CWA is only 10 month window---and Select is 13mos? I guess I need to look for that on any contracts I plan on getting! Big thing we were looking for is the larger 'Presidential' suites at bonnet creek. I 'Think'both memberships would allow booking those, correct?

Do you like your Club Wyndham timeshare? We are big FLmpeople, so generally will use it for that.

 

[Floridaman76]

Wow...i didn't know there were 2 different memberships?!?! So, CWA is only 10 month window---and Select is 13mos? I guess I need to look for that on any contracts I plan on getting! Big thing we were looking for is the larger 'Presidential' suites at bonnet creek. I 'Think'both memberships would allow booking those, correct?

Do you like your Club Wyndham timeshare? We are big FLmpeople, so generally will use it for that.

You have that backwards.

Access is 13 months, Select is 10 months except your home resort.

There's multiple posts on this forum about Access and what resorts are in it and what are not. I really have no idea because I don't own access. Just understand not every resort has Access inventory and that's not really disclosed when you buy. They frame Access as "13 months everywhere" and that's not true. A more accurate description would be "13 months most places".

Yes, I like my ownership. I initially bought retail, but knowing what I know now, would have gone 100% resale from the start. As it is now, I am a hybrid owner, owning both retail and resale points. I see zero reason to own retail points. Some incentives like unlimited housekeeping no longer exist.

 

[noreenkate]

Big thing we were looking for is the larger 'Presidential' suites at bonnet creek.

Not anywhere equivalent to a DVC grand villa IMO.

As far as the IT issues went I had a difficult start with them - someone on the Wyndham titling side decided to change my name and it created havoc- still have login issues.
Also Wyndham is wonky about how many points will transfer…I suggest reading up on the threads here about how use years travel search keywords “Wyndham stealing points” ect

I am not saying don’t join but be aware before you make any offers on eBay of all possible pitfalls.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

Let me preface this by saying we are Disney DVC Owners for several years--so we understand how Timeshares work, and actually have thoroughly enjoyed/used our DVC timeshare. With that said, we recently stayed at Bonnet Creek, and attended the Sales offering. I am NOT an impulsive person, but they caught me with what I 'thought' to be a pretty good offer. My sanity returned when we got home last night, and I sent the rescission letter today (via UPS--will follow up with another one tomorrow with USPS). With that said, I really did love the resort, and would be interested in getting a Wydham timeshare--so looking for the following opinions/advice:

1. We will mostly stay at Bonnet Creek and/or FL. We are used to booking at 10mos+ out, so is there any availability issues with this resort/area? We typically travel during the 'value' seasons, so thinking that should help too
2. Any restrictions to booking (or anything) if we buy resale?
3. In terms of the RCI exchange--the Sales guy made a comment we can get an RCI room for a cash payment (instead of points) for like $400/week. Is this true? How tough are these to book--or are there any 'hidden' obstacles to do so?
4. What is your opinion on Club Wyndham as a whole? Again, we use our DVC timeshare religiously--and plan to do so with this one if we decide to purchase
5. Do I still get the booking window of 13mos at Bonnet Creek if I buy resale?
6. Is it true it may be 6mos for ownership to transfer if I buy resale???


Thanks for any help!!!

We are DVC owners and bought Wyndham mostly for bonnet creek same as you. Get a RESALE contract on eBay for pennies on the dollar. The most important thing is the resale contract with the lowest $/1,000 maintenance fees. You DO NOT NEED ARP for Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek for most room types most of the year. You can get a 2 bedroom at Bonnet Creek easily at the 10 month mark (and often well within the 10 month mark) at any time of the year. It’s not like DVC. Ditto a 1 bedroom. 2 Bedroom Presidential units and 3 & 4 bedroom presidential units are a little tougher but also generally available nearly year round at the 10 month mark. (4 bedroom units might be hard at some peak holiday times).

In order:

1. No issues whatsoever with availability. Again, buy the the contract with the cheapest maintenance fees you can find on eBay. Marriott Grand Desert is a good one that often goes for less than closing costs on eBay but has good maintenance fees. Bali Hai has even cheaper maintenance fees but you may have to pay a grand or two depending on the size of the contract.
2. No. Wyndham treats its resale owners pretty well. You won’t get VIP discounts but those aren’t worth the steep buy in price of direct.
3. It can be true. You can also get something similar now with your DVC membership through Interval International using their “getaways” feature.
4. We love Club Wyndham. We use it mostly for Disney bu have also had great experiences in Myrtle Beach (Westwinds), and New York City (Midtown 45). We are also using it for Disneyland next June (Club Wyndham Anaheim, walking distance to Disneyland Park).
5. Yes. You get ARP (13 Mo priority) at the resort you own, doesn’t matter if you’re resale or not. We started with a Bonnet Creek Contract (before adding on elsewhere), but if I had it all over to do again, I would not have bought Bonnnet Creek. The MF’s are pricy and you really don’t need the ARP for Bonet Creek.
6. Probably not quite 6, but yeah, 4 or 5 is possible. It is worth the literally tens of thousands of dollars you will save.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

Just going to also throw in that you should look at the seasonality calendar. Bonnet Creek isn’t like DVC, Thanksgiving is low season and super cheap points-wise, as is most of the fall up until mid December. Sometimes Easter is low season as well. I am writing this post while on an airplane having just left Bonnet Creek. It is our favorite non-DVC resort and in some ways it is better than DVC in our opinion.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

Also DVC family- and have picked up Wyndham resales…Congrats on rescinding!
1.- Availability At Bonnet Creek hasn’t been an issue for us at all- nothing like DVC and often less than 60 days out for two bedroom units. ( haven’t really tried for the larger ones.
2.- for us the resale restrictions that are in place really had no impact on how we use Club Wyndham.
3. We have used the RCI more for getaways and extra vacations. Don’t forget you can use your DVC interval account for Orlando area cash stays without an exchange. With the new bonus time Wyndham has I don’t think we will use it as much.
4. Honestly I like the accommodations at club Wyndham a lot - and I like that we were able to add days on to our Grand Californian Disneyland trip with it and explored the other coast and have reservations for near by Epic universe when it opens- but that the IT at Wyndham makes Disney IT look competent. I would have taken on more Wyndham but the IT experience made me stop and start picking up Marriott weeks.
5. Booking windows remain the same with Wyndham and unless your looking at major holidays home resort priority has not that necessary for us- it was a huge difference from DVC.
6. The fastest transfer time that I had was a Club Wyndham Access- but yeah Wyndham transfer time is long and we experienced problems almost immediately- that said using a decent legitimate closing service made a difference for us.

Good luck best wishes.

Also, going to add that I’ve had no issue booking Christmas Week at Bonnet Creek well within the 10 month mark for a 2 bedroom unit. This year Bonnet Creek was available Christmas week at least until the 4 month mark (which is when we booked it due to a change in plans).

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

Wow...i didn't know there were 2 different memberships?!?! So, CWA is only 10 month window---and Select is 13mos? I guess I need to look for that on any contracts I plan on getting! Big thing we were looking for is the larger 'Presidential' suites at bonnet creek. I 'Think'both memberships would allow booking those, correct?

Do you like your Club Wyndham timeshare? We are big FLmpeople, so generally will use it for that.

Don’t buy Club Wyndham Access for Bonnet Creek. You do not need the priority, and Club Wyndham Access maintenance fees are high. As to your question about being able to book online, yes their IT sucks, but you will be able to book online. Some of us have had IT problems over the years but Wyndham usually fixes the issue eventually. Finally as to why WYndham contracts are given away? Supply and demand. There is a huge surplus of them. They hold very little to no resale value. You can purchase them on eBay in many cases for less than the closing costs. They’re not like DVC at all.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

Big thing we were looking for is the larger 'Presidential' suites at bonnet creek.

If you want the 4 bedroom presidential unit at peak times then I will amend my answer to yes, you should buy at Bonnet Creek, as that will give you 13 month priority, and Bonnet Creek MF’s are slightly cheaper than CWA (and I’m not sure how much CWA inventory there is at Bonnet Creek in any event). Bonnet Creek contracts on eBay should go for less than closing costs (so basically free).

If all you need are the regular 3 bedroom deluxe units, then those are not hard to book at the 10 month mark i my experience and you can get away with something with cheaper maintenance fees.

 

[boxer156]

Just going to also throw in that you should look at the seasonality calendar. Bonnet Creek isn’t like DVC, Thanksgiving is low season and super cheap points-wise, as is most of the fall up until mid December. Sometimes Easter is low season as well. I am writing this post while on an airplane having just left Bonnet Creek. It is our favorite non-DVC resort and in some ways it is better than DVC in our opinion.

We just returned ourselves!!!! Really loved the resort, especially the Presidential rooms....that's why we are thinking about making rhe switch--- our family has grown, and we need larger rooms, and DVC points (and disney as a whole) are getting expensive. We figured rather than buy more DVC points, maybe we get enough WC points for a 2 or 3 presidential room stay instead.

 

[boxer156]

We are DVC owners and bought Wyndham mostly for bonnet creek same as you. Get a RESALE contract on eBay for pennies on the dollar. The most important thing is the resale contract with the lowest $/1,000 maintenance fees. You DO NOT NEED ARP for Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek for most room types most of the year. You can get a 2 bedroom at Bonnet Creek easily at the 10 month mark (and often well within the 10 month mark) at any time of the year. It’s not like DVC. Ditto a 1 bedroom. 2 Bedroom Presidential units and 3 & 4 bedroom presidential units are a little tougher but also generally available nearly year round at the 10 month mark. (4 bedroom units might be hard at some peak holiday times).

In order:

1. No issues whatsoever with availability. Again, buy the the contract with the cheapest maintenance fees you can find on eBay. Marriott Grand Desert is a good one that often goes for less than closing costs on eBay but has good maintenance fees. Bali Hai has even cheaper maintenance fees but you may have to pay a grand or two depending on the size of the contract.
2. No. Wyndham treats its resale owners pretty well. You won’t get VIP discounts but those aren’t worth the steep buy in price of direct.
3. It can be true. You can also get something similar now with your DVC membership through Interval International using their “getaways” feature.
4. We love Club Wyndham. We use it mostly for Disney bu have also had great experiences in Myrtle Beach (Westwinds), and New York City (Midtown 45). We are also using it for Disneyland next June (Club Wyndham Anaheim, walking distance to Disneyland Park).
5. Yes. You get ARP (13 Mo priority) at the resort you own, doesn’t matter if you’re resale or not. We started with a Bonnet Creek Contract (before adding on elsewhere), but if I had it all over to do again, I would not have bought Bonnnet Creek. The MF’s are pricy and you really don’t need the ARP for Bonet Creek.
6. Probably not quite 6, but yeah, 4 or 5 is possible. It is worth the literally tens of thousands of dollars you will save.

So you don't have alot of issue booking.elsewhwre correct? Unlike DVC, we would also like to use this for shorts stays elsewhere occasionally. That is where the RCI was kinda confusing for me

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

So you don't have alot of issue booking.elsewhwre correct? Unlike DVC, we would also like to use this for shorts stays elsewhere occasionally. That is where the RCI was kinda confusing for me

I would say that most places in the Wyndham system can be gotten at the 10 month mark except for super peak times/holidays, special events. We did Columbus Day Weekend at Midtown 45 with no problem, Late June in California at two locations with no problem, Myrtle Beach int he summer with no problem.

Make sure you understand housekeeping credits which is a concept that doesn’t exist in DVC. You get 1 housekeeping credit per year per 70,000 points that you own. Every reservation requires a housekeeping credit, and if you run out you will have to buy more (I think they are like $150ish each). I’ve never run out, but if you plan on doing lots of short stays in smaller/cheaper units you could end up running out. Basically you want to average more than 70,000 points per trip in a given use year or you’re going to run out.

 

[boxer156]

I would say that most places in the Wyndham system can be gotten at the 10 month mark except for super peak times/holidays, special events. We did Columbus Day Weekend at Midtown 45 with no problem, Late June in California at two locations with no problem, Myrtle Beach int he summer with no problem.

Make sure you understand housekeeping credits which is a concept that doesn’t exist in DVC. You get 1 housekeeping credit per year per 70,000 points that you own. Every reservation requires a housekeeping credit, and if you run out you will have to buy more (I think they are like $150ish each). I’ve never run out, but if you plan on doing lots of short stays in smaller/cheaper units you could end up running out. Basically you want to average more than 70,000 points per trip in a given use year or you’re going to run out.

Didn't know the housekeeping one!!! We would mostly be 2 or 3 larger trips. Our big stay (10 days ) is in early may, so value season. I think we will be fine booking within the 10mos.

 

[Floridaman76]

I don't know why, but recently Wyndham hid their points charts from non-owners. And since I see you talking about "a few 10 day stays" and "big presidential suites", I think you should know what you are in for as far as points you need. See points chart below. Big presidential units in high or prime season arent cheap. I've stayed in a 3BR Presidential and a 2BR Presidential once each, but both times, I was able to get upgraded into the room. You buying resale will not have that option. It was also a combination of dumb luck and great timing that allowed it. They are nice, but in my opinion, not worth the premium in points. I'd rather take more vacations in a decent room (the Deluxe rooms at BC are still very nice) than fewer vacations in a nicer room. In general, how often do you spend a ton of time in your room.

RE: Housekeeping credits, if you are taking mostly long stays, you should have plenty. More shorter stays burn through them

 

[ironsied]

I own at both.
My experience at Bonnet Creek as far as rooms go are as good as DVC or better.
Maintenance issues were handle quick where as DVC not so.
The only problem I had at Bonnet Creek was parking. It was a nightmare.
Be aware what tower you stay in can have drastic effects for their amenities, etc.
I can not say which one is best but others may.
Good Luck.

 

[paxsarah]

I don't know why, but recently Wyndham hid their points charts from non-owners.

This turned out to be a temporary glitch. Points charts on the website are again available publicly. The directory normally would be too, but I’m getting an error with the link, regardless of whether I’m logged in or not (so just another glitch - or is it too much to hope it’s a sign that the 2025-26 edition is coming?).

 

[boxer156]

I don't know why, but recently Wyndham hid their points charts from non-owners. And since I see you talking about "a few 10 day stays" and "big presidential suites", I think you should know what you are in for as far as points you need. See points chart below. Big presidential units in high or prime season arent cheap. I've stayed in a 3BR Presidential and a 2BR Presidential once each, but both times, I was able to get upgraded into the room. You buying resale will not have that option. It was also a combination of dumb luck and great timing that allowed it. They are nice, but in my opinion, not worth the premium in points. I'd rather take more vacations in a decent room (the Deluxe rooms at BC are still very nice) than fewer vacations in a nicer room. In general, how often do you spend a ton of time in your room.

RE: Housekeeping credits, if you are taking mostly long stays, you should have plenty. More shorter stays burn through them

View attachment 101894

I actually have the Points Book since we were given that at the Sales Presentation. And since we travel in value season 90% of the time, I have a pretty good idea how many we need.

I own at both.
My experience at Bonnet Creek as far as rooms go are as good as DVC or better.
Maintenance issues were handle quick where as DVC not so.
The only problem I had at Bonnet Creek was parking. It was a nightmare.
Be aware what tower you stay in can have drastic effects for their amenities, etc.
I can not say which one is best but others may.
Good Luck.

First time staying this past week, and we were in Tower 2. I was told by the Salesperson that all the 'Presidential' level Suites are in Tower 6? Not sure if that is true? We would generally be booking a 2-Bed Presidential--even though we stayed in a 'Deluxe' this time, and it was very nice. Our discussions is we want something equivalent to the DVC level rooms, and the Presidential is very nice.


Parking was rough this past weekend, since they were paving. Once that lot opened up, I was actually impressed with teh Parking availability. Much better than most Disney DVC resorts IMO.

 

[boxer156]

We are DVC owners and bought Wyndham mostly for bonnet creek same as you. Get a RESALE contract on eBay for pennies on the dollar. The most important thing is the resale contract with the lowest $/1,000 maintenance fees. You DO NOT NEED ARP for Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek for most room types most of the year. You can get a 2 bedroom at Bonnet Creek easily at the 10 month mark (and often well within the 10 month mark) at any time of the year. It’s not like DVC. Ditto a 1 bedroom. 2 Bedroom Presidential units and 3 & 4 bedroom presidential units are a little tougher but also generally available nearly year round at the 10 month mark. (4 bedroom units might be hard at some peak holiday times).

In order:

1. No issues whatsoever with availability. Again, buy the the contract with the cheapest maintenance fees you can find on eBay. Marriott Grand Desert is a good one that often goes for less than closing costs on eBay but has good maintenance fees. Bali Hai has even cheaper maintenance fees but you may have to pay a grand or two depending on the size of the contract.
2. No. Wyndham treats its resale owners pretty well. You won’t get VIP discounts but those aren’t worth the steep buy in price of direct.
3. It can be true. You can also get something similar now with your DVC membership through Interval International using their “getaways” feature.
4. We love Club Wyndham. We use it mostly for Disney bu have also had great experiences in Myrtle Beach (Westwinds), and New York City (Midtown 45). We are also using it for Disneyland next June (Club Wyndham Anaheim, walking distance to Disneyland Park).
5. Yes. You get ARP (13 Mo priority) at the resort you own, doesn’t matter if you’re resale or not. We started with a Bonnet Creek Contract (before adding on elsewhere), but if I had it all over to do again, I would not have bought Bonnnet Creek. The MF’s are pricy and you really don’t need the ARP for Bonet Creek.
6. Probably not quite 6, but yeah, 4 or 5 is possible. It is worth the literally tens of thousands of dollars you will save.

Thank you for that advice!!!! I am so used to DVC for the Advanced Booking window, that I thought I would be married to only getting Bonnet Creek. This makes a huge difference, because the MF's at Bonnet Creek are higher than my DVC fee's.

 

[boxer156]

What is the Banking window, and the lifespan of 'booked' points??? I asked in the Sales Presentation, and each Rep answered differently, lol. And I'm also reading that if I buy say a 300k contract, I may not get 'all' those points that first year? That is really odd IMO.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

What is the Banking window, and the lifespan of 'booked' points??? I asked in the Sales Presentation, and each Rep answered differently, lol. And I'm also reading that if I buy say a 300k contract, I may not get 'all' those points that first year? That is really odd IMO.

So Banking works like it does for DVC, except as a resale owner you can only bank in the first 3 months of your use year. Borrowing also works similarly to DVC, except that you can only borrow points in the “Express” window which is 3 months or less.

Club Wyndham will generally not give you current use year points if the contract transfers to you in the second half of the use year. Coupled with the fact that they take 4-5 months to complete a transfer means that if you want a contract with 2025 points (most contracts are January use year), then you need to buy it in the next few weeks.

Bear in mind that Wyndham annual dues are paid monthly, not annually, and for the vast majority of eBay sales (except Tochoa but he’s expensive and I would avoid him for that reason), the current owner pays the annual dues until the contract transfers. That means that if you were to purchase something in the next few weeks, you’d likely get the use of the 2025 points while only paying 6-8 months worth of dues in 2025.