Honest Review of Wyndham Club

[Fido Chuckwagon]

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.

Yeah, I’d try to target a contract that has MF’s / 1,000 at less than $6. You can use this chart to find out which resorts those are: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1mRNaOwfYAl-E5b5GbVSTUwDrqcPelxYxPsNSYmvbX80/htmlview

The resorts with super cheap fees (Canterbury, Bali Hai, etc), are going to cost real money. Everything else is basically going to be free (closing costs for Wyndham are a $399 resort transfer fee + around $400ish in recording costs, etc, and you can usually find contracts for less than $800 all in).

 

[boxer156]

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.

WOW.....first (3) months?!?! So by March, I would need to estimate/assume what I will need for the years vacation, and then book the rest.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

WOW.....first (3) months?!?! So by March, I would need to estimate/assume what I will need for the years vacation, and then book the rest.

Sure, but remember, it’s a timeshare, you’re making your bookings way in advance. 10 months out from the first 3 months puts you into your next use year already.

 

[noreenkate]

except Tochoa but he’s expensive and I would avoid him for that reason)

- they used sterling title and for what it's worth they were not that far off from LT transfers and the only titles that transferd without a glitch.

 

[Sandi Bo]

WOW.....first (3) months?!?! So by March, I would need to estimate/assume what I will need for the years vacation, and then book the rest.

You could move points (by March 31) and then borrow them back if you are booking something 3 months or less from the checkin date. Something to consider based how last minute you plan to travel (and what the availability might be at the resorts you plan to travel to).

 

[jp10558]

Thank you!!! So it is tough to book yourself online (the IT comment)?

It's... well. The site could be better, but the best way to use it is to either have 1 resort you're looking at 10 months out, or have a week and use the search across multiple resorts. Multiple tabs or trying to switch back and forth between single resort view calendars can be flaky and cause frustration. I'd say it's better than IIs website FWIW.

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.

Last Calls are limited locations and within the next 45 days. The $400 is 2BR but before taxes and resort fees. Extra Vacations are more expansive but often cost more, sometimes a LOT more. Many are still deals though compared to MFs to exchange or to own.

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?

Wyndham has less resale value, often 0. Disney has exceptionally high resale value compared to any other system - I think a lot of it is "Disney Fanatics" and keeping the resorts higher end. There are no Wyndham fanatics, and their resorts can be all over the map in quality. IDK why they don't do a brand standard, but they don't really. When people no longer want the contract they generally can most easily give it away. And TBH, there's a lot of value in Wyndham at the resale prices (close to 0). This is especially true if you can get a resort that is lower priced that CWA. The other reason people have to give away CWA is it's expensive vs about 1/3 of the potential resorts to just buy at - and a lot of those come up regularly on resale. So while people will pay money to have the MFs less every year, the resorts that cost as much or more than CWA, and CWA itself no one wants to pay up front for those MF rates.

 

[bnoble]

This makes a huge difference, because the MF's at Bonnet Creek are higher than my DVC fee's.

Are you sure about this, comparing apples to apples?

A peak-season 1BR week at Bonnet Creek is 166K points. The 2024 fees were (less than) $8.29/K---that is the PR maintenance fee number plus the resale program fee number. The non-PR fees would be slightly lower. That's a total of (less than) $1,376.14.

During DVC Season 6 (the one that I travel in---essentially mid-Feburary up to but not including Easter), a 1BR at OKW is 227 points. (There are a few 1BRs with lower point costs, but they are next to impossible to book, so I am ignoring them). If you had the cheapest (non-subsidized) dues in the system at the Grand Floridian, it is $7.57 per point. That is a total of $1,718.

Granted, a DVC studio would be cheaper, but Wyndham doesn't have studios.

 

[Floridaman76]

I don't know anything about DVC, but do they have resorts that are not adjacent to Disney properties? The only people I know who are DVC owners are always complaining about how expensive it is, I let them stay with us at Bonnet Creek once and it surprised them how nice it was, and how cheap it was relative to what they owned. But that's my only exposure.

Remember, you are buying into a timeshare system with resorts all across the country.

Also, there are 4 "use years", January (most common), April, July and October.

Allegedly If you buy a resale, and the transfer occurs after the 6 month mark of the use year, Wyndham doesn't always transfer them points for the current use year. I have not done a recent resale purchase, but the times I have in the past, they transferred the whole year's points to me and it was only a couple months left in my use year.

Keep in mind it is supposedly taking 6+ months for Wyndham to do transfers now, so if you do a resale contract with an April or July use year soon, you will definitely get the full use of your contract in all likelihood when it finally transfers. Also likely if you do one for January at some point VERY soon. You also don't pay maintenance fees until the contract finishes transfering to you.

This should really be a non-issue for you unless you buy an October use year contract right now or in early 2025, you may not get those until your use year resets.

I always use all my points so the limitations on transfers is a complete non issue for me.

 

[Floridaman76]

Are you sure about this, comparing apples to apples?

Granted, a DVC studio would be cheaper, but Wyndham doesn't have studios.

To be more accurate, Bonnet Creek does not have studios. There are some Wyndham resorts which do. But they are more outliers than normal

 

[boxer156]

I don't know anything about DVC, but do they have resorts that are not adjacent to Disney properties? The only people I know who are DVC owners are always complaining about how expensive it is, I let them stay with us at Bonnet Creek once and it surprised them how nice it was, and how cheap it was relative to what they owned. But that's my only exposure.

Remember, you are buying into a timeshare system with resorts all across the country.

Also, there are 4 "use years", January (most common), April, July and October.

Allegedly If you buy a resale, and the transfer occurs after the 6 month mark of the use year, Wyndham doesn't always transfer them points for the current use year. I have not done a recent resale purchase, but the times I have in the past, they transferred the whole year's points to me and it was only a couple months left in my use year.

Keep in mind it is supposedly taking 6+ months for Wyndham to do transfers now, so if you do a resale contract with an April or July use year soon, you will definitely get the full use of your contract in all likelihood when it finally transfers. Also likely if you do one for January at some point VERY soon. You also don't pay maintenance fees until the contract finishes transfering to you.

This should really be a non-issue for you unless you buy an October use year contract right now or in early 2025, you may not get those until your use year resets.

I always use all my points so the limitations on transfers is a complete non issue for me.

I own OKW at Disney, and was my favorite DVC Resort (except maybe Beach Club), but I have to admit the Presidential 1/2 Bedroom at Bonnet Creek is even nicer. That is what started me looking into this. Plus, our family is growing, and my 230 DVC points aren't getting the accomodations we need now (I'm having to buy 'Transfer' points to make our trips work).

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

I own OKW at Disney, and was my favorite DVC Resort (except maybe Beach Club), but I have to admit the Presidential 1/2 Bedroom at Bonnet Creek is even nicer. That is what started me looking into this. Plus, our family is growing, and my 230 DVC points aren't getting the accomodations we need now (I'm having to buy 'Transfer' points to make our trips work).

You might want to try a 2 bedroom deluxe. I think you’ll find those are pretty nice too and the “presidential” suites might not be necessary for every trip.

 

[boxer156]

You might want to try a 2 bedroom deluxe. I think you’ll find those are pretty nice too and the “presidential” suites might not be necessary for every trip.

We just got back from 2-bed Deluxe....it was nice, but not on the level of DVC (and its not like we are 'fancy' people). Just want something a little higher-end if we are going to be paying MF's each year. To me, the Deluxe is very nice, but similar to a nice hotel room suite. The Presidential level is REALLY nice.

 

[Floridaman76]

A Deluxe at Bonnet Creek is better than, i'd estimate 90% of hotel rooms out there, including Hilton's and Marriot's. And it has a full kitchen, and with 2x-3x the space, actual rooms with doors you can lock, and 2 full bathrooms, jetted tub.

I used to travel with work A LOT, and my company exclusively used Hilton and unless you got one of the Deluxe Bedroom Suites or Penthouse rooms, you were never approaching the level of size and comfort that an average Deluxe Wyndham unit gives. And those rooms were $600+ per night. With no full kitchen, no jetted tub and in some cases, not even a bedroom door you could close/lock. Mini Fridge and Microwave, and a couch and desk, that's it. Sometimes a pretty big couch, sometimes not. And it used to be you had to pay for wifi unless you were a higher tier honors member.

You could easily blow through a years worth of Wyndham MF in 3-4 nights at a Deluxe Hilton room.

Don't get me wrong, some other timeshare systems like Marriott and Hilton offer accommodations that are on average much classier, but not at the same cost as you would be paying for Wyndham. Wyndham is head and shoulders the best value proposition, and the largest portfolio by far.

 

[HitchHiker71]

We just got back from 2-bed Deluxe....it was nice, but not on the level of DVC (and its not like we are 'fancy' people). Just want something a little higher-end if we are going to be paying MF's each year. To me, the Deluxe is very nice, but similar to a nice hotel room suite. The Presidential level is REALLY nice.

At 10 months out, points are points and you can book PR/Presidential units with resale points, just like any other unit. PR has the right to hold back up to 50% of their inventory reserved for PR owners up until 30 days out IIRC (or something similar), but Presidential units are laid out exactly the same as PR units in so far as the unit is concerned. So you could likely pick up a Presidential unit at BC without too much effort especially at 10 months out.

 

[HitchHiker71]

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?

No - it's not tough to book online - it's quite easy - and if a particular date range isn't available at that moment in time for the type of unit you want to reserve - you simply create a Waitlist entry (you'll be prompted to do so if there's no search matches), and when that waitlist finds a match - you'll be emailed/texted to approve the waitlist booking at that time. You can have up to two active waitlist entries at any one time. Overall, you'll see a lot of complaints about the website and Wyndham ownership in general here on TUG - but it's one of those situations where the folks that are unhappy are the noisiest - whereas the vast majority of owners that are happy - never both to post anywhere including here on TUG - so keep this in mind bigger picture.

I'm not a big RCI user personally, we make 100% use of our points within the Wyndham system or move points into future use years when we anticipate we're not going to use them all in the current use year - since we are VIPG owners - we have until nine months into the use year to make a future use year deposit (whereas resale only owners only have three months). Overall I'd characterize Wyndham as an above average timeshare system with a crappy sales organization (like most timeshare companies really). The resort operations side of the business does a very good job especially considering the MFs for most Wyndham resorts are comparatively lower than the other larger timeshare companies (MVC, HGVC, etc.). Another plus is that Wyndham is one of the largest timeshare companies out there, so they have more locations than any other timeshare company, however when this statement is made, they include Worldmark resorts, and as a resale only owner, you don't have the ability to book into Worldmark using Club Pass, however even just Club Wyndham has a fairly impressive list of resorts to choose from really.

 

[boxer156]

At 10 months out, points are points and you can book PR/Presidential units with resale points, just like any other unit. PR has the right to hold back up to 50% of their inventory reserved for PR owners up until 30 days out IIRC (or something similar), but Presidential units are laid out exactly the same as PR units in so far as the unit is concerned. So you could likely pick up a Presidential unit at BC without too much effort especially at 10 months out.

I'm talking specifically at Bonnet Creek.....I don't think there are 2 levels of ownership? The units I'm talking about are just a little fancier than the Deluxe--- but I don't think that required a different membership? At least they didn't say that during the sales presentation .....

 

[HitchHiker71]

I'm talking specifically at Bonnet Creek.....I don't think there are 2 levels of ownership? The units I'm talking about are just a little fancier than the Deluxe--- but I don't think that required a different membership? At least they didn't say that during the sales presentation .....

Yes, there are two levels of ownership at the BC resort - as it is a PR resort. Building 6 contains both Presidential and PR units. The PR units are located on the topmost floors of building six - the Presidential units are located on the floors under the PR floors. Don't worry about PR membership - as I said - if you buy resale points (whether BC points or CWA points), you'll be able to reserve Presidential or PR units at 10 months out. As a general rule, larger units go first - as there are fewer of the larger units available at all resorts really. So if you want/need three or four bedroom PR/Presidential units - then obtaining a contract that gives you ARP at BC may be something to consider particularly if you want a larger PR/Presidential unit. If a two bedroom gives you what you need - then you'll likely be OK at ten months out and ARP won't be important. It really all depends on your usage requirements.

 

[boxer156]

Yes, there are two levels of ownership at the BC resort - as it is a PR resort. Building 6 contains both Presidential and PR units. The PR units are located on the topmost floors of building six - the Presidential units are located on the floors under the PR floors. Don't worry about PR membership - as I said - if you buy resale points (whether BC points or CWA points), you'll be able to reserve Presidential or PR units at 10 months out. As a general rule, larger units go first - as there are fewer of the larger units available at all resorts really. So if you want/need three or four bedroom PR/Presidential units - then obtaining a contract that gives you ARP at BC may be something to consider particularly if you want a larger PR/Presidential unit. If a two bedroom gives you what you need - then you'll likely be OK at ten months out and ARP won't be important. It really all depends on your usage requirements.

Ok this is first I've heard this!!! I was told at sales presentation that those units can be booked by ANY membership level without issue. Even tho I'm buying resale, the only thing I won't have is VIP-- which i.undwrstood had nothing to do with the Presidential units. Anyhow, 99% of the time we will be in a 2 bed---- BUT we did want to book the 4-bed for May of 2026 for a family function. So sounds like this may be an issue booking this? We travel almost solely in 'values season, so I didn't think booking be an issue? FYI when I end up buying resale, I will likely buy BC deed.

 

[HitchHiker71]

Ok this is first I've heard this!!! I was told at sales presentation that those units can be booked by ANY membership level without issue. Even tho I'm buying resale, the only thing I won't have is VIP-- which i.undwrstood had nothing to do with the Presidential units. Anyhow, 99% of the time we will be in a 2 bed---- BUT we did want to book the 4-bed for May of 2026 for a family function. So sounds like this may be an issue booking this? We travel almost solely in 'values season, so I didn't think booking be an issue? FYI when I end up buying resale, I will likely buy BC deed.

PR is a membership type within Club Wyndham. It's the top tier membership within CWP, so very few owners are at this tier as a result. A subset of resorts have PR rooms and are therefore also PR resorts. BC is one of many. Here's the list of PR resorts in the system at present: https://clubwyndham.wyndhamdestinations.com/us/en/owner-guide/resources/presidential-reserve-resorts

The four bedroom units go quickly - I'm not saying you won't be able to find a four bedroom at ten months out - as it all depends on the timing and season - May 2026 is approaching high/prime season so you may or may not find a four bedroom ten months out. If this is your intent - book right on the day of ten months out just to be sure. I just looked ten months out from today - and I see four bedroom units available in Sept 2025 per the screenshot below, just as one example - using my resale points. I see both an actual PR four bedroom unit, and a Presidential four bedroom unit. Just one example for you - but this likely isn't the same as a May season booking since September is hurricane season in Florida and therefore probably not as in demand as a May timeslot that's not in hurricane season.

Here's what I see for May 2025 at present - just for comparison which is about seven months out now. So no four bedroom units - but a three bedroom deluxe and/or a two bedroom Presidential unit are available in late May:

If BC is pretty much always where you're going to book and you may want to book larger units for family trips, I'd at least consider either a BC resale contract, or a CWA resale contract (both of which will get you ARP at BC). That said, if you're willing to risk not finding a four bedroom for those occasional family trips - perhaps booking two two bedroom units or a three bedroom unit for example, then you could target a resort with lower MFs and just book right at ten months out for the occasional family trip.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

Ok this is first I've heard this!!! I was told at sales presentation that those units can be booked by ANY membership level without issue. Even tho I'm buying resale, the only thing I won't have is VIP-- which i.undwrstood had nothing to do with the Presidential units. Anyhow, 99% of the time we will be in a 2 bed---- BUT we did want to book the 4-bed for May of 2026 for a family function. So sounds like this may be an issue booking this? We travel almost solely in 'values season, so I didn't think booking be an issue? FYI when I end up buying resale, I will likely buy BC deed.

There are two types of room categories at Bonnet Creek with the words “Presidential” in them. “Presidential” suites, and “Presidential Reserve” Suites. They are extremely similar, to nearly identical. Presidential Reserve Suites are set aside for those who own “Presidential“ contracts at Bonnet Creek in the 10-13 month mark, and are available to everyone at 10 months or less. Regular Presidential units are available to anyone with Bonnet Creek Priority at the 10-13 month mark, and everyone else at the 10 month mark. It doesn’t matter if you own direct or resale for any of this. I would not buy a presidential contract as: 1. They are harder to find, and 2. They dues are more for them, and 3. You won’t have trouble booking presidential units with a regular contract. If you really ant to ensure you have access to those 3 & 4 bedroom presidential units, then buy a Bonnet Creek contract on eBay. I own one and certainly have no regrets.

 

[Floridaman76]

Presidential and Presidential Reserve are the exact same rooms as far as layout, furniture, size, etc. Identical. The only difference is which specific idential rooms are reserved for PR inventory to the 60 day mark. At BC, the only difference is they are on the top couple floors of tower 6. Which doesn't matter.

 

[55plus]

I've owned Wyndham for 30 years; that was before it was Wyndham. The program works great for me. Timeshares aren't for everyone. You need to have an understanding of the program and get through the learning curve before you can really appreciate it. And you have to be the kind of person who can plan ahead.

If I was starting out today, I'd buy resale. When I bought in 30 years ago the cost was $30/1000 points. I paid $30K for a VIP Platinum ownership. The math worked out for me so I bought a million points because of the VIPP benefits I'd gain, but today, the cost per 1000 points is way out of line in my opinion. You can't go wrong buying resale.

 

[Floridaman76]

Also you have made a couple statememts like you are surprised the salesmen have made vaugue, misleading or incomplete information in a sales pitch.

And you are a current timeshare owner. Understand they have one job, to sell at any cost. Lying is literally a taught skill and mandatory for them. There's a saying that says "if their lips are moving, they are lying". And that's true. At this point there's no value at all in retail points purchases.

You don't need a PR ownership, in fact you will rarely find one for under 1 million points anyway. If you absolutely have to have large presidential units, get a BC contract, they are always out there on the used market. Just know you will spend a lot more in maintenance fees. But you've already been told this.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

Also you have made a couple statememts like you are surprised the salesmen have made vaugue, misleading or incomplete information in a sales pitch.

OP is a DVC owner. The DVC sales model is just very different. Yes, “DVC Guides” are still salespeople in the end, but it’s nothing like the firehouse of lies that you are subjected to when you go to a Wyndham sales presentation.

 

[boxer156]

There are two types of room categories at Bonnet Creek with the words “Presidential” in them. “Presidential” suites, and “Presidential Reserve” Suites. They are extremely similar, to nearly identical. Presidential Reserve Suites are set aside for those who own “Presidential“ contracts at Bonnet Creek in the 10-13 month mark, and are available to everyone at 10 months or less. Regular Presidential units are available to anyone with Bonnet Creek Priority at the 10-13 month mark, and everyone else at the 10 month mark. It doesn’t matter if you own direct or resale for any of this. I would not buy a presidential contract as: 1. They are harder to find, and 2. They dues are more for them, and 3. You won’t have trouble booking presidential units with a regular contract. If you really ant to ensure you have access to those 3 & 4 bedroom presidential units, then buy a Bonnet Creek contract on eBay. I own one and certainly have no regrets.

THIS makes sense!!! I don't need the 'reserve'--I just want the Presidential Level for some of our stays. Sounds like I will be OK since I will most likely buy/get a WBC deed.

I've owned Wyndham for 30 years; that was before it was Wyndham. The program works great for me. Timeshares aren't for everyone. You need to have an understanding of the program and get through the learning curve before you can really appreciate it. And you have to be the kind of person who can plan ahead.

If I was starting out today, I'd buy resale. When I bought in 30 years ago the cost was $30/1000 points. I paid $30K for a VIP Platinum ownership. The math worked out for me so I bought a million points because of the VIPP benefits I'd gain, but today, the cost per 1000 points is way out of line in my opinion. You can't go wrong buying resale.

We are 'DVC' programmed, so our trips are ALWAYS planned a year ahead. Our smaller fall trips are still planned around 6mos out (for early-November), but that be 'no kids' trip, so 1-bed, and we can be somewhat flexible for that trip.

Also you have made a couple statememts like you are surprised the salesmen have made vaugue, misleading or incomplete information in a sales pitch.

And you are a current timeshare owner. Understand they have one job, to sell at any cost. Lying is literally a taught skill and mandatory for them. There's a saying that says "if their lips are moving, they are lying". And that's true. At this point there's no value at all in retail points purchases.

You don't need a PR ownership, in fact you will rarely find one for under 1 million points anyway. If you absolutely have to have large presidential units, get a BC contract, they are always out there on the used market. Just know you will spend a lot more in maintenance fees. But you've already been told this.

I'm a DVC Owner, and BRAND NEW to Wyndham.......I am just trying to learn, and was hoping at least SOME of what they told me what somewhat true. Yes, I was used to the fact that at least Disney Sales Agents are somewhat truthful--but I'm realizing now that Wyndham is pretty brutal with their tactics. And yes, I think we have decided just to get a WBC contract--so I have that 13mos priority (even with the higher MF fees).