Non DVC Usage-Ease of Use, Not Value

[Peg Leg Pete]

I have been lurking for a few weeks as I get information to decided to take the plunge or not. While an active Disney fan, I do want to have the ability to use these points for other things than just DVC. Now I get the vibe that some of the outside resorts don't offer a really good value. What I am trying to get my arms around is how easily I can book the different option in the Point Charts. So using a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the easiest to book, please rate the different non DVC options:

The Concierge Collection

World Passport Collection

Club Cordial

Club Intrawest

Thanks for your input!

[tomandrobin]

Buy the amount of DVC points that you will use annually at Disney. No more, no less.

I don't think any of the exchange out options are worth the DVC point requirements. The only exception is top locations, like Westin/Marriott in Hawaii, Atlantis, Aruba, etc.

In 99% of the time you would be better off renting your points and booking your room with the cash.

[StotheK]

We've only done the concierge collection. It was super simple, call see if there's availability, book and you're done.

The problem is the list of choices seem to keep diminishing. That list seems to get smaller and smaller each year. The one place we did use it at fell off the list last year.

[Grandbuddy]

But I still like the fact that there are options for trades, in the event I want to do something different, several years down the road...or next week, if I get a wild hair.

I find it comforting that I can "deposit" points for a future II trade, in the event I let a banking window get by me (unlikely, unless I get a whole lot less attentive - read addicted - to my membership), or have a reservation I need to cancel in time to get the points back, but not in time to bank 'em. The process looks fairly easy, even if it is not the most "cost-effective" use of the points.

[mountainjourno]

I haven't personally done a trade yet, but my mother (who is also a member) traded very easily to stay in Vienna, Austria. She said the place was fantastic - right in the middle of the action, and very comfortable.

She also tried to do a trade to stay in the Lake District of England, but had no luck. That said - she was trying to get a trade for early August (so, peak season) three months before her trip!!

I can't answer how easy any of the others are though as I haven't tried and don't know anyone personally who has.

[skidoc]

We also like the banking and borrowing feature. The ability to use II was important to us as we didn't want to be locked in to DVC resorts all of the time, but wanted to stay on WDW property when in Orlando (hence we chose DVC over Marriott). We traded for a 2BR Oceanfront Unit on St. Maarten (Oyster Bay Beach Resort) during April 2009 school vacation week; the rack rate for that unit is $650/night; multiply that by 7 nights and I absolutely think that it's worth the DVC points. I agree, you've gotta be smart; there's no reason to use DVC points for a less desirable/less expensive resort; you're better paying cash and renting your DVC points. But, in this case, if you run the numbers; the out of pocket expense is considerable if you were to rent out your points:

$650/night x 7 nights = $4550

less rental of points: 270 x $11/point = $2970

= $1580 out of pocket expense

[administrator]

We also like the banking and borrowing feature. The ability to use II was important to us as we didn't want to be locked in to DVC resorts all of the time, but wanted to stay on WDW property when in Orlando (hence we chose DVC over Marriott). We traded for a 2BR Oceanfront Unit on St. Maarten (Oyster Bay Beach Resort) during April 2009 school vacation week; the rack rate for that unit is $650/night; multiply that by 7 nights and I absolutely think that it's worth the DVC points. I agree, you've gotta be smart; there's no reason to use DVC points for a less desirable/less expensive resort; you're better paying cash and renting your DVC points. But, in this case, if you run the numbers; the out of pocket expense is considerable if you were to rent out your points:

$650/night x 7 nights = $4550

less rental of points: 270 x $11/point = $2970

= $1580 out of pocket expense

Granted, you would have had to pay them regardless, but
you also need to include your MFs to get a more accurate accounting of costs.

[kapeman]

I have traded into Club Intrawest (SanDestin) and it was very easy.

I only had to change my dates slightly (from late April to early May) and the point per night for a two bedroom (36) was only two points more per night than the same time period at the Beach Club Villas.

This is probably the exception as opposed to the rule, however, but you did ask specifically about CI.

When you also consider the high cost per point buying from the developer and the relative lack of choices for resale, this is one instance where it makes sense to buy more DVC points to use for the occasional trade into CI.

[StotheK]

I have traded into Club Intrawest (SanDestin) and it was very easy.

I only had to change my dates slightly (from late April to early May) and the point per night for a two bedroom (36) was only two points more per night than the same time period at the Beach Club Villas.

This is probably the exception as opposed to the rule, however, but you did ask specifically about CI.

When you also consider the high cost per point buying from the developer and the relative lack of choices for resale, this is one instance where it makes sense to buy more DVC points to use for the occasional trade into CI.

My wife is interested in going to San Destin. How good is availability there, and how far in advance do you need to throw your hat into the ring to get something?

[kapeman]

My wife is interested in going to San Destin. How good is availability there, and how far in advance do you need to throw your hat into the ring to get something?

I think the max window is at 4 months.

If you can manage it, I highly recommend going to this resort as a whole and the CI property in particular!

[rinkwide]

...I still like the fact that there are options for trades, in the event I want to do something different, several years down the road...or next week, if I get a wild hair...I'd just reach for the tweezers.