I have been looking into the option of either buying a condo in the Windermere or Celebration area to visit when I can or a Disney timeshare? Just wondering if you had the choice what would you pick? Thanks!
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Timeshare or Condo
- Thread starter CinderellaFan
- Start date
slappy magoo
Well-Known Member
That's a question that is open to a lot of interpretation, and the lifestyle of anyone here might not match yours. Of course, it being a Disney Vacation Club forum, most people will probably (though not definitely) wax eloquent about the Disney Vacation Club. DVC does offer some flexibility that a lot of other timeshares can't or won't. But it tends to be more expensive than a lot of other timeshares, and the major caveat is, eventually your rights to the property revert back to Disney, unlike most timeshares where you always "own" a piece of the property as long as you keep paying your annual dues. Another thing to consider is one of space - most timeshares offer you larger rooms than Disney Vacation Club rooms (many of them being glorified hotel rooms with a microwave).
But if you're the type of person who thinks/knows you'll be returning to Disney quite a bit over the years, staying on-site is a very nice perk. Whatever you think of the "Disney magic," it is an intangible in which many people (myself included) find a value that means more than the size of the rooms or how well-appointed it is. You'll still have the option of using your membership to stay at various places across the country or around the world (though I think most people just tend to bank their points for a bigger WDW vacation the next time around and pay for a non-Disney vacation out of pocket), and it's ALWAYS easier for a DVC member to trade a vacation for one outside the DVC than it is for a member of any other timeshare to trade into a Disney vacation.
Other than that, I'd say talk to a Disney Vacation Club rep. Unlike most horror stories you hear about pushy timeshare sellers, the DVC reps are for the most part very low-key. Of course, they are in a unique position, selling something so many people decide they want at a location no one else can claim, so if you sit through a pitch and decide you don't want to buy, they're not going to lock you in a room and pressure you into a deal, because someone's standing over your shoulder, checkbook in hand. Don't be afraid to give them a call (or visit if you're in WDW or one of the areas where a DVC office is located).
But if you're the type of person who thinks/knows you'll be returning to Disney quite a bit over the years, staying on-site is a very nice perk. Whatever you think of the "Disney magic," it is an intangible in which many people (myself included) find a value that means more than the size of the rooms or how well-appointed it is. You'll still have the option of using your membership to stay at various places across the country or around the world (though I think most people just tend to bank their points for a bigger WDW vacation the next time around and pay for a non-Disney vacation out of pocket), and it's ALWAYS easier for a DVC member to trade a vacation for one outside the DVC than it is for a member of any other timeshare to trade into a Disney vacation.
Other than that, I'd say talk to a Disney Vacation Club rep. Unlike most horror stories you hear about pushy timeshare sellers, the DVC reps are for the most part very low-key. Of course, they are in a unique position, selling something so many people decide they want at a location no one else can claim, so if you sit through a pitch and decide you don't want to buy, they're not going to lock you in a room and pressure you into a deal, because someone's standing over your shoulder, checkbook in hand. Don't be afraid to give them a call (or visit if you're in WDW or one of the areas where a DVC office is located).
LivFreeorDisney
Well-Known Member
if you buy a condo you'll get your money back in 5+ years...if you buy a DVC slice you'll end up losing that money in the long run. but i guess buying points is cheaper so that could be a good "point". research and do what is best for you.
dizzney
Member
Personally we havent lost money so I disagree with the above quote, we always vacationed in deluxe or moderate resorts (faovr was Beach club). And since we first pruchased in 1999, and added on 2 times at the Boardwalk with now another purchase at Bay Lake, we're ahead of the game. even with yearly dues, not only have we recovered our investment the way we vacation but with a down econmy I can still sell my Boardwalk points for more than I paid for it, and thats not the case with other tiemshares and condos. My friends have been trying to sell their timeshare at a well known company for three-fur years nopw so they could buy disney, they couldnt so they bought disney without selling the other. The timeshare market is impossible to sell in now except at a huge loss.
Its the disney name you purchase with DVC and that is maintaining its value even in teh current economy!:sohappy:
17 days til we're home!!!!