When choosing between Marriott Vacation Club and Disney Vacation Club (DVC), it’s important to consider the value each offers in terms of cost, flexibility, and enjoyment. This guide breaks down the key factors to help you make the right decision for your family’s vacation needs.
Initial Purchase Cost
Pros
- Marriott Vacation Club offers a wide range of points packages, from 250 to 20,000 points, allowing for a flexible initial investment.
- Disney DVC provides various options from 1/8 to 1 whole week, ensuring a variety of budgets can be accommodated.
Cons
- The pricing for both clubs can be quite high, with Marriott’s points costing around $0.08 to $0.15 per point, leading to a minimum investment of around $20,000 for a 20,000-point package.
- Disney DVC units can cost from $8,000 for a 1/8 week to $64,000 for a full week, depending on the resort and location within the resort.
The upfront cost for both Marriott Vacation Club and Disney DVC can be significant. However, the flexibility in package sizes and options allows you to choose an investment that matches your budget. Consider your long-term vacation plans and the frequency with which you plan to use your timeshare to ensure your initial investment will be worthwhile.
Maintenance Fees
Maintenance fees are a significant ongoing cost for timeshare owners. These fees help cover the upkeep and operational costs of the resorts. Both Marriott Vacation Club and Disney DVC charge these fees annually, which can vary based on the size and location of your unit.
Pros
- Marriott provides a detailed breakdown of how maintenance fees are used, allowing owners to see where their money is going.
- Disney DVC offers transparency in their fee structure, with annual increases capped at 10%.
Cons
- Maintenance fees for Marriott Vacation Club can range from $300 to $1,500 per year, depending on the size and location of your unit.
- Disney DVC maintenance fees typically range from $300 to $1,000 per year, but these can increase each year.
While maintenance fees are a necessary part of owning a timeshare, they can accumulate over time and should be factored into your budget. It’s important to understand how these fees are used and whether they are reasonable given the services provided and the value of your investment.
Use and Booking Flexibility
One of the major benefits of owning a timeshare is the ability to use it for vacations. Both Marriott Vacation Club and Disney DVC offer different levels of flexibility when it comes to booking your stay.
Pros
- Marriott Vacation Club allows you to bank your points for future years, giving you flexibility in planning your vacations.
- Disney DVC offers a variety of exchanges through RCI and Interval International, allowing you to experience different resorts and destinations.
Cons
- Marriott Vacation Club may have limited availability during peak travel times, leading to less flexibility when booking.
- Disney DVC requires you to book at least 240 days in advance, and popular vacation periods can fill up quickly.
The flexibility of booking and using your timeshare can be a key factor in its value. While both clubs offer different types of flexibility, it’s important to weigh these against your personal vacation needs. Consider how often you plan to use your timeshare and whether the booking requirements fit your travel schedule.
Resale and Exit Options
Exiting a timeshare can be challenging, but it’s an important consideration for many potential owners. Both Marriott Vacation Club and Disney DVC offer different resale and exit options.
Pros
- Marriott offers a resale market through their affiliate, Timeshare Resale Experts, which can help you find buyers for your timeshare.
- Disney DVC has a resale market through RCI and Interval International, which can connect you with buyers and allow you to transfer your ownership.
Cons
- The resale market for timeshares can be slow, and you may not recoup your initial investment, especially if you have paid for additional weeks or upgrades.
- Exit fees can be high, and you may have to pay legal fees and other costs to transfer ownership.
Exiting a timeshare can be difficult and costly, so it’s important to consider resale and exit options before making an initial purchase. While both clubs offer resale markets, the process can be time-consuming and may not result in recouping your initial investment.
Bottom Line
- Marriott Vacation Club offers a wide range of initial investment options and flexibility in banking points for future use, but with ongoing maintenance fees and limited availability during peak times.
- Disney DVC provides access to iconic destinations with a variety of exchange options, but requires advance booking and has high maintenance fees that can increase annually.
- Both options have resale and exit processes that can be costly and time-consuming, so carefully consider your long-term use and financial situation before purchasing.
By weighing the initial costs, ongoing maintenance fees, and the flexibility in booking and resale options, you can make a more informed decision about whether a Marriott Vacation Club or Disney DVC timeshare is right for you.
