IS INTERVAL A GOOD USE OF DVC POINTS?

Is Interval a Good Use of DVC Points?

As a DVC member, you have access to more than just Disney's resort portfolio. Through the Interval International program, you can exchange your DVC points for stays at thousands of non-Disney resorts worldwide. But before you make that exchange, it's worth understanding exactly what you're getting into and whether it makes financial sense for your family.

We've helped hundreds of DVC members think through this decision over the years, and the answer isn't always straightforward. Let me walk you through what Interval International offers, the real costs involved, and some alternatives that might serve you better.

What is Interval International?

Interval International operates as a vacation exchange network that connects timeshare owners across different resort systems. The company, which is affiliated with Marriott Vacations, maintains relationships with over 3,200 resorts in more than 80 countries. For DVC members, this means you can potentially trade your Disney points for stays at Marriott, Hyatt, Westin, Sheraton, and many other resort brands.

The concept sounds appealing. You purchase a DVC membership primarily for Disney vacations, but when you want to visit Hawaii, Europe, or a beach destination, you can use those same points through Interval's network. In practice, though, the exchange process has some significant limitations that you'll want to understand upfront.

How the Exchange Process Works

Here's where things get tricky. You can't browse Interval's availability and then decide whether to exchange your points. Instead, you must deposit your DVC points into Interval's system first, before you can see what's available. Once those points are deposited, they're gone from your DVC account permanently. There's no going back.

After depositing points, you receive exchange credits that you can use to book available Interval resorts. But the availability you see depends entirely on what other timeshare owners have deposited into the system. Popular destinations during peak seasons can be extremely difficult to secure, even after you've already given up your Disney points.

The Real Advantages of Using Interval

Let's start with the genuine benefits, because there are situations where Interval exchanges make sense for certain DVC members.

Extending Point Expiration

If your DVC points are approaching expiration and you can't use them for Disney trips, depositing them with Interval extends their life by up to two years. This can be valuable if you're dealing with unexpected schedule changes or simply can't travel during your use year.

Access to Different Resort Experiences

Interval's network includes resort types that Disney doesn't offer. If you want a ski resort in Colorado, a beachfront property in Mexico, or a European castle hotel, Interval provides access to experiences outside Disney's portfolio. Some DVC members appreciate this variety, especially if they've been visiting Disney resorts for many years.

Potential for Larger Accommodations

In certain markets, you might find larger villas or unique property types through Interval that could accommodate extended family gatherings or special occasions. The resort selection varies significantly by region, but some destinations offer options you won't find in Disney's system.

The Significant Disadvantages

Now for the challenges, which are substantial and affect most DVC members who consider Interval exchanges.

The Blind Exchange Problem

The biggest issue is that you must surrender your DVC points before seeing what's actually available. This isn't like booking a Disney resort where you can check availability, see photos, read reviews, and then decide. With Interval, you're making a commitment first and hoping for the best afterward.

We've worked with DVC members who deposited points expecting to find availability in Hawaii or Europe, only to discover that the available options were limited to less desirable locations or off-season periods. By then, their Disney points are already gone.

Additional Costs Add Up

Each exchange carries a $95 service fee, but that's just the beginning. Many Interval resorts charge additional fees for cleaning, resort services, or local taxes that aren't included in your exchange. You might also face mandatory all-inclusive fees at certain properties. These costs can easily add $200-500 or more to your vacation budget.

Quality and Service Variations

Disney maintains consistent standards across their resort portfolio. With Interval, you're dealing with properties managed by dozens of different companies with varying service levels, maintenance standards, and guest policies. Some Interval resorts match Disney's quality, but others fall short of what DVC members typically expect.

Limited Flexibility

Most Interval resorts require full-week stays with fixed check-in days, typically Sundays. This rigid structure doesn't work well for families accustomed to Disney's flexible booking options where you can arrive any day and stay for varying lengths of time.

The Mathematics of Point Value

Let's look at a specific example to illustrate the financial considerations. A two-bedroom villa at a popular Interval resort during peak season typically requires around 260 DVC points through the exchange program.

Those same 260 points have significant value in the rental market. DVC points currently rent for $13-16 per point, depending on the resort and season. At $15 per point, your 260 points would generate $3,900 in rental income. After paying the typical rental fees, you'd net around $3,500.

With $3,500 cash, you could book that same resort directly through traditional booking channels, or choose from thousands of other properties without the limitations of the exchange system. You'd have full visibility into pricing, availability, and property details before committing your money.

Rental vs. Exchange: A Real-World Comparison

Consider a family wanting to spend a week in Hawaii. Through Interval, they'd deposit 260 DVC points, pay the $95 exchange fee, and hope for availability at a suitable resort. They might end up with a property that doesn't match their expectations, with additional resort fees they didn't anticipate.

Alternatively, they could rent those 260 points for approximately $3,900, then book a Hawaiian resort of their choosing. They'd see photos, read recent reviews, understand all fees upfront, and have flexibility in their travel dates. The cash approach often provides better value and significantly more control over the vacation experience.

When Interval Exchanges Might Make Sense

Despite the limitations, there are scenarios where Interval exchanges work well for certain DVC members.

If you're approaching point expiration and can't use your points for Disney trips, an Interval exchange beats losing the points entirely. Some members also use Interval specifically for lower-cost destinations where the point-to-dollar value works in their favor.

Families with very flexible travel schedules sometimes find good value in Interval exchanges, especially if they're willing to book less popular destinations or travel during shoulder seasons when availability is better.

Strategy for Interval Success

If you decide to try Interval exchanges, consider starting with a small number of points rather than depositing your entire annual allocation. This lets you test the system and understand the availability patterns for your preferred destinations.

Focus on destinations where direct booking is expensive or limited. Some international locations or specialized resort types might offer better relative value through the exchange system than through traditional booking methods.

Alternative Strategies for Unused Points

Before committing to an Interval exchange, consider other options for maximizing the value of unused DVC points.

Point Rental

Renting your points provides immediate cash that you can use for any vacation you choose. The rental market for DVC points remains strong, with consistent demand from travelers who want Disney resort stays but don't own DVC memberships.

Working with a reputable point rental company typically nets you $12-15 per point after fees, depending on your home resort and the points' use year. This cash gives you complete flexibility in your vacation planning without the constraints of exchange systems.

Banking and Borrowing

DVC's banking and borrowing features let you shift points between use years, which can provide more flexibility than exchanging through Interval. If you can't travel this year, bank your points for next year and plan a larger Disney vacation instead.

Combining banked points with borrowed points can enable longer Disney trips or stays in larger villas that might not normally fit your point allocation.

Cash and Points Combinations

For non-Disney destinations, consider using a combination approach. Rent some of your DVC points for cash, then use that cash plus additional money for the exact vacation you want. This gives you full control over your destination, timing, and accommodations while still generating value from your DVC membership.

Making the Decision

The Interval International program serves a specific niche within the DVC community, but it's not the right choice for most members most of the time. The blind exchange system, additional fees, and quality variations create significant risks that many families prefer to avoid.

For most DVC members, renting unused points and using cash for non-Disney vacations provides better value and more flexibility. You maintain control over your vacation planning while still maximizing the value of your DVC investment.

If you're considering an Interval exchange, I'd suggest calculating the total cost including all fees, researching the specific resorts available in your target destination, and comparing that to what you could accomplish by renting your points instead. In most cases, the cash approach wins on both value and flexibility.

The DVC program already provides excellent value and flexibility for Disney vacations. For everything else, cash often works better than exchanges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel an Interval exchange if I don't like the available resorts?

No, once you deposit DVC points with Interval International, the transaction is permanent. You cannot convert those exchange credits back to DVC points, even if the available resorts don't meet your expectations.

How far in advance should I deposit points for an Interval exchange?

Interval recommends depositing points 12-18 months before your desired travel dates for the best selection. However, popular destinations and peak season availability can still be limited regardless of when you deposit.

Are there any DVC resorts I should avoid depositing for Interval exchanges?

Points from higher-value DVC resorts like Grand Californian or newer Walt Disney World properties typically rent for more money than older resorts. If you're considering renting instead of exchanging, these points command premium rental rates that might exceed the value you'd receive through Interval.

What happens if Interval doesn't have availability for my preferred destination?

Your exchange credits remain valid for two years from the deposit date, but you're limited to whatever resorts are available in Interval's system. There's no guarantee that your preferred destination will become available during that time period.