?? about trading points

[Voice of Liberty]

Hi everyone!

DH and I are just beginning to look into a possible DVC purchase, and I am curious about trading points, particularly with II. Although I realize the best use of points is at DVC resorts, I figure we will want to vacation other places occasionally (shameful, I know! ) and I was curious how many people have actually done this and how far in advance did you have to plan in order to book a non-DVC resort? Also, since most other timeshares are on a "week" basis instead of a "point" basis, do you have to book an entire week when you trade out? What is the typical range of points required for some other resorts? I know there is a $75 exchange fee...any other costs involved? Right now, I know we would want to spend time at Disney mostly, but I just want to know what other options are out there so that when the kids are out of the nest and we want to go somewhere besides a DVC resort, we won't have to jump through hoops and plan years in advance just to find an available resort. I'm sure I'll think of more questions before we make a decision one way or the other, so hopefully you guys can bear with me while we chew on this a while. TIA

 

[RobDoc]

All of the II exchanges are based on a full week. Some have found Studio exchanges for a few as 55 points. Plan on 150-200 as a normal range for a 2BR.

There are also other options, in the Concierge Collection, which may be reserved on a daily basis and a nice selection of quality hotels and resorts.

You can also reserve a cruise on the Disney Cruise Line.

The $75 fee is the only extra charge thru DVC for these options.

Enjoy!

 

[Dean]

As you've already figured out, DVC resorts will be your best value by far. Actually, II is the second best as long as your selective of your resort choices and plan ahead. I'd actually think that most 2 BR exchanges are closer to 218-263. Remember there are few resorts that are equal to DVC and none of them have WDW onsight. I'd say there are roughly 40 or so resorts on the DVC list that would be a fair exchange. The largest group of these are Marriott's and Royals. The other options (Concierge Collection, Disney Collection, DCL) are all nice to have but compared to $10 per point, are almost always a poor value. One option is to buy the number of points you need for DVC then look at other options for the non DVC stays. Other options might include simply paying cash through hotels, renting timeshares from owners, buying another timeshare for use or trading to name a few. You can also do direct exchanges using DVC points.

If you know much about other timeshares and exchanging, it's best to forget most of it when it pertains to trading DVC. The HH adventure points is a good option and can get you into most places most of the year. Still the top areas like Warm climates Xmas to spring break will not be that low cost. It also helps to know what you're getting. Examples include the following. The studios at La Cabana are the same square footage and actually have a slightly better kitchen than the 1 BR and are half the points. The Marriott's that currently exist in HI only have mini kitchens. Some resorts give exchangers the worst locations, Lawaii Beach in HI comes to mind.

As far as other costs, usually not. Interesting that DVC charges exchangers an extra $95 "resort services" fee for WDW resorts.

 

[dianeschlicht]

WE have only done one exchange. A 1 bedroom two bath unit in Hawaii (Kona Coast II resort), for 160 points. We put in for the exchange 2 years ahead, but got it confirmed in just 5 days. It gave us lots of time to plan!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
WE have only done one exchange. A 1 bedroom two bath unit in Hawaii (Kona Coast II resort), for 160 points. We put in for the exchange 2 years ahead, but got it confirmed in just 5 days. It gave us lots of time to plan!

KCR is one of the few resorts that allow their members to deposit 2 years out. Though it's a great resort, it is very available in relation to the other HI resorts. I'll also add that in planning for my upcoming HI trip, I had put in a request through DVC for Maui and Kauai for a several week time frame. That request ran from around 18 monthd out to about 12 months before travel at which time I changed it to any one of 2 weeks for Kauai only after I received a week on Maui through SFX. I had been offered KCR as well budn't want the Big Island. I later found the week I wanted for Kauai as well (DVC direct exchange turned cash rental) but did not cancel the exchange. I guess I should have but I was curious as to what would come and when as well as considering if I got the right resort/unit offer (Marriott 2 BR), I'd eat the other exchange and take something I considered even better. No offers until about 6-7 weeks before travel and it was a Kauia Marriott studio. It's a good thing I didn't need it as my kids forgot to give me the message.