Anyone traded to Sanibel?

[Jenn]

We are thinking of attempting our first trade to Sanibel Island for a week next summer. It would be anywhere from mid-July to mid-August. Is that low, mid, or high season? Which of the DVC trades are the nicest (really hard to tell from those pictures)? We are looking for a family friendly resort. Ideally, something like VB resort, but in Sanibel - love Vero but want to try something different next year.

 

[dvc_john]

I haven't traded to Sanibel, but I own at 2 resorts there. For I.I. purposes, Sanibel is high season (red) all year long. In reality, winter (especially March) is the real high season. Of the resorts there, I like Casa Ybel, Sanibel Cottages, Tortuga Beach Club, and Hurricane House. These resorts are much smaller than the DVC resorts, with Casa Ybel having 72 units, Sanibel Cottages 28, Hurricane House 15, and Tortuga Beach Club 56. Also the second bedroom in these units are not a suite as in DVC (but there is a second bathroom). They were all built by the same developer (Mariner Corp) and are now managed by Hilton. They have dual affiliation with II and RCI. Getting a trade to Sanibel may be tough, but I love it there!
Of those 4 resorts, I would say Casa Ybel and Tortuga would be the more family oriented ones, with kids activities, etc.

 

[jbthi]

I pretty much agree with DVC John's choices. I also own 2 different resorts there. One is Hurricane House which is my favorite but I don't think it would be the best for children.
Another good choice would be South Seas Plantation on Captiva. They have been activities for families.

June

 

[Dean]

Place your request NOW to have a chance. Also while DVC is looking, you should look for a direct exchange, maybe on TUG.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

We tried to get a Sanibel exchange and weren't able to.

 

[travelbug]

I also tried to do an exchange for any Sanibel resort, but gave up after a couple months when I decided to go to Hawaii instead.

A couple years ago while I was visiting Sanibel, I drove around to all the resorts that are DVC exchanges through II. I walked the grounds, checked out the beach and other outdoor amenities, and got a general impression. Judging only from the outside (which I realize leaves out the big factor of what the rooms are like), I decided that I'd be more than willing to give any one of the choices a try. I do remember leaning toward Tortuga Beach Club and Casa Ybel the most.

Hopefully some day I'll get my chance to try out one of the Sanibel exchanges. If you do so in the meantime, please let us know how it turns out. Good luck!