Carribbean Exchange Questions

[GrammieMame]

I'm getting ready to ask for an exchange to the Carribbean for next February. Any week on any island that's not dessert-like (want more lush/tropical environment). Any suggestions on what to ask for in terms of islands and properties would be appreciated. Also, we aren't looking for an action-packed environment - more R & R, and not too terribly touristy.

I also thought about including January, but that's the last month of my use year. We are seniors with older parents and siblings, and you just never know; I'm afraid of the possibility of having to cancel. Does anyone know what my point situation would be in that case.

I also want to just deal through Disney and not have to look for private exchanges.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jimbo]

Of the islands listed in the World Passport Collection, the only one that I'd consider "lush" is St. John's. It's also the least touristy of the bunch. But it's just across the channel from St. Thomas, so if you do want some activity it'd be easy.

I don't know anything about the resort (Westin), though.

 

[fredms]

My fiancee and I swaped into the Hyatt in Dorado, Puerto Rico.
We were there in August and it was beautiful. We also wanted some R&R which you can do at the hotel with the lazy river, beach, restaurants etc.

However because its Puerto Rico there were also some activities we did like a hike through the EL Yunque rain forest, shopping in Old San Juan & the Bacardi factory.

In terms of time of year be careful as Aug-Nov is hurrican season. It is also best to go when kids are in school to limit the number of toursists.

Overall a great vacation - if you want more info let me know.

 

[disney4me4ever]

We've stayed at the Atlantis Hotel (where the Harborside timeshare units are) before we bought into DVC and that resort is top notch; although I've heard trading into Harborside is about as impossible as trading into DVC! Have heard wonderful things about the Westin St. John. Word of caution: I understand that the timeshare units are set back and up a rather steep hill. I read somewhere that they have golf carts that will drop you off, but if mobility is an issue, this may not be the resort for you. Have also done Aruba; the Marriott timeshares are beautiful. We love the Carribean and hope to do an exchange at some point.

HTH,
Nancy

 

[Dean]

Some are better than others but the only island I'd truly rule out would be Aruba though personally it'd be my first choice. Of the rest, the ones I'd consider a somewhat comparable exchange using DVC would be the Westin (St. John), Village at St. James (Antigua), Grand Caymanian and Royal Reef (Caymans), Hyatt (PR), and Harborside (Bahama's). For Aruba, only the Marriott is truly comparable but La Cabana is a pretty good bet, especially if you trade for a studio as the studio has a full kitchen and the same sq ft as a 1 BR. The rest on the DVC list don't really measure up and I wouldn't likely trade DVC EVEN for.

You might also consider using an independent exchange company or a direct exchange for an uneven exchange.