chances of getting II Antigua in winter?

[AnnMorin]

I am thinking of 2004 now as we are doing the cruise again Dec. 2003. I would love to trade for a one bedroom in Antigua or St. John but since there is only one resort on each of the islands I am concerned that won't be possible. Maybe Grand Cayman would be easier? We would want to go in either December, January or February. Anyone had any success? Also I assume it is high season at that time? Thanks Ann

 

[skorpie]

Dear AnnMorin! We are looking for exactly the same itinerary! The only weeks we could go are the two weeks around the holidays si I assume it will be tough. If you hear anything let me know!

 

[AnnMorin]

Well we could go basically anytime in Dec. Jan . or Feb. the best time would be around school vacations but I don't have a real problem pulling DS out for trips as he is an A student. I want Dec-Feb as that is the coldest time here. Haven't heard anything though. Won't put in for it until after we get back from our trip in Dec./

 

[skorpie]

Have you ever been to Antigua before? I've never stayed at the St James club but I understand it's nice. We've stayed only at the Pineapple beach club. I do worry though, staying in one of the St. James' villas-who will do the cooking!!!!!!!!(Not ME!) It's one thing to be in the USA and food shop, but how will I manage in another country? I guess we'll go out a lot but doesn't that defeat the purpose of getting a villa?

 

[Dean]

That's the busiest time. Get your request in like Monday then look for a direct exchange with an owner at one of the resorts. Even if you do match, don't be surprised if it's Dec or early Jan before it happens. People tend to deposit late in the Caribbean.

 

[AnnMorin]

I am confused... I should request now for 2004? Wow that seems like a long way off! How would I do that ? Would I have to give up current points in hopes of getting it, or do they look and then take points? How would one do a direct exchange? Also a one bedroom at vero for a week is more points than a one bedroom at Antigua. I am so confused!!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by AnnMorin
I am confused... I should request now for 2004? Wow that seems like a long way off! How would I do that ? Would I have to give up current points in hopes of getting it, or do they look and then take points? How would one do a direct exchange? Also a one bedroom at vero for a week is more points than a one bedroom at Antigua. I am so confused!!

IMO, anything less than 12 months out is short time. Remember that II is constantly processing requests as they come in and also matching them with those requesting those resorts. Most II resorts can deposit at 12 months out but some are 18 months and a few are 2 years out (Kona Coast comes to mind). While the order of preference is not first come first serve, date of request is a tie breaker so if you're earlier you might get the week and somone else will not. You want to be in the system by the time they start getting their first deposit for a unit or before if possible. That way you'll have a chance to match with every deposit.

With the request first, you do not give up points until they actually find you a match. For a direct exchange, go to TUG where they have 2 different direct exchange lists. One is a listing of just people that own certian resorts and would entertain an exchange. The other is where people post the exact resort and week (or equivilent) they have and then what they want.

Under the new system, DVC has basically averaged the points required to do an exchange (added a few also) and so you pay the set fee. That may not work out well for you at St. James as they only have hotel units and 2 BR units. That means you're either going to be trading down to a hotel unit or giving up points for a 2 BR unit which you may not need. This is another one of the features that increase the costs. If you owned DVC and were a direct member of II, you'd likely deposit a 1 BR and then search for a 1 BR but since they don't have them, you'd get a 2 BR if you matched. Your chances might be slightly less but I doubt it would be much less.

I hope this helps.

 

[AnnMorin]

Thank you so much for your wisdom Dean! This is all so confusing- I have always just used points for the cruise so that was easy. So what you are saying if I get you right is I can ask DVC to start a search for my 1 bedroom that I want and when/if it comes up then they take the points? I will go over and look at the TUG place. Now how does that work? I would secure the week they wanted at Vero (our home resort) for the other person and we would trade?

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by AnnMorin
Thank you so much for your wisdom Dean! This is all so confusing- I have always just used points for the cruise so that was easy. So what you are saying if I get you right is I can ask DVC to start a search for my 1 bedroom that I want and when/if it comes up then they take the points? I will go over and look at the TUG place. Now how does that work? I would secure the week they wanted at Vero (our home resort) for the other person and we would trade?

You could search for a 1 BR but not at St James as DVC won't allow you to search for a larger unit than you give up except under 60 days. Regular II members can search for a 1 BR even when there aren't any and try for a size upgrade.

TUG has a free part and pay part but at $15 for year one and $10 for renewals (includes a free add per year), it's a bargain even for the casual user. As for direct exchanges, you'd see what the person wants and make that reservation based on what you agreed. OKW and BW standard are cheaper in # of points and generally most exchangers will want WDW. There is no rule that you must give up a full weeks points or the same size unit with a direct exchange. I remember one person offered a 2 BR at Marriott's Manor club for a 5 day S-F in a studio though this is extreme.