Excgange through Interval International

[zzyzx409]

I hope this is the right place for this.

I have OKW, and I requested a swap trough Interval Internaitonal.

I am trying to swap for 1 week in either a 1br or 2 br, don't care, just 2 of us, so 1 br is OK, but I'll take anything.

The resort is near San Diego Ca, during the summer. I made the request about 2 or 3 months ago, and no word so far.

The resort I want is full at during the time period I have to go. All I could do was get on a "wait list". The heck of it is, there doesn't seem to be any way to tell where I am on the list am I #3 or #30? If I am number 3, I believe I stand a chance of getting something. If number 30, well, I don't think so.

Any experiences with wait lists, and what I can expect. Any way I can check position on the list?

Thanks,

Andy

 

[Doug Wolfe]

I was on the II wait list a few years ago and never got in. From other posts I have read, you have to book way out and give a wide range of dates.

My neighbors time share is actually with II and they have difficulty booking all of the time.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

The resort is near San Diego Ca, during the summer. I made the request about 2 or 3 months ago, and no word so far.

The resort I want is full at during the time period I have to go. All I could do was get on a "wait list". The heck of it is, there doesn't seem to be any way to tell where I am on the list am I #3 or #30? If I am number 3, I believe I stand a chance of getting something. If number 30, well, I don't think so.

If you're looking for summer 2006, and you only initiated your request 2 or 3 months ago, your chances are nearly zero for any coastal Southern California timeshare resort. If the particular resort is the Four Seasons Resort Club Aviara, your chances are near zero for summer of any year.

Interval International has a complex, secret formula for determining trading power and for determining who gets weeks once they are deposited by their owners. It not a simple first-come-first-served waiting list.

 

[Dean]

I hope this is the right place for this.

I have OKW, and I requested a swap trough Interval Internaitonal.

I am trying to swap for 1 week in either a 1br or 2 br, don't care, just 2 of us, so 1 br is OK, but I'll take anything.

The resort is near San Diego Ca, during the summer. I made the request about 2 or 3 months ago, and no word so far.

The resort I want is full at during the time period I have to go. All I could do was get on a "wait list". The heck of it is, there doesn't seem to be any way to tell where I am on the list am I #3 or #30? If I am number 3, I believe I stand a chance of getting something. If number 30, well, I don't think so.

Any experiences with wait lists, and what I can expect. Any way I can check position on the list?

Thanks,

Andy

The resort may or may not be full. However, II not having anything doesn't address that issue. It simply means either than currently have no units for the resort and time you requested OR you don't qualify for them either due to trade power (too much or too little) or lack of internal trading preference in some cases. Most exchanges should be requested a full year out or more. Even then, the chances for some are very low. Not only will II not tell you where you stand on the list, they keep rearranging the list. The next person on the list may go right to the head of the line and knock you back a notch. But if you can wait until inside the 60 day window, your chances may improve.

 

[zzyzx409]

The resort may or may not be full. However, II not having anything doesn't address that issue. It simply means either than currently have no units for the resort and time you requested OR you don't qualify for them either due to trade power (too much or too little) or lack of internal trading preference in some cases.

What is "Trade Power"?

Most exchanges should be requested a full year out or more. Even then, the chances for some are very low. Not only will II not tell you where you stand on the list, they keep rearranging the list. The next person on the list may go right to the head of the line and knock you back a notch.

Bummer!

But if you can wait until inside the 60 day window, your chances may improve.

Heck, since I'm driving, I can wait unitl inside a 30 day window. But chances "may improve" doesn't sound too encouraging.

Thanks for the replies,

Andy

 

[Dean]

Trade power is the method II uses to decide the order of preference, basically who is most deserving at the moment an exchange is ready to be handed out. While the exact formula is a trade secret, it's essentially a number derived from an algebraic formula. The components of which are the demand of the resort AND week deposited, unit size, lead time to deposit and resort quality. A tie breaker is home resort exchangers as is date of the actual request. I think many DVC members mistakingly assume because they are trading DVC, they go to the head of the line. While DVC has very good trade power, it is my opinion it does not trump everything else. There are other resorts rated as well and certainly locations and weeks that are far more in demand than DVC. It is also my opinion that the way DVC does the generic points deposits hurts those that know the system and hurts the potential trade power of DVC.

Assume a line of 50 people and every time a new person walks up, they get put in line ahead of you depending on their trade power. You could be second in line and II get 10 deposits but you might never get one.

Which resort are you trying for? You may want to consider a direct exchange.

 

[Pedler]

How hard is it to trade for DVC points from II? Does anyone know how that works? Can you choose your weeks like you could if you were a DVC member? Do just DVC members deposit weeks in there or does Disney also make some available that are not booked? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[zzyzx409]

Trade power is the method II uses to decide the order of preference, basically who is most deserving at the moment an exchange is ready to be handed out. While the exact formula is a trade secret, it's essentially a number derived from an algebraic formula. The components of which are the demand of the resort AND week deposited, unit size, lead time to deposit and resort quality. A tie breaker is home resort exchangers as is date of the actual request. I think many DVC members mistakingly assume because they are trading DVC, they go to the head of the line. While DVC has very good trade power, it is my opinion it does not trump everything else. There are other resorts rated as well and certainly locations and weeks that are far more in demand than DVC. It is also my opinion that the way DVC does the generic points deposits hurts those that know the system and hurts the potential trade power of DVC.

Assume a line of 50 people and every time a new person walks up, they get put in line ahead of you depending on their trade power. You could be second in line and II get 10 deposits but you might never get one.

Thanks, this is starting to make trading through II look like a lost propositon. I wish DVC would hurry up and build on the West Coast!

Which resort are you trying for? You may want to consider a direct exchange.

Four Seasons of course, the one that looks the best, but will probably not come through. Oh, well, I guess I need a plan B for this summer's vacation.

How would I go about a direct excahnge?

Anybody know what happens if I just withdraw my request to trade and maybe bank the points, or is that even possible?

What is possible so as to not just flat out lose the points?

Thanks,

Andy

 

[Dean]

How hard is it to trade for DVC points from II? Does anyone know how that works? Can you choose your weeks like you could if you were a DVC member? Do just DVC members deposit weeks in there or does Disney also make some available that are not booked? Inquiring minds want to know.

YOu can't get points through II, but you can get the units that the points reserved. It can be easy or hard depending on when and what you want. It's mostly SSR, OKW for 1 BR or less during off season that's available. But given that, I've exchanged in several times and seen hundreds if not thousands of units online at II. ASAMOF, I have plans to complete a large family December trip then par down my DVC points dramatically.

The method is you have to belong to II and trade through them. It can be quite complicated as well.

 

[Dean]

Thanks, this is starting to make trading through II look like a lost propositon. I wish DVC would hurry up and build on the West Coast!



Four Seasons of course, the one that looks the best, but will probably not come through. Oh, well, I guess I need a plan B for this summer's vacation.

How would I go about a direct excahnge?

Anybody know what happens if I just withdraw my request to trade and maybe bank the points, or is that even possible?

What is possible so as to not just flat out lose the points?

Thanks,

Andy

Something in the back of my mind is telling me that FS doesn't deposit summer. But even if they do, I'd think your only chance ever for that time of year would be a studio. This thread, among others, simply illustrates why I don't think buying DVC for exchanging is a good choice. It's good to have choices and I think there are methods that could be somewhat successful, but it is simply too risky, complicated and hit & miss to make it a good reason to buy.

 

[zzyzx409]

Something in the back of my mind is telling me that FS doesn't deposit summer. But even if they do, I'd think your only chance ever for that time of year would be a studio. This thread, among others, simply illustrates why I don't think buying DVC for exchanging is a good choice. It's good to have choices and I think there are methods that could be somewhat successful, but it is simply too risky, complicated and hit & miss to make it a good reason to buy.

We originallly bought DVC because that's what we wanted, we wanted to be able to go to WDW and have good accomodaitons. Things change. Now I don't fly as well as I once did, and trips to Florida just aren't that easy. So we're now looking for more things to where we can drive. I really don't want to drive more than anout 500 miles from home (live on West Coast)

When we bought DVC back in 1994, DVC was just one resort the Disney Vacation Club, now OKW. We went there 12 times in the last 12 years (we went other places as well, non-timeshare).

I have only had one expereince trading through II (or trying).

I requested Hawaii a couple of years ago, and started about 1 year out. Nothing happened, couldn't get anything. So I traded for Sedona AZ with only a couple of months notice. Sedona was nice, the resort was just OK, but not the kind of place I want to spend vacaitons more than once in a long while.

Now I'm not looking to go to WDW very often, maybe only once more (I'm getting ready to retire) then just vacation close to home.

Maybe I should just sell DVC and get something else. I like the idea of Timeshares, I like the accomodations. But I want to be able to get into something as easily as I was able to get into OKW..I always called 11 months out and got the week I wanted/needed. But now I want to be able to go a variety of places.

Oh, yeah, anybody know other Timeshares with accomodations of equialent quality to DVC? and maybe has a few resorts on the West Coast?

Ideas.....

Thanks,

Andy

 

[Dean]

We originallly bought DVC because that's what we wanted, we wanted to be able to go to WDW and have good accomodaitons. Things change. Now I don't fly as well as I once did, and trips to Florida just aren't that easy. So we're now looking for more things to where we can drive. I really don't want to drive more than anout 500 miles from home (live on West Coast)

When we bought DVC back in 1994, DVC was just one resort the Disney Vacation Club, now OKW. We went there 12 times in the last 12 years (we went other places as well, non-timeshare).

I have only had one expereince trading through II (or trying).

I requested Hawaii a couple of years ago, and started about 1 year out. Nothing happened, couldn't get anything. So I traded for Sedona AZ with only a couple of months notice. Sedona was nice, the resort was just OK, but not the kind of place I want to spend vacaitons more than once in a long while.

Now I'm not looking to go to WDW very often, maybe only once more (I'm getting ready to retire) then just vacation close to home.

Maybe I should just sell DVC and get something else. I like the idea of Timeshares, I like the accomodations. But I want to be able to get into something as easily as I was able to get into OKW..I always called 11 months out and got the week I wanted/needed. But now I want to be able to go a variety of places.

Oh, yeah, anybody know other Timeshares with accomodations of equialent quality to DVC? and maybe has a few resorts on the West Coast?

Ideas.....

Thanks,

Andy

There are a number of great timeshare systems as well as individual resorts. Marriott has a presence as does Worldmark. I'm not as well versed on the left coast resorts so you might want to do some digging. It does sound like you might consider selling DVC. Timeshare trading takes a gambler's mentality but can be rewarding in certain situations.

 

[CALNEVA DISNEYFANS]

I own a week in Kauai, HI at the Cliffs Club in Princeville. It is a II Gold Crown and available to trade into thru DVC.

I'll trade my week anytime for points... and I will get you your trip to Hawaii.

 

[zzyzx409]

I own a week in Kauai, HI at the Cliffs Club in Princeville. It is a II Gold Crown and available to trade into thru DVC.

I'll trade my week anytime for points... and I will get you your trip to Hawaii.

I wish I had known you two years ago. I really cannot go to Hawaii this year. But I do appreciate the offer.

There are a number of great timeshare systems as well as individual resorts. Marriott has a presence as does Worldmark. I'm not as well versed on the left coast resorts so you might want to do some digging. It does sound like you might consider selling DVC. Timeshare trading takes a gambler's mentality but can be rewarding in certain situations.

Hmmm..... Been reading and thinking about a vacation strategy.

On years when I want to go to OKW, well, great! DVC points at hand!

On years when I want to go elsewhere, try II, if not available, then rent out my DVC points instead and pay cash for vacation, or maybe find someone who has a resort I want to go to and do a direct trade.

Any of that make any sense?

Two questions:

1. How secure is renting points? Best to find renter here? or eBay? With eBay, costs more money because of eBay fees.

2. How/where to find folks for direct trade?

Thanks,

Andy

 

[CarolMN]

Are you a member of the Timsahre Users group? If not, you may want to consider it. In additon to getting lots of info on the "best" timeshares to own, visit and trade for, they have a classified ad section. You might be able to do quite well by arranging direct trades with other TUG members. It wouldn't surprise me at all to find that there are non-DVC timeshare owners who are as frustrated as you are with trading via II or RCI - but they want to trade into a DVC resort.

Best wishes-

 

[zzyzx409]

Are you a member of the Timsahre Users group? If not, you may want to consider it. In additon to getting lots of info on the "best" timeshares to own, visit and trade for, they have a classified ad section. You might be able to do quite well by arranging direct trades with other TUG members. It wouldn't surprise me at all to find that there are non-DVC timeshare owners who are as frustrated as you are with trading via II or RCI - but they want to trade into a DVC resort.

Best wishes-

Based on what I've learned here, it wouldn't surprise me to find folks from any timeshare frustrated with II.

I checked out TUG last night, and I found two instances of folks want to direct trade Four Seasons, (not for DVC) I also found others for sale. I also found 10 or so Four Seasons for sale on Redweek.

Looks like timeshare trade and sales can be a complex operation. Too bad II can't accomadate folks as the advetisements on the DVC site and II site seem to imply.

Oh, well, looks like I need to learn as many of the ins and outs as I can and best ways to use my DVC to have the vacations we want.

I really appreciate all the help and insights from the experienced folks I've encountered here.

Thanks,

Andy

 

[phyllisnnj]

Other options

Rent your DVC points to rent a summer week from a Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara owner.
http://www.myresortnetwork.com/Cond...Seasons-Residence-Club-Aviara-North-San-Diego
http://www.redweek.com/ (requires $10 membership fee)

Open your search to other California resorts
http://www.timeshareforums.com/showthread.php?t=7204 - recent discussion on California resorts

Try a different exchange company - San Francisco exchange (SFX) seems to handle alot of California timeshares (not sure if summer 2006 is still available). They handle both RCI & II resorts
http://www.sfx-resorts.com/
http://www.timeshareforums.com/showthread.php?t=6629 - a little more info on SFX

FYI.. According to Four Seasons Residence Club, they don't deposit summer weeks with Interval International. They keep the summer weeks for owners.

 

[zzyzx409]

... snip other useful information, thanks

FYI.. According to Four Seasons Residence Club, they don't deposit summer weeks with Interval International. They keep the summer weeks for owners.

Wow! This is the most interesting piece of informaiton I've heard so far.

Where did you find this info?

and more importantly,

Is DVC totaly unaware if this?

and/or

Why doesn't DVC tell us this info? so we can make more informed vacation choices? (I know, I know rhetorical question, not expecting answer)

It could sure make a difference when I'm making my vacation plans.

The more I read, the more I find out, the more I'm starting to feel that the II thing is not really all at helpful. It is starting to look like instead of having folks to help us plan vacaitons using anything other than DVC, we need to do it on our own.

Enough ranting, sorry, now I know, oh, well, I just need to take the vacation planning "bull by the horns" ( so to speak) and get on with it.

I wish I had started reading this forum earlier, maybe I could have started planning earlier and had a plan in-place for this year. Oh, well, now I know, so off to vacation planning.

Thanks again to all you helpful folks. I sure do, I really do appreciate all the info. Maybe I can sometime soon start to make some informed vacation choices.

Later,

Andy

 

[phyllisnnj]

Wow! This is the most interesting piece of informaiton I've heard so far.

Where did you find this info?

and more importantly,

Is DVC totaly unaware if this?

and/or

Why doesn't DVC tell us this info? so we can make more informed vacation choices? (I know, I know rhetorical question, not expecting answer)

I'm a Four Seasons Residence Club (FSRC) owner, I was told this when I asked how exchanging with Interval International (II) works.

Most FSRC owners deal with II exchanges via FSRC owner's services desk therefore FSRC has control over which weeks are deposited into II. DVC does the same thing. DVC has control over which weeks are deposited in II therefore folks looking for exchanges into DVC will only find certain weeks. I've read on TUG that Starwood also controls which weeks are deposited. For all of these resorts, I won't expect a peak high season weeks to appear in II unless it's a last minute deposit.

Just one additional note.... FSRC owners that deal with II directly (not thru FSRC owner's services desk) can deposit whatever week they reserve so there is always the possibility that a peak high season week may become available. However FSRC owners have first priority over regular II members in exchanging back into a FSRC resort. This is also true for Starwood owners. They have first priority to exchange back into a Starwood resort.

I think DVC might be unaware but I don't see why DVC couldn't ask II for historically availability so their members can make an inform decision since DVC members don't have direct access to II. Timeshare User Group (TUG) is a good site to join to get this type of information.

Good Luck

 

[zzyzx409]

I'm a Four Seasons Residence Club (FSRC) owner, I was told this when I asked how exchanging with Interval International (II) works.

Most FSRC owners deal with II exchanges via FSRC owner's services desk therefore FSRC has control over which weeks are deposited into II. DVC does the same thing. DVC has control over which weeks are deposited in II therefore folks looking for exchanges into DVC will only find certain weeks. I've read on TUG that Starwood also controls which weeks are deposited. For all of these resorts, I won't expect a peak high season weeks to appear in II unless it's a last minute deposit.


I think DVC might be unaware but I don't see why DVC couldn't ask II for historically availability so their members can make an inform decision since DVC members don't have direct access to II. Timeshare User Group (TUG) is a good site to join to get this type of information.

Good Luck

That is really interesting information. Thanks for taking the time to explain. Between yesterday and today, we have a need to go to Orlando in Dec for semi-business reasons, so I booked just (today) OKW for the trip. I did not know how the points for exchange into II worked, so I asked the DVC Member Services person while I was on the phone, and he told me that the points would remain in my account unless used.

Well, it seems that I can leave the search for FSRC in until the search expires and if we get a booking, we'll go, if not we'll just go somewhere else, because we're going to OKW in Dec anyway.

Now I have another year to figure all this stuff out. I think you are right, I will spend some time on TUG and learn what I can and try a different strategy for next year's vacation.

Thanks again for all the info and help, a newby to Timeshare trading and such needs all the help and info I can get!

Andy