Exchange flexibility?

[grumpyann]

What has been your experience with exchanging points for non-Disney vacations? Have you been pretty much able to go where you want to go, when you want to go? Also, how far in advance can you make reservations for non-Disney resorts/hotels? Thank you for any information.

 

[Mperry]

I haven't personally made any exchanges yet, but my in-laws have. They've been to England and Ireland. They would have told us if there were any problems as we had been considering membership ourselves by that point. They did book about a year or so in advance, if memory serves.

I know it's not much help, but at least you got a bump.

 

[Dean]

In order to get something that you want, that means that someone else must give up what you are looking for. The best places during the best times are rarely deposited with II for exchange. So the more dersirable the resort, time of year and location, the less likely to get what you're looking for. For example, a resort like Ocho Cascades that only has 10 units may never be deposited in Feb.

The earlier you are looking, the more flexible you are with dates and weeks and unit size, the more likely you are to get a match. Remember that many matches are well inside the window to use FF miles, most about 2-8 months before travel. There are plenty of exceptions and that's why you want to look a full year or more out.

There are no guarantees with exchanges but that's one of the benefits of the DVC exchange system. You can search up to 2 years out and they give you a change to say yes or no, even check air fare.

Dean

 

[grumpyann]

Thanks very much for your replies. I appreciate how everyone on the board is so helpful and willing to share their experience. The information is invaluable! Thanks again.

 

[penguincruiser]

We wanted an exchange for Spain in April/May/June and got it within 3 weeks. We had given ms a choice of 4 resorts and a 3 month timeframe.

If you're not locked into 1 resort or a particular week I should think it would be easier. Also it probably depends on where you want to go.

JJ Penguin

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