Exchanges with Interval International...how does it work?

[bangzoom6877]

How do exchanges work with Interval International with your DVC points? Is there a set amount of points for a one week stay or does it depend on the place you are exchanging to? Can you stay less than a week? Do any of the places include anything except accommodations? I am guessing accommodations only are included, just like using points at a DVC resort. How far in advance could you book one?

 

[bangzoom6877]

Anyone?

 

[ibela]

I haven't done it yet but am planning on doing so sometime this week. Point exchange is for room only and the amount of points needed depends on the size accomodation and the season you're going (ex. peak season 1 bedroom is 160 points, 2 bedroom is 270 points). For season info, probably easiest to just call MS and ask directly for the specific resort and month you're interested in because there's no chart that I saw. The exchange cost is $95 and they initiate a search, if there's nothing that matches your criteria they put you on a waitlist and once something matches it's automatically booked so no check for "hey, something opened up. Are you still interested?" You can call up to 2 years in advance of your desired check-in date.

I saw 1 resort which was an all-inclusive (food, drinks, tips) but you had to pay to add on the meal plan.

They do have something new now where you can book for less than a week but believe that's to travel within the next 30 (or 60?) days only. You can log in and see what's available without any cost/points reduction.

 

[bangzoom6877]

Okay, thank you, now I know what to do once we are members!

The only problem is, we are looking into buying a resale around March 2009, hopefully with all of 2009's points still available. If that is the case I would like to use the points next year for a vacation closer to home, even though I know the DVC resorts are better "bang for your points". We will start our Disney trips on points in 2010 and go every other year thereafter. Anyway, this would not give us much time to book next summer's trip, although we can go any time in July or August, don't know if that helps. We were looking at the properties in Hershey, PA and in the Poconos because they are close to home (only 2-3 hour drive).

Is there a studio available at any of these places either, for less than 160 points? We are looking to buy a 150-point contract so that would not be enough.

 

[Brian Noble]

You can pretty much forget Suites at Hershey---summer weeks there are rare as hens teeth. The Poconos might be a little easier, but Disney can't exchange into the "lesser" resorts there---which tend to have more availability.

If I were you, I think you'd be better off banking your 2009 points for future Disney trips.

 

[Dean]

You can pretty much forget Suites at Hershey---summer weeks there are rare as hens teeth. The Poconos might be a little easier, but Disney can't exchange into the "lesser" resorts there---which tend to have more availability.

If I were you, I think you'd be better off banking your 2009 points for future Disney trips.

You can exchange directly with a Bluegreen member for Hershey if you plan far enough in advance.

 

[nickmom]

You can exchange directly with a Bluegreen member for Hershey if you plan far enough in advance.

Intertesting..how do you go about that kind of exchange? We live about 40minutes from Hershey.

 

[CraftyMouse]

Keep in mind that exchanges into a property are not guaranteed. In order for you to be able to get in, a member there must exchange out. In many cases you'll have to go on a waitlist, but you can include all dates you can travel so it can be fairly broad.

 

[Dean]

Intertesting..how do you go about that kind of exchange? We live about 40minutes from Hershey.

First, The Suites at Hershey are affiliated with both RCI and II and most of the inventory seems to go to RCI. You simply need to find a BG owner who is interested in a "swap" or one willing to rent out their points. An II exchange during summer should cost you 270 points as they only have 2 BR units. You should be able to get a rental there from a member for around the $1500 for summer or Xmas. Or you might be able to make a direct exchange for maybe 150-200 points. If you are that close you may want to look at picking up a BG resale to use there and to rent directly as BG has a set rental price of $69 for 2 BR per night for eligible members. Bluegreen Yahoo group, TUG, redweeks, DVC trade board and several other sites may work well for you. Email me directly and I can give you a couple of names of specific people that might have interest as well.