Explanation of trade process

[dairyou]

Hi,

We're thinking about trading in II for our 2005 vacation. Can you tell me what the process is? We are flexible on dates, but when I called they wanted to know what dates... We'd like to stay at the Westin, St. John (I know, it's probably impossible) but if we put in another choice like in Maui or something, will we have to take that if it comes along first? We can go anytime of the year, so I don't know how to state we want to try only for the Westin for 3 or 4 months, and then try for our second choice. MS did say if one came available, we'd have to take it or forfeit our 75.00.

Sorry for this being so confusing!

Deb

 

[Dean]

Thee process should go like this.

• You decide what resorts you will accept. YOU must research the appropriateness of the resorts you list and accept.
• You decide what weeks will work based on calendar dates.
• You call MS and tell them what you want.
• IF it's sitting in the II computer, they offer it to you and you say yes or no.
• If what you want is not in II, they put in an ongoing search.
• IF it comes up, DVC calls you and asks if you want it. They will usually give you a couple of days so you can check work schedules, air and the like.
• If you accept, they take the points and collect your payment and you're set.

Caveat's for an exchange.

• MAKE SURE THE RESRORT YOU ACCEPT WILL DO WHAT YOU WANT.
• Get air fare settled or at least planned prior.
• IF you cancel you will likely lose your week.
• Most exchanges should be requested AT LEAST 1 years out, especially high demand ones. And frankly, low demand exchanges aren't a reasonable value.
• Realize there are quircks about many resorts such as some only start certain days of the week, usually Saturday but not always. Others have multiple start dates so make sure you know what start date you are requesting. The way II works, you could ask for Saturday only but they'll still offer you anything from Thursday to Sunday. Some unit may not have a kitchen. Some resorts do not offer beach/pool towels. Some resorts give exchangers the worst rooms and sometimes there are big differences.

I think the biggest mistake that DVC members make in exchanging is assuming the outcome based on their knowledge of DVC. This can be a very major mistake.

 

[Dean]

duplicate post, sorry.

 

[dairyou]

Thanks Dean. I always appreciate your helpfulness!

Deb

 

[pumpkinboy]

Another option that Dean and other TUGgers can advise you on, is to opt-out of the official Disney II interface and trade directly with someone on TUG, the Timeshare Users Group . I have seen a bunch of recent posts of TUGgers who own at nice places on Maui, for example, wanting to trade into DVC properties. Dean, and a number of other members of both boards advised them to post on the Rent/Trade board here.

In any case, it does pay to pony up the $15 to become a TUG member, as with it you get the ratings of various resorts worldwide, giving you a little bit more to go on when exchanging than just the II description. (notably, the DVC resorts do quite well in the ratings, with OKW, VWL and BWV in the top ten).

Good luck!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by pumpkinboy
Another option that Dean and other TUGgers can advise you on, is to opt-out of the official Disney II interface and trade directly with someone on TUG, the Timeshare Users Group . I have seen a bunch of recent posts of TUGgers who own at nice places on Maui, for example, wanting to trade into DVC properties. Dean, and a number of other members of both boards advised them to post on the Rent/Trade board here.

In any case, it does pay to pony up the $15 to become a TUG member, as with it you get the ratings of various resorts worldwide, giving you a little bit more to go on when exchanging than just the II description. (notably, the DVC resorts do quite well in the ratings, with OKW, VWL and BWV in the top ten).

Good luck!

Actually, I'd recommend direct echange options to include TUG plus others as well as contacting several of the independent exchange companies. No reason not to work all the angles as long as you don't limit your options. It just increases your chances of succcess.

 

[dvc_john]

I would also add a caution about 1br units.
I think most DVC owners expect a 1br unit to be the same as a 2br unit, less the 2nd bedroom/bath (as it is with DVC).
However many resorts are now designing units where they take what would be a studio lockout, enlarge it a little, separate the bedroom, throw in a small kitchen, and call it a 1br. Frequently they have no balcony or view to speak of. If you were expecting a studio, and got one of these, you'd be pleased. But it you were expecting a 1br and got one, you'd be disappointed.
Before accepting a 1br unit, I would check to make sure it is a full size 1br unit.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by dvc_john
I would also add a caution about 1br units.
I think most DVC owners expect a 1br unit to be the same as a 2br unit, less the 2nd bedroom/bath (as it is with DVC).
However many resorts are now designing units where they take what would be a studio lockout, enlarge it a little, separate the bedroom, throw in a small kitchen, and call it a 1br. Frequently they have no balcony or view to speak of. If you were expecting a studio, and got one of these, you'd be pleased. But it you were expecting a 1br and got one, you'd be disappointed.
Before accepting a 1br unit, I would check to make sure it is a full size 1br unit.

I would expand John's caution to the entire process. Members tend to assume they will get what they are used to with DVC plus other assumptions like a resort in HI having a beach. and this is freqently not the case.