II exchange to SSR

[ibouncetoo]

My friend has put up an exchange with II for a two bedroom, one week at SSR in early December. Actually, she's put up two and one has gone through already. She hasn't had any takers yet on the second one (well, one for a Sun-Thu, but she need the whole week). Here's my question:

The only DVC people who currently could do this exchange are SSR point owners, correct? And, when the 7 month window hits in early May, will ANY DVC owner with enough points be able to do the exchange at SSR?

We're trying to come up with a 'plan B' but don't want to do that yet if, in fact, the opportunity for an exchange would greatly improve at the 7 month window. So, will it, do you think?

Plan B will be to include more DVC resorts in the options...probably Beach Club and Boardwalk...maybe OKW too, but we really want the group to all be at the same resort if we can.

Plan C will be to give up on the exchange and rent from a DVC owner.



Please share your opinions/experiences. Thanks!

 

[Dean]

I'm a little confused. An II exchange would go through II. Does your friend own at an II resort and is offering a private exchange or is it truly a request through II. If you give me some more details I can tell you what to expect and what your chances are.

 

[ibouncetoo]

It's a exchange through II....I'm just looking to see if anyone can confirm that the chances improve at the 7 month window because any DVC owner could then exchange since they can book SSR once we hit that window. If I am mistaken and that isn't the case, then I will recommend she modifies the exchange to include more DVC resorts than just SSR.

Thanks

 

[Dean]

It's a exchange through II....I'm just looking to see if anyone can confirm that the chances improve at the 7 month window because any DVC owner could then exchange since they can book SSR once we hit that window. If I am mistaken and that isn't the case, then I will recommend she modifies the exchange to include more DVC resorts than just SSR.

Thanks

The chances will not improve at the 7 month window because members don't make the reservations and deposits, DVC does. But there is still a good chance of success for exchanges that time of year though there will be few 2 BR. If they can accept a 1 BR and make that work, open up the exchange to that option. Last year I think I saw Dec exchange options dry up somewhere around August or early Sept. Good luck and let us know how it works out.

 

[ibouncetoo]

The chances will not improve at the 7 month window because members don't make the reservations and deposits, DVC does..

I guess I need to understand how it works from the other side. If a DVC owner wants to exchange for a week in Cancun (for example), how does the process work? I assumed an specific SSR owner had to want a trade to the specific resort my friend put up.

Do you think we would be better off (more successful in getting what we want) if we dumped the exchange idea and just rented from an owner? (I had a DIS friend who is able to rent me the required points.)

Thanks for you help

 

[Dean]

I guess I need to understand how it works from the other side. If a DVC owner wants to exchange for a week in Cancun (for example), how does the process work? I assumed an specific SSR owner had to want a trade to the specific resort my friend put up.

Do you think we would be better off (more successful in getting what we want) if we dumped the exchange idea and just rented from an owner? (I had a DIS friend who is able to rent me the required points.)

Thanks for you help

When members exchange, DVC takes the points. Making some assumptions on the technical part and combining with what I know directly from various sources, here's the way it seems to work. DVC then takes the points and pools them. Then then periodically make reservations at DVC resorts to give to II. Think of it like they are a large point owner, they actually transfer the points to their account. They attempt to give II a range of resorts, unit size and season that reflects the trades made. They also try to stay away from high demand options that DVC members want. Balancing all these issues they make DVC reservations and give the weeks to II. The member really has no say in what is give and no knowledge of what II received.

The only exception is for a deposit first. Even then one only knows the date so that you'll know when the deposit expires.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Thanks so much for the explanation, sure isn't anything like how I imagined it was handled. I think we'll stick it out at least till all parties are back from vacations (early May) and then determine what resorts to include in our options. It's more important for us to have a two bedroom than to be specifically at SSR. Sounds like we have a better chance the 'broader' the request.

 

[Dean]

Thanks so much for the explanation, sure isn't anything like how I imagined it was handled. I think we'll stick it out at least till all parties are back from vacations (early May) and then determine what resorts to include in our options. It's more important for us to have a two bedroom than to be specifically at SSR. Sounds like we have a better chance the 'broader' the request.

Getting a 2 BR is not out of the question that time, I have done it. I'd ride until likely late summer or even Sept then consider an alternate plan, maybe one of the Marriott's or similar.