II exchanges, how do find and book them?

[eeyoresmom]

We are not planning a WDW trip for 2009 and were going to just bank the points. Now I'm thinking of using the points for a vacation close to home next summer. We live in New England and don't want to fly. How do I find out about exchanges (locations, points,etc) ? Would also love any advice on where to stay or NOT to stay. TIA

 

[dianeschlicht]

I know I have seen a link to the available resorts on the member's site, but I can't remember just how to get there now. Anyway, the best way is to put in a request to MS for a general location (in your case, New England) and a time period, and they will tell you when something matches. The less specific you are, the more success you will have.

 

[eeyoresmom]

If a match comes through, is it automatically booked for you? Is there any way to request say a lake property or oceanside, etc? I told you, I am totally clueless! Also, how do I find out how many points I'll need for a reservation? TIA

 

[moethorne]

We just got back from a II trade resort in NH. Used grandads trade not DVC but it is a choice in DVC. It was the Inn Season at Pollard Brook. Really nice. We were in a one bedroom. It was a great size and well maintained. We could not request a certain room but we were still happy.
As for looking for a trade. You can see all the resorts thru the DVCmember sites. Click on II in the "plan my vacation box". It takes you to II's site and you can search by area. Most of the pages have links out to the actual resort for more details. When you decide when and where you want to go you can call ms and have them check. I had banked my points 1 year ago and I think it was 170 points per week for a 2 bedroom. We are using them to go to Vagas in Nov. I think the points go up every year but you bank a week and have 2 years to use it.
I'm sure there are questions I didn't answer so feel free to post more or pm me.

 

[eeyoresmom]

Thanks