Interval Cash Deals

[walter]

Maybe someone could answer me this. Why can't DVC members be allowed the ability to obtain cash specials through Interval like Marriott and Hilton Vacation Club members are allowed to? What does DVC fear to not allow this perk?

 

[RobDoc]

We, as DVC members, have no standing with II individually. DVC has negotiated a special membership with II and thus, we have no relationship with II except thru DVC.

I suspect the answer lies with II as much as DVC. Since we don't pay anything to II, they have no reason to offer all aspects of their program to us as non-members.

The Mariott and Hilton members have a different relationship with II. Those timeshares do offer II membership to some of their owners, but the owners are individual members- not just the parent organization. Individual membership in II costs about $300 for 5 years (Someone can correct that figure if it's off), plus $125 per exchange. (Again- please correct if that's not right.)

DVC members pay no membership fee to II and only $75 per exchange.

 

[Dean]

And that's one of the reasons why I feel the trading issue isn't a good deal. No bonus weeks, no deposit and trade up, no higher trade power because you depoisted Xmas, no access to cash getaways, no wish book. To be truthful, the current situation is better for many. Access to II without any fees and without much work is good for those that rarely use the system. It is harmful for others.

 

[Jenn]

I've often wondered about this as my Dad owns at Vistana and gets these unbelievable offers - like a week's stay somewhere for $199. Thanks for explaining. I wish DVC gave us the option - some could pay the fee and those who don't want it wouldn't have to.

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by Jenn
I wish DVC gave us the option - some could pay the fee and those who don't want it wouldn't have to.

That's where the DVC/II agreement comes into play. I suspect II won't let DVC have it both ways. Either have all interested individuals pay the whole membership fee and exchange fee or keep it the way it is now with only the reduced exchange fee available to everyone. They won't let members pick and choose when they want to pay a fee without extra cost.

If DVC opened up II as an optional program, where members could join on their own, DVC members would be at a disadvantage as we can only reserve 11 months ahead. We would have to actually have a 7 day reservation made with DVC, bank it with II and then request the exchange. It would remove the flexibility provided by the current program. Traditional timeshare owners can bank weeks 2 years in advance (since they know they will have the week) and that also increases their trading power within the system.

True, it would allow DVC members access to the other II programs, but the actual exchange options would be more costly (point wise and $$-wise) than what we have now.

Be careful what you wish for!

 

[Diznut84]

Timeshare owners are usually not required to join II. Rather, they only have to join II if they want to trade with them. Once you join, however, you cannot let your membership lapse without paying a substantial ($200+) fee.

As a result, the vast number of DVC members would not join II. Those that are interested in the benefits would join, and probably enjoy the bonus weeks (usually limited to offseason or inventory available within 60 days for $199) or Getaways (excess inventory or "cash" ressies from $199 to $1099). Occasional traders or those not very interested in bonus weeks or Getaways could still rely on smaller indendent exchange companies like San Francisco Exchange Company.

Personally, I really enjoy II bonus weeks and Getaways. I recently extended my II membership for $199 for three years AND got a bonus week. I used a Getaway last January to stay in a 2BR villa at the Royal Sands in Cancun for $825. The Royal Sands is likely to be the #1 rated timeshare on TUG next year. More Royal Sands weeks are available for this December. I've also used Getaways to stay in Orlando. For example, I paid just $275 to stay in a 3BR villa at Marriott Grande Vista in early June. So there are some GREAT deals out there. DVC has decided to better serve those members who infrequently trade than those who are interested in travel outside of DVC. This works well for many current members, but I'm sure it also irritates some and even precludes others from joining...