Interval International exchange into DVC

[ttfn3]

Does anyone have any experience exchanging a week thru Interval International into Disney Vacation Club? We have the opportunity to be a guest of someone who has exchanged their week for a week at Saratoga Springs. I've rented points before from a DVC owner but this is new to me. I'm starting to get excited - but I'm also wondering if there's something I should be worried about?? I'm going to post this question on the DVC Board also.

 

[spiceycat]

I have before. No you can do it. remember that they have to paid the $95 exchange fee to DVC - a good time to get on the DME and if you want the dinning plan (only after April)

 

[Taratink]

SS looks like a great resort. We have II and I would be interested in any info. you find.
Tara

 

[ttfn3]

Taratink I'll let you know how everything turns out. We have stayed at several nice offsite timeshares near Disney (Marriott Grand Vista, Vistana Villages and Vistana Resort - several time) and the Boardwalk Villas once (with a trip planned this fall). Our opportunity to stay at Saratoga Springs came up suddenly - so we're planning everything last minute (well - last minute for this vacation planner!). We're planning to spend a lot of time at the resort - so I've got my fingers crossed that everything works out.

 

[spiceycat]

have you seem the pictures on this site
www.dvcresorts.com
and here
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=547

it is a beautiful place.

I would try for springs - it is across the street from the main pool and food court/resturant - plus the community hall - activites for your kids.

Or my favorite Congress house - this is closer to DD - it is about a 5 minute walk to DD from this section.

from springs maybe 15 minutes.

 

[Taratink]

ttfn3/spiceycat- I have talked to you both about the Vistana resort before. We leave in 2 weeks and we will be at the Vistana. I would love to hear the pro's and con's of on or offsite villa type units.
Tara

 

[spiceycat]

ttfn3/spiceycat- I have talked to you both about the Vistana resort before. We leave in 2 weeks and we will be at the Vistana. I would love to hear the pro's and con's of on or offsite villa type units.
Tara

I like them both.

I can upload my pictures again - if you want to see them?

Sheraton Vistana Resort (not Villages) is a big resort. Lots to see and do. have you seem their website?
http://www.starwoodvo.com/resorts/welcome.jsp?resortID=5

be sure to get the diamond lane.

offsite doesn't have - any of the stuff mentioned
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortOther?id=ResortBenefitsPage

you can save money - offsite is generally cheaper and offsite restuarants are generally cheaper - much cheaper....

the things I miss when staying offsite - WDW transportation, EMH - that is about it. charging on your ID is nice, but I like my credit cards just as well, package delivery - well I generally forget to use it....

Disney also takes very good care of their swimming pools. some times you get a great pool offsite - often it is dirty (not bad - just leaves and other stuff in the pool). Disney tries to kept their cleaner...

the lifeguards at all their WDW main pools and with values all their pools. I don't need a lifeguard - but sometimes the little kids do....no lifeguard at offsite pools...

It just depends upon what you value.

You definitely get more room for generally less price offsite.

 

[ttfn3]

Spiceycat - thanks for the picture links. I especially got a good laugh at the Golden Gate bridge picture. Too funny!!!

Taratink - my family LOVES the Vistana Resort. We've stayed there 3 times so I'm ready to try something different. We actually like to go to the Vistana and just hang out at the resort. We like the activities. We like the college kids from the different countries. They are great to talk to. Our favorite times have actually been in the summer when we can hang out by the pool. It doesn't bother me that there isn't a lifeguard because DH and I always watch our son in the pools (even if there is a lifeguard). My DS makes friends with the activities people - and they are great with the kids. My DH loves playing poolside BINGO - and we come home with lots of Vistana resort logo goodies. We've actually participated in a LOT of the activities. The kids usually get free rounds of mini golf after they finish their pool games, etc. Our favorite section is actually the Fountains. We try to get a newly renovated unit - because DH and DS have allergies. Do sign up for Diamond Lane. My least favorite thing about the Vistana is checkin. Once we get past that, it's a great place to stay. Oh - make sure you take a collapsable cooler. It's great to take drinks and snacks to the pool. (I'm cheap!!) The resort is very close to Disney. Two right turns and you are on property. If you are staying in the back sections, make sure you take the road that runs by the Walgrens - if you need to turn left. Buy a Sunday paper and check out the specials at Walgren's. They sometimes have some good sales on groceries. I also know the quickest route to the closest Starbucks - if you need that info.

As for onsite - we stayed at the BWV during Food & Wine Festival. It was great to be able to walk to Epcot. DS had fun running through the fountains and we were just a short walk away to a change of clothes. We rented points - but only stayed Sun-Fri with a stay the night before checkin at CSR (great pool! - tho the resort was really spread out!). I'm not a big fan of early entry - tried it once and the crowds were HUGE - so that isn't a big perk for me. We always rent a car. I like to come and go as we please. So that isn't a big selling point for me. A nice feature of onsite IMHO is if your party needs to split up for a time. I'm actually planning on going back to the BWV for Food & Wine Festival this year.

Oh - we were able to get a week in a 2 BR at the Vistana for about the same price as 5 days in a 1 BR at the BWV.

 

[Taratink]

I am getting sooo excited about this trip. Only 11 days left. We are hoping to spend a lot of time at the resort. I will miss EMH this trip. We have stayed at the WL last trip and it was great. My husband can only take so much Disney magic so he prefers offsite. I am just happy that he indulges my love for all things Disney. Thanks for the tips.
Tara

 

[figmentfan1]

We did this too. My Dad had a week that was going to expire and gave it to us last year... we were lucky (very lucky according to interval) and got Saratoga... a 1br. It was AWESOME. We had a fabulous time and the resort was beautiful. We were there the second week in November. The bus service was fabulous and the people were Disney-great!

Love this place... Hope to buy a DVC there as soon as I finish grad school... we are sold!!!

JE

 

[ttfn3]

figmentfan Oh - please do tell! What did you like about Saratoga Springs? We are planning on spending a lot of time at the resort. Did you make it to the Community Hall? Any tips/first hand reports would be appreciated!

 

[ttfn3]

Tara Your husband sounds like mine! I hope that you have a good trip to the VR. I'll send some pixie dust your way

 

[klynn]

We had an II exchange in SSR this past Nov. We had a 2BR and we loved it! This was our 17th trip in 10 years and our first time to spend a whole week on property (we always trade into off-site timeshares) and we truly enjoyed it! We had a view of DD and it was wonderful! You will love it!!

 

[ttfn3]

klynn Thanks!! Did you stay in Congress Park? Would you recommend that section? I'm so torn which section to stay in. We'll be spending time at the main pool - but I would also like a view of DD. Doesn't look like one section would satisfy both.

 

[klynn]

klynn Thanks!! Did you stay in Congress Park? Would you recommend that section? I'm so torn which section to stay in. We'll be spending time at the main pool - but I would also like a view of DD. Doesn't look like one section would satisfy both.

Yes, we were in Congress Park and I would definately recommend that area. There was a quiet pool really close and a bus stop was also close by. The view of DD was fabulous!