Interval International questions

[brattosa]

Looking at taking our first DVC trip and going to Hershey, PA in 2009 to stay at The Suites at Hershey. We looked at the "Dreams" book and found it listed as a World Passport property with the weekly point rates. Three questions came about:

1. DVCMember.com shows Interval International points for 2008 but not 2009. Would the point rates stay the same for next year or is DVC ditching II?
2. We don't really want to stay an entire week. Regardless of what DW thinks, 3-days of chocolate is about all we can take. Do we have to book an entire week through II or can we just book a 3-night stay?
3. How do we determine what the season is (Low, Mid or High Season)? I poked around the DVC and II sites and couldn't find a listing of dates for each season.

 

[kikiV]

DVC is staying with II for 2009. I don't know the answers to your questions about points but we just came back from the Hershey Suites. You are correct that 3 days is enough. We were there for a week and honestly quite bored! One major thing you need to be warned about is the train. The resort underestimates the sound. The property is very small and is surrounded by the outlets, main road, and the train. It runs all NIGHT long and tends to change cars right next to the resort. It is unbelievably LOUD and kept our entire family up most nights. My DH and DD were in the living room recording the sounds on his cell phone at 2:00 am., so don't plan on sleeping unless you are in a coma. We had the windows shut and the air conditioning on. If you get the resort, make sure you are not in building 1.(there are only 3 buildings) it tends to be the worst and has no fireplaces or jacuzzi tubs.

 

[RobDoc]

...

1. DVCMember.com shows Interval International points for 2008 but not 2009. Would the point rates stay the same for next year or is DVC ditching II?
2. We don't really want to stay an entire week. Regardless of what DW thinks, 3-days of chocolate is about all we can take. Do we have to book an entire week through II or can we just book a 3-night stay?
3. How do we determine what the season is (Low, Mid or High Season)? I poked around the DVC and II sites and couldn't find a listing of dates for each season.

No, II will still be the exchange company for the World Passport Collection.

Most of the II exchanges are for a full week, but DVC has initiated a shorter stay program. I don't think that all resorts participate in that program and no point chart has been released that I'm aware of.

Each resort uses it's own designation for Low/Med/High - MS can let you know the season for the dates you want. In many cases, there may not even be anything except a High season.

 

[brattosa]

Thanks for the replies. I really appreciate the help! Sounds like the dreaded train may be a deal stopper... don't feel like spending our points for a place where we won't get any sleep.

 

[Dean]

It's be unlikely to get an exchange there for summer and very unlikely to get one for a short stay under the new system. The best bet would be a direct exchange with a Bluegreen member, any BG member will do as there are no home resort priorities with BG. That sill might be tough for availability but it is worth a try. For summer, I am told Hershey is DVC II HIGH season. You might also check in to scheduling a tour there for a discounted stay. Not sure what they're offering for that area or if they put you up in the timeshare or hotels but it is worth a try.

 

[ILuvMulan]

We spent some time in the area this past summer. We only spent one day in Hershey, (but we did not do the theme park) and that was plenty for us. Having said that, I am very glad that we went. We spent 2 days in Gettysburg and could have stayed longer. I don't know if you are interested in that or if there is an II property near Gettysburg but it was only about an hour to Hershey from there. You might be able to stay somewhere quieter in Gettysburg? It really is a beautiful area, hope you get to go.