Interval International

[Dean]

Dean once again you are an awesome resource. Thanks for the input. I wrote it down so I can follow your suggestions when those trips come around

I'm glad to help but just remember things change. For example, at Ocean Pointe, the Marina was sold and may go away. And that beach mall is rumored to be headed for a demolition and replacement by a more upscale area. Marriott is also building a second resort in the area but I'm not sure the exact location. Have a great time on both trips.

 

[goaliewife]

Are you going for the food and wine fest at WDW in October? We did that a couple of years ago, lots of fun! QUOTE]


We are not actually going for the Food and Wine fest. We are taking our DGC for their first plane trip and our first trip to SSR after becoming DVC members. It will be an adventure for sure.

And yes, Alonso is a major jerk. I heard today that there is a chance that he may be going back to Renault. Can't stand the heat, get out of the fire

 

[JenGray]

Are you going for the food and wine fest at WDW in October? We did that a couple of years ago, lots of fun! QUOTE]


We are not actually going for the Food and Wine fest. We are taking our DGC for their first plane trip and our first trip to SSR after becoming DVC members. It will be an adventure for sure.

And yes, Alonso is a major jerk. I heard today that there is a chance that he may be going back to Renault. Can't stand the heat, get out of the fire

Be sure to make some Mickey pancakes for your DGC. You will love how much slower paced it seems since you are a DVC member.

Would it not be funny if nobody would take Alonso, after the stunts he has pulled.

 

[maciec]

I just put a request in yesterday for an ongoing search for October 2008. I gave them 3 choices .... Costa Linda (Aruba) Royal Mayan (Cancun) and the Royal (Sands). Cross your fingers for us!

 

[AnnaS]

Good luck with your search Melissa and Speakupjc would love a review when the time comes for your trips.

Speakupjc - another nice Italian rest. in Jupiter - Vulcanos's - my dh's cousin owns it. (right now).

 

[Slakk]

Too funny!! We are from TX and there's not many F1 fans around here. DH and I get so giddy when we run into them, even if we don't cheer for the same drivers.

So, don't you think we'll have a hard time doing any exchange at that time?

We are so crazy about it that we named our DS, Enzo.

Not an F1 fan I think it is blasphemy for anyone living in the heart of NASCAR (Joe Gibbs racing is down the street) but DANG now that was a penalty...100 million dollars...wow that had to get someones attention.

I like Juan Pablo Montoya - thanks for sending him over

 

[Dean]

I just put a request in yesterday for an ongoing search for October 2008. I gave them 3 choices .... Costa Linda (Aruba) Royal Mayan (Cancun) and the Royal (Sands). Cross your fingers for us!

I'm curious as to why only those resorts as there are other resorts in both areas that are better than some of your choices. Specifically why not include the other Royals for Cancun and the Marriott's and possibly Playa Linda for Aruba. Be aware that the Tri-Royals (Mayan, Caribbean, Islander) are sitting side by side almost like one big resort complex. And that it is my understanding that that Mayan is the only one with "bad" units that face the lagoon and street and these are often the weeks that are traded and thus gotten on exchange.

I'm wondering since you listed only 3 choices and if you did so because DVC said you had to have at least 3 things listed. For those that might be interested, I'll explain that rule. II says you need 3 choices. Either 3 resorts OR 3 weeks or any combo. Sometimes they don't enforce it but usually they do. But there are easily ways around it if one is in a situation where you really only want 1 or 2 choices. You simply list things there's no chance you'll get either because you list them 2 years out and they don't deposit 2 years out or for resorts you'll never get anyway. Good examples for DVC members would be Marriott's/Westin for HI Xmas, Easter or mid summer or Westin St John/Atlantis for prime season or Key West prime season. And since the only Marriott's that deposit further ahead than about 13 months aren't on the DVC exchange list anyway, one could list any Marriott 2 years out. Plus if you are in a situation where you'll reach the reservation window for that resort before you get what you're looking for, you can simply change your request to further out for the applicable choices. Obviously doing it this way is usually a recipe for failure but there are times when only one resort and week will do such as when you are trying to match another reservation you or travel companions might have.

 

[goaliewife]

Not an F1 fan I think it is blasphemy for anyone living in the heart of NASCAR (Joe Gibbs racing is down the street) but DANG now that was a penalty...100 million dollars...wow that had to get someones attention.

I like Juan Pablo Montoya - thanks for sending him over

I miss JPM. He was very exciting to watch.

 

[speakupjc]

I second what Dean had to say. The Royals in Cancun are all really nice and there is an internal bus between all of them. I would highly encourage you to waitlist for all of the Royals if you are interested in going to Cancun. I even traded for a 1 bedroom and was given a 2 bedroom at no additional charge at the Royal Carribbean. Note: that was like giving me over 100 points for 1 year for free.

 

[icydog]

I didn't think I needed to state what I wasn't looking for, so I am not looking for the color of the sky, or if it is a good trade value, or if the grass is greener, or if it is smart to buy in to DVC for it. I was just wanting to know if anybody had done this and what there experience with II was and how did they enjoy the places they went to. Also maybe what they did, I was mainly looking at International but I would like to no Domestic also.

I, like Dean, own many timeshares and in many timeshare companies. A remark like this to him (from a newbie) seems inappropriate at best. I know he was offering very good advice and to dis him on the DIS Boards is a little self serving. Hang around and read and you will know what he means. DVC is one of the most expensive timeshares to own and to maintain. There are other timeshares that cost less to buy and they will trade to the same resorts DVC trades with. I personally do not like the tone of your response and especially to someone who has been extremely generous with his time and abilities. Sarcasm is not a useful tool on this board where the exchange of information is focal. And I would bet Dean knows more about DVC and II than anyone on this board. I only post here occasionally now since I am more involved with TUG, timeshare users group, but it was Dean who told me how to buy other timeshares and what would constitute a good trade. If it wasn't for Dean I would still be considering using DVC for its trading value rather than substituting other timeshares that I bought on the resale market, that cost less and are cheaper in maintenance fees.

BTW, I can trade back into (a one or two bdrm) DVC villa using one of many of my timeshares without the unnecessary use of my DVC points and without spending a great deal on maintenance fees. That's for a full seven nights as well.

 

[AnnaS]

I second what Dean had to say. The Royals in Cancun are all really nice and there is an internal bus between all of them. I would highly encourage you to waitlist for all of the Royals if you are interested in going to Cancun. I even traded for a 1 bedroom and was given a 2 bedroom at no additional charge at the Royal Carribbean. Note: that was like giving me over 100 points for 1 year for free.

Yes, all three resorts (Sands, Islander and Carribean) are great and have great reviews (tug & Dean ) and my sil recently met someone who has stayed at the Sands and raved about it. I am not sure how close they are to each other and I know they have the internal bus if we need to separate. My brother and I are trying to get the same resort though. If no match by the summer of 08, will cancel search. If one of us has a match by summer 08, then the other will put Islander and Carribean for second and third choice. I have a map of Cancun with all the hotels numbered on the map but I have no idea where the Royals are on the map or how far from each other. When I put my call in, MS had a week in June and a week in August available. We did not want August because we are worried about hurricanes and In June both our kids are still in school.

I thought of requesting the 1 BDR since I also read that many times they end up giving you a 2 BDR for the same points as the 1. MS questioned why I needed the 2 BDR and how many people would be going and I said I was not sure - that we could be 3 or 6. I bet if I stayed on long enough she would have suggested requesting 1 BDR. Do you think if I call to request the 1 BDR that would constitue a new search and a new fee?

okay, enough of me ramling on.

And thanks Dean for all your feedback and info -

 

[Dean]

Yes, all three resorts (Sands, Islander and Carribean) are great and have great reviews (tug & Dean ) and my sil recently met someone who has stayed at the Sands and raved about it. I am not sure how close they are to each other and I know they have the internal bus if we need to separate. My brother and I are trying to get the same resort though. If no match by the summer of 08, will cancel search. If one of us has a match by summer 08, then the other will put Islander and Carribean for second and third choice. I have a map of Cancun with all the hotels numbered on the map but I have no idea where the Royals are on the map or how far from each other. When I put my call in, MS had a week in June and a week in August available. We did not want August because we are worried about hurricanes and In June both our kids are still in school.

I thought of requesting the 1 BDR since I also read that many times they end up giving you a 2 BDR for the same points as the 1. MS questioned why I needed the 2 BDR and how many people would be going and I said I was not sure - that we could be 3 or 6. I bet if I stayed on long enough she would have suggested requesting 1 BDR. Do you think if I call to request the 1 BDR that would constitue a new search and a new fee?

okay, enough of me ramling on.

And thanks Dean for all your feedback and info -

Anna, I think if you simply change your request there should be no fee. Or you could cancel, get a refund and restart another search if they try to charge you a new fee. And while it's not uncommon to get a 2 BR looking for a 1 BR at these resorts, one should only take the chance if you can make it work. Of course one can rent a studio there very easily and fairly cheaply for much of the year.

The 3 resorts (Mayan, Islander, Caribbean) are all side by side on the south end of Cancun Island. The Sands is more in the middle of the island nearer the action overall.

Here are a few maps that may help.
http://www.cancun.bz/cancunmap.htm
http://www.cancunmap.com/assist/cancun_hotel_locator.html
http://www.cancunfirstclass.com/cancun-map-eng.asphttp://www.cancun-map.com/map_cancunzh_ing.asp
I'll stop there but there are others.

 

[JenGray]

Not an F1 fan I think it is blasphemy for anyone living in the heart of NASCAR (Joe Gibbs racing is down the street) but DANG now that was a penalty...100 million dollars...wow that had to get someones attention.

I like Juan Pablo Montoya - thanks for sending him over

LOL! Too funny...
No problem handing over Montoya, you might be seeing another driver next year named Fernando Alonso... they are a lot a like!

 

[maciec]

I'm curious as to why only those resorts as there are other resorts in both areas that are better than some of your choices. Specifically why not include the other Royals for Cancun and the Marriott's and possibly Playa Linda for Aruba. Be aware that the Tri-Royals (Mayan, Caribbean, Islander) are sitting side by side almost like one big resort complex. And that it is my understanding that that Mayan is the only one with "bad" units that face the lagoon and street and these are often the weeks that are traded and thus gotten on exchange.

I'm wondering since you listed only 3 choices and if you did so because DVC said you had to have at least 3 things listed. For those that might be interested, I'll explain that rule. II says you need 3 choices. Either 3 resorts OR 3 weeks or any combo. Sometimes they don't enforce it but usually they do. But there are easily ways around it if one is in a situation where you really only want 1 or 2 choices. You simply list things there's no chance you'll get either because you list them 2 years out and they don't deposit 2 years out or for resorts you'll never get anyway. Good examples for DVC members would be Marriott's/Westin for HI Xmas, Easter or mid summer or Westin St John/Atlantis for prime season or Key West prime season. And since the only Marriott's that deposit further ahead than about 13 months aren't on the DVC exchange list anyway, one could list any Marriott 2 years out. Plus if you are in a situation where you'll reach the reservation window for that resort before you get what you're looking for, you can simply change your request to further out for the applicable choices. Obviously doing it this way is usually a recipe for failure but there are times when only one resort and week will do such as when you are trying to match another reservation you or travel companions might have.

As always, I value your input Dean. Thanks for responding.

After doing extensive research on both Tug and Tripadvisor I decided on those 3 resorts based on my families wants, needs, desires, likings, etc... Regarding Aruba, the MAOC, MASC, and Marriott Stellaris all sit next to each other and based on what I have read can share some of the same amenities. The beach at the Marriott's is not supposed to be as nice as Costa Linda. My parents are diehard Marriott lovers and own 3 timeshares, and my mom yelled at me for not choosing a Marriott. After looking at MASC, MAOC, Playa Linda, and Costa Linda in Aruba we decided that Costa Linda was more our speed. As far as the Royals go, I did the same thing. In regards to the lagoon views that really doesn't bother us. I know what the "lagoon" is because I have ridden a wave runner through it. I know it's not as pretty as the ocean, but it's still something to look at. I am the only one who sits on the balcony anyway. I don't think that we will get into the Royal Sands because it is the most sought after. However, I think that tom'w I am going to call and add the Royal Islander. What it comes down to is these are the resorts that after a lot of research fit our family. If we don't get any of them it's ok. But I didn't want to include any places that I wasn't too keen on staying at because with my luck I would get the last choice on my list.

 

[JenGray]

I, like Dean, own many timeshares and in many timeshare companies. A remark like this to him (from a newbie) seems inappropriate at best. I know he was offering very good advice and to dis him on the DIS Boards is a little self serving. Hang around and read and you will know what he means. DVC is one of the most expensive timeshares to own and to maintain. There are other timeshares that cost less to buy and they will trade to the same resorts DVC trades with. I personally do not like the tone of your response and especially to someone who has been extremely generous with his time and abilities. Sarcasm is not a useful tool on this board where the exchange of information is focal. And I would bet Dean knows more about DVC and II than anyone on this board. I only post here occasionally now since I am more involved with TUG, timeshare users group, but it was Dean who told me how to buy other timeshares and what would constitute a good trade. If it wasn't for Dean I would still be considering using DVC for its trading value rather than substituting other timeshares that I bought on the resale market, that cost less and are cheaper in maintenance fees.

BTW, I can trade back into (a one or two bdrm) DVC villa using one of many of my timeshares without the unnecessary use of my DVC points and without spending a great deal on maintenance fees. That's for a full seven nights as well.

If you will read the original post you will see he was just asking if anyone had experienced II and to tell him about it. He didn't ask anything about DVC trading and exchanging. It was a very simple cut and dry question.

I really don't see what all the fuss is about.

We came back and asked for Dean's opinion and suggestions. We see he probably does have some knowledge of the matter.

I personally don't care how many time shares he or you own. That's no ones business but yours. Who knows... we might be millionairs, but again... that had nothing to do with the original question!!!!!

 

[Dean]

As always, I value your input Dean. Thanks for responding.

After doing extensive research on both Tug and Tripadvisor I decided on those 3 resorts based on my families wants, needs, desires, likings, etc... Regarding Aruba, the MAOC, MASC, and Marriott Stellaris all sit next to each other and based on what I have read can share some of the same amenities. The beach at the Marriott's is not supposed to be as nice as Costa Linda. My parents are diehard Marriott lovers and own 3 timeshares, and my mom yelled at me for not choosing a Marriott. After looking at MASC, MAOC, Playa Linda, and Costa Linda in Aruba we decided that Costa Linda was more our speed. As far as the Royals go, I did the same thing. In regards to the lagoon views that really doesn't bother us. I know what the "lagoon" is because I have ridden a wave runner through it. I know it's not as pretty as the ocean, but it's still something to look at. I am the only one who sits on the balcony anyway. I don't think that we will get into the Royal Sands because it is the most sought after. However, I think that tom'w I am going to call and add the Royal Islander. What it comes down to is these are the resorts that after a lot of research fit our family. If we don't get any of them it's ok. But I didn't want to include any places that I wasn't too keen on staying at because with my luck I would get the last choice on my list.

I just wanted to make sure you had the best information so you can make the decision that's best for you and your family. Unfortunately your decision makes it's VERY unlikely you'll get Aruba. The reason is that CL has only been in II a short time and almost all the inventory goes to RCI. Same, to a degree, for PL. Actually the Sands is a large resort and I'd say there's an excellent chance you'd get it if you simply dropped the other resorts. It's a nicer resort than the other 3 though they are all fairly nice. Many think the tri-royals have more character. Let us know back what happens.

 

[Dean]

If you will read the original post you will see he was just asking if anyone had experienced II and to tell him about it. He didn't ask anything about DVC trading and exchanging. It was a very simple cut and dry question.

I really don't see what all the fuss is about.

We came back and asked for Dean's opinion and suggestions. We see he probably does have some knowledge of the matter.

I personally don't care how many time shares he or you own. That's no ones business but yours. Who knows... we might be millionairs, but again... that had nothing to do with the original question!!!!!

Jen, I think the fuss is that your post was rude when there was no reason to be. One thing you may not know being fairly new is that ALMOST all the time this question is asked on this board it is in relationship to buying and then using for exchange. But even when it's not, most are interested in a complete view of the exchange situation and not just a subset. To be honest, my first thought was to respond much as Marylyn did, but I thought better of it and tried to take the high road.

 

[goaliewife]

LOL! Too funny...
No problem handing over Montoya, you might be seeing another driver next year named Fernando Alonso... they are a lot a like!

I hear that Jacques Villaneuve is going to NASCARand that possibly Scott Speed. OMG look out NASCAR.

 

[Slakk]

LOL! Too funny...
No problem handing over Montoya, you might be seeing another driver next year named Fernando Alonso... they are a lot a like!

Sounds like Dario Franchetti and Sam Hornish as well as Jacques Villeneuve may be heading over to the BEST racing series as well...

The more the merrier!

 

[Slakk]

I hear that Jacques Villaneuve is going to NASCARand that possibly Scott Speed. OMG look out NASCAR.

Yeah well it will be interesting. The sport is actually too full now - too many teams, too many drivers. Paul Tracy tried and did not cut it, Hornish has tried a few races and usually gotten wrecked. AJ Allmendinger is at the bottom trying to qualify.

It is looking more and more like Talledega Nights....

I like the new blood, keeps it interesting for sure. Its too bad Indy let Jeff Gordon walk away, I think he would have done well in F1 - he really is great although I would love to see Kyle Busch try it - that guy has car control like no one else.