Interval International...

[doubletrouble_vb]

Since I own another timeshare I never considered using Disney for this but I just got a thing in the mail that indicated they were making trading "easier". It went as follows:

One Bedroom low-season=124, mid=144, high=160
Two Bedroom low-season=207, mid=252, high=270

I thought, once upon a time, that you could trade studios...as low as something like 80 points.

In any case this seems like a bit of a rip-off. I can trade the studio from my other Orlando timeshare for a 2 bedroom at the Trapp Lodge. I have to gamble & be flexible to do it...but it can be done. And the other share isn't nearly as desirable as a Disney unit. Other than the fact that you don't have to pay for it I really don't see the advantage of Disney controlling your selections. They could simply enter the Interval program and give you a list of suggested...call it six star...accomodations. Then you would be free to choose whatever you wanted to do. I don't need Disney to protect me. The cost difference? Maybe an extra $100 depending on what Disney is charging for the service. For me it'd be worth to just be able to use II system to see where & when I can go versus a given unit.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I really don't see the advantage of Disney controlling your selections

Maybe you don't need Disney to protect you, but I guarantee you that there are many people who would trade their Disney week and then be diappointed with their accomodations being below Disney standards at their home resort. As you know, some timeshare inventory isn't even close to Disney standards.

All Disney is doing is saying that they are taking the best of the II inventory and making it available for trade. You still don't have to trade if you don't want to. Isn't that really the same as what you are saying about giving you a selection of possible "six star" resorts?

HBC

 

[Dean]

You can still trade studios, the points are just a little below the 1 BR points. They just don't list them as most trades (they say) are 1 & 2 BR trades. Personally I think they list it this way to encourage members to exchange 1 and 2 BR units over studios. I agree it's not usually a good deal but can be at times. The 2 year out search first can be a big plus and they will call you and see if you want what they find unlike directly through II. I too would personally rather add DVC to my II account and get bonus weeks, but for those who exchange rarely, this setup is likely better. Even with limiting to 300 or so properties, most exchanges are still a trade down, Trapp as an example.

You could previously trade studios as low as 55 points, HH adventure and 80, OKW adventure. The new system is higher points for a studio, slightly lower for a 1 BR and slightly higher for a 2 BR. Apparently the new format is encouraging members to exchange which I'm not sure is a good thing.

As for the protection issue, I also agree with you that I'd rather have the choice but again the casual DVC exchanger is not going to be able to get enough info to make an informed decision most of the time. Even then, a number have gone to pretty highly rated places and been disappointed.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

...I guess...

Seems like people ought to know Disney is unique. I never trade for the resort but for the location...ex. Trapp Lodge was for Stowe...accomodations were nice, rustic & 1970's with great vistas...but that was about it. I'd go back when I really want to learn how to do cross country.