Need Suggestions to Help with Trade out of DVC

[David in Manassas]

For those of you who have traded out of DVC before, I need some suggestions.

We currently have reservations for the Sunday - Friday that includes New Years at OKW in a 2 bedroom. At this point we don't think we can handle the drive down there and the cost for admissions for the 5 of us. About a month ago, I called MS for anything in the Smokie MT area for the same week. We have never been there and have been thinking about it for awhile. I'm currently on the waiting list for an Interval International trade through member services. I understand it is a very hard week to get.

Do you think I'm being unrealistic that someone in the II system would deposit that week at this late date? We have done DVC HH at New Years and Christmas week before so we would like to try something new. Williamsburg for New Years is fairly dead except for their first night celebration. I don't think we could last a week there.

Thanks to all the timesharing experts.

David in Manassas VA

 

[CarolMN]

Are you a member of TUG? If so, have you considered advertising on the BB for a direct exchange? Maybe an owner of a resort in the Smokie mountain area would like to "take over" your OKW reservation in trade for his/her week.

I've no experience trading out, but have read of others who were successful doing trades on their own.

Good luck!

 

[Dean]

First, I'd be very surprised if you couldn't get a week in a 1 or 2 BR at Gatlinburg Town Square, Laurel Crest, Mountain loft, Peppertree or Tree Tops for that week. I see 1 BR weeks for all of these resorts for the time around Christmas. The time that's not readily available is the week that covers 1 Jan, I only see one week and one resort for a 1 BR plus one studio for that week. There will continue to be deposits and I wouldn't be surprised if you can get a 2 BR though a 1 BR is more likely as many of the resorts are lockoff's and therefore traded separately.

 

[David in Manassas]

Dean,

Thanks for your words of encouragement. We are going to hold out for a 2 bedroom as there are 5 of us in the family. I guess we will just have to cross our fingers and if nothing comes up, at least we can make the drive down to WDW.

David

 

[Dean]

David, exactly when can you go and what resorts will you consider? It will make a big difference on what your options are.

 

[Dean]

The only 2 BR I saw online was at Westgate and Mountain loft for like 3-10 January, many 1 BR units but not as much that actually encompases the 1st. I'm surprised Gatlinburg Town Square isn't represented as there have been many units there over the past 2 years or so due to developer inventory. Still, something may come up. Another option is getting a 1 BR and studio and trying to put them together.

 

[David in Manassas]

Unfortunately, we are stuck to go when all the kids are out for vacation. So we were looking at Christmas or New Years weeks. Anything before or after that is out of the question.

Funny thing about Disney..I've been going since 1971 as a kid..just about every year and I always enjoy it. My teens are bored with it now and want to do something else. So a trade to the Smokies I thought would be a good change.

However that all said, if nothing comes through, we will be going down to Old Key West for New Years week. Its been quite a while since I've seen all of the holiday lights at Disney and except for the massive crowds (and the added expenses) it will be fun I'm sure.

David

 

[DVC1996]

David,

I live 45 minutes from Gatlinburg and visit there frequently. Recently I visited a DVC friend from the DVC AOL Board who had made an exchange to Gatlinburg Town Square. I visited her 2 BR unit. Although it is in a very convenient location for access to downtown, the quality of the accomodations may be disappointing to you if you are use to the standards at the DVC resorts at WDW. I just wanted to forewarn you. I would post her e-mail address here but I'm not sure if that is appropriate. I'll drop her an e-mail and maybe she'll check-in here. She has made exchanges in other places too, such as Big Cedar Lodge, in Branson. Also, for comparison purposes, I exchanged out once through II in British Columbia, Canada and the accomodations were much better than the one in Gatlinburg. If you can afford cash, renting a cabin in the Smokies is a much better way to go. I'm sorry to post this negative view,but I know I was disappointed in the units when I saw them and I'm usually pretty postive about things. I mean I would rather pay the high points for the member cruise than the pts she paid for her exchange. Seems like it was around 260.

 

[David in Manassas]

Harriett,

Thank you for your honest opinion of the timeshares in TN. Now that really muddles the waters. Of course I know that most timeshares are not going to be as nice as DVC..but never in a million years would I expect to pay 260 points for a 2 bedroom! To further complicate things, I have all 310 points from my current use year available (February) so I believe I have missed the deadline to bank all of them..so we have to use points somwhere.... sigh...I should have gone with my first inclination a while back..banking all 310 points and using them with the next use years for a 4 night cruise/OKW vacation....

David

 

[Dean]

David, you might look for other directions and other locations. Look on TUG for direct exchange options. Also consider adding other locations like Williamsburg (you may want to get further away), HH Marriott's, Lodge Alley Inn (Charleston), Myrtle Beach, etc. The more options you give them, the better your chances.

Right now on II, there are Marriott's available for both Xmas and New Years at Grande Ocean and Barony. Myrtle Beach 2 BR are available as are Virginia Beach and Williamsburg. I did not compare all to the DVC exchange list but recognize many as on the list. Good luck.

The cost for those should be either HH or OKW adventure (218 or 133) and I'd think it's likely to be HH 133.

 

[DVC1996]

David,

I just wanted to let you know that I e-mailed the friend who stayed there and sent her the link to this thread. Hopefully, she will respond. I do know that she liked the place better as the week progressed, but I think it had more to do with the location.
If you are familiar with the area, it is on the same road as The Space Needle and up the street from the Ripley's attractions. Also, convenient to the Convention Center. But it sure doesn't have the quality of DVC. I guess I am just spoiled.

 

[David in Manassas]

Thank you both for the help. I'll wait to hear what your friend says about TN timeshares.

Dean..I don't think we could spend a week in Williamsburg in the winter. Living in Virginia, we have been there many times and it is pretty quiet in the winter and really nothing to do.

However..I like your idea about Myrtle Beach and I will check out the DVC/II properties in the guidebook to see what they have.

Thanks,

David