Passport collection reservations

[fatherAZ]

Can someone tell me the process of making exchanges through II. I understand you have to do this a year ahead of time. Once the process starts with looking for a resort, are the points no longer usable for DVC resorts? If a resort cannot be found for the time we are looking for, do the points go back into our account? Thanks

 

[CarolMN]

You have two options - deposit first or search first. If you deposit first, you have up to 2 years to accept an exchange. With this option, the points are immediately deducted from your account. Once that happens, you can't get the points back.

With search first, you tell MS what you want. No points are deducted until a match is made and you say yes. Then the points leave your account. If you later cancel the exchange, you don't get your points back. I think you can pick something else, but wht you get will depend on when you cancel and of course on the availability.

Best wishes-

 

[fatherAZ]

Thanks Carol, that is very helpful. Why would anyone not choose your 2nd option then (waiting to have your points deducted until after you make the reservation). It seems the option of having the points deducted initially is risky, even with 2 years to make the reservation.

 

[CarolMN]

I agree - I would only use the first option if I had points that were expiring that I couldn't use elsewhere. Otherwise, the search first option is the only way to go! (IMHO, LOL).

Best wishes -

 

[mark&sue]

Do they not charge $75 each time they search if you do not deposit your week there and then??

I managed to get matched straight away when I asked for a week in February anywhere in the UK so paid the $75 immediately and they took my points.

I assumed if they could not find a match and I did not deposit my points at this stage while waiting for something to come up that if I did a search again in say a months time another $75 would be asked for!!!!

I did ask a number of times but was still really unclear and as they matched me straight away it was not an issue this time.


Susan

 

[Dean]

The process goes something like this. You look at availability and decide what resorts and what dates you want. You then call DVC and see exactly hoe many points for each. DVC looks in the system to see if there is an instant match. If so you accept it and they take your $75 and the points and you’re set. If not, you can put in an ongoing search. For this they charge you $75 which is refundable if you cancel or don’t match and non refundable if they find what you’re looking for. Once they find something on your list they call you and offer it. You get a chance to say yes or no. If you say yes, they take the points and you’re set.

You don’t have to start a year ahead of time but your chances of matching are MUCH higher if yout start at least 1 year out, preferably two. Once you accept a match, the points are gone. IF you need to cancel, you lose your fee and have 2 years from the date of the week DVC gave II to schedule AND use a replacement exchange. If you cancel a second time, all is gone.

YOU need to judge the resorts as to their quality and acceptability for your needs. Not all resorts on the exchange list are up to DVC standards, many are not. And even the ones that are may not fit YOUR expectations. You may also want to look at the various options as to what it would cost to get it on your own for cash. Remember not all resorsts treat exchangers equally. Some treat exchangers very poorly in terms of unit assignments and the like. A couple that come to mind are Lawaii Beach, Embassy Maui and Cliff’s Club in HI.