questions re: member getaways

[KCCanadianMom]

After calling to DVC office, I am not getting a clear answer to my question. My family and I would like to take advantage of member getaways. How many points will I need to buy to ensure I have enough points to travel to the Carribean during March? A one bedroom during March is 218 points at old Key West. Will this be enough? Has anyone ever done an exchange to the Carribean during February or March? How many points did it cost?

I think we have decided to buy into DVC, but am stuck on how many points I will need, as we will definately be taking advantage of the Carribean spots as well as Disney.

Thanks from Ontario, Canada.

 

[RobDoc]

There is no simple answer to your question. DVC has to match the reservation with a comparable exchange and will always try to minimize the point cost to members. It depends on where and when you request an exchange.

To answer your question simply, however, 218 points should be enough. If you are seeking a 1BR exchange , it could be even fewer points.

Originally, the DVC minimum purchase was 230 points- which was to allow enough for the exchange feature. 218 is close enough that you should be OK with that amount.

Enjoy!

 

[Dean]

When you exchange DVC with II, you exchange a similar demand season not necessarily the same time of year as your getting. Obviously the high season for CO is not the same as HHI. Every choice will vary but in general for March in the Caribbean, you are looking at OKW Dream or Magic (263-296) for a 2 BR or 196-218 for a 1 BR. That assumes you can use OKW for the exchange, other properties would be more. In general OKW is the easiest resort to give up for exchange and it doesn't much matter whether you're an OKW owner to do so. On the other hand, if you're looking at regularly going to the Caribbean, you may want to consider a unit there. MS will not be able to tell you how many points a single exchange will cost you until a match is made. What they should be able to do is tell you what season and size unit you will need for exchange then you can get a good idea of how many points. Most units in the Caribbean are studio and 1 BR units.

Also be aware that timeshare trading is much like Wall Street trading, it takes nerves of steel and the willingness to wait until the last minute. While many exchanges are confirmed at around 10-12 months out, the Caribbean tends to be more like 3-6 months out. This makes air fare a problem with many exchanges there. Direct exchanges can be the best option.

 

[normr]

You need to have at least 210 points to assure that you can do an exchange, I've read members getting exchanges in Aruba for alot less, so it will at least cost you 210