Quick question about trading out...

[chris1gill]

We are thinking about about trading out (for Hawaii)... I wanted to ask, does MS have to take the points before they do the search? Or, do they do the search & then take the points once we say yes?

Thanks for any help!

 

[dianeschlicht]

They search and then take the points. The number of points taken will depend on the size of unit you get and the time of year they exchange it for. We got a 1 bedroom 2 bath unit at Kona Coast II for 160 points.

 

[chris1gill]

Thanks Diane, They ask & verify with us if we like an exchange before they complete the transaction right? I just don't want them to exchange the points until we approve of where we are staying!!!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by chris1gill
Thanks Diane, They ask & verify with us if we like an exchange before they complete the transaction right? I just don't want them to exchange the points until we approve of where we are staying!!!

Totally correct Chris, they will not take the points out until (at the earliest) you accept the exchange. You going back so soon?

 

[chris1gill]

Hi Dean,

One word, YUP DH said that he'd like to go back for 3 or 4 weeks... So I think what we will do is go the last 2 weeks of next year & the first 2 weeks of '04 (so we are about a year & a half out) This screws up our Disney plans, because that's when we were going to go! But I'll rework that... I figure we'll use points for a couple of weeks & have enough points to do 5 or 6 days in a 1 bedroom... We'll spend some cash for hotels in Hawaii to make up the difference... Here I was just thinking of going back for a week or two

 

[PamOKW]

I thought making regular trips to WDW was bad enough...now you're talking about commuting from Boston to Hawaii on a regular basis...now that's living. Enjoy every day!

 

[chris1gill]

ROFL Pam!! Well, this is worse... yearly trips to both Disney & Hawaii Luckily I can go most places on a dime, this isn't "too" different, it's just that all the dimes go towards airfare!!! Hawaii I think I might trade 2 weeks using DVC points (one at each Maui & Kauai) & 5 days of our Starwood points (Over on Lana'i I think) & then I'm not sure where else... With that length of time we'll get to see a few of the islands, so that would be nice if we do go ahead of this & forego our LONG Disney trip... I don't know what I would do without my two week trip to Disney!!

 

[Dean]

Chris you should look at doing direct exchanges and possibly using one of the independent erxchange companies. You can likely get the 4 weeks to HI easier, faster and for less points. Also consider renting from timeshare owners, usually much cheaper than otherwise.

 

[Dean]

Chris, there is a 1BR at the Maui Schooner for 19-26 December, sitting on line. While it's not quite up to DVC standards, it's till a pretty nice 5* resort.

 

[chris1gill]

Hi Dean,

The only problem with using SFX, is that you have to give up your points first (I'm not sure I want to do that quite yet)... I think I'll see what MS comes up with first... About the Maui Schooner, is that this December? We're going to plan on going Next December, so it's the wrong year... I'll definitely look into a direct exchange as well... That's a really good idea, I'm sure there's some Marriott owner out there wanting to stay at the Boardwalk I'll let you know what we decide. Isn't your trip coming up soon (August)?

 

[Dean]

The Schooner was December, 2003. With SFX, if they have what you want in hand, you may be able to do the exchange then satisfying both needs. They will do search first but only if you have a paid membership. They get a lot of Embassy units which would be a great choice as well. Platinum interchange will do a request first with no membership fee. I don't think Trading places does request first but you can call them periodically and see if you can do an instant exchange. They manage several and tend to have a lot of Lawaii Beach which, like the Schooner, is a nice resort but a cut below DVC.