Request if not DVC member??

[JanMitch]

First of all, I'd like to say I really enjoy this site and have learned many things about OKW this year. We are Marriott (Williamsburg) owners who have traded a week for OKW beginning Sept 8. I read a lot here about requests for buildings or areas within OKW. Can only DVC members make those requests, or could we make one as an II trade member? Also, is the pool-hopping only for DVC members, or anyone staying at OKW? We're an empty-nester couple who plan to golf and visit all of the parks, so if anyone has any suggestions about where to stay within the resort, it would really be appreciated. Thanks in advance. We're getting pretty excited!

 

[Lisa F]

Pool hopping and other memeber benefits are only for DVC members and are not available for all OKW guests. Although you're not a member, you are a guest of OKW and any guest is allowed to make whatever requests that they wish (although there is no guarantee that they will be met, but they do seem to try!)

I'm not too familiar with OKW so i couldn't give you any advice on that. Have a great vacation!

Lisa

 

[JonHM]

I thought that if you're staying on a member's points (as would be the case in an II exchange, no?), that benefits wise it's the same as the member being there, from DVC's perspective. Is that not true?

 

[Peggy Sue]

No, The member must be present to utilize the pool hopping and other discount programs designed for members. This is true when setting up reservations for family and friends and the DVC member is not with them.

 

[Lisa F]

Just to confirm what PeggySue said, I did call and ask MS directly if friends of ours would have member benefits while staying on our points (discounted UMP's or whatever they are calling them nowadays and poolhopping) and was told that those benefits were only for members and guests ACCOMPANYING members on their trip.

Lisa

 

[Dean]

First, II exchanges are not the same as guests of the DVC member. They specifically don't get the benefits. As for the member having to be present to get the other benefits, I'm not sure I agree. The only benefits that specifically is stated that the member must be present is the cash disount and the UMP discount. Renters are also technically excluded from the pool hopping, discounts, etc. The reality is that any guest or renter is going to have the ID card that says member and will never be questioned. They've even given the UMP discount to guests when the member was not along even though the guidebook specifically says not only must the member be present but only the ones staying in the unit with the member is entitled to the discount.

For II requests, I'd Fax your info about a week before arrival and give any reasoning for certain requests. Don't get greedy as you will be low man on the totem pole, as you should be. If there's a medical reason, they will make every effort to accomodate it. They will not and should not give you a request above a member or the guest of a member except for true medical reasons. The fax number for OKW is 407-827-7710 and the phone is 407-827-7700. I'd call and find out who the room controller is then fax a very personal and nicely worded request.

I'm curious as to what you traded to get in. Even though Sept and Jan are the most widely available times for exchanges, few people still get in.

 

[JanMitch]

Thanks to all of you for your opinions. I guess we may just check when we get there about the pool-hopping privileges. Our world won't end if we can't do it, just thought it might be fun.

As for what we traded: We own a floating Platinum (red) Marriott week at Williamsburg. My understanding is that it's highly desirable and we've never had trouble trading unless it's during a holiday or vacation week. For anyone interested in seeing Williamsburg, this resort is wonderful and offers golf on the premises, also.

 

[Dean]

Agreed, Manor Club is beautiful and summer is a great but hot time to go. Unfortunately the trading power for Williamsburg is dwindling with II much as it has with RCI because of overbuilding. The Marriott will continue to be the cream of the crop there. Williamsgurg has become much like Orlando, but on a smaller scale. I hope you enjoy your trade to OKW. You'll find that you cannot legally pool hop but if you don't get caught, no major harm done.