SkyAuction and the Blowout sale.. beware.....

[A Mickeyfan]

I am so pizzed right now!! I just found out something from that 800 #. I called to see if they had any inventory for a Sunday, 7/27 check in & told them there is never anything on the RCI site. He said those cert's aren't really suppose to be used during peak season. Then he went on to say that if I did see something on getaway's site and it was in their system he can book it for me.
I told him that my DD had to work F/S and we now needed a Sunday check in, he said to take the Celebration World with the Fri, 7/25 check in & what was the big deal loosing 2 nights on a free vacation. I said free.. I paid $200 for my certificate. He said these certificates are suppose to be free. They are given away... I told him I purchased them from SkyAuction. He said that was something I needed to take up with them. Being they are free vacations, that is the reason there is really is nothing showing on the RCI site during peak.

I do not know where SkyAuction is getting these certificates from, but they are selling something that as per the 800# are free vacations. They must be the ones that are perks for owners or something. While they are a great deal, if I remember correctly, the last email I got from them advertised them being able to be used over the summer. As per this rep I just spoke to, they really are not suppose to be. This explains why the SkyAuction site is now going to the rciredemption.com site for inventory. They black out the peak seasons, where as getawayweeks do not. When I purchased mine back in Dec, they were with the getawayweeks site. Now we are told to use the rci site.... I hope I am not breaking any of the DIS rules here by posting this, but SkyAuctions doesn't seem to be as honest as they use to be. I want everyone to know this before purchasing anymore of these.

If you plan on using these during peak season... do not purchase..... I do think I am going to get a refund on the one certificate that I did not activate yet. The one that I had to give the number for to check inventory, I will have to use. If I have to, I will either use by loosing a few days of it over the summer or take some days off of work in Oct as I planned for HHN... I cannot use the other as planned, over Winter Break....

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

I'm sorry to hear you are going through this hassle, but I'm glad that you shared your info. I have considered purchasing these certificates during the past couple of sales but hesitated. I don't think I would consider purchasing one unless there was a place available at the time of purchasing and I'm still not sure I would purchase it. Thanks, Linda

 

[madge]

I am so pizzed right now!! I just found out something from that 800 #. I called to see if they had any inventory for a Sunday, 7/27 check in & told them there is never anything on the RCI site. He said those cert's aren't really suppose to be used during peak season. Then he went on to say that if I did see something on getaway's site and it was in their system he can book it for me.
I told him that my DD had to work F/S and we now needed a Sunday check in, he said to take the Celebration World with the Fri, 7/25 check in & what was the big deal loosing 2 nights on a free vacation. I said free.. I paid $200 for my certificate. He said these certificates are suppose to be free. They are given away... I told him I purchased them from SkyAuction. He said that was something I needed to take up with them. Being they are free vacations, that is the reason there is really is nothing showing on the RCI site during peak.

I do not know where SkyAuction is getting these certificates from, but they are selling something that as per the 800# are free vacations. They must be the ones that are perks for owners or something. While they are a great deal, if I remember correctly, the last email I got from them advertised them being able to be used over the summer. As per this rep I just spoke to, they really are not suppose to be. This explains why the SkyAuction site is now going to the rciredemption.com site for inventory. They black out the peak seasons, where as getawayweeks do not. When I purchased mine back in Dec, they were with the getawayweeks site. Now we are told to use the rci site.... I hope I am not breaking any of the DIS rules here by posting this, but SkyAuctions doesn't seem to be as honest as they use to be. I want everyone to know this before purchasing anymore of these.

If you plan on using these during peak season... do not purchase..... I do think I am going to get a refund on the one certificate that I did not activate yet. The one that I had to give the number for to check inventory, I will have to use. If I have to, I will either use by loosing a few days of it over the summer or take some days off of work in Oct as I planned for HHN... I cannot use the other as planned, over Winter Break....

wow. if this is the case, the people buying the home & away certificates (or whatever they're called ... the auction someone pointed me to after this deal went away) are going to face similar scenarios. When you look at the info about those auctions, you're supposed to check www.rciredemption.com

I think I'll pass, unless someone can give me better news.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I sent an email off to SkyAuction but I know they are closed until Monday. I will post what I hear from them. I honestly do not expect to hear much of an explaination from them other than offering a refund on my non-activated certificated number. I did not demand, but told them I was debating a refund on it. I wanted to see their reply. I do think I am going to take one though if I cannot use the activated certificate this summer. Here is a copy of my email to them......

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have been having a very hard time finding inventory for the summer months and I called the 800 number, this is what I was told!

the certificates aren't really suppose to be used during peak season. Then the rep went on to say that if I did see something on getaway's site (since we NOW have to use the rciredemption.com site) and it was in their system he can book it for me. I told him that I needed a Sunday check in, he said to take the Celebration World with the Fri check in (7/25/08) & what was the big deal loosing 2 nights on a free vacation. I said FREE.. I paid $180 for my certificate. He said these certificates are suppose to be FREE. They are given away... I told him I purchased them from SkyAuction. He said that was something I needed to take up with them. Being they are FREE vacations, that is the reason there is really is nothing showing on the RCI site during peak.

I am very unhappy with what is going on. I have already used one of my certificates, number XXXX-XXXXX. I had to activate the other to check for inventory since the site originally wasn't showing how many bedrooms (they now do) and that was certificate number XXXX-XXXXX. I am now debating on a refund for the 3rd certificate, number XXXX-XXXXX since I had planned on using that over my school's winter break. I work for the school district and have a child in school which makes non peak travel a little hard. When I purchased these certificates nothing was said about peak travel. I recently rec'd an email from you advertising your latest blowout sale in which you stated TRAVEL this SUMMER. That is really false advertising according to the non peak travel thing. How can you travel when you have nothing allowed. Like I said, I am really debating a refund. I have used your site for years and never really had a problem & have told many about you. I have to rethink your practices now. You are selling certificates that are really FREE VACATION certificates and given LAST priority for booking.
Sharon XXXXXX

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Here is my check on rci for today.... and the blackout explains the fast search and the acutal July1-31st dates....

Searching Orlando Area from 7/1/2008 to 7/31/2008.
Sorry, no results were returned for your search.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here are the results from getawayweeks.. and I see the Celebration World is now gone, it was there early this morning for a 7/25 check in....

Drifwood would be a great deal for two people wanting to go to Disney World since it is off Sherberth Rd.. but I am more than two people....
Poinciana and Sebring are a bit too far to travel to the theme parks everyday since they are in different towns completely.
The Gardens is an alternate lifestyle and they do not suggest family stay there. This is from their site... "Please be advised that the Gardens Resort caters predominately to Gay and Lesbian guests, however all guests are welcome. The resort is not recommended for children or families because the resort ammenities are located next door at the adult only gay & lesbian resort, Parliament House. The resort's pool is scheduled to open in June of 2008. Future phases will be available in late 2008and will offer dditional amenities." Now in all honestly, if I weren't bringing my 15 DD, I might consider the Gardens. It would not bother me staying there. However when they state that it is next to an all adult etc...., I do not care what type of "all adult", children should not be there.

Search Results

Displaying 1 to 4 of 4

Alhambra at Poinciana
Poinciana, FL
Unit Description Check-In/Check-Out
Hotel, 2 Guests 7/26/08 - 8/2/08
1 Bedroom, 4 Guests, Full Kitchen 7/26/08 - 8/2/08

Driftwood Worldgate Resort
Kissimmee, FL
Unit Description Check-In/Check-Out
Hotel, 2 Guests 7/26/08 - 8/2/08

Harder Hall Lakeside Villas
Sebring, FL
Unit Description Check-In/Check-Out
Studio, 2 - 4 Guests, Full Kitchen 7/26/08 - 8/2/08
1 Bedroom, 4 Guests, Full Kitchen 7/26/08 - 8/2/08

The Gardens, Orlando
Orlando, FL
Unit Description Check-In/Check-Out
1 Bedroom, 4 Guests, Full Kitchen 7/26/08 - 8/2/08

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Here is a copy of my original purchase back in Dec. It states that I am to use getawayweeks and it does not state that I canot travel during peak season. It states that if it becomes available it often becomes available on short notice. Much different than what RCI is telling me, they flat out said "blacked out". As I said, that also explains the reasoning behind the switch in which site you are to look up availablity. I wonder if that is why the rep told me he could book for me if I saw it on getaway... since my original has getaway...not rciredemption and I do not have an auth code to book online as others do....


Skyauction’s Holiday Vacation Blowout Clearance Sale!
7 Night Stay at the Resort of Your Choice
Valid thru APRIL 30, 2009


Description



Take advantage of this limited time offer. Purchase a 7 night Resort Vacation Certificate for only $179

Celebrate the holidays this year by giving someone you care about a week at one of over 3700 worldwide resorts for the low price of $179!! This is an opportunity to take advantage of our vacation rental certificate program at the lowest price ever offered to our valued customers.

The Resort Vacation Certificate is good for a seven-night stay, and valid for use until April 30, 2009. Please note that when searching for a vacation resort the system will only allow you to search approximately 1 year in advance.

A resort condominium provides luxuries and flexibility not available in a hotel stay. Whether you are traveling with a spouse, with friends or with children, a condominium accommodates all your vacation needs.

Book spacious condominiums ranging in size from studios to three bedrooms. Relax in large living rooms and dining rooms, and prepare food in fully equipped kitchens. Or purchase all-inclusive price plans at selected resorts.

Your choice of destinations lets you stay in tropical paradises, snow-capped mountains, lush countryside, bustling cities and more. Travel the farthest reaches of the world or explore regions close to home. Choose from thousands of resorts worldwide, including international stays in Europe, the Caribbean, Australia and Mexico. Travel the USA and experience the best of Florida, Colorado, California, and more.

What is the Resort Vacation Certificate?
The Resort Vacation Certificate entitles the recipient to a seven-night stay at a participating resort. Vacations in this program are based solely upon availability at the time of booking.

Where can I travel?
The resort Vacation Certificate may be used for all vacations listed at www.getawayweeks.com.

Can I bring someone with me?
You may bring as many people as the unit sleeps.

How do I book my vacation?
First check availability through www.getawayweeks.com. Once your destination is determined simply call the toll-free number indicated on the certificate.

What are the peak or high travel seasons?
The best availability is during off-peak times of the year. Peak times are generally when children are out of school, holiday weeks, spring break and summer months. If space becomes available during these peak times, it will most likely be on short notice, 2-14 days prior to travel.

Can I give my vacation certificate to another person?
Yes. At the time you book your reservation you will provide the name of the traveler. At that time it will become non-transferable.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
now here is a copy of the email they sent me back in Dec (12/26) with the info on it confirming and giving me my cert numbers...

Dear Sharon,

Re: Fulfillment #XXXXXX, Item #XXXXXXX

******* CERTIFICATE INFORMATION *******

CERTIFICATE EXPIRATION DATE: April 30, 2009


To book your reservation please call toll free : 800-618-4968

Your Certificate Numbers are:

XXXX-XXXXX
XXXX-XXXXX
XXXX-XXXXX



HOW TO BOOK YOUR RESERVATION:
First check availability through www.getawayweeks.com. Once your destination is
determined simply call the toll-free number indicated above. You will speak with a
agent at GetAwayWeeks who will book your reservation and issue travel documents.

IMPORTANT!!!! When you call the toll-free number the agent will first assign the
certificate to the name of the person traveling. This is the only person who will
be allowed to check into the resort. Once your certificate is activated in a name
and address, the certificate becomes non-transferable, non-changeable, and
non-refundable

Reply not required.

Please send any necessary replies online at:
http://www.skyauction.com/members/action/CommentReply?FR_ID=XXXXXX

We thank you for using SkyAuction.com and look forward to hearing from you soon.

If you are unable to use the link above, you may contact us via email at reservations@skyauction.com or via phone at (212) 355-3660. Agents are available from Monday through Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Sincerely,

Reservations Department
reservations@skyauction.com

SkyAuction.com
Now You're Going Somewhere!
http://www.skyauction.com

Record id: XXXXXX

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I am really sorry to those that do not seem interest in this, but I am doing this for all that are on the fence about purchasing. If you look back a few weeks ago, I was all for these certificates. Now I have had a complete turn around. Unless you have a set date and the date is there, and it is off peak I would not suggest purchasing them.. As another poster said, it is like a lottery. You may loose... and do you want to purchase that much of a lottery
Do the sure thing, not the chance. I am not saying they aren't a good deal, but they are only if you can use them.. off peak....

considering that you now have to go by the rci site to check, even if you put in 2-14 days from now (as my info suggests for peak time travel) you get a fast reply of nothing. It is not just for Orlando either, it is all of FL and here are a few other places I have checked.. which leads me to believe the rep on the other end of the phone.. they are blacked out!

Searching San Francisco Area from 7/1/2008 to 7/31/2008.
Sorry, no results were returned for your search.

Searching Williamsburg from 7/1/2008 to 7/31/2008.
Sorry, no results were returned for your search.

Searching Eastern / Ontario / Quebec from 7/1/2008 to 7/31/2008.
Sorry, no results were returned for your search.

Searching Coastal - MD, DE, NJ, Virginia Beach from 7/1/2008 to 7/31/2008.
Sorry, no results were returned for your search.

get the drift... you can do a check for yourself.. nothing comes up for July... that equals to blacked out, dispite what SkyAuction advertises about using them over the summer. I wish I did not delete my email with the ad for it...

 

[JohnBoy54]

I apologize in advance, but I don't feel that you're being reasonable to Skyauction.

If you do your due diligence before bidding on any of their "Home and Away" or "Ready, Set, Go" auctions, check availability or read reviews/forums from other users, you will find that AVAILABILITY during the summer months is ALWAYS a problem. It is hit or miss.

I have watched the redemption sites all summer, and there have many awesome units available, including ones in Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Nags Head, Orlando and Williamsburg. But they are only available for a few minutes then they are GONE. So you have to catch them at the right time.

I own several timeshares and trade thru RCI. The timeshare owners have the same problem with availability during the SUMMER MONTHS. There is NEVER a guarantee that you will get what you want when you want it.

You get what you pay for, and NO ONE should expect to be able to pick up a 5-star Orlando 2br resort during PEAK season for $200/week!! That's unbelievably and totally unrealistic. Many of the resorts they offer would go for $200/NIGHT!!

If you have a limited window when you can travel, perhaps you should book through a travel agent or directly with a resort to guarantee those times. You can't get upset with Skyauction because someone else grabbed an available unit before you got it...

I have also not read anywhere that Skyauction is SELLING what they've gotten for free. My guess is that they are BUYING excess inventory from RCI. Most if not all of the resorts they seem to offer are TIMESHARES. It is to the benefit of the resort to have a full house... more guests mean more spending on activities, meals and more people to try and sell timeshares to!!

I'm not trying to pick on you, but Skyauction is a great service at an unbeatable price AS LONG AS you can get what you want. That's the same with timeshare trading...

Best of Luck.

 

[muffyn]

I am really sorry to those that do not seem interest in this, but I am doing this for all that are on the fence about purchasing. :

hey I'm interested.
(I have a certificate, but an looking for feb 2009)

but, did I miss something in your posts.
since YOUR certificate states to LOOK & CHOOSE from getawayweeks, just what do they say when you tell them that???? they absoulutely won't honor it?

I don't have an 800 # to call. ( on my certificates from them) they say you have to book ONLINE.
I called getawayweeks & they told me that only certain certificate #'s work on their site.. none of yours does huh?

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

Here is my check on rci for today.... and the blackout explains the fast search and the acutal July1-31st dates....

Searching Orlando Area from 7/1/2008 to 7/31/2008.
Sorry, no results were returned for your search.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here are the results from getawayweeks.. and I see the Celebration World is now gone, it was there early this morning for a 7/25 check in....

Drifwood would be a great deal for two people wanting to go to Disney World since it is off Sherberth Rd.. but I am more than two people....
Poinciana and Sebring are a bit too far to travel to the theme parks everyday since they are in different towns completely.
The Gardens is an alternate lifestyle and they do not suggest family stay there. This is from their site... "Please be advised that the Gardens Resort caters predominately to Gay and Lesbian guests, however all guests are welcome. The resort is not recommended for children or families because the resort ammenities are located next door at the adult only gay & lesbian resort, Parliament House. The resort's pool is scheduled to open in June of 2008. Future phases will be available in late 2008and will offer dditional amenities." Now in all honestly, if I weren't bringing my 15 DD, I might consider the Gardens. It would not bother me staying there. However when they state that it is next to an all adult etc...., I do not care what type of "all adult", children should not be there.

Search Results

Displaying 1 to 4 of 4

Alhambra at Poinciana
Poinciana, FL
Unit Description Check-In/Check-Out
Hotel, 2 Guests 7/26/08 - 8/2/08
1 Bedroom, 4 Guests, Full Kitchen 7/26/08 - 8/2/08

Driftwood Worldgate Resort
Kissimmee, FL
Unit Description Check-In/Check-Out
Hotel, 2 Guests 7/26/08 - 8/2/08

Harder Hall Lakeside Villas
Sebring, FL
Unit Description Check-In/Check-Out
Studio, 2 - 4 Guests, Full Kitchen 7/26/08 - 8/2/08
1 Bedroom, 4 Guests, Full Kitchen 7/26/08 - 8/2/08

The Gardens, Orlando
Orlando, FL
Unit Description Check-In/Check-Out
1 Bedroom, 4 Guests, Full Kitchen 7/26/08 - 8/2/08

Wow! But Gay and Lesbian couples do have children so they could not stay there either!

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I apologize in advance, but I don't feel that you're being reasonable to Skyauction.

If you do your due diligence before bidding on any of their "Home and Away" or "Ready, Set, Go" auctions, check availability or read reviews/forums from other users, you will find that AVAILABILITY during the summer months is ALWAYS a problem. It is hit or miss.

I have watched the redemption sites all summer, and there have many awesome units available, including ones in Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Nags Head, Orlando and Williamsburg. But they are only available for a few minutes then they are GONE. So you have to catch them at the right time.

I own several timeshares and trade thru RCI. The timeshare owners have the same problem with availability during the SUMMER MONTHS. There is NEVER a guarantee that you will get what you want when you want it.

You get what you pay for, and NO ONE should expect to be able to pick up a 5-star Orlando 2br resort during PEAK season for $200/week!! That's unbelievably and totally unrealistic. Many of the resorts they offer would go for $200/NIGHT!!

If you have a limited window when you can travel, perhaps you should book through a travel agent or directly with a resort to guarantee those times. You can't get upset with Skyauction because someone else grabbed an available unit before you got it...

I have also not read anywhere that Skyauction is SELLING what they've gotten for free. My guess is that they are BUYING excess inventory from RCI. Most if not all of the resorts they seem to offer are TIMESHARES. It is to the benefit of the resort to have a full house... more guests mean more spending on activities, meals and more people to try and sell timeshares to!!

I'm not trying to pick on you, but Skyauction is a great service at an unbeatable price AS LONG AS you can get what you want. That's the same with timeshare trading...

Best of Luck.

I say thank you to the OP for alerting us to this. I too had considered buying one of these certificates.


Skyauction is not what it once was. I do however feel that in the current economy, they could make a comeback but if they lose their veracity with customers people will not be so eager to use their service.

I notice this was your first post, do you by some chance work for them? Sounds like a commercial to me. I too am not picking you either.

I was able to get Sheraton Vistana two bedroom for 122 per night W/out Sky Auction. At first I was a little disappoined but when I figured it out I am paying only 100 more total for two weeks than I did last year with S/A. We had stayed at this resort for 4 years in a row w/ SA but sometimes had trouble getting what we wanted b/c of the fact they could only use the RCI inventory. RCI was NEVER any help to us despite the fact that my son had some medical issues. I booked through Sheraton this time and can cancel up to two days before my trip. Well worth the 100 extra! OH I forgot to mention...it is during the middle two weeks in August which if I am not mistaken is ON SEASON.

I think Sky Auction has seen better days!

 

[mdbehr]

I got a 2 bedroom at Orlando International Resort Club this morning for check in on 7/26!

 

[JohnBoy54]

Yes, I've only had one post. I'm a lurker, I don't normally post I just watch for deals on restaurants and hotels. We love Orlando, have a timeshare in Daytona and drive over to Orlando a few times each year.

No, I do not work for SkyAuction, nor was my post encouraging anyone to buy from them. My point was, "it is what it is" -- a resource for EXCESS rooms. IF you are not picky about what or when you go, it's great. IF you NEED a specific week or specific resort -- BUYER BEWARE!!

I absolutely say thank you to the OP for alerting people to the limited options. There are many people who will buy certificates assuming there is an abundance of rooms. THERE IS NOT. Only a lucky few will get what they want.

But at the same time, if you can travel off season, then Yes, you can snap up a great deal.

I think we're on the same page.

I say thank you to the OP for alerting us to this. I too had considered buying one of these certificates.


Skyauction is not what it once was. I do however feel that in the current economy, they could make a comeback but if they lose their veracity with customers people will not be so eager to use their service.

I notice this was your first post, do you by some chance work for them? Sounds like a commercial to me. I too am not picking you either.

I was able to get Sheraton Vistana two bedroom for 122 per night W/out Sky Auction. At first I was a little disappoined but when I figured it out I am paying only 100 more total for two weeks than I did last year with S/A. We had stayed at this resort for 4 years in a row w/ SA but sometimes had trouble getting what we wanted b/c of the fact they could only use the RCI inventory. RCI was NEVER any help to us despite the fact that my son had some medical issues. I booked through Sheraton this time and can cancel up to two days before my trip. Well worth the 100 extra! OH I forgot to mention...it is during the middle two weeks in August which if I am not mistaken is ON SEASON.

I think Sky Auction has seen better days!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Believe me... I can completely see both sides here... And I appreciate the heads up about limited availability from the OP!!

However, JohnBoy is RIGHT!!! Go on any travel site (travelocity, etc..) call some of these nice resorts, and you will see that they are being booked for $200.00 per night.... $200.00 per week is simply NOT realistic to think that you can get this, no strings, whenever you want...

As an owner of an RCI week, who has just exchanged for next May... MONTHS in advance... I can tell you that what JohnBoy says is true... I could go looking right now for June or July of this year or next year... and it will say... No results... No availability... And WE (well, my inlaws) ARE PAID IN FULL RCI OWNERS AND MEMBERS.

I believe that it is possibly true that there are class action lawsuits going on over this type of thing.

From my point of view, my inlaws paid BOO-COO to get a week/points with RCI... Then you add in all the other maintenance fees, exchange fees, mambership fees, etc... And to think that *I* may not get availabilty because the week that I (and other RCI owners) actually OWN, during peak season, is being given away for only $199.00....

Both sides of this story are true... anyone who is unhappy because they didn't get a big something for nothing should look at their expectations...
AND, there is definitely something going on here that is NOT RIGHT.
Yes, it just stinks from BOTH perspectives.

 

[bearzabout]

I have heard that these certificates are offered for sale by RCI and can be purchased by real estate agents, car dealerships, retail stores or other businesses to give away as incentives for purchases or thank you/customer appreciation presents. They usually cost the business around $300-400 but are given to the customer so in most circumstances, the people on the phone at RCI are talking with someone who was given a "free" vacation.

These "free" vacations can be great for RCI. It introduces people to their resorts who never would have gone to the resort otherwise. These vacationers may be impressed and buy a timeshare. The certificates are a very inexpensive marketing tool. This is why they work "off season": RCI doesn't want to take up space in a resort introducing it to someone new if owners may want to reserve the units. Units are only listed on getawayweeks when the rooms will likely sit empty otherwise.

Last minute and in season rooms may open up if the resort is relatively sure owners will not fill a resort during a certain week. Note the new system requires bookings at least 10 days in advance.

I love these certificates and am very grateful they are available. I couldn't afford to travel without them.

Please don't complain too loudly. RCI may decide to discontinue the program which will hurt so many other people who can't afford to travel in season.

 

[JohnBoy54]

I love these certificates and am very grateful they are available. I couldn't afford to travel without them.

Please don't complain too loudly. RCI may decide to discontinue the program which will hurt so many other people who can't afford to travel in season.

DITTO, DITTO, DITTO!!

There are probably as many pleased travelers as there are unhappy ones.

 

[Brian Noble]

I could go looking right now for June or July of this year or next year... and it will say... No results... No availability...

Really? You need a better trader. I see 2BR units at Orange Lake West and Vistana for the last week of July 08. I see 2BRs at Orange Lake (North, East and West), Silver Lake, Vistana, Summer Bay, Westgate VV, and a 3BR at Grand Lake for the 4th of July '09, plus lots of other, lesser resorts.

However, OPs point is well taken. The more flexible you are, the better you can expect to do. The more constraints you have---need a big unit, need to travel during school vacations, have only a few weeks you can get away from work---the more risky these certificates. If I were only able to travel during school vacations, and could only accept a 2BR unit, I would not buy one of these certificates hoping that I'd get an acceptable unit, unless I was willing to lose the money.

 

[spiceycat]

so sorry.

should have warned you. these are weeks that RCI doesn't think that RCI members will use - excess weeks.

that is all they have ever been.

will definitely use my weeks.

 

[madge]

so sorry.

should have warned you. these are weeks that RCI doesn't think that RCI members will use - excess weeks.

that is all they have ever been.

will definitely use my weeks.

does the availability ever change?

 

[spiceycat]

does the availability ever change?

daily or weekly - so you have to kept looking.

think it is not daily but more often than weekly.

 

[BonnieA]

I am fortunate enough to travel in the off season. And with the gas prices I think driving will become my main mode of travel (my husbands prius). So I welcome these certificates. I have a 3 bedroom at Cypress Pointe Grande Villas in November, 3 bedroom at Grand Palms in May 09. I'm still waiting for something to show up that I would like in January. I would like 2 2br condos but I can settle for 2 1 br condos if they have a washer/dryer. I look daily and am sure I will find something to use my certificates on. I would never try to use them during peak season. I can't seem to wait until last minute, I'm getting antsy waiting for a good pick in January but I keep telling myself I have 6 months yet.