Skyauction check in date question...

[janets]

I've been checking to see if anything comes up that might work for us and saw a couple of options. All are for 7 nights with a variety of check in dates.

I have noticed that for the timeshares, most offer a Friday check in date. We are hoping to travel Sat-Sat. I have seen that if you win a Friday check in date, you need to contact the resort and tell them you're not checking in until Sat., but does that mean you have to leave the following Friday and you're only staying, in actuality, 6 nights?

I'm pretty new to this type of thing and don't want to find that I've cut a day off our family vacation.

Thanks!

 

[Mudd77]

Yes, your check-out would still be on Friday. So, you would indeed only get 6 nights.

 

[janets]

guess I have to only bid on ones that have a Saturday check in date. Fridays don't work for us.

Thanks.

Hey Mudd, when are you going in September? We're considering Labor Day week and I'm thinking CP as well.

 

[Mudd77]

We got a 3 bedroom at the Grande Villas for the 16th. We got ours through a "Ready Set Go Auction". They currently have another 3 bedroom available for 16th and also Saturday the 17th. We paid $261 for the entire week. Can't beat that!

 

[tinaluis]

Mudd77,
If you don't mind, would you explain how the "ready set go" auctions work
I've been considering skyauction for our upcoming trip (August, 2005) because so many here on the DIS seem to get great deals, but I'm not sure how it works.
TIA
Tina

 

[Mudd77]

tinaluis,

Go to http://www.skyauction.com/ and register if you haven’t already. Then click on search at the top of the homepage. Type "ready" in the search field and press enter. This will bring up all the current "Ready Set Go" auctions. Click on one of the auctions and read the information provided. This info will lead you to a link that provides access to the current inventory. Select the area, dates and room type you are interested in and search. All the available inventory that meets your criteria will then be displayed. If you see something you like click on "List Available Dates" and then find the unit that suites your needs the best (some have full kitchens while others have only partials). Next, click the "Request" button. Fill out this form (you will need the auction number) and it will hold the room for 24 hrs. You will receive an e-mail letting you know that the room is on hold. Go and place a bid on the auction. Note: You will pay the winning auction amount, $195 (taxes) and a $15 processing fee. Once the auction is over you will receive an e-mail stating that you have won. Then Skyauction will verify that you have paid for the auction (have a credit card on file or you run the risk of losing the room you have on hold). Finally, you will receive an e-mail stating that you are confirmed for the resort and the dates you selected. Attached to this e-mail will be a voucher that you will use at check-in.

Unfortunately you are traveling during peak season and there is not much available at this time. The best deals on Skyauction are usually found during the less crowded time periods. The best resorts for August will probably not show until late July (if at all). As you become familiar with Skyauction you will see that it is a great way to save on your vacation, but is fully utilized by those who can be flexible with their dates. I have used them three times now with great success. But for all three trips I went in with no dates in mind. I just found the best deal I could and built my vacation around those dates. If you have a set time period for your vacation with no room for change I would suggest going another route. Hope this helps.

 

[tinaluis]

Thanks for all of the info. I'll give it a try.
Tina

 

[CdnMom2]

It wouldn't be cutting your family vacation short. From what I've seen with the rates people on here are getting you could save enough on the Condo auction even only using 6 of your 7 night-stay that you could move for that last night to 1 of the myriad of other options in Orlando. Perhaps on-site for 1 night as a treat for all (& Extra Magic Hours & free parking for 2 days). Or to a hotel with a really cool pool the kids would want to try. Or closer to the Airport or Universal Studios or Cocoa Beach, etc. Something to consider.

 

[d4est]

So, are the Ready, Set, Go auctions best for those who need a full week? I will be needing something for 5 days/4 nights as we have family nearby and are sort of obligated to visist a day or two.

 

[Mudd77]

d4est,

RSG auctions are for a week’s stay, however you are not required to stay that long. And for the money, compared to a hotel, you can't beat the quality and amenities you receive at a timeshare resort. Even at 4 nights it will probably be cheaper than staying at a decent hotel ($60-70/night).

 

[tinaluis]

Mudd77,
Thanks for taking the time to explain how Skyauction works. We got a 2 bedroom at Cypress Pointe Grandvillas for a week on 11/25. Very excited and very pleased with our total price of $261. Thanks again.
Tina

 

[Mudd77]

tinaluis,

That's great! I'm glad it worked out for you. You got an incredible deal. I enjoy knowing that I can spend more money on entertainment and my daughter because I saved so much on the lodging. And at the same time your still staying in a nice resort much cheaper than a below average hotel.

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

Mudd77,
Thanks for taking the time to explain how Skyauction works. We got a 2 bedroom at Cypress Pointe Grandvillas for a week on 11/25. Very excited and very pleased with our total price of $261. Thanks again.
Tina

Hey tinaluis..........we'll be there 11/26!! Small world. We won this on Skyauction also last year.(supposed to be last Sept. but Hurricane Frances happened)

Here's some pixie dust for our trips.

 

[tinaluis]

Wow, it really is a small world! We were in Orlando just before Hurricane Frances hit and had to leave a day early. We usually book our stays through Priceline (and have gotten some really incredible deals) but are looking forward to being able to spread out and have a full kitchen. Maybe we'll see you there. We have three DDs (8,6 and 4) who I'm sure will be spending a lot of time at the Volcano Pool next door.

 

[d4est]

Thanks! So, on average, they (RSG) seem to go for under $300/week?? Wow. I have no qualms about staying off site at a NICE resort if I will be saving that kind of $$!!

 

[KATIESMOMMY]

Wow--gonna check this out!

 

[riu girl]

Am I correct in understanding that for the ready,set,go auctions you always bid $51? Does the autobid feature work like ebay? Are there ever any bidding wars in the last few minutes of an auction like ebay or if you bid $51 you usually win?
I just looked at sky auction last night and am SHOCKED at the low prices.
It looks too good to be true.