tell me where you have traded to....

[Disney Hot Mama]

We are looking to do a trade through DVC (II) THought New Zealand might work but since it is winter there in our summer having second thoughts. Where have you successfully traded to, how long did it take to receive a match and any words of advice?

I want to do something different
Warm, tropical maybe - nothing in the Wester part of the USA as we live here and can drive for a trip. Looking for a 2 BD, similar accomodations to DVC though we do not need anything super fancy. We love the full kitchens, laundry facilities in the room, pools and relaxing. It would be me, DH, DD(7) and DS (9) for summer 2006.

THanks

 

[dianeschlicht]

Most trades through II from DVC will have full kitchens, laundry facilities, etc.

We did an II exchange to Hawaii a couple years ago. We left our request very open and said any 1-2 bedroom on any island EXCEPT Oahu and any time between January and May. We started the search 2 years out, expecting it to take a long time. Our preference was the Big Island of Hawaii, and our match came through in just 5 days for Kona Coast II resort. It was a 1 bedroom with 2 baths, so we accepted it. It really was a very easy and painless thing to do. I think the key is to be very open about where and when. If you have a destination in mind (like Hawaii or New Zealand) it is probably best to just state that and leave your time window fairly open. Many exchanges don't come through until quite a bit later than our experience, so it makes it a bit more difficult to get good airfares etc.

 

[Dean]

Most trades through II from DVC will have full kitchens, laundry facilities, etc.

We did an II exchange to Hawaii a couple years ago. We left our request very open and said any 1-2 bedroom on any island EXCEPT Oahu and any time between January and May. We started the search 2 years out, expecting it to take a long time. Our preference was the Big Island of Hawaii, and our match came through in just 5 days for Kona Coast II resort. It was a 1 bedroom with 2 baths, so we accepted it. It really was a very easy and painless thing to do. I think the key is to be very open about where and when. If you have a destination in mind (like Hawaii or New Zealand) it is probably best to just state that and leave your time window fairly open. Many exchanges don't come through until quite a bit later than our experience, so it makes it a bit more difficult to get good airfares etc.

Many will have kitchens but II doesn't distinguish between a full or a partial kitchen. So if the kitchen set up is important, check it out ahead of time.

Disney Hot Mama, remember that for you to get something, someone else must give it up. Thus the more desirable overall a unit, resort and week is; the lower your chances of getting it. In general you should not count on top resorts during prime time. Do your homework and check out any resorts you are thinking about. Don't rely on DVC to steer you right, they don't have the info available or know your travel preferences well enough to make your decisions for you. And you should plan a year out, a full 2 years out for some trades.

 

[Merilyn]

Dean, when is prime time in HI? If we are going to use our WorldPerks miles should we just find out where they fly and book it at the year in advance time frame? I am afraid all won't work out time wise. You usually say start your seach 2 years out. I guess we just ask for those locations that will work with the miles and take a location there if it comes available. I then just have to hope we can get our flights there. I guess the most we lose if it doesn't work out is the DVC fee. We can always fly and stay somewhere else. Is there a better time to go to HI. We would hate to go and it be a bad weather time of the year. We made that mistake when we exhanged to CA. May wasn't a good time to go. I know you have said you use miles sometimes. Just wanted your thoughts on how to make it work. Also, any ideas on the best exchange company to use if DVC doesn't come through. Thanks for your great information. You are such a help with those of us who don't travel outside WDW very often.

 

[rocketriter]

We've traded to Hawaii (Kona Coast II on the Big Island, known to be an easy trade and a nice resort) and to Williamsburg (Marriott's Ford Colony, excellent resort, in stock and an instant trade through DVC/II).

 

[Dean]

and to Williamsburg (Marriott's Ford Colony.

Also known to be an easy trade, even for 4th of July.

 

[Dean]

Dean, when is prime time in HI? If we are going to use our WorldPerks miles should we just find out where they fly and book it at the year in advance time frame? I am afraid all won't work out time wise. You usually say start your seach 2 years out. I guess we just ask for those locations that will work with the miles and take a location there if it comes available. I then just have to hope we can get our flights there. I guess the most we lose if it doesn't work out is the DVC fee. We can always fly and stay somewhere else. Is there a better time to go to HI. We would hate to go and it be a bad weather time of the year. We made that mistake when we exhanged to CA. May wasn't a good time to go. I know you have said you use miles sometimes. Just wanted your thoughts on how to make it work. Also, any ideas on the best exchange company to use if DVC doesn't come through. Thanks for your great information. You are such a help with those of us who don't travel outside WDW very often.

Merilyn, IMO, the air is almost always far more important that the accommodations in places like HI or even Aruba. I'd place a search pretty broad for 2 years out then if you haven't matched when the FF mile window opens, chose a week and lock it in then change your search accordingly possibly lowering your standards as well to get the week you need. This is what we did in 2002 when we went to HI for 2 weeks. Air for 4 would have been $4000, far more than a hotel if we hadn't gotten what we wanted (not through DVC). Then make a refundable hotel or condo reservation as a backup.

HI is pretty high most of the year. From the info I have it appears that the first 2 weeks of Dec are the lowest followed by the period from early Sept to early Nov. All the times School is out plus Feb and March appear to be the highest.