We just received transfer to Aruba!

[jrose529]

We are celebrating our 25th anniversary at the Playa Linda Beach Resort in Aruba. Has anyone transferred to this resort? I'm curious to find out about the resort's condition and suggestions for what there is to do besides sit at the beach all day. We are travelling with our 21 yo ds and our 16 yo dd. This will be our first trip to Aruba.

Last summer we we took the fabulous DCL Magic to the Eastern Caribbean. I hope Aruba is as wonderful as the cruise was. My dd desperately wants to go back on DCL. My ds wasn't able to join us on the cruise. We used so many points for the cruise, that we can't go back for a while! I received so many wonderful ideas and met great people on the DCL forum and I am looking forward to the same on this forum! Our trip is the second week of August and we are staying in unit 422.

I would appreciate any input you can give.

 

[Dean]

What unit size? Unfortunately I can't really add anything you didn't get already on TUG. Have a great trip and let us know back how it goes.

 

[dis-happy]

I don't know anything about your accomodations, but wanted to tell you how much we LOVED Aruba when we stopped there on a cruise. I spent my 40th birthday snorkling there and will forever have wonderful memories. Have fun!!!

 

[jrose529]

We are in a 1 bedroom unit. I did get great info from the TUG boards. I am looking for everyone's input. From a DVC point of view, I am curious as to how this resort compares to other resort transfers.

dis-happy, I am so glad to hear that you loved Aruba. Since we have never been there, its nice to hear that other DIS members had positive experiences.

Judy

 

[countingmomma]

We were in Aruba in December. We loved it. DH would leave today to go back there. (I think he would move there.)

We went on a tour of the island which included stops at the lighthouse, Natural Bridge, the oldest church on the island, Baby Beach (a disappointment), and someplace else. I wanted to tour the aloe factory (aloe is a big industry on Aruba), but we didn't have time.

The beaches are wonderful. We watched the sun set every night. We were at the Marriott Rennaissance. The people on the island are so "laid back". The perfect "no - stress" vacation.

DH got snorkelling equipment and did that a few days. I just read and sat on the beach. They have something there called "Snuba" which is part snorkelling and part skuba. No amusement parks, but I'm sure you'll have a great time.

 

[HeatherAnne]

You will Love Aruba! The Play Linda is a very nice resort. I am so jealous that you received your transfer. We put in a "search" to transfer some points for Aug, Sept or Oct to stay at the Marriott Ocean Club - we hope it goes thouugh. How long did you have to wait for the search to go through? When are you going?

Anyway, we have gone 3 times and abosolutley love it! Check out this web site - It has a great bulletin board where you can find out about the island and ask questions. Also, check out the Playa Linda site - they have a nice web cam! Enjoy your trip! Have fun! Feel free to ask any questions....

HeatherAnne

www.aruba-bb.com
www.playlinda.com

P.S. You MUST eat at the Italian restaurant (forgot the name) at the lighthouse - great sunset views - very romantic setting!

 

[jrose529]

It only took a little over a week for the transfer, which is a first for us. We usually have to wait at least a month. Actually, Playa Linda was our second choice, Marriott Ocean Club was our first choice. Since I listed more than one choice, I had to take the first trade they found for us. I'm just excited to be going to Aruba for the first time! I also only gave them one week to search. We are not flexible because of the kids' schedules. We are going from August 7 - 14. The following week is actually our anniversary, but both of the kids will be busy.

I have been loooking at the Playa Linda site, and it looks great! I check the webcam every day!! I'll take a look at the other site now. I'm not sure if its one of the sites I've been viewing. I've been looking at every site I find!

Judy

 

[Dean]

We are in a 1 bedroom unit. I did get great info from the TUG boards. I am looking for everyone's input. From a DVC point of view, I am curious as to how this resort compares to other resort transfers.

dis-happy, I am so glad to hear that you loved Aruba. Since we have never been there, its nice to hear that other DIS members had positive experiences.

Judy

Judy, was this for the moderate level of 144 points as it sounds like summer trip for you?

 

[jrose529]

Hi Dean - Yes, this was only 144 points. We are going from Aug. 7 - 14. When we first became members 12 years ago, it was about 210 points for a transfer! This is wonderful. DCL was more than 500 points for only 3 of us last summer. Aruba is a bargain. Actually, I really like the new point system. I would have loved a 2 bedroom, but we borrowed so many points last year that we don't have enough this year.

Judy

 

[Dean]

Hi Dean - Yes, this was only 144 points. We are going from Aug. 7 - 14. When we first became members 12 years ago, it was about 210 points for a transfer! This is wonderful. DCL was more than 500 points for only 3 of us last summer. Aruba is a bargain. Actually, I really like the new point system. I would have loved a 2 bedroom, but we borrowed so many points last year that we don't have enough this year.

Judy

Actually under the old system, at least after you could deposit any resort, it could have been as low as 104 points as Aruba weeks 17-50 were adventure season. That's why I think the old system was better in many ways than the new one is. Maybe more complicated, but better and cheaper for those that took the time to understand it. Getting a 2 BR in Aruba is much harder than a studio or 1 BR due to the fact that even the 2 BR units there are usually lockoff's and traded as two smaller units. I own a 3 BR at La Cabana for 4th of July and I can trade it as two 1 BR and a studio (3 separate trades). No way I'd ever trade it as a larger unit unless I had the world upfront. I did rent it for the entire week this year and will likely use at least part of it next year unless I get an exchange back in for the Marriott or similar using other La Cabana weeks I have on deposit with San Francisco Exchange Company.

This is also one of the reasons why the old system was particularly good for places like Aruba where they have a fair number of studio but more 1 BR units. You could frequently trade a studio and get a 1 BR for 55 points for "off season".

 

[jrose529]

Hi Dean,

We always have to travel during Spring Break or over the summer, so it would have been difficult for us to find a transfer for so few points. (DH's work schedule always got in the way!) When the kids were younger, we only went to WDW because they loved it so much. We never tried any transfers to anywhere but the Continental US for some reason. I also always requested a 2 bdrm. I never played with the points. Now that the kids are older I can hopefully convince my DH to try some more exotic locales.

Judy

 

[ATCMickey]

Judy,

You'll have a great time. Our trip was an II exchange but several years back. We had booked a St. Martin exchange, but five weeks before we were supposed to leave a hurricane went through the island and the government shut it down to tourists. We did a last minute scramble and switched to Aruba instead. Stayed for a week.

Aruba is predominately outside the hurrican belt. Winter/Summer highs vary between 84-88 degrees. Less than 4 inches of rain per year on average. It really is a desert. There really is no bad time to go and we never saw a drop of rain. A constant breeze made it extremely comfortable with little-no need for air conditioning. We exchanged into Sonesta Suites (now a Marriott Renaissance). It was located right in the downtown area (no beaches) but they owned their own private island about a mile off shore (absolutely incredible with 7 beaches). I believe they offer day excursions if you're not a guest. At the time cruise ship guests could buy a day pass and go out to the island as an excursion. Well worth it if you don't mind the drive into town and they're still doing it.

The strand of beach where the Playa Linda is is pretty much the main strip for beaches. Not far from the Hyatt Regency, Marriott, and Wyndam. We walked through Playa Linda one day...very nice place. A perfect stretch of wide beach and very walkable. Almost all watersport activities and excursions go out from that beach. Many of the excursions originate right in front of the Hyatt. Incredible water clarity (60-80 feet) and if you've got any interest in snorkling it's well worth the trip.

Be prepared to spend a fair amount for meals. We found a small local grocery store in town and picked up some breakfast food for a reasonable price. But if eating out for dinner, plan to spend a little more than the states ($30-$40 per plate for an average restaurant--a little high by my standards...but I'm kinda cheap ). English is no barrier and US dollars were readily accepted. Very friendly people.

This was probably the most relaxing vacation we have had to date. I've recommended Aruba to quite a few friends and never had one come back with anything other than rave reviews. You'll love it.

Tom
ATCMickey

 

[Dean]

Hi Dean,

We always have to travel during Spring Break or over the summer, so it would have been difficult for us to find a transfer for so few points. (DH's work schedule always got in the way!) When the kids were younger, we only went to WDW because they loved it so much. We never tried any transfers to anywhere but the Continental US for some reason. I also always requested a 2 bdrm. I never played with the points. Now that the kids are older I can hopefully convince my DH to try some more exotic locales.

Judy

Summer in Aruba is low season and under the old system would have been a cost of adventure points. Whether it would have been as low as HH points depends on the timing and what was available. You situation describes the reason I always stress flexibility. Almost by definition, anyone who must travel when school is out and needs a 2 BR is not really flexible UNLESS they are willing to go places others don't as much during those times. Places that are lower season during school breaks include MX and the Caribbean during the summer, HH and the like (Willaimsburg, Gatlinburg, etc) during spring break, Branson or Orlando (outside DVC) most any time.

It helps to know about your destination. There aren't that many 2 BR for the Caribbean but a lot for Cancun. Some studios sleep 2 for exchange purposes, some 4; some studios have a kitchen (full or partial), others don't. Some resort may be on the beach, others may be on the water but not have a beach. Always investigate prior to accepting an exchange, you'll be glad you did.

 

[jrose529]

Thanks for the info!

How do people dress for dinner on the island? I've been to Bermuda a few times and there are pretty strict dress codes. Is Aruba similar? Do the men need jackets and ties?

Judy

 

[Daitcher]

Aruba is very casual which is so great. Shorts go almost anywhere but a short sleeve shirt and pants goes evrywhere. No shirt, tie or jackets in Aruba.

DAVE

 

[DisFlan]

lol! I read the header of your message and thought it meant a JOB tranfer! I wondered how anyone could get THAT lucky.

Enjoy your trip!

DisFlan

 

[jrose529]

That's great news Dave! Now I won't have to overpack as much as usual! I always bring more dress clothes than I need.

Dis Flan, great message! I can only dream about leaving this cold snowy New England weather. This has been a miserable winter, so living in Aruba, or at least visiting will be fabulous!

Judy

 

[HeatherAnne]

Hi all,

Just wanted to give you an update on OUR Aruba transfer that finally went through! While in WDW last week we got the call from MS at home saying our search had finally come through! Aruba Marriott Ocean Club 9/18-9/25. When I called MS to confirm I was told it was for a 2 Bedroom unit. I immediatley was concerned because we had only requested a 1 Bedroom unit and I just didn't want to spend any extra points. Anyway, I explained this to her and she puts me on hold for several minutes and comes back to tell me that it must be the "Luck of the Irish" (st patty's day) and that they are giving us the 2 bedroom for the 1 bedroom rate - 144 points. I Couldn't believe it! Now we can bring family or friends with us! She told me they NEVER do this and that someone must really wanted to trade. I truly didn't believe it until I got home today and say the email confirmation! Just thought I would share my good news. Looking forward to our trip to Aruba!

P.S. Any insight on why they did this Dean? I would be curious to know....

HeatherAnne

 

[Dean]

Hi all,

Just wanted to give you an update on OUR Aruba transfer that finally went through! While in WDW last week we got the call from MS at home saying our search had finally come through! Aruba Marriott Ocean Club 9/18-9/25. When I called MS to confirm I was told it was for a 2 Bedroom unit. I immediatley was concerned because we had only requested a 1 Bedroom unit and I just didn't want to spend any extra points. Anyway, I explained this to her and she puts me on hold for several minutes and comes back to tell me that it must be the "Luck of the Irish" (st patty's day) and that they are giving us the 2 bedroom for the 1 bedroom rate - 144 points. I Couldn't believe it! Now we can bring family or friends with us! She told me they NEVER do this and that someone must really wanted to trade. I truly didn't believe it until I got home today and say the email confirmation! Just thought I would share my good news. Looking forward to our trip to Aruba!

P.S. Any insight on why they did this Dean? I would be curious to know....

HeatherAnne

If you have an ongoing search and you match a larger unit they charge you the price for what you were searching for. If they offered you a smaller unit and you accepted, it'd still be the lessor cost. They did as they should have but shouldn't have even had to ask about it. You go someone who didn't know enough about what they were doing.

 

[jrose529]

My DS (21) just got word that the dates for his summer job have changed! He now won't be available until the week after our transfer. This is a job he applied for months ago, teaching underpriviled kids. It's an enrichment program and they decided to start a week later and end a week later. Probably because of all the snow we had in CT. He can't leave early since he is teaching. I called DVC to see if there was any chance we could change the week, but nothing is available at such a late date. I was thinking of changing to another island, but now we think we may cancel and use the points next year. Instead, we may take a cruise but I'm not sure. I was thinking that between airfare, entertainment and food, a cruise may be possible.

We took the DCL Magic last year and loved it, but I was thinking the "kids" would enjoy RCL this time. I just don't know what to do!

Any advice would be appreciated.