World Passport Bookings

[Disney Canuck]

Just curious if anyone has had any problems trying to book the non disney hotels with their points?

This is an interesting option and wonder if it all that it's cracked up to be?

 

[Dean]

Timeshare exchanging is very complicated. It takes nerves of steel and major planning and investigating to do these types of exchanges. While it can be a good choice in limited situations, in general, it's not worth fooling with. If you do decide to do so, make sure you investigate the options and resorts fully including asking on this board as a minimum. Do a search for my name and exchanging and you should get more info.

 

[rocketriter]

To make this work you need to be flexible. Try to call a year in advance and offer MS a range of resorts and, if possible, a range of dates. As Dean says, research your choices since some are not quite as nice as DVC accomodations. (Dean is one of the most knowledgable members on the DIS board, with experience in several timeshare operations. I find his "nerves of steel" description to be delightful but perhaps scarier than necessary.) With thoughtfulness and flexibility this can work for you. It's not always the most economical way to travel, and it's not the piece of cake that your sales guide would like you to believe, but it can be a way to use your membership to take your family somewhere else from time to time.

 

[tiffany123]

We are using DVC points for an exchange into the Marriott at Ford's Colony in Williamsburg, VA next summer. The entire exchange process was quick and painless. I called MS and the week we wanted was available. I authorized the 160 points for a 1 bedroom for the week and had the confirmation in hand about a week later. Looking forward to our first trip to Williamsburg and our stay at a resort that is very highly regarded on many internet boards.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Has anyone ever done an exchange for The Quarter Houise in New Orleans? During the March of 2006, I'm very interested in doing an exchange for this resort or the Custom House in Boston or the Ford's Colony in Williamsburg.

 

[spiceycat]

the easiest one would be Williamsburg by far.

then New Orleans, then Boston.

Kept in mind that these also must be exchanges. If II doesn't get these exchanged it can't offer them to you.

if you really want to go to New Orleans go with the Conceirge Collection - yes more points - but these are hotels that DVC can guaranteed almost immediately.

or you can wait and see about your exchange.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We allowed 2 years for our Hawaii exchange to the Big Island, and then we got it in 5 days! It made waiting the two years for the trip that much more difficult! I think it's because we left the dates and locations VERY open. Next time, I'll probably do a direct trade since I kind of know which resorts I want to be at, and it will be less hassle than waiting for an exchange. Of course, I could always wait and hope DVC opens a Hawaii resort!

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I agree with spiceycat. Making Concierge collection reservations are very easy. Almost as easy as making regular DVC reservations. If a certain location is important and there is a concierge collection resort there, try it. It will be more points but it will be top notch.

HBC

 

[Dean]

Has anyone ever done an exchange for The Quarter Houise in New Orleans? During the March of 2006, I'm very interested in doing an exchange for this resort or the Custom House in Boston or the Ford's Colony in Williamsburg.

Williamsburg will be easy, probably too easy to make it a fair exchange. Custom House only has 1 BR and is hard to get for some times but not that difficult for others. March will be an easier time than summer for Boston. I actually think March at Quarter House will be the toughest as 3 of those weeks are just as hard to get as Mardi Gras from what I've seen. Kona Coast in HI is easy and one of the few II resorts that can and do deposit full 2 years out.

rocketriter, for the best resort during peak times, I stand behind my nerves of steel reference. It is not for the faint of heart. Of course if one always wants to trade down to lessor resorts during non peak times, why trade DVC at all. Simply get a cheap timeshare to trade or rent from one of the many sites one can do so cheaply. Example, one wants a 2 BR at the Maui Marriott for Xmas, Easter or mid summer. If you get it, it will likely be 2 weeks before your travel. That's pretty nerve racking though there are ways to decrease the risk as I've preached over the years.