World Passport Collection 101

[Bichon Barb]

Thanks Dean. I'm having fun playing on the II site and dreaming about Captiva Island while it's 20 degrees here. I wonder how hard it is to book the February or April (Northeast) school breaks.

 

[sk8belle]

My parents did a trade to one of the Royal resorts in Cancun, Mexico for this past NYE through DVC and invited me with them. This resort seems to be pretty good for kids as there were kids of all ages there, and there are quite a few organized activities for them. The 2-bedroom was comparable to a DVC 2-bedroom. Had a full kitchen, living room area, porch or balcony. There were several restaurants on the Royal complex that were OK. So you might want to consider doing a trade there.

 

[gppnj]

We can use borrowed points for an II trade, right?

 

[ACDSNY]

Thanks Dean, as always you have great info to share!

 

[momsgoofy]

For a DVC trade, only 3 words. Marriott, Westin and Embassy. There are other places worth staying at but not any others I can think of that would be a good trade value using DVC points and come up to DVC standards. But in part it depends on exactly when you travel. IF you can do the time you mentioned above excluding the couple of weeks around Xmas and New Years, you're chances are excellent for a 1 BR and not bad for a 2 BR.

Okay, since it seems that we are not going to have it easy planning vacations with the trades...really restrictive schedules for the next few years...but, are there any trades that might be feasible during Christmas - New Year?

And what about the week of Thanksgiving?

Or mid March? (Our spring break tends to be the second week of March.)

Thanks Dean!

 

[Dean]

Excellent points. Does the same general "rule" also exist for President's Day week in February? That's a time I'd love to make a exchange, but I'm concerned that little if nothing in MX or the Caribbean opens up during that period.

Yes, actually presidents' week is more in demand for some locations than Xmas. Weeks 5, 7 & 52 are the highest demand. Same for Key West and South Florida as well.

Thank you Dean for more ammunition in convincing DH this is a good idea!--- He's reluctantly agreed to buy but isn't too happy with said agreement- says he doesn't want to go to Disney every year for vacation

I knew about II but then he hit me up with equal quality rooms so now I have my response!

thanks again!

M

Before you thank me too much you may want to know that it is my opinion that no one should buy DVC with the intent of trading. Just too many variables and costs and too few guarantees and good trade values to make it a reasonable choice. Just buy less DVC points and use other options, possibly other timeshares, for non DVC stays.

Thanks Dean. I'm having fun playing on the II site and dreaming about Captiva Island while it's 20 degrees here. I wonder how hard it is to book the February or April (Northeast) school breaks.

That's tough, especially since Charley did a number on that area in 2004. April, esp late April, would be much easier.

We can use borrowed points for an II trade, right?

You just need access AT THE TIME YOU PLACE THE EXCHANGE, to enough points to confirm it. But they don't lock up the points so you could use them in the interim and then not have enough points later if a match were found.

Okay, since it seems that we are not going to have it easy planning vacations with the trades...really restrictive schedules for the next few years...but, are there any trades that might be feasible during Christmas - New Year?

And what about the week of Thanksgiving?

Or mid March? (Our spring break tends to be the second week of March.)

Thanks Dean!

Timeshare exchanging is not easy and not for those that can't plan ahead. But it's not impossible either for those willing to play the game. And with DVC, there's no real disincentive to prevent one from trying for the top exchanges. As for easy and hard, it depends on where, when and how you play the game. Williamsburg, the Northeast and midwest will be fairly easy during those times. Likely the Rocky mountains for Thanksgiving as well. Don't forget the Atlantic coast like HH and MB. And the Caribbean, HI and MX can be had for Thanksgiving many times as well. Plus many times people are out of school more than just the week between Xmas and NY allowing some flexibility.

 

[Synonymous]

We traded DVC for a week at Royal Mayan in Cancun last April. We took our DD, who was 7 at the time. We all had a great time. DD whined and complained about going to MX instead of Disney, but after we got there she wanted to know when we could go back. This resort was at least equivalent to a DVC resort, in my opinion, and we got a 2BR for only 144 points. Try to do that at Disney in April.

There is tons of stuff to do at the resort, and even more in Cancun and the surrounding area. We didn't get to half of the things we wanted to.

The only catch is I don't know what condition Cancun is in after the hurricane last year. I heard that the beach at the Tri-Royals was washed away completely.

 

[Dean]

We traded DVC for a week at Royal Mayan in Cancun last April. We took our DD, who was 7 at the time. We all had a great time. DD whined and complained about going to MX instead of Disney, but after we got there she wanted to know when we could go back. This resort was at least equivalent to a DVC resort, in my opinion, and we got a 2BR for only 144 points. Try to do that at Disney in April.

There is tons of stuff to do at the resort, and even more in Cancun and the surrounding area. We didn't get to half of the things we wanted to.

The only catch is I don't know what condition Cancun is in after the hurricane last year. I heard that the beach at the Tri-Royals was washed away completely.

Just so people aren't misled, I'm sure you were searching for a 1 BR and were given a 2 BR. Nothing that one can plan for. If one had been searching for a 2 BR, it would have been 252 points.

 

[sk8belle]

The only catch is I don't know what condition Cancun is in after the hurricane last year. I heard that the beach at the Tri-Royals was washed away completely.

I was there in Jan. It's not completely washed away, but there's definately less there than there used to be. Also, there are quite a few exposed rocks at the shoreline which make exiting the water an exercise in target practice. However, Mother Nature is working her magic, and with some help from the Mexican gov't, the beach is slowly coming back.

 

[flechette]

Before you thank me too much you may want to know that it is my opinion that no one should buy DVC with the intent of trading. Just too many variables and costs and too few guarantees and good trade values to make it a reasonable choice. Just buy less DVC points and use other options, possibly other timeshares, for non DVC stays.

I can't say I'm expecting to trade out regularly but the option is nice. Just because hubby won't go to WDW every year doesn't mean we won't be trying HH or VB . We're already planning for only 150 or 160 points so can't really go any lower than that. Really if anything I expect we'll rent/trade points on the years he wants to do something else.

Still I can see us using DVC points for a week in Hawaii, visiting Disneyland, and possibly a cruise tho I've definitely heard that the cruise is a better cash deal than points. 3 potential vacations out of the next 36-42 years. I think it can be worked out

Still Thank you Dean for your opinion and the information!


M

 

[pouncingpluto]

Just so people aren't misled, I'm sure you were searching for a 1 BR and were given a 2 BR. Nothing that one can plan for. If one had been searching for a 2 BR, it would have been 252 points.

I'm not the person you responded to, but the same thing happened to us at one of the Royals (Caribbean). We requested a 1 bedroom and were given a 2 bedroom for only 144 points. Our trip will be in 11/06.

 

[Synonymous]

I think that 1BRs are not very common at the Tri-Royals, so you've got a decent chance of getting the 2BR for 1BR points. No guarantee, of course.

 

[Dean]

I think that 1BRs are not very common at the Tri-Royals, so you've got a decent chance of getting the 2BR for 1BR points. No guarantee, of course.

It's hit and miss since the units at all are lockoff units.

 

[momsgoofy]

Yes, actually presidents' week is more in demand for some locations than Xmas. Weeks 5, 7 & 52 are the highest demand. Same for Key West and South Florida as well.
Before you thank me too much you may want to know that it is my opinion that no one should buy DVC with the intent of trading. Just too many variables and costs and too few guarantees and good trade values to make it a reasonable choice. Just buy less DVC points and use other options, possibly other timeshares, for non DVC stays.

Timeshare exchanging is not easy and not for those that can't plan ahead. But it's not impossible either for those willing to play the game. And with DVC, there's no real disincentive to prevent one from trying for the top exchanges. As for easy and hard, it depends on where, when and how you play the game. Williamsburg, the Northeast and midwest will be fairly easy during those times. Likely the Rocky mountains for Thanksgiving as well. Don't forget the Atlantic coast like HH and MB. And the Caribbean, HI and MX can be had for Thanksgiving many times as well. Plus many times people are out of school more than just the week between Xmas and NY allowing some flexibility.

Dean...as always you are a great source of information! Thanks!

I understand your point though about not buying DVC just for the trading factor. Hey! If it was only up to me we'd only vacation at the most magical place on earth! But like flechette said...DH doesn't always like to go to WDW...and DS wants to see other places once in a while or start taking a friend with him on a trip to WDW (whew! gotta think that one through), so we might use the exchange once in a while. I just like gathering as much info as possible. I'm thinking we just might be able to plan ahead...personally, I prefer to plan well in advance, but with DS starting high school next year we will have to acclimate to a new school calendar. Also, this is our first year as members so I'm still learning all the ins and outs of how to maximize our DVC membership. I know we will use it to go to HH and VB and we are actually using some points to go to DL this summer.

In any case, the info you have given is valuable...gives me an idea of which times might be easier to get that exchange when we do want to give it a try.

Thanks again!

 

[Dean]

Dean...as always you are a great source of information! Thanks!

I understand your point though about not buying DVC just for the trading factor. Hey! If it was only up to me we'd only vacation at the most magical place on earth! But like flechette said...DH doesn't always like to go to WDW...and DS wants to see other places once in a while or start taking a friend with him on a trip to WDW (whew! gotta think that one through), so we might use the exchange once in a while. I just like gathering as much info as possible. I'm thinking we just might be able to plan ahead...personally, I prefer to plan well in advance, but with DS starting high school next year we will have to acclimate to a new school calendar. Also, this is our first year as members so I'm still learning all the ins and outs of how to maximize our DVC membership. I know we will use it to go to HH and VB and we are actually using some points to go to DL this summer.

In any case, the info you have given is valuable...gives me an idea of which times might be easier to get that exchange when we do want to give it a try.

Thanks again!

When you get ready to explore an exchange, contact me directly and I may be able to help a little more. I can check online with II to see what's sitting there, always good info to have.

 

[momsgoofy]

When you get ready to explore an exchange, contact me directly and I may be able to help a little more. I can check online with II to see what's sitting there, always good info to have.

Dean, you are too kind! Thanks so much for the offer...I just may take you up one it. I'm curious about Thanksgiving week 2007 or Christmas week...know that is a long shot. We'd really love to make it Hawaii, but I can make the boys be more flexible. If you see anything anywhere that might look interesting just send me a PM. Thanks again!

 

[Dean]

Dean, you are too kind! Thanks so much for the offer...I just may take you up one it. I'm curious about Thanksgiving week 2007 or Christmas week...know that is a long shot. We'd really love to make it Hawaii, but I can make the boys be more flexible. If you see anything anywhere that might look interesting just send me a PM. Thanks again!

I will keep my eyes open. But for that exchange, you should put in an ongoing request now. You REALLY should put in that request now. Decide what resorts, islands and unit size you will accept and put in the request. If you're not sure what resorts, just put in the obvious ones like Marriott, Westin and Embassy for Maui or Kauai. You can always modify your request later if there are other resorts or weeks you decide will fit your needs.

 

[momsgoofy]

I will keep my eyes open. But for that exchange, you should put in an ongoing request now. You REALLY should put in that request now. Decide what resorts, islands and unit size you will accept and put in the request. If you're not sure what resorts, just put in the obvious ones like Marriott, Westin and Embassy for Maui or Kauai. You can always modify your request later if there are other resorts or weeks you decide will fit your needs.

Once again, Dean, I can't say thanks enough for your valuable information! I do have another question about exchanges...suppose an emergency happens and we can't travel...does the travel insurance cover it or what? I actually stopped buying travel insurance since we became DVC members...not sure if that is the wisest thing.

Thanks!

 

[Dean]

Once again, Dean, I can't say thanks enough for your valuable information! I do have another question about exchanges...suppose an emergency happens and we can't travel...does the travel insurance cover it or what? I actually stopped buying travel insurance since we became DVC members...not sure if that is the wisest thing.

Thanks!

I'm not sure how the travel insurance works with exchanges through II. Without the insurance you're mostly out of luck. You can cancel and try again but you'd have to pay another fee and travel within a year max plus you'd likely lose a lot of trade power. Here's the II insurance info:

Travel Guard
(Exchange/Getaway Protection) $64 per booking
$1,000 - Trip Cancellation & Interruption*
$300 - Travel Delay
$500 - Baggage & Travel Documents
$100 - Baggage Delay