Thinking of joining...

[Jordan]

We had a few questions for all of you experts before we take the plunge. We would like to purchase 150 points at Saratoga Springs and we were wondering for those of you that have tried to exchange through Intervale were you able to get the property you requested as long as you gave plenty of advance notice? Also how hard is it really to "switch" resorts at the 7 month mark from our home resort to let's say the Beach Club or Boardwalk. We usually travel off season. We have two one year old twin boys so we would try to get either a studio or a one bedroom. Would a studio be big enough for the 4 of us? We're really bouncing back between the Disney Vacation Club and the Marriott Vacation Club. Any help or advice you could give us would really be appreciated both pros and cons. Thank you so much in advance! :)

[OKWTink]

I don't know much about the Marriot Vacation Club, other than the husband of one of my co-workers is an attorney for them. :D

Anyway, I've never tried the II exchanges, but have booked at the seven month (and later) window with great success (provided it's not a major holiday, I wouldn't forsee huge problems with that).

I love the DVC, bought into it when I was living in the northeast and continue to keep it now that I'm here in Orlando. :shrug: I thought briefly about selling it, but just couldn't bring myself to do it. I still do WDW vacations so why would I give up my DVC? :eek:

My one regret? Ok, two. I should have bought in sooner, and I should have bought more points. :D

I think a studio might work for you, IF your children can share a double bed. If they need cribs/packn'plays, it will be tight.

Keep in mind, once you go to a one (or more) bedroom, you'll probably not ever be happy in a studio again! :D

[susieh]

Another here who can't comment about marriot but has never had any regrets about buying Disney.

We've not done an exchange with II but we have booked outside our home resort - we've been to Boardwalk Villas (Sept), Hilton Head (Sept), Vero Beach (August), Disneyland California (August) and Disneyland Paris (April). We didn't have any trouble booking any of them.

We have stayed in a studio as a couple but not as a family. Our two sons and two friends stayed in a studio for 2 weeks at OKW in 2002. At the time the lads were 18, 18, 21 and 23. It was probably very untidy while they were there but they said there were perfectly comfortable and they all slept fine even sharing 2 queen beds.

[tajainaz]

I'm not a DVC member, but I have observed that DVC points tend to be quite high priced compared to other time-share programs. Seems to me there would be limited options outside DVC that would be of comparable value, but I could be very wrong! :lol: As with beauty, value is in the eye of the beholder!

[2JsMom]

We rented points from a friend for our January stay...they booked us at their home resort (WLV) and switched us to Beach Club at around 7 months with no problem....