quick newbie question

[guidoverduci Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close guidoverduci]

Hi,

My wife and I just recently sat through the pitch at Lake Tahoe and almost pulled the trigger. Fortunately I was able to hold back because I new that the internet would have all the answers I needed, not some sales guy! We did however buy the sampler, $895 for 7500 pts for use in the next 18 months in the US collection. So we plan on using the points for a week in Maui at the kaanaplai beach club. I know it sounds to good to be true, but is this as easy as it sounds? $895 for a week in Maui? How far out do we have to book our stay? They made it seem like flexibility was there specialty and I would have no problem booking 30-60 days out.

I am going to be doing a lot of reading on this site and others in the next few days to decide if this timeshare thing is for us, but I'd appreciate any insight. We love the properties in the US collection. I understand that buying resale is the way to go. For somebody who just wants to use the US collection properties, i.e. Tahoe, Maui, Scottsdale, Sedona, Kauai... what's the best plan of action?? Thanks so much!

[Spence Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Spence]

uh, would you believe 12 months out if you want winter or any time kids are out of school?

[Carlos Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Carlos]

One can make reservations 30 to 60 days out, but 30 to 60 days out from when? If you are trying to go to Maui during prime time summer, your chances get very, very slim. Also, you won't be able to go at all if you have the US Collection because Maui is not in the US Collection. I believe it is in the California or Hawaii collections.

The more desirable the location in a particular season the more points it's going to take to go. 7500 points only gets you a 1 bedroom in Maui at the Ka'anapali Beach Club. If you try to go during July 4th week, Spring Break or Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday weeks, you will need a minimum 9000 points. One can gamble and make a reservation under 60 days and try to get a room, but DRI begins renting rooms at that point.

Now that being said, all things are possible. I know for a fact that it can and has been done. DRI also offers specials in which if you go at certain times to certain resorts you can get discounts of up to 50 to 75% off on the points. That is usually when they have AZ properties or other desert properties in the summer available.

I love DRI, but you had better make sure that you plan early as in a year. You can apply for a property outside of the US Collection at the earliest 10 months out. I own the US Collection. I went to Maui at KBC like you desire this past summer. I reserved 10 months out. It was no problem. Try it, you will like it. It's a great resort.

[PeelBoy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PeelBoy]

Ka'anapali Beach Club is very easy to book, as long as you are not tied with peak seasons and holidays.

I love DRI and the Club membership. DRI is not the most affordable means to maximize timeshare benefits. If I can re-do my timeshare, I would buy a summer beach property, e.g. Sheraton Myrtle Beach or any SoCal summer beach property, for annual use, maximum trade power and last minute extra vacation.

[petew Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close petew]

I booked at the Point on Kaui'i in July at approx 45 days out in 2009 and 2010, and availability on Maui seems to be similar. You've just got to be persistent and check every day till soemthing comes up. However as someone else pointed out the Hawii properties are in the Hawaii collection.

[Spence Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Spence]

You've just got to be persistent and check every day till soemthing comes up. However as someone else pointed out the Hawii properties are in the Hawaii collection.

Simplicity

[Stanley Krol is a Crook Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Stanley Krol is a Crook]

Sedona scam

Do NOT do business with the KROL duo for anything related to timeshares. TRUST ME!