So Cal flexchange for October

[wwomant Member Find all posts View Profile Close wwomant]

My father is a DRI The Club member, and generously gives me access to his account (I have his log in and all that), he just really likes me to book things within the flexchange period to maximize his points. He goes to Hawaii a couple times a year doing this and so far I've used Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort and the Point at Poipu this way.

This year we would really to go to Southern California (but not Palm Springs) in October, preferably in the first week (October 4-11 ish). We would be happy with any resort down there, and would be especially happy with one of these resorts:

Marriot Newport Beach Villas
Lawrence Welk San Diego
Carlsbad Seapointe

A 2 bed is ideal, but a 1 bed will work fine too.

What do you think my chances are of getting one of these (or others) in October within 59 days? Any tips?

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

wwomant...Welcome to TS4M's

I am not really familiar with DRI, so I can't speak for what you will, or will not be able to grab. However, during flexchange you chances of getting what you want will most definitely be increased. Marriott still has a preference, even during flexchange, although the number of preference days will vary during that time. Normally, Marriott Newport Coast Villas are available for October. Lawrence Welk is also available, as well as other So Ca locations.

Hopefully, someone with DRI will give you a plan of action, and a better idea of what you're likely to pull.

Good luck!!!

[wwomant Member Find all posts View Profile Close wwomant]

Thank you for the welcome and the help! That all sounds like good news. Before coming to this site, I have to admit, I barely knew how to use the whole system. These forums are so helpfull! I've picked up a lot just by reading here, but there is apparently A LOT I have to learn. I assumed that within flexchange period availability would be worse, that only the leftovers would be there, but it sounds like Interval or Diamond adds some inventory at the last minute? Am I getting this right?

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Thank you for the welcome and the help! That all sounds like good news. Before coming to this site, I have to admit, I barely knew how to use the whole system. These forums are so helpfull! I've picked up a lot just by reading here, but there is apparently A LOT I have to learn. I assumed that within flexchange period availability would be worse, that only the leftovers would be there, but it sounds like Interval or Diamond adds some inventory at the last minute? Am I getting this right?

Several things happen:

1. Trading power blocks are relaxed within flexchange so you can see more stuff
2. II members last chance to deposit without penalty is 60 days out, so there is a flurry of late deposits
3. II members last chance to cancel without further penalty is 60 days out, so there is a flurry of cancellations.
4. Some developers/resorts deposit unused/unrented inventory as the checkin dates get close,
5. People cancel right up to checkin date, you never know. I don't recall all the specifics, but I think there is more incentive to cancel at 30 days than 14, etc...


Happy hunting!

[wwomant Member Find all posts View Profile Close wwomant]

Several things happen:

1. Trading power blocks are relaxed within flexchange so you can see more stuff
2. II members last chance to deposit without penalty is 60 days out, so there is a flurry of late deposits
3. II members last chance to cancel without further penalty is 60 days out, so there is a flurry of cancellations.
4. Some developers/resorts deposit unused/unrented inventory as the checkin dates get close,
5. People cancel right up to checkin date, you never know. I don't recall all the specifics, but I think there is more incentive to cancel at 30 days than 14, etc...


Happy hunting!

Thank you! That makes perfect sense! So, when 59 days hits and I find and book a resort for a week, either by phone or instant exchange online, but then in another week or so something else comes up that I'd rather have can I switch? If so, what I do lose? The $139 exchange fee?

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Thank you! That makes perfect sense! So, when 59 days hits and I find and book a resort for a week, either by phone or instant exchange online, but then in another week or so something else comes up that I'd rather have can I switch? If so, what I do lose? The $139 exchange fee?

Yes, you would lose the exchange fee.

Also note that you are not allowed to cancel or switch if it's within 7 days of checkin.

eta: I just remembered you are looking with DRI points. If no one else comes along to confirm that the same rules apply to trades made with DRI points, please call II to confirm.

[wwomant Member Find all posts View Profile Close wwomant]

My father and I both have never used the exchange request option. In the past he has done instant flexchange exchanges online for me. This time I really want So Cal, so let me run my plan by you all. At 59 days out from when I want to travel I look online and see what's available, if I'm not happy with what's there, I call II and see if they have anything additional available that's not online yet. Anything I take over the phone will also be an instant exchange, and there is no period (as there is the 24 hr. for exchange requests) in which I can cancel without losing my $139 exchange fee. If over the phone I still don't have what I want, I put in an exchange request. BUT, through this method I have to make sure that my LATEST possible start travel date on the request is still within the 59 days in order to make it a flexchange request, and thus use 1/2 the points. Is that all correct? If And does this sound like the best plan of action to get what I want?

If I really didn't think I could get a So Cal resort in October in the flexchange period, I would prefer to just get a week in Tahoe in the summer, which I shouldn't have a problem doing in flexchange. But from the responses I'm getting here it sounds like I have a good shot at getting a So Cal in October.

And thanks for the help, I really appreciate it! And so will my boys when they're saying hi to Shamu.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Since this is really about DRI points exchanging within II I am going to move this over to the Diamond Resorts board. That is where you will get more specific answers regarding your question.

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

Disclaimer first. All exchanges, especially last minute or flexchange, are a game of risk. Sometimes, you get what you want and others not. The key is flexibility.

I always take advantage of the 59 day for 50% discount. I have been doing this for the past few years, except planning for long trips to Europe and Asia when airfare is a major factor. Within USA and Canada, I always wait till the 59 day window kicks in.

SoCal is my favorite destination, and I have done flexchange twice in the area. I have been watching II availability in SoCal for about 5 years. As long as you are somewhat flexible, October is not difficult at all. Out of the 3, Lawrence Welk is your best chance, and it is a wonderful luxurious resort. It could be the best out of the 3.

[wwomant Member Find all posts View Profile Close wwomant]

Disclaimer first. All exchanges, especially last minute or flexchange, are a game of risk. Sometimes, you get what you want and others not. The key is flexibility.

I always take advantage of the 59 day for 50% discount. I have been doing this for the past few years, except planning for long trips to Europe and Asia when airfare is a major factor. Within USA and Canada, I always wait till the 59 day window kicks in.

SoCal is my favorite destination, and I have done flexchange twice in the area. I have been watching II availability in SoCal for about 5 years. As long as you are somewhat flexible, October is not difficult at all. Out of the 3, Lawrence Welk is your best chance, and it is a wonderful luxurious resort. It could be the best out of the 3.

Thank you PeelBoy! It's great to hear from someone with direct experience in what I hope to do. What do you think of my strategy? Am I getting it right? :

At 59 days out from when I want to travel I look online and see what's available, if I'm not happy with what's there, I call II and see if they have anything additional available that's not online yet. Anything I take over the phone will also be an instant exchange, and there is no period (as there is the 24 hr. for exchange requests) in which I can cancel without losing my $139 exchange fee. If over the phone I still don't have what I want, I put in an exchange request. BUT, through this method I have to make sure that my LATEST possible start travel date on the request is still within the 59 days in order to make it a flexchange request, and thus use 1/2 the points. Is that all correct? And does this sound like the best plan of action to get what I want?

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

Thank you PeelBoy! It's great to hear from someone with direct experience in what I hope to do. What do you think of my strategy? Am I getting it right? :

Hi. Don't know how to answer your question. I always had luck within the 59 day window, so never had to call Diamonds/II or to book and then cancel.

People are talking about traveling within driving distance because of the economic situation, so local inventory may be affected. Just checked II. There is nothing from now to early April in SoCal area.

LW2 has alot now for May to the end of the year. Your week Oct 4 costs 6000 points, but the week Oct 10 costs only 4000 points. If you don't want to play the game of risk and you can go the week Oct 10, why don't you grab the week for 1000 points more.

The key for flexchange is flexibility. If you are not very flexible, 1000 point is good assurance for certainty.