Difficulty of exchanging into San Diego?

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

My cousin and his family probably want to visit San Diego in May. They want to go to Legoland, into SD for the Zoo, and also out to Anza-Berrego Desert State Park to do some photography.

Looking across II and RCI (weeks and points), I see 2BR availability in Grand Pacific Palisades (Carlsbad), the Welk resort(s) in Escondido, and in Riviera Oaks in Ramona.

My question is, how tough of a trade is this area? Should they jump on something now, or do they have some time to think about it? I see a ton of availability for that timeframe, but I have no historic data to know whether I can expect it to still be there in a month.

The reason for the hesitation is that they're not 100% committed to going, yet. I'm trying to gauge how hard to push them to decide. My fear is that by the time they decide, it'll only be 6 months out and nothing will be left.

sc
--

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

I haven't been keeping up on II, but I think summer would be much harder than May. That said, I don't trust anything with RCI lately, so if you can see it now it doesn't mean you'll be able to see it tomorrow, even if it's still there. If you check the exchange opportunities from last year for this past May (check by resort name), it should give you an idea of how the inventory went last year.
Keep in mind that the 2 bedrooms will dwindle before the smaller units.

If you go online now, RCI will give you until Sunday evening to hold it. After that, would it be worth the exchange fee plus insurance to them if they decided not to go? If yes, then buy the insurance to protect your trade value, and book now. A bird in the hand....

[joycapecod Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close joycapecod]

Also, keep in mind if they are looking to stay at Gaslamp Plaza in the heart of San Diego there are only 6 two bedroom units (if I remember correctly) and I have only ever seen one banked and that was a December week. The resort on Coronado has 2 bedroom units, but they are very small and could be cramped with more than 3 people.

We stayed at the Lawrence Welk in/near Escondido and were able to do the zoo and desert easily, but we are just two. The Riviera Oaks, tho from what I've heard is very nice it is also the most distant from San Diego; it is much more distant than Welk.

As written by Glitter the 2 bedroom units will disappear first. You could book a 2 bedroom at any of these resorts and place insurance on it with RCI and continue looking for a "better" location and then re-exchange the unit, or cancel due to change of plans. You will lose the insurance $ and part of the exchange fee, but the underlying week will retain full trade power.

Joy

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

Currently available in II for May 2010....



Villas on the Greens at the Welk Resort
VLW
Escondido, CA, USAResort Details & Photos | Map It!
May 01 2010 - May 08 2010 1 4 4 144

May 02 2010 - May 09 2010 1 4 4 144

May 07 2010 - May 14 2010 1 4 4 144

May 07 2010 - May 14 2010 2 6 8 268

May 08 2010 - May 15 2010 1 4 4 144

May 09 2010 - May 16 2010 1 4 4 144

May 14 2010 - May 21 2010 1 4 4 144

May 14 2010 - May 21 2010 2 6 8 268

May 16 2010 - May 23 2010 1 4 4 144

May 21 2010 - May 28 2010 1 4 4 144

May 21 2010 - May 28 2010 2 6 8 268

May 22 2010 - May 29 2010 1 4 4 144

May 23 2010 - May 30 2010 1 4 4 144

May 28 2010 - Jun 04 2010 1 4 4 144

May 29 2010 - Jun 05 2010 1 4 4 144

May 30 2010 - Jun 06 2010 1 4 4 144

Jun 04 2010 - Jun 11 2010 1 4 4 144

Jun 05 2010 - Jun 12 2010 1 4 4 144

Jun 06 2010 - Jun 13 2010 1 4 4 144

Jun 11 2010 - Jun 18 2010 1 4 4 144

Jun 12 2010 - Jun 19 2010 1 4 4 144

Jun 13 2010 - Jun 20 2010 1 4 4 144

Jun 18 2010 - Jun 25 2010 1 4 4 144

Jun 19 2010 - Jun 26 2010 1 4 4 144

Jun 20 2010 - Jun 27 2010 1 4 4 144

Jun 25 2010 - Jul 02 2010 1 4 4 144

Jun 26 2010 - Jul 03 2010 1 4 4 144

Jun 27 2010 - Jul 04 2010 1 4 4 144

Jul 02 2010 - Jul 09 2010 1 4 4 144

Jul 03 2010 - Jul 10 2010 1 4 4 144

Jul 04 2010 - Jul 11 2010 1 4 4 144

Jul 09 2010 - Jul 16 2010 1 4 4 144

Jul 10 2010 - Jul 17 2010 1 4 4 144

Jul 11 2010 - Jul 18 2010 1 4 4 144

Jul 16 2010 - Jul 23 2010 1 4 4 144

Jul 17 2010 - Jul 24 2010 1 4 4 144

Jul 18 2010 - Jul 25 2010 1 4 4 144

Jul 23 2010 - Jul 30 2010 1 4 4 144

Jul 24 2010 - Jul 31 2010 1 4 4 144

Jul 25 2010 - Aug 01 2010 1 4 4 144

Jul 30 2010 - Aug 06 2010 1 4 4 144

Jul 31 2010 - Aug 07 2010 1 4 4 144

Aug 01 2010 - Aug 08 2010 1 4 4 144

Aug 06 2010 - Aug 13 2010 1 4 4 144

Aug 07 2010 - Aug 14 2010 1 4 4 144

Aug 08 2010 - Aug 15 2010 1 4 4 144

Aug 13 2010 - Aug 20 2010 1 4 4 144

Aug 14 2010 - Aug 21 2010 1 4 4 144

Aug 15 2010 - Aug 22 2010 1 4 4 144

Aug 20 2010 - Aug 27 2010 1 4 4 144

Aug 21 2010 - Aug 28 2010 1 4 4 144

Aug 22 2010 - Aug 29 2010 1 4 4 144

Aug 27 2010 - Sep 03 2010 1 4 4 144

Aug 27 2010 - Sep 03 2010 2 6 8 268

Aug 28 2010 - Sep 04 2010 1 4 4 144

Aug 29 2010 - Sep 05 2010 1 4 4 144




Lawrence Welk Resort Villas
LW2
Escondido, CA, USAResort Details & Photos | Map It!
May 01 2010 - May 08 2010 2 6 6 266

May 02 2010 - May 09 2010 2 6 6 266

May 08 2010 - May 15 2010 2 6 6 266

May 09 2010 - May 16 2010 2 6 6 266

May 15 2010 - May 22 2010 2 6 6 266

May 16 2010 - May 23 2010 2 6 6 266

May 22 2010 - May 29 2010 2 6 6 266

May 23 2010 - May 30 2010 2 6 6 266

May 30 2010 - Jun 06 2010 2 6 6 266

Jun 05 2010 - Jun 12 2010 2 6 6 266

Jun 06 2010 - Jun 13 2010 2 6 6 266

Aug 21 2010 - Aug 28 2010 2 6 6 266

Aug 22 2010 - Aug 29 2010 2 6 6 266

Aug 28 2010 - Sep 04 2010 2 6 6 266

Aug 29 2010 - Sep 05 2010 2 6 6 266



Riviera Oaks Resort
ROK
Ramona, CA, USAResort Details & Photos | Map It!
May 01 2010 - May 08 2010 1 4 4 144

May 01 2010 - May 08 2010 2 6 6 266

May 02 2010 - May 09 2010 2 6 6 266

May 07 2010 - May 14 2010 1 4 4 144

May 07 2010 - May 14 2010 2 6 6 266

May 09 2010 - May 16 2010 1 4 4 144

May 15 2010 - May 22 2010 2 6 6 266

May 16 2010 - May 23 2010 1 4 4 144

May 22 2010 - May 29 2010 1 4 4 144

May 23 2010 - May 30 2010 1 4 4 144

May 28 2010 - Jun 04 2010 1 4 4 144



San Diego Country Estates
SDC
Ramona, CA, USAResort Details & Photos | Map It!
May 14 2010 - May 21 2010 1 4 4 144

May 14 2010 - May 21 2010 2 6 6 266

Jun 25 2010 - Jul 02 2010 1 4 4 144

Jul 09 2010 - Jul 16 2010 1 4 4 144





California Vac Club-Gaslamp Plaza Suites
GSL
San Diego, CA, USAResort Details & Photos
May 02 2010 - May 09 2010 0 2 2 022

May 09 2010 - May 16 2010 0 2 2 022

May 23 2010 - May 30 2010 0 2 2 022

Jun 06 2010 - Jun 13 2010 0 2 2 022

Jun 20 2010 - Jun 27 2010 0 2 2 022



Marriott's Newport Coast Villas ....NO Marriott Req'd
NCV
Newport Coast , CA , USA Resort Details & Photos
May 15 2010 - May 22 2010 2 6 8 268

May 16 2010 - May 23 2010 2 6 8 268




Riviera Shores Resort
RSR
Capistrano Beach, CA, USAResort Details & Photos | Map It!
May 01 2010 - May 08 2010 1 2 4 124

May 01 2010 - May 08 2010 2 4 6 246

May 07 2010 - May 14 2010 1 2 4 124

May 15 2010 - May 22 2010 1 2 4 124

May 21 2010 - May 28 2010 1 2 4 124

[philsfan Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close philsfan]

Carlsbad Inn has fairly good 2 bdr availability in RCI but it may be too late for next May already. Tamarack Beach Resort has 2 bdrs, too, but I don't normally see many deposits in RCI.

[jancpa Member Find all posts View Profile Close jancpa]

The famous Flower Fields of Carlsbad are mowed over the day after Mother's Day. I think there are 3 football fields of flowers in full bloom the first week in May. We just missed it on our trip to Grand Palisades on May 17.

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

GPP Carlsbad is right next door to Legoland and I believe they offer discounts. Depending on traffic it's about an hour to San Diego proper with zoo and SeaWorld.

The flower fields may still be in bloom if they go early enough in the month. GPP Carlsbad is just on the top of the crest over looking the fields.

The only problem with this trade is it blocks you from that cadre of 7 resorts (1285 1379 2885 3007 3987 A474 & 5362.) for 4 years.

Grand Pacific Resorts at Grand Pacific Palisades Resort (#5362)
Be the first to write a review
5805 Armada Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
USA
760/827-3200
Grand Pacific Resorts: Resort & Family Vacation Packages in Southern California


Units that meet your criteria Total Units Available: 9
Unit Type Max Occup
(Privacy) Kitchen Check-In Date Check-Out Date Price
1 BR 4 (2) Full 02-May-2010 09-May-2010 Exchange Fee Only
1 BR 4 (2) Full 09-May-2010 16-May-2010 Exchange Fee Only
1 BR 4 (2) Full 16-May-2010 23-May-2010 Exchange Fee Only
1 BR 4 (2) Full 23-May-2010 30-May-2010 Exchange Fee Only
1 BR 4 (2) Full 30-May-2010 06-Jun-2010 Exchange Fee Only
2 BR 6 (6) Full 02-May-2010 09-May-2010 Exchange Fee Only
2 BR 6 (6) Full 09-May-2010 16-May-2010 Exchange Fee Only
2 BR 6 (6) Full 16-May-2010 23-May-2010 Exchange Fee Only
2 BR 7 (4) Full 16-May-2010 23-May-2010 Exchange Fee Only


If John (4ARedOctober) pops in he can give you more detail.


I have always heard good things about Welk at Escondido but have no personal experience. It is too far inland for me to consider.


I would not hesitate much longer if they require a 2BR.

[joycapecod Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close joycapecod]

I have always heard good things about Welk at Escondido but have no personal experience. It is too far inland for me to consider.


I would not hesitate much longer if they require a 2BR.

I was impressed with the unit we received when we were there. Would go back in a heartbeat. The unit has two bedroom, two baths and the common living area seperates the sleeping areas affordin provacy if two couples were traveling. There is a washer/dryer, and nicely appointed kitchen. Our unit was a first floor and we had a lovely patio. All in all, one of the better exchanges we've had in 25 years, and we got it through Dial an Exchange.

Joy

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

Also, keep in mind if they are looking to stay at Gaslamp Plaza in the heart of San Diego there are only 6 two bedroom units (if I remember correctly) and I have only ever seen one banked and that was a December week. The resort on Coronado has 2 bedroom units, but they are very small and could be cramped with more than 3 people.

We stayed at the Lawrence Welk in/near Escondido and were able to do the zoo and desert easily, but we are just two. The Riviera Oaks, tho from what I've heard is very nice it is also the most distant from San Diego; it is much more distant than Welk.

As written by Glitter the 2 bedroom units will disappear first. You could book a 2 bedroom at any of these resorts and place insurance on it with RCI and continue looking for a "better" location and then re-exchange the unit, or cancel due to change of plans. You will lose the insurance $ and part of the exchange fee, but the underlying week will retain full trade power.

Joy

Actually Ramona ( Riviera Oaks ) is a little closer to San Diego than LW which is north of Escondido. However Lawrence Welk is just a straight shot up the freeway ( I-15 ) from San Diego which makes it shorter timewise but not distance.

[Icc5 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Icc5]

Get an answer

My cousin and his family probably want to visit San Diego in May. They want to go to Legoland, into SD for the Zoo, and also out to Anza-Berrego Desert State Park to do some photography.

Looking across II and RCI (weeks and points), I see 2BR availability in Grand Pacific Palisades (Carlsbad), the Welk resort(s) in Escondido, and in Riviera Oaks in Ramona.

My question is, how tough of a trade is this area? Should they jump on something now, or do they have some time to think about it? I see a ton of availability for that timeframe, but I have no historic data to know whether I can expect it to still be there in a month.

The reason for the hesitation is that they're not 100% committed to going, yet. I'm trying to gauge how hard to push them to decide. My fear is that by the time they decide, it'll only be 6 months out and nothing will be left.

sc
--

I would get a commitment from them now. You never know how hard things will get. We own at Welk and sometimes even trading internally we have a hard time with different timeframes. Depending on who you use II, RCI, etc. the units seem to go all at once. I know with Welk you can't go wrong. I always feel as if I'm rich when staying there. We are headed to Welk again in two weeks so I can get relaxed and refocused for the rest of the year.
Bart

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

MaY ISNT AS TOUGH AS SUMMEER BUT i WOULD TAKE A WEEK ON THE BEACH PREFERABLY
RESORTS I would Pick in order
(I own at Carlsbad Inn)

Carlsbad Inn
Tamarack
Wave Crest
Carlsbad Seapoint
Grand Pacifficc Palisades
And I forgot MarBrisa ( I haavent Seen It)