The landscape of vacation ownership is constantly evolving. Many times these changes end up offering new opportunities and benefits for timeshare owners. A significant development in this dynamic market happened back in late 2021, when Disney announced they would be switching trading affiliations to Interval International (II).
Since Disney’s switch from RCI to II, trading options between Marriott Vacation Club, Vistana Signature Network, and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) through Interval International have piqued the interest of many owners. Since January 1st, 2022, when this new arrangement came to fruition, we’ve received many inquiries about the feasibility and the ease of finding availability at Disney Vacation Club resorts through Interval International.
In this article, we’ll explore the topic of using a Marriott or Vistana ownership to trade into a Disney Vacation Club resort, give you step-by-step instructions on how to search for availability, as well as offer actionable advice for how to successfully complete your exchange. Let’s dive in!
Trading into Disney Vacation Club Resorts
When Disney first joined Interval International (II), initially there were limited opportunities for trades into DVC properties. However, as time has progressed, a notable increase in availability has emerged. This change is largely attributed to the growing number of Disney owners opting to explore other resorts within the Interval International network, thereby opening up more slots at Disney resorts for owner of other brands that trade with II as well.
Availability Trends and Insights
Old Key West
Saratoga Springs
Animal Kingdom
Recent observations have highlighted Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Old Key West, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas as the primary DVC properties entering the trading pool. While securing a reservation at these resorts may not be feasible 12 or even 10 months in advance, prospects improve significantly within the four to five-month lead time.
On the other side of the equation, highly sought-after resorts such as Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and the Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa remain elusive, with little to no presence of inventory on the Interval International trading platform.
How To Check For Disney Vacation Club Resort Availability
For Marriott Vacation Club owners looking to check DVC resort availability on the Interval International website, the process has become more user-friendly. The key is to use the Interval World website effectively:
- Login and Navigate: Start by logging into your account on the Interval World website, and select your Active Interval Member account.
- Select Exchange Type: Choose “Vacation Exchange” if using MVC points or “My Units” if trading a week.
- Enter Resort Codes: Input the specific codes for DVC resorts into the search function. This can be done individually or by entering multiple codes separated by commas for broader searches.
- All Interval International Codes for Disney Resorts: ADJ, BDN, DWL, CWA, DAK, DAA, BCV, DBW, DVH, DVO, DPA, DRA, DSS, DVB, VDD, VDH
- Specify Villa Size and TDI Range: Select your preferred villa size and ensure you adjust the Travel Demand Index (select from the top row of 140-150 TDI) to match the highest tier for DVC resorts.
- Search Across Dates: Enter a broad range of dates to maximize the potential window for finding availability.
While finding availability at many DVC properties might seem daunting, there has been success, particularly with Saratoga Springs Resort. This resort, along with others like Marriott’s Cypress Harbour and Marriott’s Grande Vista, holds the “Interval International Elite Level” status, indicating a high level of quality and desirability.
Strategic Approaches to Successful Trades
Success in securing a DVC resort through Interval International requires strategic planning. The “power” of your trade, dictated by factors such as seasonality and property popularity, plays a crucial role.
Owners that have deposited a deed week (also referred to as a legacy week) with the highest Travel Demand Index or those utilizing Club Points are more likely to find desirable Disney resorts available for booking. For those seeking guidance on navigating the Interval system, you can check out some our in-depth articles on the subjects below:
Buying A Marriott Legacy Week To Trade With Interval International
Learn how to buy the perfect Marriott week for trading purposes, what fees are required to exchange, how Travel Demand Index works, and how to double your vacation time.
How Trading Marriott Vacation Club Points With Interval International Works
Learn everything you need to know to exchange Marriott Vacation Club points with Interval International.
Conclusion
For Marriott or Vistana owners contemplating a magical getaway to a Disney Vacation Club resort, the trading availability through Interval International has indeed grown over time. While challenges for specific resorts remain, particularly for popular properties with fewer units, the expanding inventory offers promising prospects for those willing to adopt a flexible and strategic approach to their vacation planning.
As this partnership between Interval International and Disney Vacation Club continues to evolve, it holds the potential to unlock unforgettable vacation experiences for families and Disney enthusiasts alike. By learning to take advantage of the many exchange opportunities available for owners, we find our clients have greater long-term satisfaction with the purchases we assist when with on the resale market.
Purchasing Your Ownership For Less
If you’re interested in exploring the purchase of a Marriott or Vistana timeshare on the resale market, you can start by browsing our wide selection of Marriott Weeks, Marriott Abound Points, or Vistana Signature Network listings.
If you have any questions about the process or which ownership might be best for your situation, don’t hesitate to contact one of our licensed agents today. Our experienced specialists are happy to offer a free consultation without the hard sales pitch!
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