Questions related to enrolling

[piper_chuck]

I think I'm going to enroll my weeks at Grande Ocean and Cypress Harbor, but want to confirm a couple things.

Much of our use has been trading to other Marriott properties or converting to rewards points, so enrolling will save on fees. We also like some of the additional options, such as partial weeks. The biggest downside I see right now is the lack of an online booking and the uncertainty surrounding details of the MVCD program.

I have several weeks already deposited in II. IIRC, these will stay in the existing II account rather than being rolled over to the new one. Because of this I'll need to keep this account and pay the II exchange fee until we use them all.

Once I've enrolled, if I choose to deposit to II they will go to my new account and exchanging them will be covered by the MVCD annual fee.

Do I have this right?

Will I have online access to the new II account, or will I be stuck making phone calls to MVCD to do everything?

I think I may have seen the answers in the threads about the new program, but can't remember for sure.

 

[dioxide45]

I think I'm going to enroll my weeks at Grande Ocean and Cypress Harbor, but want to confirm a couple things.

Much of our use has been trading to other Marriott properties or converting to rewards points, so enrolling will save on fees. We also like some of the additional options, such as partial weeks. The biggest downside I see right now is the lack of an online booking and the uncertainty surrounding details of the MVCD program.

I have several weeks already deposited in II. IIRC, these will stay in the existing II account rather than being rolled over to the new one. Because of this I'll need to keep this account and pay the II exchange fee until we use them all.

That is correct. You will need to pay the annual II fee and any exchange fees until you either use up those weeks or they have expired.

Once I've enrolled, if I choose to deposit to II they will go to my new account and exchanging them will be covered by the MVCD annual fee.

Do I have this right?

You have it right.

Will I have online access to the new II account, or will I be stuck making phone calls to MVCD to do everything?

You can use II just like you always have. You can call II to make an exchange, call your new VOA at Marriott, or use the II website. Nothing chnages.

I think I may have seen the answers in the threads about the new program, but can't remember for sure.

 

[kjd]

I'm assuming that the OP owns only two weeks and both of them were purchased from Marriott. If that's the case then you'll only pay the $695 and you can avoid having to pay the $1,300 for any resale weeks. If you can also squeeze an incentive out of them like a $100 dining certificate you can probably break even after a few years of trading your deposits. Although, since you own two non-lockoff weeks it will take a little longer, IMO.

Personal use of your home resorts using points would be a waste of money due to the skim. Since the OP is apparently a legacy owner that can be avoided. It doesn't seem that with two weeks there is any advantage of converting a week to points unless you wish to extend your vacation beyond a week. No one can say what the supply of weeks in the pool will be in the future. My hunch is that legacy owners will have a good situation.

 

[piper_chuck]

I'm assuming that the OP owns only two weeks and both of them were purchased from Marriott. If that's the case then you'll only pay the $695 and you can avoid having to pay the $1,300 for any resale weeks. If you can also squeeze an incentive out of them like a $100 dining certificate you can probably break even after a few years of trading your deposits. Although, since you own two non-lockoff weeks it will take a little longer, IMO.

Yes, they were both purchased from Marriott. Without additional incentives, it'll take 5-6 years to recoup the $695. Based on your suggestion, I think I'll try calling to see if they can offer up any additional incentives for converting.

Personal use of your home resorts using points would be a waste of money due to the skim. Since the OP is apparently a legacy owner that can be avoided. It doesn't seem that with two weeks there is any advantage of converting a week to points unless you wish to extend your vacation beyond a week. No one can say what the supply of weeks in the pool will be in the future. My hunch is that legacy owners will have a good situation.

I agree that using points for a week at our home resort would be a waste due to the skim. One scenario where it wouldn't be a waste is occupying part of a week. Hilton Head is so close now, we moved from Raleigh to Columbia a couple years ago, that being able to go there for a long weekend would be nice. As you suggested, extending longer than a week in Orlando might also be desired.

 

[piper_chuck]

That is correct. You will need to pay the annual II fee and any exchange fees until you either use up those weeks or they have expired.

You have it right.

You can use II just like you always have. You can call II to make an exchange, call your new VOA at Marriott, or use the II website. Nothing chnages.

Thanks for the answers.

 

[dioxide45]

Yes, they were both purchased from Marriott. Without additional incentives, it'll take 5-6 years to recoup the $695. Based on your suggestion, I think I'll try calling to see if they can offer up any additional incentives for converting.

They won't offer any additional incentives over the phone. The additional incentives mentioned would be what one should expect to get by taking a sales presentation and convert while at the presentation. Of course you would get the incentive whether you converted or not at the presentation.

 

[NJMOM2]

Marriott's website stills says "For a limited time, receive 800 Vacation Club PlusPoints when you enroll!" These added bonus points are good for two to five additional nights at any Marriott Vacation Club resort, depending on the resort, room type and season.

That will shorten the break even time.

 

[piper_chuck]

Marriott's website stills says "For a limited time, receive 800 Vacation Club PlusPoints when you enroll!" These added bonus points are good for two to five additional nights at any Marriott Vacation Club resort, depending on the resort, room type and season.

That will shorten the break even time.

I saw that on one page, but on another it said that was only good until the end of 2010. I guess I should start the transaction and see if it's offered.

 

[piper_chuck]

They won't offer any additional incentives over the phone. The additional incentives mentioned would be what one should expect to get by taking a sales presentation and convert while at the presentation. Of course you would get the incentive whether you converted or not at the presentation.

Went to a sales presentation in July while in Orlando. Decided not to buy more points. Salesperson said there was no reason to convert unless I bought enough points to reach platinum, resulting in a commission for him, so it would have been unlikely for him to offer an incentive for converting.

 

[NJMOM2]

I would call and talk to someone - I am pretty sure I read somewhere they extended the points plus offer but I don't know what the new cut off is.


Edited to add the following comments:


I did an online chat and asked if the 800 points plus were still be offered - the answer was yes if you enroll by Nov. 30, 2011

Hi! My name is Alisa B.. How may I help you?
Customer: Are the 800 Vacation Club PlusPoints still available when enrolling your weeks.

Alisa B.: If you enroll by November 30, 2011 you will still receive the 800 bonus points.
Customer: ok Thank you

Alisa B.: You are very welcome.