Anomaly or reason we can't trade into Crystal Shores?

[Password is taco]

Given the above does it make more sense to get a 3 bedroom Grand Vista than a 2 bedroom Hilton Head? My plan was to buy a 2 bedroom platinum season Hilton Head (most likely Barony Beach) because it's a place we'd like to make a nearly annual vacation spot. But we also like to go to Orlando for Disneyworld and a 3 bedroom would be great if we want to bring the grandparents (aka babysitters). My thought with the Hilton Head unit, we could most likely trade into Orlando and get pretty much whatever we wanted (including a 3 bedroom if needed). But if my 2 bedroom Hilton Head unit would even be allowed to trade for a 3 bedroom, a 3 bedroom MGV could easily get me a 2 bedroom in Hilton Head in platinum season, and the 3 bedroom Grande Vista would be cheaper upfront, maybe it makes more sense to buy Grande Vista? Interested to hear opinions.

 

[m61376]

That's a tough call, for two reasons- while the 3BR MGV might be at the top of the list to trade into the summer HH unit, there have to be sufficient deposits, and many (?most) owners use their week and many owners who don't use their week rent them. So while you may be successful most years if you have flexibility wrt which summer week, I don't know that you could call it an easy trade and be certain of annual success.

While the 2BR HH can pull a 3BR in Orlando, you would have to do frequent online searches to find one, since you can't place an on-goingsearch with a 2BR for a 3BR.

So neither trade scenario is a guarantee, but if you use a 3BR MGV week and are flexible with dates, you will likely have success trading into HH. That said, if you anticipate making HH a nearly annual summer vacation, you can't go wrong with buying where you want to go. That way, you'll be ensured you get your choice of resorts, the view you purchased, and have owner's preference for unit placement. Only you can decide if the higher up-front cost is worth the benefits versus the hassle of trading and uncertainty.

 

[dioxide45]

I wouldn't recommend buying a 3BR Orlando with the hope of exchanging in to prime HHI more times than not. While it can happen, your best shot at reserving those weeks is as an owner there. You can always use getaways for those few years when you want to go to Orlando.

 

[ciscogizmo1]

We went to Marco Island Crystal Shores last June and we totally regretted it. And many have warned us. Previously we went over New Years. Summer is not prime time SW Florida. It is very hot. The ocean water is warm. Restaurants are closed or have limited hours, etc.. It was too hot to do any tours like visiting parks, etc.. I don't think it is Prime Time.

 

[jjluhman]

We went to Marco Island Crystal Shores last June and we totally regretted it. And many have warned us. Previously we went over New Years. Summer is not prime time SW Florida. It is very hot. The ocean water is warm. Restaurants are closed or have limited hours, etc.. It was too hot to do any tours like visiting parks, etc.. I don't think it is Prime Time.

I totally agree with you. The middle of the summer in South Florida is definitely not prime time. We lived in South Florida for several years and know exactly what to expect. We don't mind the heat!:whoopie: Since we live on the East coast we are already used to the humidity as well.