Getaway Inventory (Specifically MCP)

[rapjr]

I'm looking for some advice regarding availability trends for getaway inventory, in this case specifically Marriott Cypress Harbour. I'm trying to organize a family vacation for next September where we'll need 3 or 4 2BR/2BR units. Ideally, I'll be exchanging in one, potentially two, and have hopes to purchase the other two as getaways.
I fully understand its likely impossible to get concrete answers here, but I am curious if anyone can confirm or deny my assumptions. That said, I ask the following:

1) I noticed getaway inventory for MCP this past September for $397/week. These rates were posted in August and ticked up in price as September neared. Is it relatively safe to say the same general rates are likely to be had for September 2012? If so, how far in advance do these typically publish? I'm seeing getaway weeks into June 2012 at this point and for higher prices (I realize the summer weeks will be priced higher from a demand standpoint, obviously). I guess the ultimate question is to ask if MCP typically has cheap getaway inventory in September each year?

2) Does anyone have any knowledge how getaway inventory is priced? Again, I've seen pricing for the same weeks fluctuate - is it simply a supply and demand issue or is there another price strategy taken to explain the variation? If a week is posted for sale, is that price firm or can it potentially get cheaper?

3) Is there any advice out there for trying to coordinate exchange and getaway opportunities? I can exchange in right now without problem, I just can't get the getaway weeks yet. Is the better strategy to confirm the exchange and hope for getaway inventory to post or should I wait and try to confirm everything together, assuming the availability presents itself? Given the abundance of inventory in Orlando, I'm certain I can buy getaway weeks somewhere, I just have a strong preference to be at MCP and not spread out over multiple locations.

4) Am I correct in my thinking the limit for getaway purchases is 2 per member per specific week?

Thanks, in advance, for the help.
Rob

 

[dmbrand]

This is what I would attempt...

Book at least one exchange in MCP for your Sept dates. Then call Interval to see if they can give you an XYZ exchange for a second unit. XYZ is a 2-for-1 type of deal Interval offers; the XYZ cost is just the exchange fee.

If they can work that for you, do it again with the second exchange. The XYZ is less expensive than getaway weeks.

I check getaway weeks fairly often, and usually the autumn weeks that become available are consistently a good price. There is much supply, and fewer people vacationing that time of year.

As for limits on getaway weeks, I was under the impression that there aren't any restrictions. Meaning, you can buy as many as you like. If you purchase three getaways, or three guest certificates($50 each), or any combination of these during a one year timeframe, consider upgrading to Platinum membership.(additional $129/year). There is a $50 discount per getaway week, and free guest certificates for Platinum.

 

[rapjr]

Thanks Dawn, good info.

 

[m61376]

Just to add- Gold II membership is less expensive and guest certificates are free as well; the Getaway discount is $25, but since gust certificates are free even one purchase with a gc makes it worthwhile. If you will be there to check in, you can forego guest certificates.

 

[dioxide45]

Just to add- Gold II membership is less expensive and guest certificates are free as well; the Getaway discount is $25, but since gust certificates are free even one purchase with a gc makes it worthwhile. If you will be there to check in, you can forego guest certificates.

Looked at the benefits of Gold vs. Platinum II membership. I didn't see where it indicated that guest certificates are free with gold membership.

 

[dioxide45]

specifically Marriott Cypress Pointe.

I think you mean Cypress Harbour (MCP), Orlando?

 

[m61376]

Looked at the benefits of Gold vs. Platinum II membership. I didn't see where it indicated that guest certificates are free with gold membership.

hmmm...I am sure they told me that when I joined. I apologize if that's not the case anymore, or I was mistaken (maybe they changed things a bit when they added the Platinum membership??).

 

[dioxide45]

hmmm...I am sure they told me that when I joined. I apologize if that's not the case anymore, or I was mistaken (maybe they changed things a bit when they added the Platinum membership??).

I never recall gold membership including free guest certificates.

 

[m61376]

I never recall gold membership including free guest certificates.

or maybe it was just a poorly informed rep and I never checked...
Sorry for any misinformation.

 

[rapjr]

I think you mean Cypress Harbour (MCP), Orlando?

Yes, my mistake, Cypress Harbour.

 

[Retired TSO]

I was an II Gold until recently when I upgraded to Platinum. As Gold, I always had to pay for Guest Cert.
I have organized a few family get togethers at MGC in Vegas doing exactly what the OP is planning to do. I was Gold when I did this but never purchased a Guest Cert. because I had all the units (4-5 units) in my name and I was personally there to check every one in and then at that point, added their names...

 

[dmbrand]

Rob,
I checked some Sept Orlando Marriott units yesterday in getaways. Those are definitely too expensive right now ($1100+).

One other option to consider: Interval often offers a bonus certificate(AC) for a getaway purchase, and sometimes for any exchange done during a specified period. If you waited until then to make your exchange, you could get this AC. Normally I don't think these type of ACs are very valuable, but if you are using them for Orlando, then they are useful. You would have to wait until July to redeem it, though, as there is a 59 day restriction on it. This would involve a little more patience and risk, and you may not be 100% comfortable with that.