Lock Off Timing

[Dean]

I just want to confirm my understanding that if I reserve a 2BR at a resort where all the 2BRs are lock-offs, I can deposit the 2BR into II and will be able to split the week into 1BR and studio after depositing if I change my mind? Does it make a difference if it is Deposit First or Request First?

As noted, no you can't split after deposit. You can reserve and likely split later but that is not guaranteed even if you have a L/O reserved though all 2 BR at GC are L/O except the 2 BR portion of the 3 BR. But you may have fees if you change later unless enrolled.

 

[dioxide45]

Another thing to note about MGC, is given the limited parking situation it is very possible that Marriott limits the number of units they will lock off at the same time. So there is the possibility that even though all units lock off they may not be willing to lock off your unit.

 

[djaneczko]

I just wanted to make sure I did not mess up. I just got access to my 2BR MGC and reserved week 14. I plan to lockoff and deposit into II tomrrow.
I selected Full Villa since the Lockoff option did not appear. Was that correct? Also, I did not/forgot to change the Number of guests.

 

[claraj]

Lockoff option did not appear.

Locking off is actually booking the Master Suite and Deluxe Guest room separately which are the next 2 options in the drop down (there is no Lock-off option).

 

[dioxide45]

I just wanted to make sure I did not mess up. I just got access to my 2BR MGC and reserved week 14. I plan to lockoff and deposit into II tomrrow.
I selected Full Villa since the Lockoff option did not appear. Was that correct? Also, I did not/forgot to change the Number of guests.
View attachment 112609

There is no lock off option in the drop down. If you picked Full Villa then you reserved a full 2BR. You will need to call and ask them to lock it off or cancel (may be a fee) and reserve the Master Suite and Deluxe Guest Room separatly.

 

[djaneczko]

There is no lock off option in the drop down. If you picked Full Villa then you reserved a full 2BR. You will need to call and ask them to lock it off or cancel (may be a fee) and reserve the Master Suite and Deluxe Guest Room separatly.

Thanks for the reply. I called MVC and they did lock it off for me with only the lockoff fee (no change fee).
Since this is my first rodeo with the MGC->II...should I upgrade to II Platinum? My situation...just need a place for 2 people always, but:

1. One side of MGC is a studio...upgrade fees?
2. Are there more desirable views/rooms for a 1 or 2 bedroom in some HI resorts (MVC/Vistana) that would make an upgrade more wothwhile?
3. I have a CapitalOne Venture X credit card who just took away Lounge Acces for my wife who is an authorized user. Does the Platinum Priority Pass have any value, and can I assign that to my wife?*** A little off topic I know.

 

[dioxide45]

Thanks for the reply. I called MVC and they did lock it off for me with only the lockoff fee (no change fee).
Since this is my first rodeo with the MGC->II...should I upgrade to II Platinum? My situation...just need a place for 2 people always, but:

1. One side of MGC is a studio...upgrade fees?
2. Are there more desirable views/rooms for a 1 or 2 bedroom in some HI resorts (MVC/Vistana) that would make an upgrade more wothwhile?
3. I have a CapitalOne Venture X credit card who just took away Lounge Acces for my wife who is an authorized user. Does the Platinum Priority Pass have any value, and can I assign that to my wife?*** A little off topic I know.

If you want to upgrade unit size, then you may want II platinum as you get discounted upgrade fees. You need to weigh the savings vs. the cost. You can't book views in II, so upgrade fees don't apply to views. As for the Priority Pass, i've never found value in it. I understand that, while membership is free, you still need to pay for each lounge visit.

 

[djaneczko]

If you want to upgrade unit size, then you may want II platinum as you get discounted upgrade fees. You need to weigh the savings vs. the cost. You can't book views in II, so upgrade fees don't apply to views. As for the Priority Pass, i've never found value in it. I understand that, while membership is free, you still need to pay for each lounge visit.

Thanks for that, and now I understand about Priority Pass. With the VentureX Priority Pass benefit it was Cardholder Plus a guest got in free. If it in not the same plan with II Platinum there is no value there.

As an aside, if anyone has any other thoughts/hints about MGC-> II for my first go around I am all ears. I did a lot of reading and research to get to this point, but ececuting for the first time you start to question yourself.

 

[jwalk03]

Thanks for the reply. I called MVC and they did lock it off for me with only the lockoff fee (no change fee).
Since this is my first rodeo with the MGC->II...should I upgrade to II Platinum? My situation...just need a place for 2 people always, but:

1. One side of MGC is a studio...upgrade fees?
2. Are there more desirable views/rooms for a 1 or 2 bedroom in some HI resorts (MVC/Vistana) that would make an upgrade more wothwhile?
3. I have a CapitalOne Venture X credit card who just took away Lounge Acces for my wife who is an authorized user. Does the Platinum Priority Pass have any value, and can I assign that to my wife?*** A little off topic I know.

The priority pass membership with Interval is a pay per visit membership- $35 per person per visit. (unlike the complimentary one offered by premium credit cards)- I have never used the Interval one since I have a free one with my Ritz card.

 

[Pamplemousse]

Thanks for that, and now I understand about Priority Pass. With the VentureX Priority Pass benefit it was Cardholder Plus a guest got in free. If it in not the same plan with II Platinum there is no value there.

As an aside, if anyone has any other thoughts/hints about MGC-> II for my first go around I am all ears. I did a lot of reading and research to get to this point, but ececuting for the first time you start to question yourself.

As long as you have the minimum trading power needed for your exchange it is all about supply and demand.
Get your request in early- MVC weeks can deposit 12-13 months ahead do ideally you have your request in then so you have a chance at the maximum number of units.
Even if it’s less time, still place the request- there is a video tutorial on how in the II community.
Search the available inventory frequently too- it’s always changing and cancellations can end up in inventory before the request filter runs and makes a match.

Platinum does not help you exchange in any way.
It costs $139 per year and lowers your unit size upgrade fee from $99 per step to $59 per step.
You can see what you get for the platinum under the benefits tab.

What exchange are you trying to make?

 

[djaneczko]

For next summer I would like to look for any of the MVC/Vistana in HI. Preference would be to use in Maui or Oahu. I really like SeaLodge or PaliKeKua on Kuai and I use Vacasa for that, so unless I can't score something else, most likely not the Westin in Princeville. In three years when I retire my focus will shift to a snowbird plan.

 

[Pamplemousse]

For next summer I would like to look for any of the MVC/Vistana in HI. Preference would be to use in Maui or Oahu. I really like SeaLodge or PaliKeKua on Kuai and I use Vacasa for that, so unless I can't score something else, most likely not the Westin in Princeville. In three years when I retire my focus will shift to a snowbird plan.

Place your request now for as many Abound family resorts as you would be happy with.
Give the biggest travel time range you can.
Agree to accept the smallest unit you would be comfortable in- but if you want you can also indicate you will pay upgrade for larger.
The video tutorial in the community section of II will show you how to request.
Easiest exchanges on the MVC side are KoOlina on Oahu and Kauai Beach Club (which does not have a full kitchen but is on the grounds of a hotel with restaurants). The 3 towers section of Maui ocean club also lacks full kitchens but there are many restaurants within walking distance.

Do your research before you place your request- the MVC app is a great place for that to see all the amenities and room plans.
You have 24 hrs after reviewing a confirmation from II to cancel without penalty if you decide against your exchange.

 

[djaneczko]

Place your request now for as many Abound family resorts as you would be happy with.
Give the biggest travel time range you can.
Agree to accept the smallest unit you would be comfortable in- but if you want you can also indicate you will pay upgrade for larger.
The video tutorial in the community section of II will show you how to request.
Easiest exchanges on the MVC side are KoOlina on Oahu and Kauai Beach Club (which does not have a full kitchen but is on the grounds of a hotel with restaurants). The 3 towers section of Maui ocean club also lacks full kitchens but there are many restaurants within walking distance.

Do your research before you place your request- the MVC app is a great place for that to see all the amenities and room plans.
You have 24 hrs after reviewing a confirmation from II to cancel without penalty if you decide against your exchange.

Thanks so much. Appreciated!!

 

[jbman]

If you can I'd recommend the 3 week trip. If you're going to do Waikiki and Aulani then I'd make that the Oahu portion and then look at Maui and Kauai for the rest. Just wait on air with the possibility of shortening the trip or plan a cash option in case you don't get the exchanges needed for the trip. If you're not set on Aulani AND Waikiki then I'd consider Ko Olina as that's more likely to match than most of the rest. I didn't include the Westin & Sheraton options in my thoughts as I don't have much info there but of course you'd want to list any options that you think you'd be happy with then adjust your requests accordingly once a given match comes through. Of course if you don't have Aulani points then you can't book until 7 months out anyway and even if yo do, you're limited to 11 months out and you very well may have matched by then.

Do you have other deposits besides this 2BR vs L/O at GD? let us know how it goes.

We ended up making a decision and now going to Hawaii much earlier than expected, after discussing it further, a 10-day trip just works a lot better for our schedules than a 2 or 3 week trip, so we decided to just pick one island and settled on Oahu as we really want to go to both Ko Olina and Aulani. Then we decided to deposit the whole 2 bedroom to ensure that we would get a 2 bedroom, but also allow us to shoot for a 3 bedroom, grandparents would be coming so would give them, us, and the kids each a room.

Originally were planning to go to Grande Ocean this October, but it has been a challenge figuring out the best way to get there from Toronto, we had decided that driving to Detroit and flying from there was our best option and we were about to book when we saw the Ko Olina drop including a 3 bedroom this Fall, we quickly checked the flights and they were surprisingly affordable with a manageable connection in Vancouver, total of about 13-14 hours each way. So we just went ahead and took the 3 bedroom and are now going the last week of October, Sunday to Sunday at Ko Olina, we fly in Saturday and plan to stay at the Best Western by the airport the first night, then Aulani on Sunday and Monday before getting back Tuesday.

 

[Dean]

We ended up making a decision and now going to Hawaii much earlier than expected, after discussing it further, a 10-day trip just works a lot better for our schedules than a 2 or 3 week trip, so we decided to just pick one island and settled on Oahu as we really want to go to both Ko Olina and Aulani. Then we decided to deposit the whole 2 bedroom to ensure that we would get a 2 bedroom, but also allow us to shoot for a 3 bedroom, grandparents would be coming so would give them, us, and the kids each a room.

Originally were planning to go to Grande Ocean this October, but it has been a challenge figuring out the best way to get there from Toronto, we had decided that driving to Detroit and flying from there was our best option and we were about to book when we saw the Ko Olina drop including a 3 bedroom this Fall, we quickly checked the flights and they were surprisingly affordable with a manageable connection in Vancouver, total of about 13-14 hours each way. So we just went ahead and took the 3 bedroom and are now going the last week of October, Sunday to Sunday at Ko Olina, we fly in Saturday and plan to stay at the Best Western by the airport the first night, then Aulani on Sunday and Monday before getting back Tuesday.

Thanks for the follow up. A single island for 10 days is very reasonable. One way you could have done this differently is that you could have booked the 3 BR then checked flights. You have 24 hrs to cancel without penalty.

 

[jbman]

Thanks for the follow up. A single island for 10 days is very reasonable. One way you could have done this differently is that you could have booked the 3 BR then checked flights. You have 24 hrs to cancel without penalty.

Thanks, that's a great tip, I didn't realize about the 24 hour rule. It's funny because before booking we not only checked flights, but I also discussed with my wife, and then we wanted to check with my dad and his wife since they were coming to Grande Ocean with us and we wanted to make sure they were okay with the switch. After all that and we spoke to them and they said go for it, went back online to book it and it was gone - so frustrated that we waited. Luckily checked back about 15 minutes later and it reappeared and booked right away, but next time I'll know to book first and ask questions later!

 

[Dean]

Thanks, that's a great tip, I didn't realize about the 24 hour rule. It's funny because before booking we not only checked flights, but I also discussed with my wife, and then we wanted to check with my dad and his wife since they were coming to Grande Ocean with us and we wanted to make sure they were okay with the switch. After all that and we spoke to them and they said go for it, went back online to book it and it was gone - so frustrated that we waited. Luckily checked back about 15 minutes later and it reappeared and booked right away, but next time I'll know to book first and ask questions later!

It's reported as 24 hours but I think in reality it ends up being to the end of the next calendar day they are open. I wouldn't take a chance on losing something I really wanted. All you lose if you accept and you then have to cancel is you have to restart the search and the hours you were not searching for other options. You go back to your place in line for the request, not the back of the line. The other possible glitch would be with a request first option where you might end up with your unit deposited even if you then cancel.