I agree with both of these posts to a degree but I do think there's more to it than that. Points have a different type of flexibility than exchanges plus the odds of getting a high demand reservation is much higher with points than with weeks. You also know more where you stand with points because if you don't get the reservation early on, you can judge that you are less likely to get that reservation. Both have wait list options and uncertainty after that. IMO they fit together like a puzzle. I use owned weeks, points and exchanges each to their strength. I also make reservations (both weeks and points) and put in exchange requests to replace or supplement those. For example, for a 3 week HI trip (15 people) a few years ago I replaced a total of 5 reservations with exchanges that were made with points (4 weeks) and owned (1week). I ended up with 2 units on Kauai on points plus 1 exchange, a 1 BR exchange on Maui and a combination of 1 & 2 BR exchanges for Oahu on exhanges. Ultimately I was able to guarantee my trip with owned weeks and points AND have the cheaper option of exchanges.
I agree with you. We are generally flexible and don't travel with large groups so II really works for us. The one with a bit of heartburn for us is trying to book Heritage Club. I tried for several weeks to book a March/April check-in (dates are flexible) through MVC points system, right at 6am Pacific Time and to no avail. In II, there were some Dec to Feb deposits. In the end we gave up.
That works great for people that have lots of weeks and/or points. But your, and my, ownership is not typical. If we consider the more average owner of perhaps just 2,500-3,000 points or one deeded lock off week, IMO the lock off deeded week is far superior.
II exchanges and owning a week directly will certainly give a better dollar value done "correctly" but it may or may not give a better experience. Ultimately it comes down to understanding the system (Weeks, Points & II) as well was one's personal situation and preferences. It does highlight the flexibility of volume and should give one pause before jumping in with a minimal volume commitment.
I agree with this that’s why I buy where I want to go and use points for the rest since my first purchases are enrolled. However, I do enjoy exchanging my MGC. I was able to get Newport for June with my MGC studio and cancelled the points reservation which was a bit pricey. The one bedroom got me into Skitts December so interval does have its uses for something’s.
Let me add that trying to get into timeshares with a very low end purchase is almost always a big mistake. From what I've seen, it's common for those new to the system to either try to go to low/cheap or to the other extreme and overbuy by a large amount. I'd say that for those new, a minimal purchase is somewhere around a 2 BR yearly for most situations. I can think of some exceptions for those that are experienced and well informed but probably not for the novice. And if budget is the reason for trying to go super small, that's a person who likely should not be buying at all. These opinions assume one is well informed and well aware of resale options.
I agree that I do enjoy the chase but not so much as to base my entire vacation approach on the whims of II.
I would say this exactly. We bought in our 20's, now mid-40s, and never go to the owners social or a presentation. My in-laws, in their 70s, never miss one. Part of the reason is that MVC doesn't want kids at these, but then offers no childcare options. Our most recent trip we even considered the presentation, but they wanted us to pay for the kids club for the day. If we do that, there is no benefit to us at all. So we don't go.