RCI Options

[TerriBelle]

We are considering trying to use our points this summer for an RCI exchange. We have never done this before and I was wondering what advice people had. I know this is not the best use of points but my husband refuses to go to Florida in the summer and we did California last summer. We have also doen HH twice (which we loved but would like to try something else). My daughter is a junior in HS and has a really tough schedule so going during school is out this year. Plus we are trying to visit colleges during her off days.

So I am looking for other options -

What resorts have people tried and liked?
How difficult is it to get reservations - am I too late for this summer?

 

[Inkmahm]

What's the exchange rate for DVC into RCI? Could you put something like this on the rent/trade board here at the DIS?

I"m in the opposite situation where we are using our DVC points to book for us and my inlaws but my inlaws have lots of RCI points available and would love to let us use them. So I was going to wait to see if I could use their RCI points to get into DVC locations for a week and then cancel the DVC reservation I made. The exchange rate of RCI into DVC seems pretty good to me.

If you could advertise here, maybe it would work out better to have an RCI member make a reservation for you at an RCI location for the summer and then use your DVC points to make a reservation for them at DVC in exchange. Or maybe that's against the rules of either RCI or DVC?

 

[Dean]

We are considering trying to use our points this summer for an RCI exchange. We have never done this before and I was wondering what advice people had. I know this is not the best use of points but my husband refuses to go to Florida in the summer and we did California last summer. We have also doen HH twice (which we loved but would like to try something else). My daughter is a junior in HS and has a really tough schedule so going during school is out this year. Plus we are trying to visit colleges during her off days.

So I am looking for other options -

What resorts have people tried and liked?
How difficult is it to get reservations - am I too late for this summer?

I agree you would come out ahead to rent out your points and use cash. In all likelihood you are too late for good RCI exchanges for this summer though if you can do with a studio, you might find something. Still, no harm in trying, you never know. Another option would be a direct exchange with possibly a Marriott, Bluegreen, Wyndham, Westin or similar system owner. If you can do early summer like the first 2 weeks of June your chances would be much better. You might consider Gatlinburg, Branson, Williamsburg, Wisconsin Dells or even Myrtle Beach or Charleston.

 

[CarolMN]

....(snip).......If you could advertise here, maybe it would work out better to have an RCI member make a reservation for you at an RCI location for the summer and then use your DVC points to make a reservation for them at DVC in exchange. Or maybe that's against the rules of either RCI or DVC?

Reservation Trade Rules


It's allowed - be sure to read the very specific rules before posting an offer.

I do not think very many non-DVC members look at the DVC R/T Forum. If someone wants a reservation in a specific RCI resort, they are probably better off using another venue to look for the trade - perhaps www.tug2.net

 

[Dean]

Reservation Trade Rules


It's allowed - be sure to read the very specific rules before posting an offer.

I do not think very many non-DVC members look at the DVC R/T Forum. If someone wants a reservation in a specific RCI resort, they are probably better off using another venue to look for the trade - perhaps www.tug2.net

Carol, as I understand it, an RCI points reservation would not qualify under the DIS rules unless it were their own week and home resort since it would not be something they owned. Plus, the suggested "trade" would be specifically against RCI's rules as well. I know it's done at times though.

 

[Ellester]

My in-laws are RCI members. We've stayed with them in Williamsburg, VA twice, once at the Wyndam Kingsgate and once at Patriot's Place (I think?). Williamsburg is a nice place to vacation, we always enjoy it. The resorts there were fine, nothing exciting but not terrible by any means. Their home resort is at the Petit Crest Villas at Big Canoe in North Georgia. It's a nice place, but not too much to do if you don't golf (they do have a nice pool/lake area). We've also stayed in Banner Elk, NC at the Blue Ridge Village which was OK. We're going with them this summer to Gatlinburg (My FIL is not a Disney fan, they've gone with us a few times but he much prefers to vacation elsewhere. ). We usually vacation with them every other year and use our DVC points with my mother on the off years. I have no idea how easy or how long it takes to trade. I hope you can find somewhere where all of you will have fun! Good luck!

 

[Dean]

My in-laws are RCI members. We've stayed with them in Williamsburg, VA twice, once at the Wyndam Kingsgate and once at Patriot's Place (I think?). Williamsburg is a nice place to vacation, we always enjoy it. The resorts there were fine, nothing exciting but not terrible by any means. Their home resort is at the Petit Crest Villas at Big Canoe in North Georgia. It's a nice place, but not too much to do if you don't golf (they do have a nice pool/lake area). We've also stayed in Banner Elk, NC at the Blue Ridge Village which was OK. We're going with them this summer to Gatlinburg (My FIL is not a Disney fan, they've gone with us a few times but he much prefers to vacation elsewhere. ). We usually vacation with them every other year and use our DVC points with my mother on the off years. I have no idea how easy or how long it takes to trade. I hope you can find somewhere where all of you will have fun! Good luck!

Where are you staying in Gatlinburg?

 

[Inkmahm]

Carol, as I understand it, an RCI points reservation would not qualify under the DIS rules unless it were their own week and home resort since it would not be something they owned. Plus, the suggested "trade" would be specifically against RCI's rules as well. I know it's done at times though.

I think this is the section that would apply for the OP:



Trade Wanted:
This category is for use by DVC owners ONLY. This is similar to "Trade Offered" except the request is being made by a DVC owner wishing to trade a DVC Resort Reservation for either (1) a non-DVC resort reservation, or (2) a different DVC-Resort reservation (essentially wishing to swap one DVC-Reservation for another).


Open-ended trades are allowed meaning that as a DVC owner, you do not not have to have a current DVC-Reservation already made, and the non-DVC resort (or DVC-Resort) you are requesting does not have to have a current reservation already made. If there is no current DVC-Resort reservation already made, then you may post the "Trade Wanted" request any time on the board. You may want to do this a year or more ahead of your desired vacation dates in order to give owners at the non-DVC resorts time to schedule their particular resort.

If you do already have an existing DVC-resort reservation made, then you may not post your "Trade Wanted" thread more than 30 days prior to the check-in date of your existing DVC reservation. (30-day rule)


You may NOT offer to directly trade DVC-Points for a reservation at a non-DVC resort. It MUST be for a DVC reservation made using your own personal points. Also, the trade may only be for a non-DVC resort personally owned by the other party.


If you are requesting a trade to a DVC-Resort, it must be for a DVC-resort reservation made directly by another DVC member using their own points. You may trade a DVC-Reservation you make with your own points, or you may offer to 'pay' for the other member's DVC reservation via a transfer of DVC-Points from your account to their account. Do not use this category if you wish to pay cash for another member's reservation. (Use the category "Reservation Wanted" instead.)

In my case, I'm not sure if it would work. I've already made our DVC reservations for next December. My inlaws would like to use their RCI points for our reservation instead of us using our DVC points (my DH is an associate on their RCI account so I guess he can make reservations, etc. there). What we'd like to do is transfer my inlaws RCI points to someone to use (or make a reservation for them using the RCI points) in exchange for DVC points (which would go to my DH/my DVC account.) I think just transferring DVC points to us wouldn't work- the person wanting the RCI reservation would actually have to make the DVC reservation using their points for us?

This is confusing so I'm still not sure I have that right.

 

[CarolMN]

Carol, as I understand it, an RCI points reservation would not qualify under the DIS rules unless it were their own week and home resort since it would not be something they owned. Plus, the suggested "trade" would be specifically against RCI's rules as well. I know it's done at times though.

From the R/T rules:

Trade Wanted:
This category is for use by DVC owners ONLY. This is similar to "Trade Offered" except the request is being made by a DVC owner wishing to trade a DVC Resort Reservation for either (1) a non-DVC resort reservation, or (2) a different DVC-Resort reservation (essentially wishing to swap one DVC-Reservation for another).

Open-ended trades are allowed meaning that as a DVC owner, you do not not have to have a current DVC-Reservation already made, and the non-DVC resort (or DVC-Resort) you are requesting does not have to have a current reservation already made. If there is no current DVC-Resort reservation already made, then you may post the "Trade Wanted" request any time on the board. You may want to do this a year or more ahead of your desired vacation dates in order to give owners at the non-DVC resorts time to schedule their particular resort.

I interpret above to mean a DVC member can request an RCI member to make a reservation for them in return for the DVC member making a reservation for the RCI member.

It is true that to offer an RCI trade the non-DVC timeshare you're offering for trade MUST be personally owned by yourself and must be at your 'home' resort. Home resort is defined as the specific resort where you purchased.
# Timeshare exchanges of any kind, or timeshare reservations at any non-home resort, may not be offered using these boards.

All that said and quoted, I do NOT know if RCI allows members to make reservations for others. I only know that the DIS would allow the "Trade Wanted" request by a DVC member (anyone who makes such a request should read all the rules that pertain before posting). I still don't think such a request on the DIS would get many looks. But that's just my opinion.

 

[Dean]

In my case, I'm not sure if it would work. I've already made our DVC reservations for next December. My inlaws would like to use their RCI points for our reservation instead of us using our DVC points (my DH is an associate on their RCI account so I guess he can make reservations, etc. there). What we'd like to do is transfer my inlaws RCI points to someone to use (or make a reservation for them using the RCI points) in exchange for DVC points (which would go to my DH/my DVC account.) I think just transferring DVC points to us wouldn't work- the person wanting the RCI reservation would actually have to make the DVC reservation using their points for us?

This is confusing so I'm still not sure I have that right.

I believe this section would preclude the exchange you suggest.

The non-DVC timeshare you're offering for trade MUST be personally owned by yourself and must be at your 'home' resort. Home resort is defined as the specific resort where you purchased.
Timeshare exchanges of any kind, or timeshare reservations at any non-home resort, may not be offered using these boards.

In this case an RCI points reservation even at your home resort would be a timeshare exchange. For RCI points, you'd have to get the underlying week instead of the points to qualify under the DIS rules as I interpret them. I'm not very knowledgeable about RCI points transfers other than there was previously a charge, there now isn't, and the max rate appears to be about 1¢ a point. In my case the cost to me is about half that or a little less. Maybe you should be on the lookout for an RCI points reservation at DVC and you could then cancel your DVC direct reservation if you are successful, assuming those RCI points are not based in the Orlando area. Weeks should start to come on line in Feb for that time, 10 months out is the earliest. IF you're on their RCI account just look several times a day, esp early morning, to see if what you want is there. Even if you get SSR or OKW, you're still far better off settling for that than using DVC points at AKV, at least from a cost standpoint.

 

[Dean]

All that said and quoted, I do NOT know if RCI allows members to make reservations for others. I only know that the DIS would allow the "Trade Wanted" request by a DVC member (anyone who makes such a request should read all the rules that pertain before posting). I still don't think such a request on the DIS would get many looks. But that's just my opinion.

You can make reservations, pay for a guest certificate, but you cannot receive any compensation of ANY type and they specifically state you cannot trade the week secured.

 

[CarolMN]

.....(snip)......

In my case, I'm not sure if it would work. I've already made our DVC reservations for next December. My inlaws would like to use their RCI points for our reservation instead of us using our DVC points (my DH is an associate on their RCI account so I guess he can make reservations, etc. there). What we'd like to do is transfer my inlaws RCI points to someone to use (or make a reservation for them using the RCI points) in exchange for DVC points (which would go to my DH/my DVC account.) I think just transferring DVC points to us wouldn't work- the person wanting the RCI reservation would actually have to make the DVC reservation using their points for us?

This is confusing so I'm still not sure I have that right.

OK. If I understand, I can't see how you could use DIS DVC R/T Board to get what you want.

It seems you want to offer an RCI reservation (or RCI points) in return for DVC points. Not allowed. Dean is correct. Sorry.

You can request a specific non-DVC resort reservation and offer to make a DVC reservation in return, but you cannot offer a reservation for a time share you do not own for a DVC reservation. And requests to do points exchanges are not allowed at all. (As already posted, I don't know anything about the RCI rules that may apply in this case).

But again, I don't think you'd get any takers here, anyway.

 

[Inkmahm]

I believe this section would preclude the exchange you suggest.
In this case an RCI points reservation even at your home resort would be a timeshare exchange. For RCI points, you'd have to get the underlying week instead of the points to qualify under the DIS rules as I interpret them. I'm not very knowledgeable about RCI points transfers other than there was previously a charge, there now isn't, and the max rate appears to be about 1¢ a point. In my case the cost to me is about half that or a little less. Maybe you should be on the lookout for an RCI points reservation at DVC and you could then cancel your DVC direct reservation if you are successful, assuming those RCI points are not based in the Orlando area. Weeks should start to come on line in Feb for that time, 10 months out is the earliest. IF you're on their RCI account just look several times a day, esp early morning, to see if what you want is there. Even if you get SSR or OKW, you're still far better off settling for that than using DVC points at AKV, at least from a cost standpoint.

That is the plan, actually. Starting Feb 4 I'll be watching for an RCI reservation for a 2 bedroom at DVC. I was just hoping there was a way to still use the RCI points AND keep our current reservation which is a split stay between VWL and AKV. I'd really rather stay there than SSR or OKW but for being able to keep my DVC points and still stay at DVC, I could be convinced to accept SSR or OKW.

 

[JoEllen]

We traded for a week at the Princeville Wyndem on Kauai for March 2010. I'll post a trip report when we get back.

 

[Ellester]

Where are you staying in Gatlinburg?

I'm pretty sure it's the Wyndham Smokey Mountains in Seiverville. I have to admit that I never have real high hopes when we go RCI, I just try to go with the flow. My in-laws are super sweet people, but we do not have the same vacation style at all. I just go along for the ride and so the kids can have the time with their grandparents. I am the consummate planner and my in-laws are the type who ask"should we try to get tickets or go somewhere today" while we are eating breakfast!

Do you know anything about the Wyndham?

 

[Dean]

I'm pretty sure it's the Wyndham Smokey Mountains in Seiverville. I have to admit that I never have real high hopes when we go RCI, I just try to go with the flow. My in-laws are super sweet people, but we do not have the same vacation style at all. I just go along for the ride and so the kids can have the time with their grandparents. I am the consummate planner and my in-laws are the type who ask"should we try to get tickets or go somewhere today" while we are eating breakfast!

Do you know anything about the Wyndham?

It's a nice resort right across from the outlets though not in a woodsy situation. If you want nature at your doorstep you might not like it but overall it's a nice choice, certainly one of the best overall in the area.

 

[Ellester]

It's a nice resort right across from the outlets though not in a woodsy situation. If you want nature at your doorstep you might not like it but overall it's a nice choice, certainly one of the best overall in the area.

Thanks, Dean. That's good to know. I'd prefer woodsy over outlets, but as I said before, I just go with the flow on these trips. Currently trying to plan our next DVC adventure, hopefully right after Thanksgiving. That will sustain me through an outlet vacation...... The kids are excited about Dollywood, although they know it's not in the same league as Disney.

 

[littlestar]

It's a nice resort right across from the outlets though not in a woodsy situation. If you want nature at your doorstep you might not like it but overall it's a nice choice, certainly one of the best overall in the area.

That's good to know that it's nice. We just bought resale Wyndham points at this resort and are in the process of closing on them. I also just booked an RCI Extra Vacation for May 2010 in a 2 bedroom at this resort - $500 total with tax. (RCI just dropped the May prices yesterday on them - woo hoo). I was afraid I wouldn't get closed in time to book the dates I need so I just rented it off the RCI site.

I didn't want to be out sitting on a high mountain top or anything so that's why I wanted this resort. I remember seeing the resort the last time we were in the area a couple of years ago - I remember it sitting up on a hill.

Dean, how does Sunrise Ridge, Mountainloft, the new Crown Park, or Treetops compare? Have you stayed at or visited those, too? Or how about the brand new Wyndham resort at Great Smoky Lodge? I heard it's got an indoor and outdoor water park. I found a website for the hotel part:

http://www.wildernessatthesmokies.com/

 

[metzger01]

The Wyndham in Seiverville is a very nice resort. I do not get that excited about RCI resorts, but that one is exceptional. You will be happy.

 

[Dean]

Thanks, Dean. That's good to know. I'd prefer woodsy over outlets, but as I said before, I just go with the flow on these trips. Currently trying to plan our next DVC adventure, hopefully right after Thanksgiving. That will sustain me through an outlet vacation...... The kids are excited about Dollywood, although they know it's not in the same league as Disney.

I haven't been to Dollywood but did go to 2 previous parks on the same site. Believe it or not it was a Polynesian themed park at one time. You'll be convenient to Dollywood.

Dean, how does Sunrise Ridge, Mountainloft, the new Crown Park, or Treetops compare? Have you stayed at or visited those, too? Or how about the brand new Wyndham resort at Great Smoky Lodge? I heard it's got an indoor and outdoor water park. I found a website for the hotel part, but I'm not sure if that relates to the timeshare part or not?

We prefer the newer section of Mountainloft. Crown park is nice but in town. Treetops is older and I don't know that much about it, Doc did own there. Don't know Sunrise Ridge. Last I heard the new Wyndham wasn't open yet but that could have changed. Add Westgate to the list and they allow pets for a fee.