Wow, thanks for all the info. I know virtually nothing about how RCI works. Like I said previously, we used to own DVC, but because of hard times we had to sell. Now my MIL bought this RCI timeshare and she told us we can use it every year if we want to. But, I really miss my DVC!! Anyway, it turns out my MIL wasn't able to book the Sheraton Vistana, it wasn't available when she called, I guess she looked online but maybe it's not real time availability? Not sure. But, I'm going to give her a list and she said she can put me on a waitlist for more than 1 property. Then if something becomes available I can either decide to book it or keep on waiting for something else on my list. So, that brings me to exactly what order of properties I need to give her, according to you experts (I love these forums!!!). Here's some more info about what we are looking for- it will be me, DH, and 4 kids ages 10, 8, 5, 4. We only visit WDW parks, nothing else. We drive down from CT, so we have a car to get to parks. We don't want to drive more than an avg. of 15-20 mins to the parks each day, i guess i'm saying that we don't want to be far away, like half an hour is too far. It would be fantastic if there were any properties that face the fireworks at epcot, i read one review for bonnet creek that said you could see them? Also, having some food choices onsite would be nice, like a market, although we will be cooking most meals. I will tell her:
1. DVC
2. Parc Soleil by Hilton Grand Vacations Club, Hilton Grand Vacations Club on I-Drive, or Hilton Grand Vacations Club at SeaWorld International Center
3. Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort
4. Sheraton Vistana
5. The Marriott's (what are the names of these properties exactly, so I can look them up), is it Cypress Harbour? what others exchange thru rci?
6. The Fountains
Lastly, Dean why do you put the HIltons as first on your list? I don't want to make a bad decision. I realize that as a resort becomes available, I will either have to book it, or pass it up for hopefully something better on my list. Should I go into July and then if nothing comes thru with DVC, then take what comes up with some of the other resorts?
Thanks to all who have helped me with this! I appreciate it.
You can't prioritize the list in RCI so you should only give the resorts you'd accept now then you can change the list easily later if nothing has come through. DVC resorts actually come only at 11 months out at times, even earlier a few times for resorts still in active sale. Also you want to be as close to the front of the line as possible when the units do come available, so you want to get the request in ASAP. Your aunt should be able to put the list in online and to confirm online if she has a deposit in RCI. Sounds like she may not be well versed either. Often seeing something online then calling is a recipe for missing that unit.
I think if you'll reread my posts you'll see that my listing with Hilton first was for after DVC, sorry that wasn't clear. I'd put the DVC resorts first overall but IF one were evaluating resort without location, I would put the Hilton's first. I think you need to make a fundabmental decision as to what you want and how much risk you're willing to take. Personally, I'd list all DVC resort at WDW now then have a back up list. That list would look like this for ME.
Request now - DV01, DV02, DV03, DV05, DV06, DV08, DV09 and RD01, RD02, RD03, RD05, RD06, RD08, RD09. As each resort has 2 codes. That's all the DVC resorts codes on property.
My back up list would be
Hilton Sea World - 3517
Hilton Tuscany (by outlets) - 6309
Oasis Lakes at the Fountains - 4852
The Fountains - 7605
Parc Soliel - 7979
Royals Palms (Marriott) - 1699
The Houses at Summer Bay - 6884
Vistana Villages - ?
Wyndham Bonnet Creek - 6369
Cypress Harbour (Marriott) - 2619
I do not see Vistana Villages on the list so it may be they are not giving any new deposits to RCI. There are certainly other places I'd stay at but these are where I'd draw the lines in your situation and that assumes a car as you stated. I would not list any of the other resorts on RCI's list in your situation including Vistana, Holiday Inn (Orange Lakes), other Summer Bay options, or Silver Lake Kingstown Reef, The Gardens or Vacation Villages. Though I'd stay in all of them, the others are nicer overall and I can't image you wouldn't get one. Of those I listed, the furthrest away is The Houses at Summer bay, maybe 10 miles. They are full 3 BR lake houses, many with their own private pool.
I will tell you that if you list all of these and DVC, you will almost certainly not get DVC. If you wait until about 6 months out and haven't gotten DVC, your chances are still good at getting something. Ultimately it depends on how much you want to gamble for DVC.