Anyone ever used RCI option?

[MK032197]

We have never even looke dinto using the option of booking a trip at a non Disney location via RCI but have recently added on points and just wondered if anyone could give any input on their experiences with doing this!

 

[CandyMandy]

We have done a few selective exchanges through the "World Passport" option (once via RCI, the other time via II when that was the exchange provider).

First exchange was to the Marriott's Ford Colony Resort in Williamsburg VA. Prime season exchange, got a two bedroom in the choice original building. Very nice property (villas equivalent in quality to DVC). Second exchange was to the the Hilton Grand Vacation Club at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. Nice experience at well run property, (two bedroom again "DVC equivalent") and full access to the recreational amenities at the Flamingo. LV is an example where part of the critical exchange choice is location, location, location.

My bottom line on exhanges: do your homework (be very selective, most properties offered are not DVC equivalent) and make requests far in advance , giving MS multiple dates and properties. All this will (a) increase the likelihood of getting an exchange and (b) reduce/limit the level of "disparity" in rental/street price value some here cite as a reason never to exchange. They are not always a bad deal - if you use that option selectively and plan carefully.

 

[TLPL]

My bottom line on exhanges: do your homework (be very selective, most properties offered are not DVC equivalent) and make requests far in advance , giving MS multiple dates and properties.

How far in advance are we talking about? 11/7 months?

 

[bwvBound]

How far in advance are we talking about? 11/7 months?

Up to 24 months. Some of my best RCI exchanges (against other timeshare) have been confirmed at ~18 months.

 

[erionm]

Up to 24 months. Some of my best RCI exchanges (against other timeshare) have been confirmed at ~18 months.

Unless it's a nightly exchange which you can't book until 10 months from check-out.

 

[TLPL]

WOW 24 months!?! That's tough.

 

[CandyMandy]

How far in advance are we talking about? 11/7 months?

The Marriott exchange request was made about 16 months in advance of desired check in date and was confirmed 11 months out. The Las Vegas Hilton request (for a July '09 stay) was made and obtained at the same time, a relatively short 7 months out (right when the DVC/RCI relationship started, MS told me we were one of the very first exchanges done through it). I think the slackening economy had a bit to do with confirmation being so rapid, as well as fact we were looking at summer in Vegas which is not the top demand time there.

 

[bwvBound]

Unless it's a nightly exchange which you can't book until 10 months from check-out.

Thanks for the additional info. I completely forgot about the nightly stay options.

 

[rentayenta]

We have never even looke dinto using the option of booking a trip at a non Disney location via RCI but have recently added on points and just wondered if anyone could give any input on their experiences with doing this!

We did this in March to Cabo. We stayed 7 nights at the Playa Grande Resort and it was amazing! I would trade out again without question. We had a beautiful fully stocked 1 bedroom/2 bathroom condo with an incredible ocean view. The resort was every bit as nice as DVC.

I started a thread upon our return in the misc. DVC section section complete with pics.