BWV view assignment with RCI?

[BristolFitz]

Does anyone know how rooms are assigned to RCI exchangers? I understand that DVC members have to use more points for a Boardwalk or preferred view so does this mean that an RCI exchange will just be assigned a standard view? (We have stayed at BCV before and had a perfectly nice-although unspectacular-view but I don't think there are separate categories there.) We are told by RCI that the unit will be assigned on arrival.

When I saw a 2bed villa at the BW become available for the end of July on the RCI website, I was so excited I immediately cancelled our reservation at the Hilton Grand Vacation resort and rebooked for Disney. This cost substantially more in RCI ponts (2 bed at HGV, one of their nicest Gold Crown properties, 90,500 points - 2 bed at BWV 118,500 + resort fee of $95 to pay). I was rather hoping we might be able to get a good view, especially as it is a birthday trip, but now I'm worried that a parking lot view may be on the cards. Not to mention a very long walk to the room! Although my husband and older teenage boys like Disney and the Boardwalk very much, I'm now worried that they may actually have preferred the Hilton...wi-fi access for iPod touches/laptop, next door to golf course, parking very near to more spacious unit, more TV channels. But no contest for me!

I have also just read a thread reporting that construction is taking place on BWV views in July, and even DVC members who've booked that view are being moved. SO there now seems even less chance of a decent view!

Or maybe I should forget about these issues and just look forward to our trip....

Thanks!

 

[bwvBound]

We've exchanged into BWV many times via II and just today confirmed our first RCI exchange into same. My II confirmation sheets have always listed a specific DVC reservation number which was recognized by DVC's Member Services. The DVC reservation will identify the view category.

FWIW, we've never received a std view; usually a preferred view and only once (2004, maybe?) a BW view.

 

[BristolFitz]

BWVBound, thanks for your prompt reply, which gives me some hope for a nice view. There is a Unit no (801) on the RCI confirmation, which I understand is not a villa number, but identifies the owner. Only contact number given is for the resort, though.

We are able to check in really early, which hopefully might help give some choice over rooms available on the day. Maybe! I'm just happy to be going there whatever.

 

[utahkennedys]

I have heard that since DVC members often book standard view and BW view first, that exchangers are typically put in preferred view (non-BW) which could mean pool or garden view.

 

[spiceycat]

generally these villas are pool or garden - preferred. facing the dolphin or swan.

 

[DebbieB]

CRO does not book specific views either. You get whatever is open, which is usually preferred pool/garden.

 

[Mich Mouse]

I have also just read a thread reporting that construction is taking place on BWV views in July, and even DVC members who've booked that view are being moved. SO there now seems even less chance of a decent view!

Or maybe I should forget about these issues and just look forward to our trip....

Thanks!

Do you have a link to this thread?? Are members really being moved who booked BWV?

 

[Dean]

DVC's approach with II was to give you the unit type deposited, I suspect they'll keep that approach with RCI. RCI does not give you the actually DVC reservation number but if you call MS, they can look it up, give you the reservation number and tell you the view type. I just added a second AKV 1 BR today for Oct. The one I had previously is SV, don't know yet about the second one.

 

[lawgs]

DVC's approach with II was to give you the unit type deposited, I suspect they'll keep that approach with RCI. RCI does not give you the actually DVC reservation number but if you call MS, they can look it up, give you the reservation number and tell you the view type. I just added a second AKV 1 BR today for Oct. The one I had previously is SV, don't know yet about the second one.

hello dean

are you in Jambo House or Kidani Village when you go?

 

[BristolFitz]

Hi MichMouse, the thread should be linked at the bottom of the page for this post under "Related threads". It's titled BWV Garden View? 12 March 09

The poster had received a call from MS to say that the Boardwalk View villa booked was not available for dates in July, so a move would be necessary to a garden/pool view villa.

 

[Dean]

hello dean

are you in Jambo House or Kidani Village when you go?

The first unit is at Kidani, I'm hoping the second unit is also.

 

[lawgs]

The first unit is at Kidani, I'm hoping the second unit is also.

we have two weeks at Kidani Village Sept - Oct, but the only thing we have on our RCI is Unit Type Bedrooms 2, Kitchen FUll Max Occ 8 Bathrooms

have been having less than helpful guidance this morning from the 1-800-******** number that shows on the RCI exchange form asking for us to call ....they keep saying they want my DVC number with respect to these RCI eschanges

we have the DVC reservation numbers already but wanted to see if they have a view attached ( earlier information from them said the view was not assigned until check in ), although you seem to have been able to get a DVC counselor who was able to verify view


with my second experience with MS, and being able to speak to a supervisor, he was able to verify the view type which is SV

thanks once again Dean for your postings which helped to complete the total picture with regards to our upcoming RCI exchanges...

the only thing we have to iron out now will be whether we will have "internet" access as DVC members on an RCI exchange

 

[Brian Noble]

they keep saying they want my DVC number with respect to these RCI eschanges

Just explain to them that you are "an inbound RCI exchanger" and ask to be transferred to the "RCI exchange desk." This lets you get your questions answered without needing to involve a manager.

the only thing we have to iron out now will be whether we will have "internet" access as DVC members on an RCI exchange

The answer to this is "usually not". An inbound exchanger is supposed to have their reservation coded in such a way so that the usual Member perks do not apply. Your card will not say "DVC Member" on it, and you will not be entitled to free internet. Every once in a while, an exchange is coded improperly, and free internet is extended. But, if you ask, you'll be told no.

 

[Dean]

we have two weeks at Kidani Village Sept - Oct, but the only thing we have on our RCI is Unit Type Bedrooms 2, Kitchen FUll Max Occ 8 Bathrooms

have been having less than helpful guidance this morning from the 1-800-******** number that shows on the RCI exchange form asking for us to call ....they keep saying they want my DVC number with respect to these RCI eschanges

we have the DVC reservation numbers already but wanted to see if they have a view attached ( earlier information from them said the view was not assigned until check in ), although you seem to have been able to get a DVC counselor who was able to verify view


with my second experience with MS, and being able to speak to a supervisor, he was able to verify the view type which is SV

thanks once again Dean for your postings which helped to complete the total picture with regards to our upcoming RCI exchanges...

the only thing we have to iron out now will be whether we will have "internet" access as DVC members on an RCI exchange

They can see the info at DVC once they download the report which they normally do on Mon/Tues. RCI apparently doesn't have the DVC conf # at all. In my case I wanted to make sure they were in the same building for the 2 units but I can't find out until later this week. RCI said they'd do a full refund if I wanted if they were not. I'm not too worried if the second is Standard view as my main request would be to have them close together but I'd certainly prefer if they were both Savannah view. You need to get through to the exchange department which is prompt #1 then #5. They can look it up if the info has been sent to DVC yet.

As for DVC benefits that are points stay specific, the technical rule is that you don't qualify so I'm doubting fee internet, cheaper phone or the like. You will get the non stay perks like free valet though I'm not sure they'll do valet at Kidani. However I will say that I have often gotten the member perks when I stay though often a front desk CM has to adjust it manually.