Can I switch to RCI when I am using banked points?

[Jillian]

Thank goodness I have you guys - you are always so helpful.

Ok, so here is where I am. I currently have a May 2014 vacation booked at SSR using 2013 banked points. (Feb use year, vacation is 263 points).

We got to thinking, and now we want to go to Mexico instead. There is availably through RCI for the same dates in May at the Mayan Palace for 270 points.

So... my question is... can I cancel this reservation for SSR in May (banking deadline was Sept 30) and rebook for an RCI exchange - or ... if I cancel the May trip at SSR do my points go into holding?? I'm assuming if they go into holding I only have until Dec 31st of this year to use- but I could be wrong. Can MS help me "simply" change the reservation at SSR to an RCI vacation?

Thanks in advance for the help!!

 

[Sandisw]

I don't know Much about the RCI part of your question but as long as you cancel 31 days out or more, the points do not go into holding.

That only happens with cancelations less than 31 days and even then, the points would expire at the end of your UY, not the calendar year.

I believe that there should be no issues using your points for an RCI trip using the same points, but as never having used that option, I'm only going on what I think is the way it works.

Good luck!!

 

[Dean]

Thank goodness I have you guys - you are always so helpful.

Ok, so here is where I am. I currently have a May 2014 vacation booked at SSR using 2013 banked points. (Feb use year, vacation is 263 points).

We got to thinking, and now we want to go to Mexico instead. There is availably through RCI for the same dates in May at the Mayan Palace for 270 points.

So... my question is... can I cancel this reservation for SSR in May (banking deadline was Sept 30) and rebook for an RCI exchange - or ... if I cancel the May trip at SSR do my points go into holding?? I'm assuming if they go into holding I only have until Dec 31st of this year to use- but I could be wrong. Can MS help me "simply" change the reservation at SSR to an RCI vacation?

Thanks in advance for the help!!

Since your UY is Feb and the trip (and points) are slated for May, 2014, the banking deadline is not an issue as any applicable points are already banked from 2013 to 2014 and your 2014 UY banking window is not until next fall. Yes, you could cancel and book this exchange but the question is whether that's a good choice. IMO it is not for May. Which MP location are you looking at?

MX in general is a pretty easy exchange even into the NON AI locations (AI exchanges are an even worse deal financially) and May is about as easy as it gets. I'm surprised it's 270 points, I would have expected it to be DVC MID season not HIGH season. I'd be very surprised if you couldn't rent a 2 BR under $1K and wouldn't be surprised if you could get it for half that or even less. The same is true for the Grand Mayan resorts, same company. If you're set on using your DVC points I'd suggest you talk to some of the independent exchange companies starting with San Francisco Exchange, Trading Places Intl and Dial n Exchange. There you may be able to rent also for a very cheap price (as you get closer) or exchange a smaller unit and/or lessor time. Don't forget HH, VB and certain WDW options are far fewer points than other choices. If you do go this route just be aware and discuss with anyone applicable, that DVC will not confirm the unit directly though I suppose you could temporarily add someone from the company as an associate to allow confirmation then remove them fairly quickly or just share with them the reservation info.

For me personally, and assuming I didn't have other timeshare options (I do), I wouldn't use points for that option. I'd look for a friend or acquaintance who is an RCI or II member and see if I could get something for just the exchange fee and guest cert fee (Allowed where true renting is not) maybe using a bonus week or deposit they weren't going to use anyway or a minor DVC stay in return. Otherwise I'd look for a rental on ebay, redweeks, TUG and SFX (join for free). I'd leave my exchange in place as a backup but offer it as a rental in the interim. If I felt I had to do air ASAP, that would not change my plan as I know I could get something good for May for the dates I needed for a very reasonable price.

 

[chrisaman]

I don't agree with these people. The biggest miss use of points is not using them for what you want to use them for. If you want to go to Mexico, use your points if you want to. That is why they are there.

 

[Dean]

I don't agree with these people. The biggest miss use of points is not using them for what you want to use them for. If you want to go to Mexico, use your points if you want to. That is why they are there.

Your choice of course. I just looked on II and there are top resorts available through II for under $500 for a 1 BR and $750 for a 2 BR next May. RCI has MP units at $783 for a 2 BR and $657 for a 1 BR for much of May (slightly more holiday weekend), they will be cheaper as we get closer. SFX routinely has sell off's for under $300 that include the MP and Grand Mayan resorts. If you want to get a return that's less than half the maint fees, that's your prerogative. My last trip to MX was about 4 yrs ago and cost me around $700 roughly for 2 weeks at the GM in Cabo including direct and indirect costs of maint fees and exchange fees, a resort that would have been 1600 DVC points. I just want to make sure that people have the information but then I see you're the 1 month expert. I think your post is a good example of the 2 sides. I gave options and information and my opinion on what I'd do, you told the OP what to do with his/her points.

 

[Jillian]

Thanks the opinions. I was more interested in the rules using points regarding RCI, borrowed points and use year. Thanks for the feedback and the help provided. My question was answered.

While I see many disagree with my potential plan, I have to admit I wasn't looking for opinions on a good use of points. I appreciate the various feedback; will take it under advisement and go from there.

Live in the moment - that's my recent moto. May not be the smartest approach to life, but it's a keeper.

 

[Dean]

Thanks the opinions. I was more interested in the rules using points regarding RCI, borrowed points and use year. Thanks for the feedback and the help provided. My question was answered.

While I see many disagree with my potential plan, I have to admit I wasn't looking for opinions on a good use of points. I appreciate the various feedback; will take it under advisement and go from there.

Live in the moment - that's my recent moto. May not be the smartest approach to life, but it's a keeper.

Which MP resort are you looking at?

 

[Jillian]

Riviera Maya. My father owns a timeshare there.

 

[Dean]

Riviera Maya. My father owns a timeshare there.

I haven't been to that one but as a rule the Mayan resort tend to have a lot of availability likely for 2 reasons, MX and the 1 in 5 rule applies. Remember there are 2 different codes for the MP. While the MP is on the DVC RCI exchange list, the Grand Mayan there is on the Signature selection list so even more points. The Bliss is on neither. Currently there are over 40 units for May for the MP there but also another 40 between the GM and Bliss if your father possibly has other options to exchange in. Since your father owns there you may want to see if the 1 in 5 rules applies (it may not using DVC) because IF you're planning a future trip to match up with your father in the future, this could affect your chances of doing that for several years. Good luck and let us know how it goes.