DVC Points Transferred to RCI

[jmchone0830]

My husband and I are not current DVC members but are in the final stages of making that decision. I was excited to see that we could possibly use our points with other resorts other than Disney. We love Disney but like to know we have the option. We love to travel to different destinations but always seem to come back to Disney. However, after reviewing RCI’s list of facilities, I’m not quite sure I would want to transfer any points over and use them with RCI. Two questions:

1) Does RCI have any cruises that you can use your points for I only saw lodging
2) Have you used your Disney points for RCI accommodations that Iyou were really happy with?

The MS rep that I spoke with said that once we transfer our points to RCI we can hold them there for two years. He said that could be an option to do with points that we may be close to losing through DVC. But again, not sure by the looks of a few that I looked at that we would want to do this.

Please let me know what your experiences have been.

 

[bwvBound]

However, after reviewing RCI’s list of facilities, I’m not quite sure I would want to transfer any points over and use them with RCI.

I'd sure love to read your impressions? Could be that your gut reaction is spot on!

RCI does offer cruises -- but I do not believe these are offered through the DVC/RCI relationship. FWIW, they aren't often any great bargain. (You could do better booking through various cruise websites, AAA, Costco or other travel agents.)

Using other timeshare, I've stayed at 20+ properties offered through the current DVC/RCI relationship. I found each stay satisfactory -- but often for different reasons. I do accept there may be trade-offs between resort quality and "location, location, location!" If I choose a destination based on the local sites and activities -- I'll likely ease my requirements/expectations for the resort I pick as "home base." (Although I've hit some very pleasant surprises ... like Boambee Bay in Coffs Harbour, AU. I didn't expect much from the resort and am warmly surprised by the memories I hold for it.)

In general, using DVC to exchange through RCI is costly compared to other ways to book those same destinations. Not a big deal if you will use exchanges for the occasional travel -- but I'd encourage you to rethink the plan if you see yourself hoping to use RCI or other exchange programs frequently.