DVC & RCI

[OHIOVACATIONER]

Can anyone explain to me how these 2 coordinate? Lets say I buy a DVC at BLT but I decide I would like to stay at a RCI timeshare. How do the points work in this situation and are there extra fees/rules for doing this? Thank you

 

[bwvBound]

Painting with a very broad brush ...

DVC members gain access to RCI exchanges through DVD/DVC's Corporate membership. DVC Members are not charged an annual membership fee to RCI. This is a special arrangement between RCI and DVD and cannot be merged with any other timeshare you might own outside DVC. DVC owners may book RCI destinations over the phone through DVC's Member Services or through the special DVC > RCI web interface.

Presently, in celebration of DVC's 25th Anniversary, there are no exchange fees paid by DVC members when trading out through RCI. This is a recent promotion and we don't know how long it will be offered. Prior to the anniversary promotion, we paid $95 for each exchange transaction through RCI. Some destination resorts charge fees to inbound guests including: Housekeeping, Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), Energy Surcharge, All Inclusive Fees, etc. These fees are beyond the basic exchange fee and will vary based on the destination resort.

Every exchange through RCI will require that your "trade" some number of your DVC points to secure the intended RCI destination. The number of points varies greatly based on the destination resort, season, unit size/type and length of stay. A general point chart for 2017/2018 travel: https://secure.cdn5.wdpromedia.com/...i/2017-2018 Web RCI Pt chts Update 011317.pdf (Hope this works w/out login??)

You can access the RCI Directory of destinations offered to DVC members through: http://b2b.rci.com/resort-directory/DVC/landing
Not all RCI properties are offered to DVC members. Sadly, the directory requires login before you can check availability or know the number of DVC points required.

Hope this helps get the dialog started ...

 

[Cyberc1978]

I can add that the 95$ fee which DVC members currently do not pay is only for the remaining 2017.

Also you can login to RCI through the DVC portal and that won't "cost" you any points.

It's a general understanding that using your DVC points for a RCI exchange is a poor use of points. You can actually get more value if you rent your points and use that money to book the resort of your choice.

 

[Dean]

Can anyone explain to me how these 2 coordinate? Lets say I buy a DVC at BLT but I decide I would like to stay at a RCI timeshare. How do the points work in this situation and are there extra fees/rules for doing this? Thank you

It's a little complicated, here are a few general points. One should not go this route until they understand the system completely and know what they're getting into, the DVC points are gone forever once you exchange them. MOST exchanges are a downgrade and you lose flexibility and control. Many timeshares don't treat exchangers they way they think they should be treated. There are only maybe 50-100 timeshares in the RCI system that are reasonable to exchange DVC for the way things are set up. There are options to extend expiring points though, this can be helpful in certain situations.

 

[Wakey]

I wouldn't bother- rent your DVC points and pay cash for a better place than on the RCI Exchange.

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

I have one time RCI points that I received and I am a DVC member. I have to use them through the DVC site and in 2017. Question... can I use them at Disney properties or are they excluded. I'm having problems on the site and am confused using it. If so are RCI points similar in number for a rental as DVC? Thank you

 

[Dean]

You cannot reserve DVC through the RCI DVC link, they are excluded.

 

[bwvBound]

You cannot reserve DVC through the RCI DVC link, they are excluded.

Agreed.

I have one time RCI points that I received and I am a DVC member. I have to use them through the DVC site and in 2017. Question... can I use them at Disney properties or are they excluded. I'm having problems on the site and am confused using it. If so are RCI points similar in number for a rental as DVC? Thank you

I think there may be a confusion of terminology in this question. As you refer to a requirement to use the "one time" points through the DVC site -- I will assume these were DVC points banked into RCI through Disney's relationship with RCI and not "RCI Points" generated from an outside timeshare product. If so, these are essentially DVC points -- but now restricted in their scope and use to RCI exchange purposes.

The RCI website isn't sufficiently savvy to have relabeled the website headings to show the "cost" relative to DVC points. Instead, it shows the label as "RCI Points". Not a big deal -- just slightly confusing. Consider the "cost" shown to you in points to be equivalent to DVC points. You do not need to run any point-currency conversions. The numbers shown as "RCI Points" are 1:1 to the number of DVC points moved to RCI.

You should expect to find RCI exchanges starting at 80 "RCI/DVC points" per week for a studio, low season, lower quality resort. 1BR units start at 100 "RCI/DVC points" per week. Note these were "starting at" values and may run much higher. RCI assigns point values based on a fluid "demand" scale. The higher the demand, the more points required -- and this can change daily. If you see something you like -- BOOK it and then think about it. (I believe you have 24 hours to cancel the booking.)

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Agreed.

I think there may be a confusion of terminology in this question. As you refer to a requirement to use the "one time" points through the DVC site -- I will assume these were DVC points banked into RCI through Disney's relationship with RCI and not "RCI Points" generated from an outside timeshare product. If so, these are essentially DVC points -- but now restricted in their scope and use to RCI exchange purposes.

The RCI website isn't sufficiently savvy to have relabeled the website headings to show the "cost" relative to DVC points. Instead, it shows the label as "RCI Points". Not a big deal -- just slightly confusing. Consider the "cost" shown to you in points to be equivalent to DVC points. You do not need to run any point-currency conversions. The numbers shown as "RCI Points" are 1:1 to the number of DVC points moved to RCI.

You should expect to find RCI exchanges starting at 80 "RCI/DVC points" per week for a studio, low season, lower quality resort. 1BR units start at 100 "RCI/DVC points" per week. Note these were "starting at" values and may run much higher. RCI assigns point values based on a fluid "demand" scale. The higher the demand, the more points required -- and this can change daily. If you see something you like -- BOOK it and then think about it. (I believe you have 24 hours to cancel the booking.)

You are correct that these were originally DCV points that were banked into RCI through Disney ( long story) and are only good till end of year. I was having trouble with the DVC - RCI site so wasn't sure if DVC or other Disney property was included in use for those points. It makes complete sense that they are not. Very interesting about the fluid demand scale. I will pay attention to that. I also didn't know what cancellation policy was so thank you for the information.

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

You cannot reserve DVC through the RCI DVC link, they are excluded.

Thank you

 

[bwvBound]

You are correct that these were originally DCV points that were banked into RCI through Disney ( long story) and are only good till end of year. I was having trouble with the DVC - RCI site so wasn't sure if DVC or other Disney property was included in use for those points. It makes complete sense that they are not. Very interesting about the fluid demand scale. I will pay attention to that. I also didn't know what cancellation policy was so thank you for the information.

Verify with DVC Member Services that my impression of a 24-hr cancellation policy is, indeed, valid? Best wishes on your search, discovery and travel planning!

 

[Dean]

Verify with DVC Member Services that my impression of a 24-hr cancellation policy is, indeed, valid? Best wishes on your search, discovery and travel planning!

Unless there has been a recent change, DVC members do not have the option to cancel without penalty until the end of the next day like regular RCI members have.

 

[bwvBound]

Unless there has been a recent change, DVC members do not have the option to cancel without penalty until the end of the next day like regular RCI members have.

Yeah, I hear you. That has been my understanding, also ... but the DVC Member website, when attempting to reach the RCI portal, says the following:

Plus, Members now have a 24-hour grace period, from the time of booking, to cancel a reservation without receiving a cancellation penalty. For more details about these adjustments to our policies, please review the Know Before You Book section below.

Source: https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/destinations/list/world-rci/rci/

I'll bet this has brings a few hiccups for members and Member Service agents caught in the transition period.

The "Know Before You Go" section ... aka "The Rest of the Story":

Know Before You Book
Learn about booking guidelines that have been modified, including the $95 transaction fee. Please keep in mind:

• Members should call as far in advance as possible, up to 2 years before your check-in date.
• All exchanges are subject to availability.
• Now through December 31, 2017, the $95 transaction fee will be waived for Disney Vacation Club Members for any RCI reservation (regardless of travel date).
• Effective August 4, 2016, Members will have a 24-hour grace period, from the time of booking, to cancel a reservation without receiving a cancellation penalty.

RCI Exchanges

• Exchanging with RCI is final. Points associated with a cancelled RCI accommodation can only be used for RCI exchange accommodations. Learn more about cancelling an RCI exchange.
• You have the option to deposit points into the RCI exchange program for use at a later date. Deadlines and minimum deposit guidelines apply. Contact Member Services at (800) 800-9800† or (407) 566-3800† for more details.
• If you book an exchange with the "all-inclusive" option, your vacation points will cover only the accommodations. There will also be an all-inclusive resort fee, which is payable to the resort and due at check-in.
• Whichever option you book, there may be additional fees you are required to pay. Members should contact Member Services for information including additional fees, surcharges, taxes, etc. If you book online, you will see these details displayed when you book.

Terms and Conditions

View important information that explains the terms, conditions and use of this program.

RCI Disclosure Document

 

[Dean]

Yeah, I hear you. That has been my understanding, also ... but the DVC Member website, when attempting to reach the RCI portal, says the following:


Source: https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/destinations/list/world-rci/rci/

I'll bet this has brings a few hiccups for members and Member Service agents caught in the transition period.

The "Know Before You Go" section ... aka "The Rest of the Story":

That'd be good if true, it hasn't been that way.