how does RCI trade work

[huey duey & luey]

We are going to WDW in Nov, but would really like to do a beach vacation the following year. Can some explain to me how the trade into RCI works, and if it is worth it? We definitely want the caribbean but are open to anyway
Thanks

 

[dianeschlicht]

To start a trade process, you need to call MS and speak with them about availability and pay your exchange fee. They will do the search for you, and when they come up with a match, they will contact you to see if you want to go ahead with it. I think when you accept a match is when the points are taken from your account.

I've only done an exchange once, and that was when DVC worked with II. I'm not sure how different it is with RCI, but I would expect it to be similar.

 

[robert@dvcstore]

To view the point charts for any RCI exchanges (or any of the World Passport exchanges), visit The Timeshare Store's website. It is posted under the DVC Point Chart section.

You can click our on the top of this page to get to our website.

Robert

 

[Dean]

We are going to WDW in Nov, but would really like to do a beach vacation the following year. Can some explain to me how the trade into RCI works, and if it is worth it? We definitely want the caribbean but are open to anyway
Thanks

IMO it's a 2 part process. First you decide where/what you need and then you contact DVC. Look at where you want to go and the min unit size that fits your needs. Then look at the DVC-RCI list determine any resorts you would consider. Investigate those resorts and don't forget to look at whether they are RCI points resorts and which check in days they have. Once you've narrowed it down, call DVC with the dates and lists. Assuming it's for a full week, expect to put in for an ongoing request and pay the fee at the time. For RCI points resorts make sure you are looking at least 10 months or more out. For RCI weeks only resorts, a full year or better ahead is best. You can investigate resorts in a number of places. TUG (Timeshare Users Group ) is the bet overall but Timesharing today, redweeks and others have info as well. Tripadvisors gives info but is comparatively very poor.

 

[huey duey & luey]

Thank you!!

 

[bmetcalf]

My guide had a couple of interesting observations about the exchange process. First, he said to keep in mind that the whole system works on trading -- and that if RCI members at the resort you want to trade into have not themselves decided whether to trade or not, their rooms won't be available. Once they've made the decision, then their room becomes available and there's a priority system that determines who gets first crack at the room. He claimed that the DVC is pretty high in the priority list.

His point is that even though you may call super early (12 months), chances are there won't be anything available because people at that resort haven't made their decision to trade their own timeshare. I interpret that to mean that normal RCI types aren't as OCD as some DVCers -- though our complexes are arrived at honestly through experience! Once those decisions are made -- usually at 6-8 months out -- things start to move. Making the request 12 months out, however, does put you ahead of someone who makes the request 9 months out, but you still may not know anything for a couple of months.

He also said that you get your $95 back if you ultimately pull out of the process (I don't know if that means before you get a confirmation of the trade, or cancel the actual reservation in time; I assume the former).

I guess what stinks about that reality is that it can put pressure on banking deadlines if the times aren't exactly right.

 

[Dean]

My guide had a couple of interesting observations about the exchange process. First, he said to keep in mind that the whole system works on trading -- and that if RCI members at the resort you want to trade into have not themselves decided whether to trade or not, their rooms won't be available. Once they've made the decision, then their room becomes available and there's a priority system that determines who gets first crack at the room. He claimed that the DVC is pretty high in the priority list.

He was doing well (basic info) until he told you that DVC had good trade power, historically it hasn't though a little better with RCI than it was with II and it's a little less important with the fairly recent changes in the RCI system.

His point is that even though you may call super early (12 months), chances are there won't be anything available because people at that resort haven't made their decision to trade their own timeshare. I interpret that to mean that normal RCI types aren't as OCD as some DVCers -- though our complexes are arrived at honestly through experience!

Yes and no. First, many resorts allow deposits a full 2 years out and many members do deposit that far out for those resorts. Overall, I'd say that knowledgable general timeshare owners are more compulsive and play the game far better than DVC owners. The comparable DVC group IMO would be those that walk a reservation to reserve an 11 month option.

Once those decisions are made -- usually at 6-8 months out -- things start to move. Making the request 12 months out, however, does put you ahead of someone who makes the request 9 months out, but you still may not know anything for a couple of months.

To a degree. At 12 months you've already missed some opportunities for a number of resorts. Also, the earlier you request and wait iist the better your chances both because of the chance to pick up resorts earlier, when less people are competing and that you'll be a little higher up the WL for that specific unit/resort. It is true that most good option come from the WL and are not just sitting there.

He also said that you get your $95 back if you ultimately pull out of the process (I don't know if that means before you get a confirmation of the trade, or cancel the actual reservation in time; I assume the former).

The "nonrefundable fee" is refunded if you do not match or if you cancel prior to a match. Once you have a match, your fee and points are gone so be sure you want what you list and change if quickly if there are any changes in your situation.

I guess what stinks about that reality is that it can put pressure on banking deadlines if the times aren't exactly right.

There's no reason for it to. One should NEVER leave points sitting there unbanked or unused in case an exchange match is found. Make sure you bank within your window or make any duplicate reservation you want and let DVC worry about how to access the points IF you later match.

 

[Mert]

I was just reading these posts, I'm thinking of taking my family outside of Disney next year and I was reading about the RCI Processing Fee. I have no problem with that, is it a standard fee, or could it change based on what your requesting. I've never done it. Thank you

 

[robert@dvcstore]

There is a flat fee of $95 to make any reservation with your DVC points outside of the 11 DVC resorts. The $95 fee is the same for any reservation whether it is for RCI, the Disney Collection or Adventures by Disney.

Robert

 

[Dean]

I was just reading these posts, I'm thinking of taking my family outside of Disney next year and I was reading about the RCI Processing Fee. I have no problem with that, is it a standard fee, or could it change based on what your requesting. I've never done it. Thank you

as noted, it's a flat fee. However, there are other fees often imposed by the destination resort. Almost always there is a housekeeping fee for stays less than a week and some resorts have additional fees including resort fees and utility or AC fees. Then there's the All Inclusive fee for the applicable resorts. And finally, there's the "fee" you pay by using DVC points. 160 or 270 DVC points is quite a cost for most exchanges.

 

[dianeschlicht]

as noted, it's a flat fee. However, there are other fees often imposed by the destination resort. Almost always there is a housekeeping fee for stays less than a week and some resorts have additional fees including resort fees and utility or AC fees. Then there's the All Inclusive fee for the applicable resorts. And finally, there's the "fee" you pay by using DVC points. 160 or 270 DVC points is quite a cost for most exchanges.

Yes, I've been looking at another Hawaii exchange, and I noticed some of the resorts have a $100 up front fee when you check in on top of the tax. I also saw one that charged $25 per day for a parking fee even if you did not have a car.

 

[Dean]

Yes, I've been looking at another Hawaii exchange, and I noticed some of the resorts have a $100 up front fee when you check in on top of the tax. I also saw one that charged $25 per day for a parking fee even if you did not have a car.

I haven't seen any that charge for a car even if you don't have one. We stayed at the Wyndham resort in Waikiki 3 years ago and their fee was $25 per day valet. It was mandatory if you had a car. We could have used the Military lot nearby but decided it wasn't worth the hassle.

 

[akl-fan]

Be aware that not all RCI propertys are to the same standard as Disney. We traded our developer poits for a week in the Lake District England. I cried when we got there, the place was horrible and very out of date. The swimming pool area was filthy and delapidated, I was reluctant to let my daughter swim at all. It was a 2 star place at best.

I am sure that not all RCI places will be like that but do your research on the property before you swap any points.

 

[DisneyStoryMania]

What does RCI stand for?

 

[Dean]

Be aware that not all RCI propertys are to the same standard as Disney. We traded our developer poits for a week in the Lake District England. I cried when we got there, the place was horrible and very out of date. The swimming pool area was filthy and delapidated, I was reluctant to let my daughter swim at all. It was a 2 star place at best.

I am sure that not all RCI places will be like that but do your research on the property before you swap any points.

I want to emphasize this point. Even the good ones may not fit a given families needs. One should ALWAYS investigate the resorts prior to accepting or listing on a WL.

What does RCI stand for?

RCI stands for Resort Condominiums International. It's a timeshare exchange system.

 

[vwlfan]

We've basically used our points for WDW trips but last summer we did tour Italy (Collette tours, not ABD) and have a real yen to go back!

I've checked the ABD choices and may take one of those but am intrigued by the possibility of using an RCI trade as an option where we could use it to do our own touring.

I've even bought and have diligently used Rosetta Stone to learn some Italian .

But on looking at the 5 choices RCI offers I am disappointed in the offerings. The Club Cordial review of the one Italian offering was just ok.

So I am remembering when there seemed to be more choices from DVC in Italy than now.

Any suggestions?

 

[Dean]

We've basically used our points for WDW trips but last summer we did tour Italy (Collette tours, not ABD) and have a real yen to go back!

I've checked the ABD choices and may take one of those but am intrigued by the possibility of using an RCI trade as an option where we could use it to do our own touring.

I've even bought and have diligently used Rosetta Stone to learn some Italian .

But on looking at the 5 choices RCI offers I am disappointed in the offerings. The Club Cordial review of the one Italian offering was just ok.

So I am remembering when there seemed to be more choices from DVC in Italy than now.

Any suggestions?

Not really. Such is the lot for exchanges in Europe for the most part and illustrates why trading a top end timeshare is downhill business.

 

[vwlfan]

I never thought of it that way but I am afraid you are right. Thanks for the reply.