Planning early - Dec. 2013 trip using RCI. Questions.

[cman]

So I have a few questions that I'm hoping I can get answered. We are planning a trip for 12/2013 for my parents 50th wedding anniversary.

At the time of the trip I will have banked my 2012 points (150) and will have received my 2013 points (150). I'm assuming I would be able to borrow my 2014 points to give me a total of 450.

We are thinking of going to someplace in the Caribbean.

How does this work?? If we know the week we want to go can we start trying to get something now? What about the fact that we don't have the points and need to borrow one year in advance?

Do we have to have all the points in our account at the time we try to book or is it like booking a DVC resort where they'll look at the date of the trip and calculate what points based on the check-in date?

I've never traded into RCI so I don't know how it works.


Thanks!

 

[erionm]

Nightly exchange booking window: From 10 months to 48 hours before check-in date.
Weekly exchanges booking window: From 2 years to 24 hours before check-in date.

 

[cman]

Thanks.

So I can't book until 2 years from check-in.

Do I need to have all the points in my account when I book? What happens if there's a change in plans and we need to cancel? Do I lose my points or just the $95 fee?

 

[RobDoc]

In order to make the reservation you will need to commit your DVC points to the World Passport Collection. If you later cancel the points will remain in the WPC and will be subject to those policies based on how far in advance you cancel. The points cannot be moved back for use at DVC resorts. There would be a new fee to make another reservation.

While the points are good for 2 years after being banked into the WPC, most deposits won't be available until a year in advance (and sometimes less), so I'd use an ongoing search (MS will take care of that for you) to get the location and dates you want. That way they can try to grab the reservation when it becomes available.

Here is the World Passport Collection point chart:

Studio. 106 Low/123 Mid/134 High
1 BR.... 124 Low/144 Mid/160 High
2 BR.....207 Low/252 Mid/270 High
3 BR.....276 Low/317 Mid/349 High

In most cases, I'd assume that the resort will be High season for planning purposes. If they end up being less you can always be pleasantly surprised! The seasons are decided by the individual resorts.

Good luck - sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate your parent's 50th!

 

[cman]

Thanks!!

When I book two years out I will only have 150 points. At the time of the trip I would have 300 and 150 available to borrow.

Can I assume that at the time of booking I will have 450 points to use?

 

[RobDoc]

Yes, with banking and borrowing you can have up to 3 years worth of points available. I'd call MS and have them suggest a timetable to help get what you are wanting. It sounds as though you may be wanting several rooms which will also add to the challenge so let MS assist with the planning for a special trip like this.

Good luck!