Please help with understanding Exchanging DCV pts into RCI

[Tigger2ntinkerbell]

(If these question are not allowed, please moved to the correct area. Thank you)

If you have used your DVC pts into RCI for an Exchange, would you please explain the following. TIA

DVC web site states the Seasons are as followed.
Low = Blue
Mid = White
High = Red
Is this the same Season you see at RCI Directory online in the Resort detail - Example below.
Season Information
Time Dates:
Blue January 07, 2017 April 01, 2017
Blue November 18, 2017 December 31, 2017
Red May 06, 2017 November 04, 2017
White April 01, 2017 May 06, 2017
White November 04, 2017 November 18, 2017
- See more at: http://www.rci.com/resort-directory

And what about the Resort status :
Gold Crown , Silver Crown, Hospitality, or no rating listed .

How does this work in the Disney's World Collection -
Weekly Exchange through RCI - RCI Gold Crown
Weekly Exchange through RCI - Remaining RCI Network( this one I stumped on- not knowing what resorts these are)
Weekly Exchange through RCI - The Registry Collection(haven't figured this one out yet either-not knowing what resorts these are)
Nightly Exchanges Thought RCI - RCI Gold Crown( this one I believe I understand).

 

[bwvBound]

Seasons:
Yes, RCI uses three 'seasons' (Blue/Low; White/Mid; Red/High) and the dates for each season vary per resort. Assume that higher season stays require more DVC points than lower season stays.

Registry vs. All Else:
There are two big pools of Resorts: 'The Registry Collection' (the highest end resort classification) and 'everything else.' Most RCI members do no have access to the Registry Collection; DVC is fortunate to have access to several R.C. destinations. The 'everything else' pool is the set of all other resorts most folks have access to when trading through RCI. The 'everything else' collection provides awards to various resorts based on guest feedback in specific categories: Check-in process, Housekeeping, Resort quality, Unit quality, Resort Activities, etc. These awards include: Gold Crown (best scores, highest designation w/in the general pool of resorts), Silver Crown (just missed that Gold Crown rating!), etc.

The DVC point requirements for Registry Collection properties are generally astronomical and can run to 1000 DVC points for a week's stay. The non-Registry resorts start at 80 DVC points per week (studio in blue/low season) and are far more reasonable. Gold Crown resorts fetch a slightly higher price than those w/out the Gold Crown award.

Weekly vs Nightly:
Traditionally RCI exchanges were always a 'week long stay' (7 nights). These weeks might run Fri-Fri (check in on a Friday; leave on a Friday), Sat-Sat or Sun-Sun. More recently, like 15 years ago, RCI introduced a points system that allows for nightly stays vs weekly stays. The points required for nightly stays will follow the same patterns as above for costs. That is, the points required will vary by season, resort collection, resort award and, additionally, day of the week. Not all RCI resorts participate in the nightly stay options. Many (most?) remain Weekly reservations only.

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FWIW, I don't bother monitoring any of the above when 'shopping' for an RCI exchange. I browse the inventory and simply read "How much?" as an element of the exchange process. I know the exchange values (points required) will vary based on all the elements discussed -- but don't try to limit an exchange to fit a preconceived point range.

 

[Tigger2ntinkerbell]

Thank you so very much, this was very informative .
I was thinking of going to visit my Adult children in Virginia and not sure if it was worth a couple of points.
Thank you again

 

[Dean]

Thank you so very much, this was very informative .
I was thinking of going to visit my Adult children in Virginia and not sure if it was worth a couple of points.
Thank you again

Only a small fraction of exchanges will be worth an exchange using DVC points. Other than DC, typically Virginia is not a difficult exchange. You might look at other options like a private rental. What area are you looking at? BTW, at least some of the registry collection resorts are also in the normal RCI. We stayed at the Grand Mayan through RCI (non DVC) for like $$6-700 for 2 weeks that would have been 1500 DVC points (1 & 2 BR).

 

[bwvBound]

BTW, at least some of the registry collection resorts are also in the normal RCI.

Yep, I've noticed some these 'hybrid' properties, as well. I wonder if the units themselves are different between the Registry Collection and regular RCI? FWIW, Grand Pacific Palisades, in Carlsbad, CA, has a small handful of units in the Registry Collection. These units are outfitted similar to Wyndham's Presidential units -- high end finishings, best locations/views, cool special features like having a flat screen TV that rises up from the footboard (?) of the bed. Stuff like that. ;-)

I wonder if all hybrid properties (those listed as both RC and non-RC) are carefully differentiated by special unit configurations.