When DVC was with RCI before they used a similar method to chose resorts as they have with II. Exclude Orlando, try to get the best resorts possible in the most places possible and re-eval over time.let's hope that it's based on filtering out bad quality.
RCI may be less picky but DVC is more picky than II. The option not to be able to trade up in II (other than when they had excess to give you a larger unit) was more of a DVC issue than an II one. My guess is we will see the same restrictions in exchanging because DVC wants those restrictions. Actually RCI isn't much better at allowing you to trade up in size they're just more likely to be willing for you to search knowing you likely won't get it. The difference is they won't force you to take the smaller unit or nothing as II does for resorts that have smaller units.
I'd say RCI and II are about equal at enforcing this issue and both are fairly aggressive at it. IF anything, II is more aggressive than RCI from what I've seen.
Both have great, average and crummy resorts. They try to keep them from mixing too much similar to DVC only listing a subportion of the resorts in II. Looking at the very top tier of resorts II is likely better mostly due to Marriott's, Royals and Westins. RCI probably has about the same number of top resorts (of more resorts overall) but their locations aren't as favorable for what most DVC members seem to want such as the Caribbean and HI. That's why when we've talked about buying other timeshares to exchange or use I tend to suggest one look at where they like to go and see what resorts are in the area. For Cabo, RCI is better, for PV, it's likely about the same. For Cancun, II wins hands down but RCI still has some very nice places. Aruba is actually pretty equal but II has the 2 Marriott's and there is no comparison for Maui. IF there is a resort that is dually affiliated, the question then becomes which company gets the bulk of the deposits IF ANY. For some HI resorts third party exchange company may get the most of their deposits.I don't know that I buy the persuasive view on here that II is "better"
I stayed in a II in Costa Rica.
-No hot water.
-Surly staff
-HORRID HORRID food. (It was suppose to be all inclusive. Toast was BLACK, meat made my elementary school cafeteria look like gourmet dining LOL!)
-Bad cleaning. Drink glasses would stay at the pool for over a day.
Now granted you couldn't trade into this DUMP with DVC, but it was not exactly a shining example. When the salesman tried to grab me to sell me this I just started laughing at him.....
So just because it said II meant absolutly nothing as far as I could tell.....
Wow! Nicely done! That must have taken quite a bit of time to research, type and format. Thank you!
I don't have any idea--but DVC has shown a willingness to include slightly lesser resorts in areas that didn't have anything better, but still had some appeal.
Wow! Nicely done! That must have taken quite a bit of time to research, type and format. Thank you!
As Brian said, DVC has always tried to offer as broad a coverage as possible. That means they are likely to offer good but not great resorts in areas where there are no great resorts. There is a limit to how far down they will go though.
Overall I'd agree with you but DVC members as a group are a fickle lot, myself included if trading DVC. Most aren't going to be happy with those resorts that might be an 8 out of 10 rating, they want the 9.5-10 resorts. While I might be very happy with a good resort that cost me $300 total, I would not be happy with the same resort trading $3500 worth of DVC points for. That's why I own resorts to use and resorts to trade.
That's exciting! I was really concerned when I started reading the comments. Trust me, I know NOTHING (not sure if I can emphasize that word any more!!!
) about II or RCI, so I was scared! 
However, the resorts you have listed seem very nice, and in desirable locations. 
, so I sure hope Dis negotiated something wonderful for us! Their greatest desire is to profit and grow, so I'm sure they view it as a win-win (even if the win is more for them than us). If enough people are unhappy with the RCI relationship and exchanges aren't available or are sub-standard, the word will get out and some potential buyers will reconsider purchasing. We bought thinking we would trade out, but we haven't yet. We're really happy just spending time at WDW right now, but like knowing the exchange options are available.
I've been using RCI since 2000 with three other timeshares. FWIW, I've always done well with my trades -- but I deposit early (2 years out) and often book my exchanges 18-21 months from travel. Two of my RCI properties are strong traders and one is rather middling. I generally search online myself (enjoying the hunt!) but have also done well with ongoing searches the few times I've used them.
