RCI and Disney Vacation Club Announce Renewal of Affiliation Agreement

[BLTSam]

RCI and Disney Vacation Club Announce Renewal of Affiliation Agreement

PARSIPPANY, NJ and CELEBRATION, FL--(Marketwire - December 8, 2010) - RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange, and Disney Vacation Club, one of the world's most innovative and fastest growing brands in the vacation ownership industry, today announced the renewal of their affiliation relationship. This multi-year agreement will continue to allow subscribing members access to a broad array of exciting vacation opportunities.

RCI will continue to be the exclusive third-party exchange provider for Disney Vacation Club's more than 150,000 member families. Having already affiliated over 80 new resorts to date in 2010, RCI has one of the most expansive portfolios of high-end affiliated vacation resorts, as well as more choices in more countries than any other exchange network.

With the renewal of this relationship, Disney Vacation Club Members will continue to be able to enjoy vacations and different resort experiences at RCI affiliated properties around the world including all-inclusive options, nightly exchanges and a selection of luxurious, high-end fractional properties.

Similarly, RCI's 3.8 million members will also continue to enjoy the opportunity to exchange into Disney Vacation Club resorts and may rent at Disney Vacation Club resorts throughout the year.

"Renewing this relationship with RCI will allow us to continue to provide our member families with diverse experiences beyond our signature Disney Vacation Club resorts," said Jim Lewis, president, Disney Vacation Club. "A true innovator, RCI continues to offer the management depth, technology resources and global marketing infrastructure that align with Disney Vacation Club's strategic growth plan."

"We are absolutely thrilled to continue our relationship with Disney Vacation Club, one of the most internationally recognized and revered brands on the planet," said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. "We've enjoyed our relationship with Disney Vacation Club and look forward to working closely with them as we continue to build new and innovative programs that provide even more member benefits and vacation opportunities."

About RCI
RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the world's largest full-service vacation rental business, providing access to more than 85,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. The vacation exchange business includes RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers, and The Registry Collection® program, the world's largest luxury exchange program. The vacation rentals business includes Hoseasons, cottages4you, Novasol®, Cuendet®, Landal GreenParks®, ResortQuest®, Endless Vacation Rentals® and other renowned vacation rental brands through which vacationers can rent a variety of property types, from city apartments to villas. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world's largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange. For additional information visit our media center.

About Disney Vacation Club
Disney Vacation Club is a vacation ownership program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on vacations for decades to come. By becoming a member of Disney Vacation Club, families can enjoy vacations at Disney destinations worldwide as well as other popular Member Getaways vacation locations around the globe. Disney Vacation Club resort accommodations blend Disney's famed attention to storytelling detail with all the comforts of home. From well-appointed studios equipped with convenient kitchenettes to sprawling, one-, two- and three-bedroom villas complete with full-size kitchens, washers and dryers, luxury tubs and other homelike amenities, Disney Vacation Club resorts create flexible options to meet the needs of thousands of families from around the world.

Since its inception in 1991, Disney Vacation Club has grown to serve more than 150,000 member families from approximately 100 countries and all 50 states. Disney Vacation Club is owned by Disney Vacation Development, Inc., part of the magic of The Walt Disney Company.

Source: http://www.marketwire.com/press-rel...-Renewal-of-Affiliation-Agreement-1365903.htm

 

[kansas_wazzu]

My first stay at DVC (OKW) was via an exchange for my Westin week via Interval. My best exchange ever. I was sad when DVC switched to RCI.

 

[Sammie]

It all sounds good when they spin it, in reality not so much.

 

[mnra]

does this mean that rci members can pay cash and cut the availabity down to dvc members or is that seperate inventories

 

[Brian Noble]

It is separate.

Here is the money line:

RCI continues to offer the management depth, technology resources and global marketing infrastructure that align with Disney Vacation Club's strategic growth plan.

Translation: RCI is better at helping us rent out the inventory we own or have to monetize for DCL, Disney Collection, and ABD trips.

 

[JimMIA]

It is separate.

Here is the money line:


Translation: RCI is better at helping us rent out the inventory we own or have to monetize for DCL, Disney Collection, and ABD trips.

I think Brian hit it right on the head. It's a money thing...the rest is gibberish.

That said, RCI (last time I looked) offers about 600 of their 6,500 resorts to DVC owners. I don't know what the II number was, but 600 resorts should offer some availability over a broad range of destinations for those DVC members who are willing to do their homework and learn how the system works with DVC/RCI.

Those who don't make that effort will be disappointed.

 

[alldiz]

Does this mean the rumor about resales is over?????
Thanks
K

 

[Brian Noble]

I can't see why the two would necessarily be related.

 

[Dean]

It all sounds good when they spin it, in reality not so much.

While I prefer II to RCI overall, RCI is a better fit for DVC. Plus my guess is that the actual trades made (but not the wish list) will be as good or better overall for DVC members than it was with II. I say this because Marriott and Westin were the main reasons besides DVC that made II the top option and both of them have an II internal trading preference that significantly reduced the actual exchanges. RCI also has the inherent points system which II did not have in spit of their attempt at split week options. Neither situation will give DVC members the options, control and benefits that direct members of either company will get but then neither will members have to pay the fees that direct members do.

 

[RobPickles]

That said, RCI (last time I looked) offers about 600 of their 6,500 resorts to DVC owners. I don't know what the II number was, but 600 resorts should offer some availability over a broad range of destinations for those DVC members who are willing to do their homework and learn how the system works with DVC/RCI.

That is of course if you can actually FIND something that is available for when you need it.

My wife and I attempted to make reservations in five different places over the course of a year's time span and nothing was available at any location for any of the dates we had requested. These were not busy times of the year nor necessarily all busy locations either, yet NOTHING? C'mon....

 

[JimMIA]

That is of course if you can actually FIND something that is available for when you need it.

My wife and I attempted to make reservations in five different places over the course of a year's time span and nothing was available at any location for any of the dates we had requested. These were not busy times of the year nor necessarily all busy locations either, yet NOTHING? C'mon....

How far in advance of your travel dates were you trying to exchange?

Did you use an "ongoing search?"

 

[tomandrobin]

blah, blah, blah....

I prefer II over RCI.

Trading DVC thru RCI in most cases a trade down, and definitely not worth the trade in $$$$.

You buy DVC to use at Disney. Any other use is throwing your money away.

Since DVC is a corporate account, trading into RCI is almost useless. You have zero control, you can,t search anytime you want. The rules for trading and very restrictive and too short. You do not get access to get away deals or 2-for-1 deposits/trades. Basically, a pretty bum deal for DVC owners.

 

[Dean]

That is of course if you can actually FIND something that is available for when you need it.

My wife and I attempted to make reservations in five different places over the course of a year's time span and nothing was available at any location for any of the dates we had requested. These were not busy times of the year nor necessarily all busy locations either, yet NOTHING? C'mon....

I don't think it's quite as bad as Tom does but most every trade that is actually available through II or RCI is a trade down. IMO, if one plans more than a year out, is realistic and flexible (something most DVC members are not in my experience) and do an ongoing search, there is a decent chance of success for all but the most in demand resorts and times which is of course what most people want to exchange for.

 

[tomandrobin]

I don't think it's quite as bad as Tom does but most every trade that is actually available through II or RCI is a trade down. IMO, if one plans more than a year out, is realistic and flexible (something most DVC members are not in my experience) and do an ongoing search, there is a decent chance of success for all but the most in demand resorts and times which is of course what most people want to exchange for.

I should have also stated that trading in II was a trade down too.

DVC members are use to the calling and in most cases getting their room and resort they want. RCI/II takes long range planning, more then what DVC requires. Plus there is the UY problem and banking/borrowing points potential situation.

DVC does spoil a person on how they think other timeshares should/will work.

 

[downontheBW]

Agreed that almost any trade out of DVC is a trade "down" but, if you have the points to use and *really* want the location, then go for it.

With RCI, the only trades I might consider with DVC is Hilton's in Hawaii or NYC. Possibly Hilton South Beach as you can't beat the location. We've never felt better hospitality at a timeshare or hotel than we did there - just wish they had a pool

 

[Dean]

I should have also stated that trading in II was a trade down too.

DVC members are use to the calling and in most cases getting their room and resort they want. RCI/II takes long range planning, more then what DVC requires. Plus there is the UY problem and banking/borrowing points potential situation.

DVC does spoil a person on how they think other timeshares should/will work.

That's pretty much what I was saying Tom, I've seen many a post from a DVC member complaining about exchanges and saying they were flexible. However, when it came down to it, they were not at all flexible in my opinion. For example, one might say they were looking for one of 3 resorts for one of 3 weeks in the summer for HI, that is NOT flexible. To me flexible includes things like being willing to accept a smaller unit, shoulder season, lessor resorts or secondary or even tertiary locations. That's not to say one has to be flexible under my definition but if one is not (I often am not), then at least realize what you're up against. The other thing is that being successful in exchanges takes work and planning, also something DVC members have traditionally not been good at doing.

 

[Dean]

Agreed that almost any trade out of DVC is a trade "down" but, if you have the points to use and *really* want the location, then go for it.

With RCI, the only trades I might consider with DVC is Hilton's in Hawaii or NYC. Possibly Hilton South Beach as you can't beat the location. We've never felt better hospitality at a timeshare or hotel than we did there - just wish they had a pool

While I would add more locations and resorts than that as "comparable trades", I agree in principle that one should consider what you're getting compared to what you're giving up.