RCI exchange at DVC resorts?

[Brian Noble]

But to do an ongoing search (as in it will match while I sleep or work the night shift) you must do it on the phone and pay the extra $20.

In general, this is not true. It is true in Wyndham accounts, and may be true in a few other mini-system portals. But, "regular" Weeks owners can initiate ongoing searches online at the discounted price. What's more, if you have non-Wyndham weeks, you can enroll them in your Wyndham-paid RCI account for "regular Weeks", and initiate online searches with them.

 

[2goofykiddos]

Thanks everyone for your help. I agree, this is why you buy DVC. If we did not have this "free trip" I would be looking at renting from someone right now.

I called RCI and they said that I could not pull from the weeks inventory and the best bet was just to continue to search. The rep also said that most of the DVC inventory comes up at 10 months, so I missed the window. She encouraged me to book Orange Lake, but I think I will hold out until after the holidays. I should be able to find something decent even then.

I do have an ongoing saved search through RCI so I can just click on it instead of going through multiple steps.

Thanks again!

 

[Dean]

Thanks everyone for your help. I agree, this is why you buy DVC. If we did not have this "free trip" I would be looking at renting from someone right now.

I called RCI and they said that I could not pull from the weeks inventory and the best bet was just to continue to search. The rep also said that most of the DVC inventory comes up at 10 months, so I missed the window. She encouraged me to book Orange Lake, but I think I will hold out until after the holidays. I should be able to find something decent even then.

I do have an ongoing saved search through RCI so I can just click on it instead of going through multiple steps.

Thanks again!

I believe they get extra credit if they get you to take a match. BTW, Orange Lake would not be my next option personally.

 

[MIDisFan]

I believe they get extra credit if they get you to take a match. BTW, Orange Lake would not be my next option personally.

I completely agree with you.

 

[shalom]

The rep also said that most of the DVC inventory comes up at 10 months, so I missed the window.

I'd put my money on Brian's prediction that you'll be seeing more May DVC shortly. First off because he's pretty reliable about those kind of things, but also because it fits what I've seen. Not planning to go in 2012 myself but still toying with the idea of trying for a DVC unit for May 2013, so out of curiosity I was watching at the 10 month window and there was zip, whereas lately there've been a few. Mind you, I only really remember 2 BRs, but they're rarer than 1 BRs so if they're becoming more available I find it hard to believe 1 BRs will be less available.

 

[Brian Noble]

The rep also said that most of the DVC inventory comes up at 10 months, so I missed the window.

Completely untrue. Most RCI Points resorts work that way, but DVC does not.

DVC generally deposits in two "sets", with a small deposit roughly every week---though lately they've gotten in the habit of skipping a week or two every once in a while. One "set" of deposited inventory is about 9-11 months before check in. The other is about 5-7 months. Over 2011, the 5-7 month wave has been much more common than the 9-11 month wave. It's not a perfect predictor, though---they tend to be a little "noisy" in how they deposit. Other systems are much more predictable. For example, Wyndham deposits one month at a time about 8 months prior to use, like clockwork.

 

[2goofykiddos]

Thanks again. I thought I was around at the 10month period and there was nothing, but I was not sure.

Out of curiousity, where would you book, if not at DVC??

 

[mountdew1]

Completely untrue. Most RCI Points resorts work that way, but DVC does not.

DVC generally deposits in two "sets", with a small deposit roughly every week---though lately they've gotten in the habit of skipping a week or two every once in a while. One "set" of deposited inventory is about 9-11 months before check in. The other is about 5-7 months. Over 2011, the 5-7 month wave has been much more common than the 9-11 month wave. It's not a perfect predictor, though---they tend to be a little "noisy" in how they deposit. Other systems are much more predictable. For example, Wyndham deposits one month at a time about 8 months prior to use, like clockwork.

This. I never tried to get in through points, as the RCI I have access to is weeks, but I definitely noticed a bump in selection around the 10 month, and then again at the 6 month mark. I'd wager that they release that way based on the demand from DVC owners. More demand, less released to RCI.

The selection does vary wildly, and what shows up on the site isn't always what is truly available. IE our last trip through RCI the site indicated availability, I tried to book, and it said it was no longer available. But calling member services to make sure I wasn't going to be charged the fees, and magically it was still there and we were able to book it. Your best bet is to have a general time period, and a room type. If something in that time period shows up, take it. It may not be your ideal resort, but there is a reasonable chance your ideal resort may not pop up. Also, being flexible on the start date (Fri/Sat/Sun) greatly increases your chances of getting a hit as well.

After doing a few trips with the RCI do I get it or not game, we ended up buying into DVC. Easier, and less stress about getting what we wanted. However, it definitely ended up costing us much more.

 

[Brian Noble]

Out of curiousity, where would you book, if not at DVC??

If my family were planning a completely Disney-centric Orlando visit, Bonnet Creek. It's right next to CBR, just south of Epcot, and some of the towers have views over Epcot with MK in the distance. It is landlocked by Disney property so it "feels like" it is within the boundaries of WDW, even though technically it is not. That development also includes a Wyndham Grand hotel, a Hilton, and a Waldorf Astoria---the latter has a very nice golf course---which provides several "hotel-like" services to the area including several sit-down restaurants within an area comparable to the EP-area resorts in size/scope or maybe just a little bit bigger.

Unfortunately, Bonnet Creek has already come and gone for May 2012 in weeks. There may be some availability in Points.

If I'm doing more "general Orlando", the Hilton Grand Vacation Club (HGVC) resorts are very nice. Now that they have completed a resort-wide to-the-studs refurbishment, Sheraton Vistana is also back on my list; that's just outside WDW, across I-4 from DTD.

 

[Dean]

Thanks again. I thought I was around at the 10month period and there was nothing, but I was not sure.

Out of curiousity, where would you book, if not at DVC??

My experience is that it's somewhere in between. There seems to be a bump just before the 10 mo window for RCI weeks and right at the 10 mo window for RCI points and again at or around the 7 month window. However, the spike is not nearly as much as it is for many resorts with a fair amount of periodic inventory. I'd say that most inventory is around the 7 month window or just after but again, there is a lot of variability. One difference is that a lot of RCI points inventory is automatically deposited with RCI because if you are a regular RCI points member you have to reserve in advance to keep your week out of RCI points on any given year.

As for your best non DVC options, it depends on what's important to you. Bonnet Creek is likely the best balance for non DVC resorts but Hiltons, Marriott (esp Cypress Harbour), Vistana Villages and The Fountains (Including Oasis Lakes) the best resorts overall. I would put Silver Lakes, Orange Lake (now HI), Vacation Villages, Summer Bay and the other Marriott's as second tier. For Oasis Lakes (HI), it matters where you are. There are other places worth staying at, but this is my list for RCI non DVC.

 

[2goofykiddos]

Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone who told me to wiat. I kept checking and today Bay Lake came up, but it was only a 1 bedroom. So I was going to book that and a studio, but I called to book and it was gone. HOWEVER there was a 2 bedroom at Wilderness Lodge!!! So excited. It pays to be persistent.

Now, how do I add the dining plan??

 

[JudyS]

I am seeing plenty of DVC units in RCI Weeks this morning. However, the cost (Exchange Credits/Trade Power Units/TPUs) to book them have gone WAY up! The "cheapest' thing I am seeing is 39 TPUs for a studio.

Studios are currently 22; 1BRs are 32; 2BRs are 36. These are independent of season*, except for short-term check-ins (within 30 days) which are valued at "Orlando-normal."

*: technically, these are "hard floors". Except for those <30day check-ins, they never go lower. They *can* go higher, but only when other units in Orlando would support it. So, if say a Week 52 studio was around 21 or 22 at a "regular Gold crown" resort, then DVC would be maybe 23 or 24.

Interestingly, the "hard floor" does not apply in the various mini-system portals: Wyndham, WorldMark, Bluegreen, HGVC, etc. There, DVC units cost the same as any other Orlando-area unit of similar size, and in some systems they do vary seasonally as well.

So, Brian, does this make it much cheaper to get a DVC through one of the mini-systems such as Worldmark or Bluegreen, rather than with a "regular" RCI account?

 

[chalee94]

Now, how do I add the dining plan??

your confirmation should include a phone number for DVC Member Services. just call them and add the dining plan...you pay for the dining plan at the time it is added and you would have to add it at least 48 hours prior to check-in.

 

[bwvBound]

I am seeing plenty of DVC units in RCI Weeks this morning. However, the cost (Exchange Credits/Trade Power Units/TPUs) to book them have gone WAY up! The "cheapest' thing I am seeing is 39 TPUs for a studio.

So, Brian, does this make it much cheaper to get a DVC through one of the mini-systems such as Worldmark or Bluegreen, rather than with a "regular" RCI account?

Wow, Judy -- thanks for the heads up. I logged into my regular RCI account to verify and indeed, 39 TPU for a studio. Wow, to think I didn't want to "pay" 25 TPU earlier this year for my Jan BWV 1BR unit!

Yes, booking the same units against Worldmark will remain a better value as they don't play in "TPU" but remain flat exchange based on size/season of trade.

 

[Brian Noble]

So, Brian, does this make it much cheaper to get a DVC through one of the mini-systems such as Worldmark or Bluegreen, rather than with a "regular" RCI account?

It depends on a lot of factors: $/TPU ratio, etc. But, even at the "old" valuations of 22/32/36, it was a better deal to get my upcoming 1BR VWL through Wyndham's portal than through my RCI account. To be fair, my $/TPU ratio is at best average, and my $/K ratio at Wyndham is very good. But still.

This is just yet another reminder that exchange with a *specific* target in mind is a fool's errand, and that a diversified-portfolio approach to timeshare ownership wins.

 

[Ryansdad0727]

I have a large group going in July 2012. I used RCI for Worldmark owners website to book a 2bdrm for July in September and a 1 bdrm for July yesterday. It was super easy. I just checked the website everyday for inventory and made the reservation online. I also used my disney points for a studio at that time. Lots of travel plans. I love the ability to exchange through RCI with my worldmark points but will never used my Disney points for that. My Worldmark developer points for use with RCI were more than a DVC resale but i also have a lot of flexability with them that i don't have with DVC. I love both of my timeshares and would not even think of getting rid of them. When i first bought Worldmark Disney was with II and i could not trade in but hopefully the switch to RCI will be permanent. I feel i get a great value with my Worldmark points when i exchange into DVC.

 

[Ryansdad0727]

Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone who told me to wiat. I kept checking and today Bay Lake came up, but it was only a 1 bedroom. So I was going to book that and a studio, but I called to book and it was gone. HOWEVER there was a 2 bedroom at Wilderness Lodge!!! So excited. It pays to be persistent.

Now, how do I add the dining plan??

I would rather stay at Wilderness Lodge than Bay lake anyways. Much bigger rooms and the boat ride to MK is very relaxing. Congrats!!!

 

[Brian Noble]

It depends on a lot of factors

I posted a longer analysis over at TUG and TS4M. Short version: for an "average" timeshare owner, the new TPU values yield total exchange costs that are closer to, but still in most cases less than, the cost to own or rent from an owner. The gap is narrowing, though, and savvy owners with a portfolio approach can still do reasonably well.

Just remember: don't chase your own tail looking for "the next big thing." In other words, don't run out and buy a mini-system because, today, the mini-system happens to work well for this particular corner case. You already know this, Judy, but others could stand to be reminded: as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, the exchange valuations will change again in ways that will tip the balance in some new direction.

Instead, build a portfolio of ownerships that each deliver value to you on a cost-to-own vs. cost-to-rent basis, and over time you will win more often than you lose. As a corollary, if you really must stay in a DVC resort for your Orlando trips, then buy there. Resale values have dropped to the point that owning resale beats renting these days, and owning is more certain than exchange.

 

[Brian Noble]

Now, how do I add the dining plan??

On your confirmation from RCI, there will be an 800 number to call to set up Magical Express. You can use that same number to buy the dining plan. When you call, follow the prompts to the "Worldwide Exchange/RCI" desk, and explain to the Cast Member that you have a confirmed exchange into VWL. You should wait a week or two until your confirmation is transferred over to Member Services from RCI though.

 

[grantsmom]

We were thrilled to trade bluegreen points for DVC 2bdrm Boardwalk Villa yesterday. We will be staying at Bonnet Creek for a week, then a week at Boardwalk Villas. Both were RCI trades and total cost less than $500 + points.