RCI exchange at DVC resorts?

[suemom2kay]

That's too bad about the BLT. And I'm on it- need to wait a few more weeks and hope for the best.

Disney is a great use of her points as far as I can see!

Have you're daughter put in a search through RCI. That is how I got a 1 Bedroom at BCV (my first choice) for Labor Day week (also my first choice). It costs an extra $20 but was totally worth it. I happened to look at RCI's website the day it came through and there were units at BLT, AKV, BWV, VWL, SSR, OKW (all for the same Labor Day week). BCV did not show up because I got it in the middle of the night while I was sleeping. I plan on using the search feature next time I try for DVC though. I've heard on TugBBS that some have had a less than postive experience with the search.

Hope you get what you want. If you can't get into DVC, don't forget to consider WBC which is right next to CBR and the Epcot resorts.

 

[Dean]

Thanks Jim for clearing that up. I was gonna reply to Dean's mor recent post and say, "if you say so, because I am SO CONFUSED!!!"

I am brand new to Timeshares and can relate to BWVbound's addiction post.

So am I, if you aren't versed in the specifics of how RCI works in general, why did you bother to try to correct my information?

 

[suemom2kay]

So am I, if you aren't versed in the specifics of how RCI works in general, why did you bother to try to correct my information?

Because I was mistaken. I'm sorry if I offended you by sharing my experience with RCI. I didn't realize there were diffferent rules for different RCI systems as JimMIA has pointed out. I was merely pointing out that I obtained a reservation at just shy of 11 months out which is clearly more than 10 months out. Truce.

 

[Dean]

Because I was mistaken. I'm sorry if I offended you by sharing my experience with RCI. I didn't realize there were diffferent rules for different RCI systems as JimMIA has pointed out. I was merely pointing out that I obtained a reservation at just shy of 11 months out which is clearly more than 10 months out. Truce.

I'm not offended, just wondering why you'd correct me when you had limited experience and knowledge. We're fine.

 

[summerw]

Thank you for this great thread. I've been trying to figure this DVC/RCI stuff out and was feeling more confused the more research I did. I feel like someone just turned the light on.

Suemom2kay or anyone who's exchanged, may I ask what the trading power was? And perhaps this is a factor in nilsecks' daughter's searches? Maybe someone who knows could chime in how trading power generally goes with DVC?

Anyone want to speculate on trading power for a 2 bedroom in any DVC in November 2012 (eg would 22-27 maybe be enough)? Sorry, I don't know which week yet, if that matters--having trouble picking because apparently the first one is Jersey week (and not perfect for me either), the second is veteran's day and the third is thanksgiving (definitely won't go then). Would veteran's day affect availability or trading power?

Sorry I tangented in that last bit into a little threadjacking. I'm happy to most that part elsewhere if that's best. Thanks again for all this great info.

 

[RobDoc]

Thank you for this great thread. I've been trying to figure this DVC/RCI stuff out and was feeling more confused the more research I did. I feel like someone just turned the light on.

Suemom2kay or anyone who's exchanged, may I ask what the trading power was? And perhaps this is a factor in nilsecks' daughter's searches? Maybe someone who knows could chime in how trading power generally goes with DVC?

Anyone want to speculate on trading power for a 2 bedroom in any DVC in November 2012 (eg would 22-27 maybe be enough)? Sorry, I don't know which week yet, if that matters--having trouble picking because apparently the first one is Jersey week (and not perfect for me either), the second is veteran's day and the third is thanksgiving (definitely won't go then). Would veteran's day affect availability or trading power?

Sorry I tangented in that last bit into a little threadjacking. I'm happy to most that part elsewhere if that's best. Thanks again for all this great info.

The exchange powers have changed in the past months, but I believe that DVC Studios currently are 22, 1BRs are 32 and 2BRs are 36.

 

[MIDisFan]

Have you're daughter put in a search through RCI. That is how I got a 1 Bedroom at BCV (my first choice) for Labor Day week (also my first choice). It costs an extra $20 but was totally worth it. I happened to look at RCI's website the day it came through and there were units at BLT, AKV, BWV, VWL, SSR, OKW (all for the same Labor Day week). BCV did not show up because I got it in the middle of the night while I was sleeping. I plan on using the search feature next time I try for DVC though. I've heard on TugBBS that some have had a less than postive experience with the search.

Hope you get what you want. If you can't get into DVC, don't forget to consider WBC which is right next to CBR and the Epcot resorts.

Unfortunately, you cannot do ongoing searches with a RCI Points account. If it's a weeks account, there is no additional charge to do a search.

 

[shalom]

If the DVC inventory available in RCI is extremely volatile and limited and if the RCI inventory available in the DVC is extremely volatile and limited, why mess with it at all. Why not buy where you love to stay and not have to deal with all of the pressure and uncertainty?

In my points system RCI membership is part of the yearly dues, and I initially saw it as pretty pointless myself. And I think if I were a DVC owner, I'd still find it pointless, because DVC owners have such limited memberships. But considering that hubby is thusfar not remotely interested in DVC, we insist on condos, and I'm reluctant to rent points, so far as DVC is concerned, right now it's RCI or nothin'.

Besides which, when we go, and when we'd prefer to go, there has always been availability, and open availability, if DVC was with RCI in the first place. (I can trade through II but haven't tracked DVC availability there.) It's people trading through RCI who need to go during school vacations who have a hard time getting in and need to know all the tricks -- or have fantastic luck. Everyone I know who can go off season can get a DVC unit, although not necessarily something like an Epcot resort during Food and Wine (but that can be a tough one even for DVC owners who don't own at Epcot).

Not that I won't be all wound and worried if we decide to do DVC and I'm actually looking to make a reservation. Or that getting one won't be justification for celebration, even though I know my odds are pretty good. But what's life without a bit of drama?

 

[bwvBound]

If it's a weeks account, there is no additional charge to do a search.

The exchange fee, and thus open-search fee, is $20 higher if one phones the RCI reps vs self-service through the web interfaces. I'm guessing suemom2kay is referring to paying the extra $20 because she spoke with an RCI rep who may have walked her through the process.

 

[MIDisFan]

The exchange fee, and thus open-search fee, is $20 higher if one phones the RCI reps vs self-service through the web interfaces. I'm guessing suemom2kay is referring to paying the extra $20 because she spoke with an RCI rep who may have walked her through the process.

That's true. I didn't consider that since it's not really an extra charge to do an ongoing search but rather for using phone support instead of the website.

 

[summerw]

The exchange powers have changed in the past months, but I believe that DVC Studios currently are 22, 1BRs are 32 and 2BRs are 36.

I saw some studios in Saratoga Springs for 22 in I think April in RCI's bank the other day. Does it maybe vary by season?

 

[shalom]

I saw some studios in Saratoga Springs for 22 in I think April in RCI's bank the other day. Does it maybe vary by season?

It does. If you are a member of Timeshare Forums (membership meaning have enough posts) or TUG (membership meaning paid the $15/year fee), there are listings of DVC availability through RCI over time. There are gaps (work done by generous volunteers! ), but you can get a fair grasp of historical availability. Whether that reflects current or future availability... well, it's information; you decide what to do with it.

 

[Brian Noble]

I am one of those volunteers---the primary one at TS4M.

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.

 

[2goofykiddos]

Thank you all for explaining this. I have been faithfully checking through my inlaws account for the last 2 months and have yet to see anything in May. They have points, and a lot of them, and i would just love to use them for a DVC. I am getting to the point that I may cave and book Orange Lake. So I have 2 questions?
1. Does anyone know if there is a penalty for changing the location after you have booked?
2. Does anyone have any experience of how long I should keep holding out, waiting for a DVC?

Thanks so much!!

 

[Dean]

Thank you all for explaining this. I have been faithfully checking through my inlaws account for the last 2 months and have yet to see anything in May. They have points, and a lot of them, and i would just love to use them for a DVC. I am getting to the point that I may cave and book Orange Lake. So I have 2 questions?
1. Does anyone know if there is a penalty for changing the location after you have booked?
2. Does anyone have any experience of how long I should keep holding out, waiting for a DVC?

Thanks so much!!

There are May units but only 1 BR units. If you cancel after 24 hours, you'll pay a new exchange fee and may lose part of your points (or trade power for the weeks side). I'd hold out for a few more months assuming there are no Orlando area resorts listed in the account and you are looking for a full week.

 

[2goofykiddos]

Really, there are units in May, under points? i am worried I am missing them somehow, can you help me find them? Could I use the points ti get two 1 bedroom units? Thanks again!

 

[MIDisFan]

Really, there are units in May, under points? i am worried I am missing them somehow, can you help me find them? Could I use the points ti get two 1 bedroom units? Thanks again!

Currently, I don't see any DVC on the Points side. Dean may be referring to weeks inventory were there are a few 1 BR units at SSR and OKW for May. As a Points member, I believe you can call RCI and request a unit from the weeks inventory.

 

[Brian Noble]

The May inventory Dean mentioned is in Weeks, not in Points. There are varying reports about whether or not you can pull Weeks inventory at Points-affiliated resorts; it may depend on how willing the RCI VC is to "help" you.

If you can't pull something from Weeks into Points, I would sit tight. May is a very low-demand time in Orlando, and it should be easy to book something suitable even several months from now. Also, we are just inside the 7-month window right now---and DVC tends to deposit mostly in the 5-7 month range these days. I would expect a nice bunch of May inventory in Points any time between now and 4-6 weeks from now. If we are after the holidays and into January and you haven't found something suitable, that would be a good time to look for a backup.

If it were a busier time, you could book something now, get the cancel insurance, and rebook it. I think this requires a second exchange fee in Points, but do not know for sure, as I only trade in Weeks personally. But, May is slow enough that I would probably not bother.

For those reading along at home: this is yet another example as to why exchange is nothing like "booking a hotel", or even making a DVC reservation. It really does require patience and flexibility, and a willingness to let the dice roll.

 

[Dean]

Really, there are units in May, under points? i am worried I am missing them somehow, can you help me find them? Could I use the points ti get two 1 bedroom units? Thanks again!

Most of the inventory I'm seeing is on the weeks side, however, there does appear to be a few units on the points side. I have access to RCI points, RCI weeks and to both the weeks and points inventory through a secondary route which pulls them up as one set.

Since RCI made their change to one single combined search, it appears they've been having problems. They have apparently had ghost units (units that show up but aren't really there) but that there is also a glitch where there are units in the RCI points system that a search won't always bring up. I have been communicating with RCI about this exact issue the last few days. At the time of this message I get 2 DVC resorts and 9 units on the RCI weeks side all in or around May (start 27 April) and most 1 BR units, no 2 BR. When I search with my combined system, I actually get 4 resorts and 11 units. I have already confirmed previously with RCI that one of the units that is different was actually in RCI points AND a valid unit (not ghost unit). I have also confirmed with RCI that what I see using the combined that is excess of what I see on the weeks side is indeed points inventory since there is no TPU issues in this situation.

I'd call them and have them check online. If you want to email or call me directly, I'll be happy to give you the dates, resorts and specifics of the units listed so you can tell RCI exactly what you want to do. Remember if you get 2 units you'll pay 2 exchange fees and 2 extra $95 fees but you'll pick up two masters and more space.

I agree with Brian that exchanging is not for the faint of heart.

 

[suemom2kay]

Unfortunately, you cannot do ongoing searches with a RCI Points account. If it's a weeks account, there is no additional charge to do a search.

Yes, I was referring to a week's account. I didn't know that you can't do an ongoing search with a points account.

There is no extra charge to search online. 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. This is what I did so that I didn't have to worry about constantly checking the website for Beach Club Villas.

From RCI/Wyndham FAQ page: "At this time, all ongoing search requests (available for RCI Weeks Reservations only) must be initiated by contacting the RCI Servicing Line for CLUB WYNDHAM Plus owners at ***********.