RCI exchange debate- newbie needs your help!

[Needadisfixnow]

Hello everyone! Let me begin by saying that I have been lurking on the disboards for over 2 YEARS, and I finally have a question that absolutely requires that I join the conversation- my DH will be certain he has lost me forever now! Forgive me as I figure this all out!

I am planning way in advance for a June 2011 trip, but we are open to the possibility of going summer 2010 if the price was really right! We have a Wyndham Timeshare with RCI exchange option, so I"m debating pooling my points and getting on the wait list for BC villas, or AKL, or even Boardwalk. To do this it means we have to give up next summer's vacation in order to have the points banked and ready for a reservation in 2011 that may not come available. The other option is a 5 night stay at Bonnet Creek (vs. 7 nights thru rci), or not use the timeshare option at all and book a moderate during a discount code time, like FD. (est. 2K for package)

Trip includes DH and 4DC's, one under 3 so no extra cost, but we really need te space when we travel.

Anyone have an opinion? What about experience getting the ressie thru rci? I would love to have the advice of the dis experts!

 

[Talkingwoody]

Hi,
I am no expert but I do have some experience with what you are planning. I own Wyndham as well. I also own DVC.
Wyndham will be very tough to trade into DVC. If you search my other posts I have asked similar questions. I just don't think it is a strong enough trader. There is availability in RCI but during prime summer weeks it will be very tough to find a 2 BR using a trade.
I have stayed in Bonnet Creek as well. As you probably know the location is fantastic. Very close to the parks and a really nice resort. Downside would be transportation to the parks and not having the magic of onsite accomadations. Up side is not much cost to you because you already own.
All in all, I typically choose staying onsite and I know you said that may be a moderate. With 6 people it may have to be 2 rooms so you may want to give some though to renting points from other DVC owners on this board if that is the direction you choose.

Good Luck

 

[disdad09]

I am no expert either but my opinion would be to stay at bonnet creek.
The disney moderates will be much to small for your family of six.

I do not own wyndamm but I have also heard that it is not enough of a strong trader to pull dvc.

Renting points from someone to stay at a dvc like ssr or okw may be an option.

Good luck.

 

[littlestar]

I don't know if you bought developer or not from Wyndham, but if you have Plus Partners access on the points side, you might be able to get DVC that way.

 

[Needadisfixnow]

Hmmm... thanks for the replies. think I'm more confused than ever, though! Clearly I have a lot to learn about exchanging. What do you mean when you say Wyndham is not strong enough to pull DVC? I guess I thought if the reservation came available (by way of someone trading out, I guess) then I would get it if I were next on the list with that request. Can you explain?

 

[Needadisfixnow]

Ooooh! Yes, littlestar! That's what I have! Does that up my chances? I'm so confused now! LOL!

 

[Dean]

Hmmm... thanks for the replies. think I'm more confused than ever, though! Clearly I have a lot to learn about exchanging. What do you mean when you say Wyndham is not strong enough to pull DVC? I guess I thought if the reservation came available (by way of someone trading out, I guess) then I would get it if I were next on the list with that request. Can you explain?

Exchanging is based on trade power. Given that Wyndham does the deposits, it's unlikely you'll have enough trade power on the RCI weeks side to exchange in. IF you have RCI points, you might be able to do so. IMO, your best option is likely to try for a non DVC, non Wyndham exchange, possibly to Hilton or Cypress Harbour. You could also list DVC on that group but it'd be unlikely to come through.

 

[littlestar]

Ooooh! Yes, littlestar! That's what I have! Does that up my chances? I'm so confused now! LOL!

Here's a thread on how it's done:

http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100732&highlight=partners+disney

Good luck.

 

[Needadisfixnow]

Thank you again to everyone who replied. Littlestar, that forum link was very helpful. I think I have it straight now. Now I just need to decide what to do as a back up plan in the event that I don't get lucky with my PP at the 10 month out mark. That means more planning and a call to Wyndham to verify my account does have PP and I'll have enough points in Aug 2010 to try for a June 2011 ressie. Thanks for all the help!

 

[Brian Noble]

One more note: DVC deposits inventory into RCI Points more or less continuously, so even if it is not there right at 10 months, it might be there later. Very different from most RCI Points resorts, where it all becomes available at the 10 month mark and once it's gone it's gone.

Also, it sounds like you are thinking about pooling points to make the booking. It is possible that pooled points cannot be used for Plus Partners. However, you can work around this by booking something with the pooled points, and then cancelling it---they are returned to your account as cancel points rather than pool credits, in the Use Year in which the check-in date falls. Cancel points can be used, IIRC.