RCI Exchanges--HELP!

[smsboop]

We are trying to use our DPs for an RCI exchange over the summer. Every location that we can consider seems to be booked "at this time". HAs anyone had any luck booking an RCI location and if so, how far in advance?

Any advice welcomed!!
smsboop:

 

[Lisa P.]

When exchanging through an external exchange company like RCI, you'll have more success by requesting a vacation 14-24 months in advance if possible, then being patient while you wait for other owners to deposit their weeks. Requesting between 2-12 months out is toughest. There may be last minute cancellations but you can't count on that, especially for prime summertime.

 

[Dean]

Your best bets will be places like Williamsburg, LV, Branson, Desert CA/AZ and Gatlinburg. Places where availability tends to outpace demand for the season your looking at. For non US, MX will likely be a good choice. Otherwise you can keep calling or you can put in an ongoing request for things that interest you. I've looked over availability and there is quite a bit but I didn't cross reference to DVC's list, only to the RCI weeks side. RCI points are quite a bit harder to look at. If you'll tell us where, when, unit size and the like we can search around a bit more.

 

[sweeney60]

Palm Beach Shores has availability in July and August. I called the RCI rep and they were very helpful and were able to search on 3-5 night blocks for me. I don't have the points for a full week's stay so was limited to "RCI Points" destinations.

 

[Dean]

Palm Beach Shores has availability in July and August. I called the RCI rep and they were very helpful and were able to search on 3-5 night blocks for me. I don't have the points for a full week's stay so was limited to "RCI Points" destinations.

If you're limited to shorter stays, that significantly contracts the possible options. PBS is a nice resort overall, not top notch, but nice.

 

[Cee]

I own two weeks at Palm Beach Shores. It's very nice indeed. If you opt to stay there, request unit 602. The oceanfront view is spectacular.

 

[Sheriff Woody]

We booked a four night stay in Myrtle Beach last month with around three weeks advance notice. We called MS and told them the dates we wanted (we could not be flexible on dates), and they checked four or five resorts in Myrtle Beach. We got a hit on one of the resorts, with availability for a studio or 2BR. Chose the 2BR and used DP, had a great time. I guess my advice would be that you have to be flexible on either dates or accomodations, or both, at least in my limited experience. Good luck!

 

[FreeTime]

Sheriff Woody -at what resort did you exchange to at MB? On the website none of them looked appealing. I am hoping that the pictures lie as I have been considering trading there. Thanks

 

[ems_mom]

I don't know what the differences are from a DP RCI reservation vs a regular points exchange reservation, but our experience was very good. I called MS at the end of Jan. for a week in April in HI. Our dates were not flexible.

I really wasn't expecting a match but suprise! Out of the 3 possible on Kauai one was available, for a trip less than 3 months away! We enjoyed an awesome week at Lawai Beach Resort. No, not a top rated resort, but beautiful location, very clean and updated condo, with beautiful grounds, pools, and close to everything in Poipu.

I realize that this was not the best value monetarily but we enjoyed every minute - it was our 25th anniversary; 2nd trip to Hawaii.

 

[Dean]

I don't know what the differences are from a DP RCI reservation vs a regular points exchange reservation, but our experience was very good. I called MS at the end of Jan. for a week in April in HI. Our dates were not flexible.

I really wasn't expecting a match but suprise! Out of the 3 possible on Kauai one was available, for a trip less than 3 months away! We enjoyed an awesome week at Lawai Beach Resort. No, not a top rated resort, but beautiful location, very clean and updated condo, with beautiful grounds, pools, and close to everything in Poipu.

I realize that this was not the best value monetarily but we enjoyed every minute - it was our 25th anniversary; 2nd trip to Hawaii.

My understanding is there really is no difference other than the limitations of when the points are good for as it's relates to RCI.

Sheriff Woody -at what resort did you exchange to at MB? On the website none of them looked appealing. I am hoping that the pictures lie as I have been considering trading there. Thanks

Actually all 8 resorts on the list are worth considering including the 3 points resorts. None are really up to the standards of DVC though. One should investigate location and nearby amenities as they are all different. For example, HL is on the intercoastal quite a way from the beach and most activities other than Medieval times and the closed (I think) Hard Rock theme park.