RCI exchanges into DVC

[DreamChasers]

I have read that Disney has blocked anyone from trading into DVC through RCI if one of the resorts they own is within a 30 mile radius of Disney World. Does anyone know if you own a Timeshare and DVC will they block you from using the Timeshare to do an RCI exchange into DVC or does the fact that you own DVC mean you are barred? This is based on the Timeshare being outside of the 30 mile radius.

Thanks for any insights!

 

[erionm]

Does anyone know if you own a Timeshare and DVC will they block you from using the Timeshare to do an RCI exchange into DVC or does the fact that you own DVC mean you are barred?

You are not barred from trading into DVC if you own DVC and a RCI affiliated timeshare that's located outside of the Orlando area.

 

[smj2610]

I own at hilton grand vacation club at sea world a d just had a stay I traded in thru Rci a couple of weeks ago

 

[DreamChasers]

Thanks for the fast reply and for the good news.

 

[JimMIA]

The answer is...it depends.

Generally, RCI has a prohibition against exchanges within the immediate area of a major destination -- in this case, the 30-mile radius you mention. That prohibition applies to most timeshare systems.

However...some timeshare systems trade in RCI on a "fixed points grid," which is actually similar to how DVC trades in RCI. A certain sized villa, in a certain season, is X points...period.

In those systems -- Wyndham, and quite possibly Hilton (and probably a few other major timeshare systems) -- the timeshare owner's points are deposited "generically." In other words, it doesn't matter where the home resort is -- points is points.

So -- is there an RCI geographical restriction for exchanging into DVC? Yes.

And no. Depending.

Owners of other timeshare systems wanting to exchange into DVC need to research their own system and learn the features and limitations of their own system. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

 

[bwvBound]

Currently, owning DVC has no influence on inbound RCI exchanges. Owning DVC neither adds restrictions nor does it waive applicable restrictions.

 

[Dean]

The answer is...it depends.

Generally, RCI has a prohibition against exchanges within the immediate area of a major destination -- in this case, the 30-mile radius you mention. That prohibition applies to most timeshare systems.

However...some timeshare systems trade in RCI on a "fixed points grid," which is actually similar to how DVC trades in RCI. A certain sized villa, in a certain season, is X points...period.

In those systems -- Wyndham, and quite possibly Hilton (and probably a few other major timeshare systems) -- the timeshare owner's points are deposited "generically." In other words, it doesn't matter where the home resort is -- points is points.

So -- is there an RCI geographical restriction for exchanging into DVC? Yes.

And no. Depending.

Owners of other timeshare systems wanting to exchange into DVC need to research their own system and learn the features and limitations of their own system. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

Currently but given that they've blocked RCI points exchanges into DVC (and canceled them once already made), you never know. Esp since it shouldn't apply to RCI points exchanges otherwise. This could change and for those who could deposit a week in advance, depositing an Orlando week to use later could cause issues even now.

Currently, owning DVC has no influence on inbound RCI exchanges. Owning DVC neither adds restrictions nor does it waive applicable restrictions.

For many who own other resorts or systems with such restrictions, owning there often removes many or all of the exchange blocks when members are trading back in through RCI or II.


For RCI weeks, it's not owning an Orlando area week but only exchanging an Orlando week that's prohibited.

 

[JimMIA]

Currently but given that they've blocked RCI points exchanges into DVC (and canceled them once already made), you never know. Esp since it shouldn't apply to RCI points exchanges otherwise.

I assume you are talking about the RCI Points system vs. the RCI Weeks system? On the cancellations, are you talking about full weeks booked through Points? Or partial week stays? Or everything booked through Points?

(Not worried for myself because my home resort is in TN and I only exchange via RCI Weeks -- just trying to clarify for other readers.)

 

[bwvBound]

For many who own other resorts or systems with such restrictions, owning there often removes many or all of the exchange blocks when members are trading back in through RCI or II.

Agreed, but currently DVC doesn't appear to offer those perks to its owners.

 

[Dean]

I assume you are talking about the RCI Points system vs. the RCI Weeks system? On the cancellations, are you talking about full weeks booked through Points? Or partial week stays? Or everything booked through Points?

(Not worried for myself because my home resort is in TN and I only exchange via RCI Weeks -- just trying to clarify for other readers.)

I don't believe DVC routinely deposits less than a full week. What currently tends to happen is with RCI weeks you can trade a non Orlando week for DVC but not an Orlando week. For RCI points, they sometimes go through and sometimes don't. RCI is not supposed to be limited by some of the restrictions of RCI weeks but DVC has taken it to an extreme in this area canceling at least 3 weeks I'm aware of that were reserved with RCI points, these were for a full week. I know many have been successful but given that these cancelations happened after the fact, it'd be a risk where applicable.

Agreed, but currently DVC doesn't appear to offer those perks to its owners.

That was the point, they could but don't and others do. But then again they don't allow those who deposit DVC points into RCI to trade back in either.

 

[JimMIA]

For RCI points, they sometimes go through and sometimes don't. RCI is not supposed to be limited by some of the restrictions of RCI weeks but DVC has taken it to an extreme in this area canceling at least 3 weeks I'm aware of that were reserved with RCI points, these were for a full week.

Thanks. Now...were those cancellations due to being RCI Points or being from an Orlando resort?

The reason I'm being so specific is there is someone on another DIS board asking.

 

[Dean]

Thanks. Now...were those cancellations due to being RCI Points or being from an Orlando resort?

The reason I'm being so specific is there is someone on another DIS board asking.

All the ones I know specifics on were RCI points points with at least part of their points based in the Orlando area. But the reservations were made and the people who reported it said (IIRC) that RCI contacted them stating DVC refused the exchange.

 

[JimMIA]

All the ones I know specifics on were RCI points points with at least part of their points based in the Orlando area. But the reservations were made and the people who reported it said (IIRC) that RCI contacted them stating DVC refused the exchange.

Ok, thanks again.

 

[Ariel93086]

Ok question, I have owned an RCI week in RI for about 20 years. I have only owned DVC for about 10 years. I just recently found out about the DVC/RCI affiliation. Can someone give me a brief explanation on how that works? I haven't used my RCI in years because we love DVC so much more. Everything is so convenient and you don't have to wait on the phone for hours with DVC to get the vacation you want. Needless to say, I have some weeks banked that need to be used through RCI, but I do NOT want to go through RCI because it is such a hassle. Can anyone help? Hahaha this might be a really stupid question.

Thanks in advance!

 

[JimMIA]

Ok question, I have owned an RCI week in RI for about 20 years. I have only owned DVC for about 10 years. I just recently found out about the DVC/RCI affiliation. Can someone give me a brief explanation on how that works? I haven't used my RCI in years because we love DVC so much more. Everything is so convenient and you don't have to wait on the phone for hours with DVC to get the vacation you want. Needless to say, I have some weeks banked that need to be used through RCI, but I do NOT want to go through RCI because it is such a hassle. Can anyone help? Hahaha this might be a really stupid question.

Thanks in advance!

It would be helpful if we knew which resort you own in RI; we'd be able to give you much more accurate feedback. I'll try to give you some general idea of an answer to what I think your question is.

First, I assume you are asking if you could exchange into DVC via RCI using your RI timeshare. The simple answer is yes.

The success of any exchange attempt depends on what you own, and how you go about the process. You're going to have to learn the system and put up with very minor hassles, and some fees...or let your banked weeks expire.

One of the major determinants of your success will be the relative trading value of your RI timeshare. If it is a strong trader, you will do well. If not, you can combine weeks in RCI to give you the trading strength you need.

Assuming the trading strength is sufficient, the next question is the money part. If you exchange, the cost of your stay will have three components: the annual maintenance fees you paid for your week(s), your timeshare's RCI Exchange fee; and a $95 DVC fee paid at checkin on all exchanges. While there is some research, hassle, and uncertainty involved in exchanges, you might find that exchanging costs less than using your DVC points.

Last year, we exchanged into DVC using our Wyndham points via RCI. My total cost, including my Wyndham MF's and all fees -- for a TWO bedroom at OKW for seven nights -- was a little less than $860. If I had used my OKW points for that stay, it would have cost me almost DOUBLE that.

So let us know what you own, and someone here may be able to help you.

 

[Ariel93086]

It would be helpful if we knew which resort you own in RI; we'd be able to give you much more accurate feedback. I'll try to give you some general idea of an answer to what I think your question is.

First, I assume you are asking if you could exchange into DVC via RCI using your RI timeshare. The simple answer is yes.

The success of any exchange attempt depends on what you own, and how you go about the process. You're going to have to learn the system and put up with very minor hassles, and some fees...or let your banked weeks expire.

One of the major determinants of your success will be the relative trading value of your RI timeshare. If it is a strong trader, you will do well. If not, you can combine weeks in RCI to give you the trading strength you need.

Assuming the trading strength is sufficient, the next question is the money part. If you exchange, the cost of your stay will have three components: the annual maintenance fees you paid for your week(s), your timeshare's RCI Exchange fee; and a $95 DVC fee paid at checkin on all exchanges. While there is some research, hassle, and uncertainty involved in exchanges, you might find that exchanging costs less than using your DVC points.

Last year, we exchanged into DVC using our Wyndham points via RCI. My total cost, including my Wyndham MF's and all fees -- for a TWO bedroom at OKW for seven nights -- was a little less than $860. If I had used my OKW points for that stay, it would have cost me almost DOUBLE that.

So let us know what you own, and someone here may be able to help you.

Wow thank you so much for the quick response! I own at Wyndham Long Wharf Resort in Newport, RI. This is all VERY helpful! Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[JimMIA]

Wow thank you so much for the quick response! I own at Wyndham Long Wharf Resort in Newport, RI. This is all VERY helpful! Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Arrrgghhh! I was afraid you would say Wyndham!

First of all, why in the world don't you use that timeshare??? Newport is great!

But, with regard to your specific ownership -- it still really depends on precisely WHAT you own. If you own Wyndham points, it's easy. There is a fixed points grid that makes everything much simpler.

If you own a specific week, it is much more complicated (might be BETTER...but complicated.) and you are not likely to get accurate feedback here. You need to go to the TUG Wyndham forum and ask, because fixed weeks under the old system are complicated.

 

[Ariel93086]

Arrrgghhh! I was afraid you would say Wyndham! First of all, why in the world don't you use that timeshare??? Newport is great! But, with regard to your specific ownership -- it still really depends on precisely WHAT you own. If you own Wyndham points, it's easy. There is a fixed points grid that makes everything much simpler. If you own a specific week, it is much more complicated (might be BETTER...but complicated.) and you are not likely to get accurate feedback here. You need to go to the TUG Wyndham forum and ask, because fixed weeks under the old system are complicated.

Hahahaha well we used to stay every year during our week because it was right around the 4th of July. However, as that location got more popular, it was harder to exchange and we felt like the standards got diminished a bit.

Annnywayys I guess we are more complicated because we do have RCI weeks. The very old edition. Actually, we bought into the resort before it was even built! I will definitely check out that thread. It has seemed extremely complicated every time I have looked into it. Thanks again!!

 

[JimMIA]

Annnywayys I guess we are more complicated because we do have RCI weeks. The very old edition. Actually, we bought into the resort before it was even built! I will definitely check out that thread. It has seemed extremely complicated every time I have looked into it. Thanks again!!

Not that complicated. You need two things to exchange: sufficient trading power, and availability.

Your week has a trading power value (which will vary from time to time), measured in TPU (trading power units). If one week is not enough TPU, you can combine weeks to get enough.

There is a good bit of DVC availability in RCI weeks, but you won't find it with a search. You will need to set up an ongoing search in RCI, which can be for any time -- doesn't have to be your same week. The earlier you do that, the better your chances; most recommend starting the search a year out. DVC tends to deposit about seven months out, and the searches are fulfilled in the order they are started -- older searches first. If you match, you will get a phone call and/or email from RCI notifying you and then you either book it or decline and resume your original place in line for another match. I think you have 48 hours to decide. You don't go to the back of the line because you passed on a match.

Really not that complicated and your chances of exchanging into DVC are pretty good.

 

[Dean]

Hahahaha well we used to stay every year during our week because it was right around the 4th of July. However, as that location got more popular, it was harder to exchange and we felt like the standards got diminished a bit.

Annnywayys I guess we are more complicated because we do have RCI weeks. The very old edition. Actually, we bought into the resort before it was even built! I will definitely check out that thread. It has seemed extremely complicated every time I have looked into it. Thanks again!!

IMO it's actually far simpler than using DVC but there is info you'll need to know and time and effort you'll need to invest to be successful. On your end you need to know your TPU which you can maximize by depositing early as much as possible. On the other end you need to know what resorts you want, unit size and likely TPU needed. After that it's simply setting up an ongoing search for what you want. Your costs are your RCI dues, exchange fees and likely the cost to combine deposits (which will also extend their life in all likelihood because you get a new 2 yrs). You also have your underlying ownership costs. I'm assuming you work with RCI directly. No need to spend time on the phone, you can do it all online.