RCI Hawaii exchange question

[dianeschlicht]

We have only done one exchange with our DVC points, and that was to Hawaii 9 years ago when it was through II. I really can't remember exactly how it worked, so here are a few questions I have....

1- When you start a search for a specific time frame, if you get a match, when are the points taken from your account? i.e. If I get an exchange for March 2013 with a March use year, will they take the points from my 2013 use year, or will they use 2012 points (assuming it might match in 2012).

2- Since I will be trying to book Aulani at 7 months out, my inclination is to look for the 1st week of March for an exchange and try to book the last week of February at Aulani. This puts Aulani in my 2012 use year and the exchange in my 2013 use year. Since I would need to borrow a few extra points, this would allow me to use some of my 2014 points for the exchange. So...Can I borrow for an exchange?

3- If I have an ongoing search and need to use borrowed points, will they call me before activating the exchange? That is what happened with II, but I have read that RCI exchanges are automatic. How will I know they are taking points from the proper place if they book autmatically? I really want to KNOW that I have those 2012 points available at the 7 month window.

I'm worried that an exchange will clear before the 7 month window opens and that they use all my 2013 points for that, meaning I would have none left to borrow at the 7 month window for Aulani. I would NOT be allowed to borrow 2014 points for Aulani, since it is in my 2012 use year. I NEED to have them use some of my 2014 points for the exchange and keep at least 255 of my 2013 points available to borrow for Aulani.

I'm starting to think I need to make ANY reservation using the points I'll need for Aulani, and then rebook Aulani when my window opens. The problem with that scenario is that I have no idea how many points I'll be using, since it is a range of nearly 100 points between the views. I'll take whatever is available, so my calculations could be off by as much as 100 points.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Dean, I KNOW you probably have information for me. I know it makes more cost sense to rent out points and buy a rental through TUG, but DH does not want to rent unless it's to someone we know. Since all of our friends who have used our points are now DVC owners.....

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think I have figured out how to keep my 2012 points and borrowed 2013 points intact for the Aulani portion of my trip "in case" an exchange comes through for my 2013 use year portion of the trip. I think my best "insurance" is to book something at my home resort right now that takes an appropriate number of points for the Aulani portion. That will allow me to "use up" the number of points needed from 2012 and 2013 to insure I have those points available for Aulani the last week of Feb. 2013. Then when my exchange comes through for my 2013 March use year, the remainder of the 2013 points plus borrowed points from 2014 will be the only thing available. That way I wont have to worry about an exchange that comes through early taking the wrong points.

When the 7 month window opens for Aulani, I can cancel the OKW ressie and make the Aulani one. Does that sound right????

DANG...I wish it wasn't so complicated! I KNOW it wasn't that convoluted when I made the exchange last time, and I was trying to juggle two different timeshare exchanges that time....one from Interval and one from RCI. The Interval one was problem free, but the RCI one was a problem that time too.

 

[Dean]

We have only done one exchange with our DVC points, and that was to Hawaii 9 years ago when it was through II. I really can't remember exactly how it worked, so here are a few questions I have....

1- When you start a search for a specific time frame, if you get a match, when are the points taken from your account? i.e. If I get an exchange for March 2013 with a March use year, will they take the points from my 2013 use year, or will they use 2012 points (assuming it might match in 2012).

2- Since I will be trying to book Aulani at 7 months out, my inclination is to look for the 1st week of March for an exchange and try to book the last week of February at Aulani. This puts Aulani in my 2012 use year and the exchange in my 2013 use year. Since I would need to borrow a few extra points, this would allow me to use some of my 2014 points for the exchange. So...Can I borrow for an exchange?

3- If I have an ongoing search and need to use borrowed points, will they call me before activating the exchange? That is what happened with II, but I have read that RCI exchanges are automatic. How will I know they are taking points from the proper place if they book autmatically? I really want to KNOW that I have those 2012 points available at the 7 month window.

I'm worried that an exchange will clear before the 7 month window opens and that they use all my 2013 points for that, meaning I would have none left to borrow at the 7 month window for Aulani. I would NOT be allowed to borrow 2014 points for Aulani, since it is in my 2012 use year. I NEED to have them use some of my 2014 points for the exchange and keep at least 255 of my 2013 points available to borrow for Aulani.

I'm starting to think I need to make ANY reservation using the points I'll need for Aulani, and then rebook Aulani when my window opens. The problem with that scenario is that I have no idea how many points I'll be using, since it is a range of nearly 100 points between the views. I'll take whatever is available, so my calculations could be off by as much as 100 points.

1. Points are taken at the moment of the match and they should take the earliest points that will produce an appropriate deposit. Realize they essentially have to find a unit to reserve and then give it to RCI. As long as you're not near the end of your UY, you should be OK.

2. You can borrow from an exchange only as you'd be able to borrow to make a reservation. I'd request both weeks for the exchange and if you have enough points, reserve both weeks at DVC there. You can always cancel what you don't need to generate the points for an exchange if you match. Never leave the points hanging around waiting on an exchange. For example, make sure you don't miss any banking deadlines while you're in limbo.

3. They actually changed II exchange to be automatic as well later in their course, assuming it's an exact match. You can give them parameters on what to do and they'll call you if and only if, the parameters don't work out is my understanding. You should likely ask DVC how they handle this type of issue.

I'm not sure it mattes which points you use for which option. You must be able to access the points for both to make both successful. That means you won't be able to use your 2014 points for either if both occur during your 2012 UY, again that's my understanding.

As for relative value, it depends on what you're asking for. HI is one of the places where an exchange is often a good value depending on time of year. You should talk to the independent's including HI Timeshare Exch, Trading Places Intl, Trading Places Maui, San Francisco exchange, Platinum Interchange and Dial an exchange. You might be able to get it set earlier, have better choices and depending on specifics, even have a cheaper exchange (esp for a 2 BR). You can always look at a transfer of points if you need some to complete this quest.

I think this is one you need to have several discussions with MS exchange department to be sure you understand the nuances and don't get any unpleasant surprises. Also remember that even if you only need a 1 BR but the resorts only have larger units, you will either have to skip them or pay the higher points for the exchange.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Dean, the biggest issue for us is that we are looking at doing the Aulani booking the LAST WEEK of our use year! That is why I would need to book something else to save those points for Aulani. I wont be able to borrow any from 2014 for Aulani, and that is going to be a much larger point chunk than the exchange will be. The exchange would be for the first week of March (the first week of our 2013 use year).

Thanks for the other exchange ideas. I looked at TUG and also at VRBO, and I could buy/rent something appropriate for less than $2000 for that second week, but as DH said...We have the points, so it feels like paying double. He doesn't want the risk of renting out our points.

 

[Dean]

Dean, the biggest issue for us is that we are looking at doing the Aulani booking the LAST WEEK of our use year! That is why I would need to book something else to save those points for Aulani. I wont be able to borrow any from 2014 for Aulani, and that is going to be a much larger point chunk than the exchange will be. The exchange would be for the first week of March (the first week of our 2013 use year).

Thanks for the other exchange ideas. I looked at TUG and also at VRBO, and I could buy/rent something appropriate for less than $2000 for that second week, but as DH said...We have the points, so it feels like paying double. He doesn't want the risk of renting out our points.

Then just book something else, say for DVC HI, that is the exact same points until you get the Aulani trip booked. Do realize that having to WL may kill your planning though. Another option is to do a deposit first and direct the points you want to use. Again, you should talk to DVC but it may be you can get them to commit to the 2013 points for the exchange since it will occur during your 2013 UY, just make sure the ENTIRE week is in the 2013 UY and not just part of it. Not only does renting help you to solidify your options, it also gives you an owners preference for unit assignments in most cases and often allows you to pick your view as well.

I'm assuming you're looking at a 2 BR for that price, if so, you likely will do better through the other entities I mentioned where RCI may give you a better value (less points) though with less choices and less control.

We'll be there for 3 weeks next year, I've had it booked for 3 months now. OF 2 BR for Maui Marriott (new towers) using Marriott Destination points (new Marriott timeshare points program), 2 BR at Ko'Olina (owned unit) and 1 BR OF Kauai Marriott (older one but the only one with smaller than 2 BR units).

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks Dean. My next question is if you think we have a snowball's chance of getting an RCI trade for a 2 bedroom via the DVC exchange route. Would you say our chances are better or worse than 50%?

I have been looking at the trade board on TUG as well, but so far all of those with Hawaii to exchange are looking for other Hawaii and none are looking for Disney.

 

[Dean]

Thanks Dean. My next question is if you think we have a snowball's chance of getting an RCI trade for a 2 bedroom via the DVC exchange route. Would you say our chances are better or worse than 50%?

I have been looking at the trade board on TUG as well, but so far all of those with Hawaii to exchange are looking for other Hawaii and none are looking for Disney.

No, not at anywhere I'd be comfortable staying. I'd put your chances for March, 2013 with an ongoing search for a 2 BR for reasonable places on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island at around 10%, Maui at around 1% or less. If you go the TPI, HTSE or SFX option, you may get up near 50% for that time. Just my guess of course.