RCI Question

[queenofthehive]

We have a timeshare at Hilton Head Island, SC (Waterside by Spinnaker). Our week is week 27 (4th of July time). It is a 2 bedroom. I would like to join RCI and use this week next year (same week 2012 ) to trade for a 2 bedroom DVC villa - (dream would be beach club villas). If this is possible, does anyone have tips/suggestions on the best way to do this? We only banked our week one time with RCI and that was years ago so I am basically new to the process. I only want to bank my week so I we can use it for DVC. Any hope??? Thank you so much!

 

[Brian Noble]

As of right now, RCI lists that week as being worth 30 Trade Power Units. DVC 2BR units typically go for something in the mid-to-high 20s. So, as of right now today, you would have a pretty good shot.

However, you should be aware that this is not without risk. The "rules of the game" in timeshare exchange are always changing, and it is possible that after you deposit, the rules change in a way that would limit your ability to get a DVC unit in exchange at a time you can travel. In general, I don't recommend depositing to an exchange company for one very specific purpose. Instead, it would be safer for you to rent out your week, and use the proceeds towards the rental of the Disney reservation you want. You will probably have to come up with extra cash, but in exchange you limit the risk you have.

For more details about how to go about making this exchange, I'd recommend you join TUG (tugbbs.com) or Timeshare Forums (www.timeshareforums.com). You'll learn a *lot* about how this all works, though it will take some reading.

 

[ldo]

you need to start an ongoing search when you deposit your week. That is the search where you pay the trade fee up front. If you do not have to pay the fee, then you did not start the search. You should put in ALL DVC-WDW in your search and not just BCV. SSR and OKW have the most availability. If you only put in 1 or 2 DVCs, you run the risk that units at those DVCs might not be deposited and you will get nothing. When trading thru RCI for DVC, the best plan is to be willing to accept any DVC for the week you are looking. The pickier you get, the more risk of not getting anything, esp. if you are only looking for 1 specific week in the summer. Also, there are fewer 2 BRs deposited than 1BRs and studios. If you put in all DVCs, you have a good shot at getting a 2 BR somewhere. A 2 BR at BCV is much less certain. Good luck. Elaine

 

[Dean]

We have a timeshare at Hilton Head Island, SC (Waterside by Spinnaker). Our week is week 27 (4th of July time). It is a 2 bedroom. I would like to join RCI and use this week next year (same week 2012 ) to trade for a 2 bedroom DVC villa - (dream would be beach club villas). If this is possible, does anyone have tips/suggestions on the best way to do this? We only banked our week one time with RCI and that was years ago so I am basically new to the process. I only want to bank my week so I we can use it for DVC. Any hope??? Thank you so much!

I'm surprised a 2 BR HH GC that week doesn't bring more than the 30 points (or 33 the week before). I know Spinnaker has expanded and enhanced their II affiliation which suggests that going forward, it's possible that the power will increase if the volume decreases. It also means it's possible (though not likely) one will not be able to join RCI going forward.

I'd say your chances of getting a DVC 2 BR that week if you start NOW is in the 20-30% range and if you restrict to BCV, less than 5%. This is an educated guess but based on a lot of experience trading to DVC both with II and RCI. Unfortunately you don't have the request first option with RCI that DVC members do and that you do with II, which you can no longer use to trade to DVC. If you want to use your week if not successful, I don't think I'd chance it. I see 2 other options to try to get DVC, one a direct trade and the other through an independent exchange company such as SFX or similar. Your chances are slim but both give you the potential to keep your week unless you are successful.

If your set on DVC or nothing, I'd not chance it. However, if you proceeded and didn't get DVC, you can always get something decent for Orlando later. So you try for DVC then about 4-6 months out you add other off property options if you haven't matched.

 

[Brian Noble]

I'm surprised a 2 BR HH GC that week doesn't bring more than the 30 points (or 33 the week before).

I was too. But, a few weeks ago, I ran a test search for 2BRs or larger, 6/21/11->7/31/11, Virginia->Georgia coastal. I got a *lot* of hits for HHI inventory, typically in the mid-20s. Myrtle showed up some, usually for a slightly higher cost. There's more inventory that turns over at HHI than I would have thought.

 

[Dean]

I was too. But, a few weeks ago, I ran a test search for 2BRs or larger, 6/21/11->7/31/11, Virginia->Georgia coastal. I got a *lot* of hits for HHI inventory, typically in the mid-20s. Myrtle showed up some, usually for a slightly higher cost. There's more inventory that turns over at HHI than I would have thought.

Certainly HH has a lot of inventory because there are quite a number of resorts. MB has much higher TPU numbers from comparable resorts which also doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Regardless, I would have expected Waterside to be a little higher comparatively but it is what it is as they say.