RCI Question

[jandm]

My parents own through RCI. If we would like to take a Disney vacation, do they have to use points or can we just get a Disney package that has the discounted room? Through RCI? It's all so confusing!

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

I'm afraid your question is a little confusing, but I'll take a shot at it.

I sounds as if maybe you're looking at the Walt Disney World web site and thinking you can use RCI points to book a package. An exchange into the Disney Vacation Club resorts doesn't work like that. Instead of specifying exactly what you want, you have to look through the weeks that DVC members have deposited into RCI to see if one of them matches the trip you want to take.

Your parents would need to look through the RCI site to see what exchanges are available. Those for DVC will be listed along with other RCI destinations. There will be specific DVC resorts/dates/villa sizes available in the exchange listing. If one of them matches your desired travel plans, you go through the standard RCI process of booking the exchange.

Once you have the RCI booking, you'll receive a letter that has details on how to contact DVC Member Services. If you desire, you can add Disney's Magical Express, the Dining Plan, dining reservations, and special requests to your reservation at this point. You would purchase your park tickets from the Walt Disney World web site, from a third-party ticket broker, or on-site from either the resort concierge or a ticket window at one of the parks. (Park tickets are not included in the exchange.)

 

[jandm]

Sorry for the confusion, I'm confused myself! I think you did answer my question. When I go on RCI's website it has a list of all the DVC villa's. Let's say I pick Boardwalk. I have to see which dates are available and then book it. I just keep reading about RCI "points" for villa's. We don't want to use up my parent's points, but would like to book through RCI and their discounted rate. I'm hoping this makes a little more sense. Also, is this something Small World Vacations can do, or do I make all the arrangements through RCI? Thanks again!

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

If you're looking to pay cash for a vacation, you may want to consider renting directly from a DVC member. The DVC rent/trade board here on DIS has details about that. See the stickies at the top of the board as a good starting point. I'll also point your attention to the ad for David's Vacation Club Rentals at the top of the page. His web site is dvcRequest.com.

Another option would be to use a travel agent or the WDW web site to book a cash vacation/package, and try to find a discount that's applicable to you. You can also look at special deals like 4th night free, free dining, or other specials Disney runs throughout the year. A good source for info on WDW discounts is www.mousesavers.com. You can also check out the DISboards' Budget Board.

 

[Brian Noble]

We don't want to use up my parent's points, but would like to book through RCI and their discounted rate.

RCI's cash rates for DVC villas are often not any better than you could get from any Disney specialist travel agency. Every once in a while they are though. If you can access the RCI web site with your parents' log in information, you can check for pricing yourself and compare.

 

[jandm]

RCI's cash rates for DVC villas are often not any better than you could get from any Disney specialist travel agency. Every once in a while they are though. If you can access the RCI web site with your parents' log in information, you can check for pricing yourself and compare.

Sounds good! Thanks!!

 

[Dean]

My parents own through RCI. If we would like to take a Disney vacation, do they have to use points or can we just get a Disney package that has the discounted room? Through RCI? It's all so confusing!

RCI does cash rentals and timeshares exchanges. It's likely you would use up their points and then some depending on specifics as DVC is fairly expensive in the number of points needed, like 45-60K for a 1 BR and 100-120K for a 2 BR much of the time.

 

[jandm]

RCI does cash rentals and timeshares exchanges. It's likely you would use up their points and then some depending on specifics as DVC is fairly expensive in the number of points needed, like 45-60K for a 1 BR and 100-120K for a 2 BR much of the time.

So you would still have to use points instead of just a cash rental?

 

[Dean]

So you would still have to use points instead of just a cash rental?

They do both so you would potentially have your choice. The reality is that the price for DVC is usually not enough of a discount to make this route worthwhile. The exchange options (using RCI points directly) is subject to availability but a much better deal for most situation. Even if you had to pay your parents for their costs, you'd still come out way ahead in many situations.

 

[jandm]

That's a good idea too. Although I have no idea what points cost, etc..If we don't get the DVC villa, then we will just book at POR. Would a deal at one of the villa's be a better deal than just staying at a moderate disney resort? Sorry for all the questions!

 

[Dean]

That's a good idea too. Although I have no idea what points cost, etc..If we don't get the DVC villa, then we will just book at POR. Would a deal at one of the villa's be a better deal than just staying at a moderate disney resort? Sorry for all the questions!

No problem with the questions, we're all there for one topic or another at times. You'll have to look at your parents specifics to judge costs. You might look at how many points they get a year and the yearly maint fee costs. For sake of discussion if DVC costs 100K points and they get 50K a year, you might look at 2 years worth of maint plus the exchange fee plus some adjustment for their RCI yearly fee and up front costs if applicable. Being VERY fair to them will still likely save you some even compared to a moderate for a week though a studio compared to a moderate will not be nearly the savings as looking at Deluxe's or DVC on cash.

 

[jandm]

Thanks so much! I will look into this.