RCI trade--how easy is it?

[zoebears]

Hello! My husband would like to try something different this year, so we are considering trading our VWL points for an RCI stay. Unfortunately, we are looking to go prime time, during the 4th week of APril 2011. Before paying the $95 search fee, how successful have people been in getting their choices, especially during peak season? thanks!!

 

[Catira]

Have you thought of doing a resort swap with someone? Maybe someone owns a Hawaii Resort that you feel is equal to your VWL resort. You might check www.tug2.net, it is a timeshare forum. I have seen members exchange one resort week reservation for someone else's. Maybe an option for you..

 

[AnnaS]

I have not traded into RCI (yet). I would suggest putting a search in two years before. My sil has tried twice (about 6/9 months before) without any luck for places she wanted.

I have mentioned it before. I wish there was a sticky for DVC trades into RCI - with their success rate/resort/input, etc.

 

[zoebears]

thanks for both your suggestions! I will try the tug site

 

[2tink4u]

Hey There, I'm an RCI owner and use their site all the time. I can honestly tell you that there is little availability ever for Oahu and Maui. Frequent availability for Kauai, and moderate for The Big Island. We just spent 18 days in Hawaii and loved it. The trip is soooo long. So, if you have to have Oahu or Maui don't waste your time. The other two are possible. More difficult during the summer and January, February. I've been watching for a good property for about 2 years. Disney's Aulani resort on Oahu is set to finish fall 2011. I recommend you book this through Disney or RCI. It looks spectaular. Once open there will be tons of availability in the beginning until it's all sold.

 

[bwvBound]

thanks for both your suggestions! I will try the tug site

If you "join" TUG ($15 for 1st year; less for renewals) you'll gain access to two great tools:

• Resort Reviews - a database of resort reviews and ratings submitted by other timeshare owners
• Sightings Board - a forum restricted to members only; used to post "hot exchange" options spotted on RCI Weeks, RCI Points, II, SFX and other exchange companies.

I suggest that you use the Sightings Board to request sightings for your target areas and dates. Keep in mind that responses to your request may include RCI resorts not offered to DVC members -- so you may want to limit the sightings request to specific resorts. Use the "RCI for DVC" directory (link found on the DVC member site) to identify resorts available to DVC. Research that list of resorts using the reviews ... then request sightings to gain a sense of availability. Good luck!

 

[Dean]

Hello! My husband would like to try something different this year, so we are considering trading our VWL points for an RCI stay. Unfortunately, we are looking to go prime time, during the 4th week of APril 2011. Before paying the $95 search fee, how successful have people been in getting their choices, especially during peak season? thanks!!

For prime resorts during prime time, the chances are fairly low for a full week, even less for less than a week. The chances are zero if you don't try. I'd put in a request for what you want and make a DVC reservation as a back up in case it doesn't come through.