RCI trading into DVC success stories?

[marsh0013]

I am new here! Trying to do my research as much as I can for our RCI trade into DVC. We've had a ongoing search since June 2015 for our Fall trip 2016, using weeks. What is the likelihood of a 2 BD popping up? On the search I have check in dates for 9/16/16-9/18/16 then starts again using dates from 10/7/16-11/13/16. I check online at least 2-3x a day and just get SS and it's typically a 1 BD. I did see this morning SS had two separate 1 beds for the same week just one day off check in dates, would we stand a better chance to do this? I just hate the thoughts of using so many of my Grandmothers trading powers! Any help or suggestions are greatly welcomed! Thanks!

2-bedrooms also haven't been deposited in quite some time, at least there have been no reports on TUG. I don't think you will have any issue matching a 1-bedroom at SSR sometime in that timeframe. I'd guess the Sept dates will match first, so if you really would prefer Oct/Nov, I'd drop the Sept dates from the search. Last year, we waited quite some time but eventually got our check in October 25. We were locked in to Oct 25 being the earliest date we could go (and really preferred the following weekend), so we were very limited. I had all but given up, and was planning to use the backup we had booked at POFQ.

Jersey week/Wine Dine weekend (Nov 4-6) most likely won't match, but you've got a real good chance of the last weekend matching (Nov 11-13), especially since that's when Food and Wine ends. Last year, we matched that weekend outside of seven months (Nov 14, 2015 check in matched on March 23, 2015 - OGS was started June 28, 2014) but didn't confirm the match since we wanted to go for F&W. Left the search running and finally confirmed Oct 25 check in on July 30, 2015. I believe some people got checks ins the following weekend either in Aug or Sept, but their searches were aged more than mine, so who knows if we would have gotten that weekend if we waited. But I was done waiting at that point! It can be very stressful!

We didn't even have that Oct 25 date included in our search to start, but when I saw someone had matched it in late July, I added it, and it matched the next day. Definitely join TUG (the paid account) so you can get access to the sightings board. It is extremely helpful to get an idea of what to expect.

One more thing - how many TPU do you have on your search? Make sure you have enough. SSR seems to be in the 27-33 range for 1-bedrooms in "low" season. The summer 1-bedrooms at SSR seem to be around 45 TPU. And the BWV we matched for this May is 38, while the SSR we had matched that exact same weekend was only 27.

Edit to add: yes, I believe you have a better chance of 2 x 1-bed than 1 x 2-bed. I know it's more TPU and 2 exchange fees, but it's better than getting nothing. And I think your best bet to get 2 on the same weekend is that first Sept week or that last Nov week. But you never know! Good luck!

 

[Deb & Bill]

I know AK and even Wilderness are around... and I saw a Beach Club. Not on RCI but I saw rci members selling them. you can always tell it's an RCI rental b/c it's exactly 7 days -- f-f, sat-sat, or sun-sun, and they always have the $95 fee.

Goes to show there are others out there that are not SS --- they just get scooped up by the pros to sell.

Which is illegal by RCI and DVC rules.

 

[Kristen Merritt]

2-bedrooms also haven't been deposited in quite some time, at least there have been no reports on TUG. I don't think you will have any issue matching a 1-bedroom at SSR sometime in that timeframe. I'd guess the Sept dates will match first, so if you really would prefer Oct/Nov, I'd drop the Sept dates from the search. Last year, we waited quite some time but eventually got our check in October 25. We were locked in to Oct 25 being the earliest date we could go (and really preferred the following weekend), so we were very limited. I had all but given up, and was planning to use the backup we had booked at POFQ.

Jersey week/Wine Dine weekend (Nov 4-6) most likely won't match, but you've got a real good chance of the last weekend matching (Nov 11-13), especially since that's when Food and Wine ends. Last year, we matched that weekend outside of seven months (Nov 14, 2015 check in matched on March 23, 2015 - OGS was started June 28, 2014) but didn't confirm the match since we wanted to go for F&W. Left the search running and finally confirmed Oct 25 check in on July 30, 2015. I believe some people got checks ins the following weekend either in Aug or Sept, but their searches were aged more than mine, so who knows if we would have gotten that weekend if we waited. But I was done waiting at that point! It can be very stressful!

We didn't even have that Oct 25 date included in our search to start, but when I saw someone had matched it in late July, I added it, and it matched the next day. Definitely join TUG (the paid account) so you can get access to the sightings board. It is extremely helpful to get an idea of what to expect.

One more thing - how many TPU do you have on your search? Make sure you have enough. SSR seems to be in the 27-33 range for 1-bedrooms in "low" season. The summer 1-bedrooms at SSR seem to be around 45 TPU. And the BWV we matched for this May is 38, while the SSR we had matched that exact same weekend was only 27.

Edit to add: yes, I believe you have a better chance of 2 x 1-bed than 1 x 2-bed. I know it's more TPU and 2 exchange fees, but it's better than getting nothing. And I think your best bet to get 2 on the same weekend is that first Sept week or that last Nov week. But you never know! Good luck!

I'm not sure the amount of TPU...it's being gifted to us from my Grandmother but I know she has tons of banked time from owning multiple shares without use. I know we were fine for what we we're searching for as far as points and we would probably be fine to use the others for the extra 1 BD like I discussed, I just feel bad using that much of hers.
I have read where people get the 1 BDs this way and then rent points for a studio through other sites/DVC members, to allow a 2 BD like set up...have you heard of this?
I hate to be a resort snob for Disney property when there availability off site but I am use to the EMH and transportation!

 

[marsh0013]

Which is illegal by RCI and DVC rules.

Yup, so frustrating! Since those of use searching for ourselves would love those different choices. But RCI and DVC tend to do nothing about it. I know the threat is there that they can cancel them, but from what we've seen, it doesn't seem to happen unfortunately.

 

[marsh0013]

I'm not sure the amount of TPU...it's being gifted to us from my Grandmother but I know she has tons of banked time from owning multiple shares without use. I know we were fine for what we we're searching for as far as points and we would probably be fine to use the others for the extra 1 BD like I discussed, I just feel bad using that much of hers.
I have read where people get the 1 BDs this way and then rent points for a studio through other sites/DVC members, to allow a 2 BD like set up...have you heard of this?
I hate to be a resort snob for Disney property when there availability off site but I am use to the EMH and transportation!

Yes, I have read the same thing about renting points for a studio and asking them to put you in a lockoff. I haven't done it myself since we are usually 2-4 people. I think SSR gives you the best chance of that, for a couple of reasons. 1 - I wouldn't want to book the studio until the 1-bedroom was confirmed since you're locked in when you rent points, and since matches are coming in beyond the 7 month mark, SSR will have the best availability to book a studio. 2 - SSR has the best chance of the availability when you check in that you can actually get a lockoff since it's so large. This could change though when the standard/preferred comes into play next year. I know you're going this year, so it wouldn't matter. But any other location that may have different views, you'd need to make sure the studio is the same view as the 1-bedroom you confirm. And I don't think they will guarantee you will actually get the lockoff in any case. You'd need to go in knowing you may be separated. At that point, I'd rather have 2 x 1-bedrooms if you may be separated anyway. If your grandmother is willing, I'd keep that option open.

And don't worry about being a snob wanting on-site. We are the exact same way. I think for the last quarter of the year, you just need to be really flexible (multiple dates, and including SSR).

 

[Kristen Merritt]

Yes, I have read the same thing about renting points for a studio and asking them to put you in a lockoff. I haven't done it myself since we are usually 2-4 people. I think SSR gives you the best chance of that, for a couple of reasons. 1 - I wouldn't want to book the studio until the 1-bedroom was confirmed since you're locked in when you rent points, and since matches are coming in beyond the 7 month mark, SSR will have the best availability to book a studio. 2 - SSR has the best chance of the availability when you check in that you can actually get a lockoff since it's so large. This could change though when the standard/preferred comes into play next year. I know you're going this year, so it wouldn't matter. But any other location that may have different views, you'd need to make sure the studio is the same view as the 1-bedroom you confirm. And I don't think they will guarantee you will actually get the lockoff in any case. You'd need to go in knowing you may be separated. At that point, I'd rather have 2 x 1-bedrooms if you may be separated anyway. If your grandmother is willing, I'd keep that option open.

And don't worry about being a snob wanting on-site. We are the exact same way. I think for the last quarter of the year, you just need to be really flexible (multiple dates, and including SSR).

I'm going to ask her and go from there. Just makes me feel guilty when she has me plus 1 other grandchildren!
We are open to any resort on property, I just know SS seems to be the one that is primarily available. The search has the 9 listed on directory (DV01-13) and 3 RD01,03,and 09. Was hoping our dates would be a less traveled time to go, now thinking I was wrong.
I also do not have experience in renting points, so unsure of how costly it may end up being. How many points are needed for a studio typically at somewhere like SS and cost per point in average...
We are traveling as 7 adults and 2 children, ages 2 & 3...so unfortunately we need the options I am tossing back and forth feeling like we may not get what we want after all the wait time!

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'm not sure the amount of TPU...it's being gifted to us from my Grandmother but I know she has tons of banked time from owning multiple shares without use. I know we were fine for what we we're searching for as far as points and we would probably be fine to use the others for the extra 1 BD like I discussed, I just feel bad using that much of hers.
I have read where people get the 1 BDs this way and then rent points for a studio through other sites/DVC members, to allow a 2 BD like set up...have you heard of this?
I hate to be a resort snob for Disney property when there availability off site but I am use to the EMH and transportation!

There is no guarantee that the studio will connect to the one bedroom.

 

[Kristen Merritt]

We're

There is no guarantee that the studio will connect to the one bedroom.

We are ok with that as well, just as long as we all get on property!

 

[marsh0013]

I'm going to ask her and go from there. Just makes me feel guilty when she has me plus 1 other grandchildren!
We are open to any resort on property, I just know SS seems to be the one that is primarily available. The search has the 9 listed on directory (DV01-13) and 3 RD01,03,and 09. Was hoping our dates would be a less traveled time to go, now thinking I was wrong.
I also do not have experience in renting points, so unsure of how costly it may end up being. How many points are needed for a studio typically at somewhere like SS and cost per point in average...
We are traveling as 7 adults and 2 children, ages 2 & 3...so unfortunately we need the options I am tossing back and forth feeling like we may not get what we want after all the wait time!

Check out one of the renting sites, they have calculators. I think for SSR studio it's somewhere around 100 points for a week, at anywhere from $13-15 per point or so. But actually, unless you match soon, there may not even be availability at an SSR studio for your dates (some October dates are already sold out), so it may be a moot point.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

This October's been pretty brutal, TBH.

 

[Brian Noble]

We've had a ongoing search since June 2015 for our Fall trip 2016, using weeks. What is the likelihood of a 2 BD popping up?

Zero.

 

[Kristen Merritt]

So....as my stress level has hit the top over this subject...
Would we be better to secure a week at say Bonnet Creek with 2 bedroom for the dates I really want which are available currently there AND start a new on going search for Disney property? I understand I will get back 100% of exchange fee if they do not successfully match my criteria.
Thoughts???

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Would we be better to secure a week at say Bonnet Creek with 2 bedroom for the dates I really want which are available currently there AND start a new on going search for Disney property?

Yes, almost certainly. This October, in particular, has been brutal at the 7-month mark. There is almost no chance of a 2BR releasing to RCI if your dates are in October, I think. November also seems tough, especially if you are aiming for specific dates.

 

[Kristen Merritt]

Yes, almost certainly. This October, in particular, has been brutal at the 7-month mark. There is almost no chance of a 2BR releasing to RCI if your dates are in October, I think. November also seems tough, especially if you are aiming for specific dates.

Our search dates are for these check in days: (all F, Sa and Su)
Sept 16,17, 17
Oct 7-30
Nov 4-13
Do we were specific or picky to any week just within any of those weeks/months. We've done Disney Winter, Spring/Easter, Christmas, Summer but never for Fall for the decor and Halloween...which is what I primarily want but if we miss due to them coming down in Nov we won't die...just would love to experience the season we haven't yet done!

 

[Dean]

So....as my stress level has hit the top over this subject...
Would we be better to secure a week at say Bonnet Creek with 2 bedroom for the dates I really want which are available currently there AND start a new on going search for Disney property? I understand I will get back 100% of exchange fee if they do not successfully match my criteria.
Thoughts???

You're best bet of success is to let it ride. If you're OK with doubling up not the exchange as you're saying, I'd take the WBC with a new search and keep your current search ongoing. IF you decide to change it, I'd modify it rather than cancel and restart it because you'll retain your current place in line.

 

[Brian Noble]

So....as my stress level has hit the top over this subject...
Would we be better to secure a week at say Bonnet Creek with 2 bedroom for the dates I really want which are available currently there AND start a new on going search for Disney property? I understand I will get back 100% of exchange fee if they do not successfully match my criteria.
Thoughts???

To the best of anyone's knowledge, DVC has not deposited a 2BR unit since about November 2014. If you need a 2BR unit, you are not going to get it via RCI Exchange unless something changes. So, I would absolutely take the Bonnet Creek unit with some other deposit. There is no harm in letting your original search run, because (as you point out) the fee is refunded if you do not mach.

But, it's not going to match to a 2BR.

On the other hand, if you can squeeze into a 1BR, you've got a broad enough set of dates that you might get something, probably in SSR.

 

[cmarsh31]

There is a near-zero chance of a Grand Villa trading out.

Bummer, thanks!

 

[Kristen Merritt]

To the best of anyone's knowledge, DVC has not deposited a 2BR unit since about November 2014. If you need a 2BR unit, you are not going to get it via RCI Exchange unless something changes. So, I would absolutely take the Bonnet Creek unit with some other deposit. There is no harm in letting your original search run, because (as you point out) the fee is refunded if you do not mach.

But, it's not going to match to a 2BR.

On the other hand, if you can squeeze into a 1BR, you've got a broad enough set of dates that you might get something, probably in SSR.

I wish we could squeeze in BUT we are 7 adults and 2 children (age:2&4)! When you say not seen since 2014, is it based off online only, I ask as we have the search and know that they respond to the list prior to listing on site...
I think I'll defiantly secure the BC and let the search ride on.
Can we cancel BC if we were to get our match (I know unlikely) or try to do what I saw on Saturday where there were 2 different 1 bedroom in the same week with just different check in dates (Sat and the other Sun)? I am open that option as well so long as my grandmother has the TP to do so and approves it. Just unfamiliar with what the policy to cancel if we were to need to for the BC.
I thank you all very much for your insight.

 

[marsh0013]

I wish we could squeeze in BUT we are 7 adults and 2 children (age:2&4)! When you say not seen since 2014, is it based off online only, I ask as we have the search and know that they respond to the list prior to listing on site...
I think I'll defiantly secure the BC and let the search ride on.
Can we cancel BC if we were to get our match (I know unlikely) or try to do what I saw on Saturday where there were 2 different 1 bedroom in the same week with just different check in dates (Sat and the other Sun)? I am open that option as well so long as my grandmother has the TP to do so and approves it. Just unfamiliar with what the policy to cancel if we were to need to for the BC.
I thank you all very much for your insight.

You will be able to cancel the Bonnet Creek if you get another match, but you will lose the $209 exchange fee. And depending how close it is to check in, you will also not get back all the TPU. On the exchange I just cancelled for May 20 check in, we originally used 27 TPU, and we were only going to got back 22 TPU (but paid the $99 'insurance" fee before cancelling to reinstate to the additional TPU). The amount you get back is a percentage based on date.

 

[Brian Noble]

When you say not seen since 2014, is it based off online only, I ask as we have the search and know that they respond to the list prior to listing on site...

No, this isn't based only on online sightings in the space bank. This includes ongoing searches (both mine and many other members of TUG), plus the complete absence of 2BR exchange rentals on ebay. DVC is simply not depositing 2BRs at this time.