RCI trading

[DisneyBliss7]

I Know I recently asked about RCI trading as a DVC owner but is there a website that will list all the places we could trade to if we don't do Disney one year? :*( (husband likes the option of going somewhere other than Disney once in awhile But Disney will be our #1 place!

 

[erionm]

Log on to DVCMember.com and select RCI from the 'My Vacations' drop down menu.

 

[bwvBound]

If you don't have login access to the DVC Member website, try: http://b2b.rci.com/resort-directory/DVC/landing

 

[got4boys]

For the cost of the trade in RCI, depending on what location you are targeting, I would suggest in renting your points and then using the cash to pay for the non Disney resort vacation.

If you are trading into overbuilt areas - Branson, Williamsburg, Smoky Mountains, don't with RCI. The cost of a week you can rent with cash for a lot less.

For example - let's take Branson in the Summer - July 4th - You book a 2 bedroom for that week - it takes 210 DVC points - at $11 renting our points out you would get $2,300 for the points. Rentals for a 2 bedroom during that time you could get for a lot less than that.

 

[DisneyBliss7]

I read somewhere that as a DVC member are choice in RCI trades is limited? Is this true? What is the difference if someone owns DVC vs. someone who owns a timeshare and uses RCI?

 

[erionm]

I read somewhere that as a DVC member are choice in RCI trades is limited? Is this true?

That used to be true, but not any longer. Previously, DVC had limited the RCI exchanges to about 600 hand selected properties. This year they open up access to most RCI properties.

As a Disney Vacation Club Member, you know first-hand about flexibility and savings with the many vacation opportunities available to you. I’m excited to share with you that the exchange options are now more exciting than ever before, having grown from hundreds to thousands of additional choices!

Members who purchased directly from Disney* have access to the newly enhanced Disney Collection, which includes even more Walt Disney World Resort hotels, in addition to the existing Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney vacation options.

We’ve also revamped the World Passport Collection, now known as the World Collection. Through expanded exchange options through RCI, you can now choose from thousands of vacation options in destinations around the world, many that feature reduced vacation point values.

Plans call for additional options to be added to our Concierge Collection for Members who purchased directly from Disney*, so keep checking back for future news. For more exchange information, check out the Member Getaways section of DVCMember.com.

What vacation plans will you make with these enhanced vacation options?

*Effective March 21, 2011, Members who do not purchase their ownership interests directly from Disney will not be able to use those Vacation Points for the Disney or Concierge Collections.

 

[JimMIA]

That used to be true, but not any longer. Previously, DVC had limited the RCI exchanges to about 600 hand selected properties. This year they open up access to most RCI properties.

True, DVC's options have expanded a good bit. It's a little hard to evaluate because RCI double-counts a lot of resorts. If the same resort is both Weeks and Points, RCI counts that as two. And in some cases, if a resort has several homeowners associations they count each one as a separate resort.

Having said that, it now appears that DVC members have access to roughly 70-75% of the US RCI resorts, which is quite good. MUCH better than previously.

I still would certainly not even consider RCI as a factor in a prospective DVC purchase, however. It's not guaranteed, and could change or go away at any time with little or no notice.

 

[JimMIA]

For the cost of the trade in RCI, depending on what location you are targeting, I would suggest in renting your points and then using the cash to pay for the non Disney resort vacation.

If you are trading into overbuilt areas - Branson, Williamsburg, Smoky Mountains, don't with RCI. The cost of a week you can rent with cash for a lot less.

For example - let's take Branson in the Summer - July 4th - You book a 2 bedroom for that week - it takes 210 DVC points - at $11 renting our points out you would get $2,300 for the points. Rentals for a 2 bedroom during that time you could get for a lot less than that.

OTOH, a DVC 2 BR at WDW during that same time period would cost 296-551 points, depending on resort.

Using that comparison, and considering that DVC's exchange fee is half what most systems charge, I'd say 210 points is not such a bad deal. It would be an even better deal if you were not going to an overbuilt destination where you could likely get a cheap cash rental.

In addition, not everyone wants to rent their points for a wide variety of reasons.

The funny thing about this upgrade to DVC/RCI is that they just made RESALE a much better option, because resale points can be used for RCI and there is probably nothing DVC can do to change that!

 

[Dean]

I read somewhere that as a DVC member are choice in RCI trades is limited? Is this true? What is the difference if someone owns DVC vs. someone who owns a timeshare and uses RCI?

That used to be true, but not any longer. Previously, DVC had limited the RCI exchanges to about 600 hand selected properties. This year they open up access to most RCI properties.

Actually it's never been true either with II or RCI. It was actually worse with II than with RCI. You have to remember that through the exchange companies you're not trading with another person using DVC for what they have. You're simply throwing it into a humongous barter pile and hoping to pull out something comparable and almost never will you. Neither II nor RCI have ever given members special treatment or special access, actually the recent couple of years have likely been the best for DVC members in terms of the trade power and access compared to historically.

II treated all 5 star Orlando resorts the same, like Branson, LV & Williamsburg, one could take a sow's ear from somewhere else and trade to a silk purse in Orlando. RCI tends to treat the resorts by groupings but the principles still apply. The bottom line is it's not difficult to trade into DVC through RCI even though it's not super easy either and getting top trades in RCI or II for DVC members (or anyone else) is very difficult. Take Maui 1 BR or larger in top rated resorts during high demand times like the summer, Xmas or Feb/March.

 

[Dean]

True, DVC's options have expanded a good bit. It's a little hard to evaluate because RCI double-counts a lot of resorts. If the same resort is both Weeks and Points, RCI counts that as two. And in some cases, if a resort has several homeowners associations they count each one as a separate resort.

Having said that, it now appears that DVC members have access to roughly 70-75% of the US RCI resorts, which is quite good. MUCH better than previously.

I still would certainly not even consider RCI as a factor in a prospective DVC purchase, however. It's not guaranteed, and could change or go away at any time with little or no notice.

But in terms of those representing a real value, there was not a lot of change, just numbers.

OTOH, a DVC 2 BR at WDW during that same time period would cost 296-551 points, depending on resort.

Using that comparison, and considering that DVC's exchange fee is half what most systems charge, I'd say 210 points is not such a bad deal. It would be an even better deal if you were not going to an overbuilt destination where you could likely get a cheap cash rental.

In addition, not everyone wants to rent their points for a wide variety of reasons.

The funny thing about this upgrade to DVC/RCI is that they just made RESALE a much better option, because resale points can be used for RCI and there is probably nothing DVC can do to change that!

I don't think they could restrict resale in terms of RCI but they could BVTC. IMO the appropriate comparison of value is # of DVC points, market value of those DVC points and the market value of the exchange. Now if DVC even starts allow DVC members to both select the week and resort to deposit AND allow individual memberships; DVC becomes a very viable exchange options.

 

[JimMIA]

To me, there are two ways to assess any exchange.

One way is to come up with some sort of sensible formula to evaluate the cash value of the two accommodations, as Dean has done above. For someone evaluating an "exchange vehicle," that's a good method.

However, I start out with the premise that DVC is a very expensive timeshare to use for exchanges, and that (hopefully) few DVC owners have purchased with any intention of using DVC for exchanges. I also think that generally if you use the cash value method of assessing exchanges, DVC will come out on the short end of almost any trade just because of the expensive nature of DVC.

I also think that's not unique to DVC. As Dean correctly mentions above, with any system any exchange is going to be a trade down in quality. There are a few timeshare owners who are really knowledgeable about exchanging; Dean is certainly one of those. But most of us are not, and don't care to invest the time and energy to become expert.

So...for a DVC owner evaluating exchanges, I use a different criteria. I don't look for "best value" or "trading up," I look for satisfaction with the exchange.

To me, if the DVC owner is satisfied with what they get -- location of a destination they couldn't get within DVC, size of villa, quality of the resort, etc -- that's a good trade. For them, for that particular purpose, that particular trip...considering all of the many other factors in their vacationing decision-making equation. That may very well not be the greatest cash value -- probably won't be. But if they are satisfied with what they get for X number of points, who am I to say they didn't get a fair value?

The example I use is a trade we made with Wyndham/RCI in October 2012. We were visiting relatives in Cape Cod, and we got a one bedroom and a studio in a small timeshare on the Cape. The accommodations were nowhere near Wyndham quality, but they were spacious, spotless, with a very friendly staff, and within 3 miles of our uncle's home.

Was the exchange a financial coup? No, of course not. Could we have done better by planning ahead a year or more? Sure.

But -- were we satisfied? YES. In fact, it was PERFECT...for that particular trip.

 

[JimMIA]

But in terms of those representing a real value, there was not a lot of change, just numbers.

I agree with regard to value. I'm sure there has not been a major upgrade of the quality of exchanges.

But I still think the expansion of DVC/RCI is kind of a big deal.

In terms of the "satisfaction" criteria I use, the enhancements of RCI accessibility are a big plus to DVC owners. "Just numbers" actually amounts to going from something like 20% of the RCI resorts to 70+% worldwide...and tripling the number of available resorts is certainly not a trivial increase.

More numbers means more locations, more resort selections at those locations, and more units available. Just by luck of the draw, a good number of those added resorts have to be in locations where there was nothing previously. That's a plus, regardless of comparative value of the rooms.

In some places where there might have been only one or two resort choices, there may now be 5-6. Those additions may or may not be less attractive accommodations, but either way they offer more options. In a particular destination, there may now be availability where there was little or none before. That's a plus for DVC owners.

 

[Dean]

More numbers means more locations, more resort selections at those locations, and more units available. Just by luck of the draw, a good number of those added resorts have to be in locations where there was nothing previously. That's a plus, regardless of comparative value of the rooms.

And more chances to trade down. I agree there are a lot of variables and would suggest that owning and having the points is far different than buying in to trade. In almost every case it's discussed in terms of someone buying in rather than a experienced owner making choices OR it's discussed in the context of someone asking either about specific exchanges or specifically asking about the value/process. I'd also point out that there's a difference but fine line between micromanaging and making poor choices. Two specific examples (with much overlap) is trading for MX or trading for AI options. I'd suggest that there really are no examples where trading DVC would be a good deal other than possibly the very top resorts, for 2 or 3 specific weeks that are NONE AI and even those would be questionable. If you can get the same thing for little more than the exchange fee, there's no way to make the case it's a reasonable option. Jim, you and I disagree on this specific point. To me simply going and enjoying is not enough to make it a reasonable choice still my goal is simply to get people to think about their choices and get real info so they can make the best decisions possible. I could give many examples of people who were happy with their decisions but overpaid or made poor choices but as long as it's their money and they cover their obligations, it's their choice. None of us ever know how things are ultimately going to turn out, you do your best and take your chances.

 

[JimMIA]

I agree there are a lot of variables and would suggest that owning and having the points is far different than buying in to trade. In almost every case it's discussed in terms of someone buying in rather than a experienced owner making choices...

Agreed. And we both agree that buying DVC (or just about any other timeshare, unless you REALLY know what you're doing) for the purpose of exchanging is a REALLY BAD idea. It's not only a bad idea, exchanging should not even be considered in the DVC-purchase decision process.

...OR it's discussed in the context of someone asking either about specific exchanges or specifically asking about the value/process.

...in which case, your value model is the correct model to use.

If you can get the same thing for little more than the exchange fee, there's no way to make the case it's a reasonable option. Jim, you and I disagree on this specific point. To me simply going and enjoying is not enough to make it a reasonable choice

Sure, and disagreeing is fine. Presenting differing points of view is what discussion boards are all about.

(For those reading this and wondering, Dean is one of the best "friends" I have here on the DIS -- and someone I greatly respect. He is also a person whose expertise I relied heavily on when I was branching out in the wider-than-DVC timeshare world. We disagree on this one particular issue -- but not much else.)

 

[Dean]

Agreed. And we both agree that buying DVC (or just about any other timeshare, unless you REALLY know what you're doing) for the purpose of exchanging is a REALLY BAD idea. It's not only a bad idea, exchanging should not even be considered in the DVC-purchase decision process. ...in which case, your value model is the correct model to use. Sure, and disagreeing is fine. Presenting differing points of view is what discussion boards are all about.

(For those reading this and wondering, Dean is one of the best "friends" I have here on the DIS -- and someone I greatly respect. He is also a person whose expertise I relied heavily on when I was branching out in the wider-than-DVC timeshare world. We disagree on this one particular issue -- but not much else.)

Thanks Jim. Any exchange situation comes down to investigating the variables including likelihood of success, value, quality and hidden issues like unit assignment methods. The truth is that ANY high end timeshare has the same general issues with exchanging that DVC does with a little variability based on the specifics. However, I'd say that one can often do very well if they put the time and effort in to pick the right ownership for the right need. One needs to do the same trading DVC and if one isn't willing to learn the system and investigate the options, it's not reasonable to even participate.

 

[Mainst]

Thanks Jim. Any exchange situation comes down to investigating the variables including likelihood of success, value, quality and hidden issues like unit assignment methods. The truth is that ANY high end timeshare has the same general issues with exchanging that DVC does with a little variability based on the specifics. However, I'd say that one can often do very well if they put the time and effort in to pick the right ownership for the right need. One needs to do the same trading DVC and if one isn't willing to learn the system and investigate the options, it's not reasonable to even participate.

You both are very like able and enjoyable to read.

 

[4formickey]

WE have traded out of DVC for a few years now and the choices of resorts have went down. It seems like RCI has made a bait a switch move. In the beginning most of the resorts where very well maintan units and they where in good locations. Now it seems that they are offering places in the middle of nowhere that have the look and feel of a cabin.

 

[JimMIA]

WE have traded out of DVC for a few years now and the choices of resorts have went down. It seems like RCI has made a bait a switch move. In the beginning most of the resorts where very well maintan units and they where in good locations.

So, are you saying that the "good" resorts are no longer available? (I don't think that's true.)

If the resorts which used to be accessible still are -- then all that's happened is the addition of more choices. The added choices may not be your idea of an ideal exchange; if not, don't exchange for them.

Now it seems that they are offering places in the middle of nowhere that have the look and feel of a cabin.

Have you stayed in them? Or is that opinion based on looking at pictures on the Internet? Or dots on a map?

And even if that description is true -- it may be some DVC owner's idea of the perfect vacation spot. If you don't want to go there, don't go. Doesn't mean it's not a good exchange for someone.

 

[Dean]

WE have traded out of DVC for a few years now and the choices of resorts have went down. It seems like RCI has made a bait a switch move. In the beginning most of the resorts where very well maintan units and they where in good locations. Now it seems that they are offering places in the middle of nowhere that have the look and feel of a cabin.

RCI hasn't really changed. They have a wide range of options, quality, etc. One thing that has changed is that DVC has opened up to the majority of non Orlando RCI options and most of the additions are of a lower quality/desirability because DVC had hand picked the best options prior. There certainly are exceptions but the majority of these will be specialty things that are of interest to a much smaller group and the options that have "limited availability" which means they look good on paper but you'll never get them. Overall I prefer II to RCI but each has it's strong points and negatives. The other thing that hasn't changed is the user must investigate a given option and resort in detail. One cannot simply assume it's OK because it's on the DVC list or even because it's Gold Crown. Sometimes a resort is great overall but doesn't fit a given person's needs, for example might be some of the Kauai resorts that are ocean side but don't have a beach or the Aruba resorts that are somewhat inland.

 

[abdgeek]

WE have traded out of DVC for a few years now and the choices of resorts have went down. It seems like RCI has made a bait a switch move. In the beginning most of the resorts where very well maintan units and they where in good locations. Now it seems that they are offering places in the middle of nowhere that have the look and feel of a cabin.

As Dean said, you really have to do your homework before you book an RCI exchange to make sure it meets your vacation needs. So far, I've booked four RCI exchanges and stayed in three of them. All of them were Gold Crown Resorts and all but one met my expectations. For the one that didn't, my only gripe was that(IMO) the furnishings, while they were in good condition, had not been updated within the last 5-10 years. Once I got over that, I was fine. While I would not want to stay in a "cabin", that is my sisters idea of fun. As an RCI owner, she has stayed in numerous properties that would never appeal to me and loved them. She subscribes to the concept that "it's only a place to sleep". I, on the other hand, look for more amenities when I travel. The good thing is that both of us are able to find what works for us in RCI.