Thinking of DVC

[networktek]

hi there we have been going to disney for the past 3 years and now we are thinking of DVC i have a question about RCI through dvc is it tough to get hotels i like the option that you can go almost any were in the world but want to know how far in advance you would have to make your reservation
thank you also for animal kingdom villas how far in advance would you have to book to get a dec holiday there

 

[Sandisw]

Welcome. I have not used RCI so I can't tell you how easy or hard but I can say that most feel that DVC is not a great value if your purchase is to trade out vs. staying at DVC resorts.

As far as AKV, if it is your home resort (where you buy your points), then you will get a 4 month booking advantage over non resort owners. So, for a December trip, you can book as early as 11 months prior to check in date. A 7 months prior to check in date, all DVC owners can book any of the resorts.

Since December is a popular time at DVC, if you want to stay at AKV, then owning there would be a good idea.

Good luck!

 

[disneynutz]

If you are really interested in seeing the world outside of Disney, than DVC is not for you. Disney uses the see the world as a marketing ploy that most Members never use.

 

[Crystal_27]

If you are really interested in seeing the world outside of Disney, than DVC is not for you. Disney uses the see the world as a marketing ploy that most Members never use.

I agree with this. The Guides take 20 minutes to explain how great it is to be able to transfer through RCI but the reality seems to be that the process is a pain in the neck and that you have to start planning on transferring at least a year in advance. If you are planning on buying into DVC to stay at non-DVC properties, you probably could do better with another timeshare. As to AKV, are you planning on buying into AKV? If so, you will be able to book a December trip 11 months out, whereas someone who owns another DVC property will be able to book AKV at 7 months out. Therefore, you will have a couple months head start at your home resort, which should make it easy to get exactly what you want. That said, I think that generally you will see that AKV is available at 7 months, although you would be limited on the various "views" available to you, and likely conceirge would not be available. Good luck!!

 

[Dean]

Top resorts during peak times are hard to get through RCI (or II). If DVC makes sense for you for Disney trips, simply buy less points and consider other means for the non Disney trips. Possibly just cash or another timeshare would be MUCH better and cheaper choices for almost everyone looking at both DVC and non DVC AND it would give you more and better choices at that cheaper price is almost all well researched decisions.