Trading into DVC via HGVC/RCI

[LadySiren]

Howdy, y'all! I apologize in advance if this question has been asked but it's my first time to the DISboards and I found my search results a little confusing when trying to find info on this question. Okay, so here goes:

I'm an HGVC owner and would like to trade into DVC via HGVC's arrangement with RCI (how's that for confusing?) if at all possible. If I'm understanding correctly what I'm reading, we should have ample points for a one-week stay at a DVC resort.

So my question is this: anybody know how hard it is to trade into DVC from an outside timeshare? I'm just wondering if it's worth me even trying. Through my recent engagement to a wonderful guy, we now find ourselves with five (!) kids. Because of the large family size, a timeshare is pretty much a must for us - trying to feed everyone on top of paying for tickets and lodging would leave us in the poorhouse, LOL.

Any insight is most welcome and appreciated; again, apologies if this question was asked and answered, or if this is not the right place to post such an inquiry.

Melissa

PS: I'm gonna have to do my best to resist the urge to buy DVC...I have a timeshare already, I don't need another one, heh.

 

[Purseval]

a 2br DVC would cost you 4800 points, if you try far enough in advance you can get something. As an HGVC owner you can call RCI and initiate a search. They will charge you the RCI transfer fee in advance and call you when they find something. You have 24 hours to respond or they offer to the next in line. This is much more efficient than trying to search online because they obviously have direct access to the system and will see something come up before you do.

To get all the details of what you need to do you should call HGVC owner's customer service. They will connect you with their RCI rep and start you on the process. The sooner you start, even if you are trying for next year, the better chance you will have. If you are trying to get something 30 or 60 days from now the odds are slim to none so the longer window the better. Good luck.

 

[LadySiren]

Thank you so much; that's just the type of info I was hoping for. We do have some flexibility in our travel dates so maybe we'll get lucky. I have stayed at the HGVC International Blvd. property previously but would prefer to be at a WDW resort if we can.

 

[FIREFLY01]

also u might want to try bonnet creek its in RCI and on property right next to carribean resort and have better availability

 

[littlestar]

If you don't get DVC, I would try Hilton's new Parc Soleil resort - it's gorgeous. It has a huge zero entry pool with slide. I would consider the units a little nicer than DVC - with the stainless steel appliances and wood laminate floors.

 

[LadySiren]

Ooooh, good ideas! If we can't get DVC, these sound like great alternatives. Thanks!

 

[happymommy]

We own a Marriott, so have trading with Interval International instead of RCI. I know with Interval, we can do a search online (at least with my studio I've got deposited with them I can). Every once in a while I search to see what we'll trade it for (haven't decided yet, but Branson, Missouri, is definitely in the running for this summer).

While doing a search, I found for us a getaway for spring break - $440 including tax for a week at a 2 bedroom villa at Marriott's Grande Vista. Yippee. We were going to be paying $350 or so per night for a one bedroom at Disney's Boardwalk Villas, so this was such a deal.

I know RCI has those as well, and they change daily.

Otherwise, I've heard that new Hilton is beautiful as well. With 7 of you, you'll definitely need the larger two bedroom units.

How wonderful - congratulations on your engagement and new family!!!!!!

 

[Suzyq9241]

I am sorry to ask this question.... Ladysiren

Do you own a timeshare in Orlando? Just curious... because we own... and we wanted to do the points to stay at Animal Kingdom.. and because we own with in the 30 mile radius we couldn't...We had it all paid for and okay-ed and than 4 days later we get a phone call and had to book somewhere else...


So that is why I am asking...

 

[LadySiren]

We are HGVC owners at the Flamingo in Las Vegas and have stayed at the Orlando HGVCs without any problems. This will be the first time we're going to (hopefully) trade into an RCI property. Sorry, that's probably not all that helpful.

I am sorry to ask this question.... Ladysiren

Do you own a timeshare in Orlando? Just curious... because we own... and we wanted to do the points to stay at Animal Kingdom.. and because we own with in the 30 mile radius we couldn't...We had it all paid for and okay-ed and than 4 days later we get a phone call and had to book somewhere else...


So that is why I am asking...

 

[prov3v56]

We traded our HGVC for our WDW trip this summer. We were able to book a 2bd at WL and a 2bd at Vero Beach. We searched online last Sept and booked for this July. I don't know when you plan to travel, but SSR and OKW are still showing availability for this summer.

If you go through the HGVC website and look under RCI, you can do an online search. That should give you some idea of what you are looking at before calling.

You will have to pay the RCI exchange fee when booking, and a $95 resort fee to Disney when you check in, so keep that in mind.

I totally know what you mean about staying on property. We have stayed at HGVC International, Marriott Grande Vista and Marriott Cypress. Once we stayed onsite, we have not wanted to stay offsite.

The DVC rooms are smaller than the ones we have stayed in offsite, but we love that we are in Disney our whole vacation.

We did break down and buy DVC even though we own two other timeshares, but this was before RCI could trade into DVC. I don't regret buying DVC as it gives us availability into DVC without having to book an entire week, but it is very nice to be able to combine DVC with an RCI trade for a longer vacation!