Washington D.C.?

[LPnerd]

I don't exchange my DVC points because I think it's almost always a poor value and I have other options that work better exchanging, but I've played with the system a lot and I use RCI weeks AND RCI points online all the time. As I noted, I've made a lot of exchanges over the years and I can't think of a single problem related to the instant exchange process itself that would have mattered online or direct. I've seen a lot of issues with both II and RCI related to calling those companies directly. I believe that overall I know more about what I want, how I want to do it, the resorts in question & how the overall process works than would a DVC MS CM. IMO, so should anyone else looking to exchange, if one is not willing to put that much effort into investigating and learning, they likely should not participate. Making a quick decision to exchange and simply trusting that DVC will steer you correctly is begging for trouble.

There really are only a small %, maybe 10-15% of the roughly 500 on the DVC list, that are truly comparable to DVC. Even then it's only a good value for peak times. IMO, the best way to exchange, for those that own already, is to do the investigation and put in ongoing exchange request for the good stuff. However, I find that often I'm looking around and see something great that you know won't be there in 10 minutes, much less when MS opens and you can get through.

I have had excellent result exchanging . in fact we do it frequently. we were disappointed once, and that was RCI's fault and they refunded some money.
having said that, OF COURSE you must go to the sites check out what's offered and I mean, go to trip advisor, or whatever, I would never make a reservation for dinner without doing some research... who the heck would?
I'm saying... the Disney site's online issues abound, so even if you do use the online trade option, I would always follow it up with a call asap. it's the Disney website that is sorely lacking and not to be trusted... I hope it's clear now? sorry for confusion.

 

[Dean]

I have had excellent result exchanging . in fact we do it frequently. we were disappointed once, and that was RCI's fault and they refunded some money.
having said that, OF COURSE you must go to the sites check out what's offered and I mean, go to trip advisor, or whatever, I would never make a reservation for dinner without doing some research... who the heck would?
I'm saying... the Disney site's online issues abound, so even if you do use the online trade option, I would always follow it up with a call asap. it's the Disney website that is sorely lacking and not to be trusted... I hope it's clear now? sorry for confusion.

I agree with following up, I think it's far too risky waiting for a phone call for something that's desirable you see on the website. Unfortunately DVC members don't have some of the perks we have as direct members such as 24 hour cancelation option or the ability to place something on hold in many situation. I suspect our definition of excellent exchanges may be different because I also include cost in the equation.

 

[Bellecruiser]

We have stayed at the Mandarin Oriental 3 times. Once for the Fourth of July like a previous poster mentioned. We had mall side rooms, and an incredible view of the fireworks. Seriously, it seemed like they were going to explode in our room.

Twice we stayed for MLK weekend. Those weekends we enjoyed the restaurant CityZen, one of the top 10 restaurants in DC. We also love the pool and spa in the dead of winter.

I would highly recommend staying there. They love DVC clients, and while they don't say "welcome home" they do acknowledge how wonderful Disney is. One of the things I love is to sit in their lounge area and listen to their jazz musicians.