Yikes! Worlds Passport Collection is switching from II to RCI!

[Starr W.]

Has anyone thought that maybe II decided to end it's relationship with DVC and not the other way around?

If that was the case what were DVC options for exchange companies? I know Icydog just loves SFX!.

 

[TotoToo]

I hate to appear to be a snob but when it comes to my money then I am snobbish. I hate to pay big bucks to Disney only to have them offer me non-parity resorts in exchange. One of the things I don't like about RCI is the class of people I meet in their resorts. It takes a lot of money to own some of the II resorts, just as it does to own DVC, and I appreciate that. By allowing folks who only have a tiny fraction invested to use our resorts opens up a Pandora's Box of calamities. If someone buys a Wnydham Resort for .01 on eBay will they respect my property---probably not-- but that's indeed what they sell for. Also Wnydham is owned by Cendant the company that owns RCI. Since they are in bed together Wyndham folks stand to get more out of this deal than others. Wyndham notoriously does not protect their owners, therefore, after the sale their timeshares are often worthless. How will a company like RCI who owns a timeshare company that routinely devalues its worth be a good business partner for DVC??

Unfortunately that does come off a bit snobbish. You are making the incorrect assumption that DVC resorts are all top notch (they are not) and that others such as Wyndham are lesser properties. In fact there are Wyndham resorts that are not up to the few DVC's that exist but, in the 100+ resorts Wyndham operates, there are more than half of them that are equal or better than DVC in size, quality and also offer many different locations vs the 4 or 5 DVC offers. While DVC has a nice product and usually good locations, they tend to smaller than most timeshares and not particularly upscale. Even within the gates at Disney World Bonnet Creek is on par or better than most of the onsite DVC resorts. Grand Desert, LV, the Washington DC resort and many more are all at or above Marriott quality and Marriott's nearly across the board are of higher quality than DVC tends to be. And the same holds true for other resorts/systems in RCI. Not every one but many are at least as good and many better than the DVC resorts. I know DVC owners pay the highest fees and only rent for XX years but that doesn't mean they have the best resorts. They don't. Better than many but not as good as some. And being in II or RCI doesn't change that bottom line. So give RCI resorts a chance and you'll discover the world doesn't revolve around DVC as they want you to believe.

 

[icydog]

When I spoke with the Manager of Member Satisfaction, Nicole Florio, she said that DVC wanted this and that they are going with RCI to, and I quote, give members more exchange opportunities. You have a long memory when it comes to my posts. You must be paying careful attention. That's good..

 

[jmatias]

When I spoke with the Manager of Member Satisfaction, Nicole Florio, she said that DVC wanted this and that they are going with RCI to, and I quote, give members more exchange opportunities. You have a long memory when it comes to my posts. You must be paying careful attention. That's good..

In other words..... Quantity over Quality.

Jen

 

[Starr W.]

When I spoke with the Manager of Member Satisfaction, Nicole Florio, she said that DVC wanted this and that they are going with RCI to, and I quote, give members more exchange opportunities. You have a long memory when it comes to my posts. You must be paying careful attention. That's good..

Now Marilyn, do you really think anyone at DVC would admit to getting the boot by II? They'll spin it, that it was their idea.

I remember asking you about SFX, as I deposited my 09 ski week with them. I don't know how RickandCindy did with trying to get a May 2br in Maui?

I still get SFX emails on depositing a DVC week!

 

[icydog]

Unfortunately that does come off a bit snobbish. You are making the incorrect assumption that DVC resorts are all top notch (they are not) and that others such as Wyndham are lesser properties. In fact there are Wyndham resorts that are not up to the few DVC's that exist but, in the 100+ resorts Wyndham operates, there are more than half of them that are equal or better than DVC in size, quality and also offer many different locations vs the 4 or 5 DVC offers. While DVC has a nice product and usually good locations, they tend to smaller than most timeshares and not particularly upscale. Even within the gates at Disney World Bonnet Creek is on par or better than most of the onsite DVC resorts. Grand Desert, LV, the Washington DC resort and many more are all at or above Marriott quality and Marriott's nearly across the board are of higher quality than DVC tends to be. And the same holds true for other resorts/systems in RCI. Not every one but many are at least as good and many better than the DVC resorts. I know DVC owners pay the highest fees and only rent for XX years but that doesn't mean they have the best resorts. They don't. Better than many but not as good as some. And being in II or RCI doesn't change that bottom line. So give RCI resorts a chance and you'll discover the world doesn't revolve around DVC as they want you to believe.

How can I not appear to be snobbish when the resale market of Wnydhams is so bad. (and when I say resale I mean the resorts are actually free or close to free on EBay) Yes, Wnydham has some nice resorts, but not in my opinion as nice as DVC. The Manhattan Club has extremely small rooms but it is the top resort in RCI. Why? Location. DVC's biggest advantage is not room size but the amenities connected with owning a DVC resort. Where else can you stay that gives you all the options that a DVC Orlando resort offers. We are in one right now and I have the option to swim at any resort on site, eat in on a dining plan, ride on free transportation to the theme parks, get free transportation to my resort, have free luggage handling to and from the airport as the cruiselines offer. Where else can you swim, waterski, ride horses, attend a luau, attend a rousing country jamboree, watch movies in the woods, watch fireworks from my balcony, parasail, rent a pontoon boat, attend breakfast with Cinderella etc etc and never leave my timeshare resort. Nowhere, but with DVC and at the Walt Disney World Resort. I never need a car, a dollar, or a cause, I am always welcome here. I have stayed at the Bonnet Creek for a week. I couldn't wait to get back to Disney. Yes, the rooms are beautiful but you still have to get to Disney. You have to wait to get in when all the crowds are allowed in and you still do not get to use all the fabulous Disney World Resort Facilities.

 

[msabol01]

Something to consider here is that I've read many times on these boards about people who either were not able to get the trade they wanted or it took a long time waiting for it to come through. So if DVC is hearing this feedback directly or via these boards, the RCI move makes sense from a management standpoint.

It may be a case of quantity over quality, but what good is quality if most aren't able to get it?

 

[bwvBound]

Something to consider here is that I've read many times on these boards about people who either were not able to get the trade they wanted or it took a long time waiting for it to come through. So if DVC is hearing this feedback directly or via these boards, the RCI move makes sense from a management standpoint.

Seriously, I don't think we'll see a significant improvement in this area by moving to RCI. Iffy/waiting is the nature of the "exchanging" game. For many, myself included, exchanging is a gamble ... providing similar thrills and griefs.

 

[Mamiamjo]

When I spoke with the Manager of Member Satisfaction, Nicole Florio, she said that DVC wanted this and that they are going with RCI to, and I quote, give members more exchange opportunities.

That's what they said, but what they meant was that they were able to make a better deal with RCI so we're stuck with the switch.

I mean really, do you think that there was a huge outcry from DVC members asking to switch to RCI because of limited exchange opportunities?

I haven't belonged to RCI but from what I've seen and heard, I'm not thrilled about the change. Besides I bought DVC to use not to trade away. I have however traded into DVC to add on to one of my points ressies. I guess this summer's week will be the last time I can do that since my other resort is only affiliated with II.

Not at all happy
Mike

 

[Dean]

I am trying to keep up with threads, but I am a bit confused due to info overload. I just read the Orlando Sentinel article, as quoted above in post #66. I am concerned about RCI exchangers getting our ressies, so here are questions:

1. Will our 11 month home advantage still be applicable?

2. Does this mean that I now have to compete with RCI exchangers for other DVC resorts at 7 month window?

*** I am very concerned with question #2 ***

Thanks for the discussion, Tiger

UNLESS DVC takes to circumventing the reservation rules, this is not an issue. But it may be an issue for the 7 month window depending on how this goes down.

Has anyone thought that maybe II decided to end it's relationship with DVC and not the other way around?

If that was the case what were DVC options for exchange companies? I know Icydog just loves SFX!.

Not on your life. Now it's possible that DVC could have made enough demands that they couldn't match and they gave up it but they created the entire short stay exchange system to try to make DVC happy and have been running a separate website system with DVC's inventory listed. IMO, DVC made a big mistake. Partly for the reason we've discussed on these threads but more from the missed opportunity. This was the perfect time to ramp up the BVTC, re-affiliate with Hilton like in the early 90's as well as Marriott, Wyndham, Hyatt, Westin, Royals, Bluegreen and the like. That way members could make direct reservations with the other systems with far less competition than through II or RCI and a far better chance of success as well as a definite answer rather than a wait and see. Even then and in every system you could dream up, the top resorts during peak times will not be routinely available.

 

[bwvBound]

This was the perfect time to ramp up the BVTC, re-affiliate with Hilton like in the early 90's as well as Marriott, Wyndham, Hyatt, Westin, Royals, Bluegreen and the like. That way members could make direct reservations with the other systems with far less competition than through II or RCI and a far better chance of success as well as a definite answer rather than a wait and see.

That would have been really great!

 

[Brian Noble]

I hate to appear to be a snob but...One of the things I don't like about RCI is the class of people I meet in their resorts.

Um, okay then.

It takes a lot of money to own some of the II resorts, just as it does to own DVC, and I appreciate that. By allowing folks who only have a tiny fraction invested to use our resorts opens up a Pandora's Box of calamities.

You're not exactly new to the timeshare game Marylyn. You know that people do this routinely through Interval right now. You also know that plenty of folks who own at RCI-affiliated resorts---including the Wyndhams---paid full freight for their interests from the developer, at prices that rival DVC's.

 

[littlestar]

UNLESS DVC takes to circumventing the reservation rules, this is not an issue. But it may be an issue for the 7 month window depending on how this goes down.

Not on your life. Now it's possible that DVC could have made enough demands that they couldn't match and they gave up it but they created the entire short stay exchange system to try to make DVC happy and have been running a separate website system with DVC's inventory listed. IMO, DVC made a big mistake. Partly for the reason we've discussed on these threads but more from the missed opportunity. This was the perfect time to ramp up the BVTC, re-affiliate with Hilton like in the early 90's as well as Marriott, Wyndham, Hyatt, Westin, Royals, Bluegreen and the like. That way members could make direct reservations with the other systems with far less competition than through II or RCI and a far better chance of success as well as a definite answer rather than a wait and see. Even then and in every system you could dream up, the top resorts during peak times will not be routinely available.

Boy, a mini system with all the big brands participating would have been something to behold.

 

[msabol01]

"I hate to pay big bucks to Disney only to have them offer me non-parity resorts in exchange. One of the things I don't like about RCI is the class of people I meet in their resorts. "


Getting on thin ice here. Are we going to start comparing people who buy DVC through Disney versus those who buy Resale? Being an owner of one timeshare or vacation club doesn't make one better than another. Commenting on resorts is one thing but patrons is another. Just my opinion.

 

[Scotch]

One of the things I don't like about RCI is the class of people I meet in their resorts. It takes a lot of money to own some of the II resorts, just as it does to own DVC, and I appreciate that. By allowing folks who only have a tiny fraction invested to use our resorts opens up a Pandora's Box of calamities. If someone buys a Wnydham Resort for .01 on eBay will they respect my property---probably not-- but that's indeed what they sell for.

Please, do we need to go as low as to make a wholesale statement that disparages people based on where they own? Or denigrate someone's "class" because they may have purchased a timeshare wisely by purchasing cheaply on the resale market? Those original Wyndham (and other non-branded) owners paid $10K-$30K+ on their weeks, too, and probably more than some DVC owners here paid on the resale market for small points packages. What about the folks who are now snatching up Marriotts on eBay in the past year like the $1 for Streamside or $2300+ for Timber Lodge? Or one Tugger who bought Marriott Custom House a few years ago (before the downturn) for $2000? And who knows how low the market will go now that Marriott has removed the floor previously created by its exercise of ROFR. In the coming months/year we'll have a significantly new group of Marriott owners, all who bought in at pennies on the dollar. And given what I know of some of those buyers from TUG, it wouldn't surprise me if many of those bargain snatchers are those who can easily afford to buy Marriott at full retail prices (for cash) -- but why do so when you can pay so little on the resale market? These new wave of *cheap* owners are smart owners IMO.

There are plenty of cheap II resorts -- many on TUG have used cheap II traders for years that they bought for $100 to $1000 with m/fs in the $500 range and trade into off season DVCs all the time.

But back to the original point -- it becomes hard to listen to the merits of any of your statements when you say something that is so irrational or overblown such as disliking an exchange company because the people who own resorts affiliated with RCI are lower in class than those who own DVC or other resorts in II.

 

[JimC]

I don't see how this can hurt our ability to enjoy DVC since RCI can only access inventory that comes from DVC's ownership or points traded in by members and then only if DVC releases them to RCI. Only the traders are affected by this.

Does anyone have any statistics about the percentage of points traded out? That is the group who will be affected.

 

[tjkraz]

This was the perfect time to ramp up the BVTC, re-affiliate with Hilton like in the early 90's as well as Marriott, Wyndham, Hyatt, Westin, Royals, Bluegreen and the like. That way members could make direct reservations with the other systems with far less competition than through II or RCI and a far better chance of success as well as a definite answer rather than a wait and see. Even then and in every system you could dream up, the top resorts during peak times will not be routinely available.

Interesting thought.

Seems that DVC COULD still do something like that. With II in place, there wasn't much incentive to engage in direct contracts with many of the same companies. But since the ones you mention are not strongly represented in RCI, that could still be the second phase of a long-range plan.

 

[tjkraz]

You're not exactly new to the timeshare game Marylyn. You know that people do this routinely through Interval right now. You also know that plenty of folks who own at RCI-affiliated resorts---including the Wyndhams---paid full freight for their interests from the developer, at prices that rival DVC's.

Additionally, there is no guarantee that you're surrounded by people who paid $20k for ownership regardless of the timeshare system. Whether at a DVC resort, II or RCI, many of the guests are undoubtedly family/friends/relatives of the owner, renters or just the occasional cash-paying guest who paid the full rate or a last-minute bargain-basement rate on Expedia.

I'm not sure I buy into the idea that II traders will be more forgiving on DVC guest rooms than RCI traders. That's a bit of a stretch, IMO.

 

[NHLFAN]

Before purchasing at Bonnet Creek we thought seriously about buying into DVC until a light went off in our heads...IF you truly just want to go to Disney World every year and not worry about vacationing outside Disney then DVC would be our choice.We then looked at what Wyndham offered across the board and found hands down the Wyndham Resorts offer far better accommodations within their own system than anything Disney would offer us "trying" to exchange outside.

Would I like the opportunity in the future to trade my points into RCI for a DVC stay? ONLY if the points transferred were significantly lower than points needed for a week at Bonnet Creek. For us Bonnet Creek provides FAR better rooms than any DVC resort has to offer and the Disney Magic is within the park gates and that works for us.

 

[bicker]

I mean really, do you think that there was a huge outcry from DVC members asking to switch to RCI because of limited exchange opportunities?

What makes you think that DVC members have not been complaining about limited exchange opportunities?