DVC to affiliate with RCI! [MERGED]

[GrayFal]

I am going over to see what they are saying on the DIS

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=28

 

[shellbelle]

subscribing

I just want to keep posted on this--as more info becomes available, it should show up here.

If DVC dumps II, we will be very, very unhappy. We own Marriotts that we have used occasionally to trade into DVC and DVC that we have occasionally used to trade out through II. We have looked into some RCI options and found the quality of the resorts to be, generally, lacking.

So through RCI DVC has added a bunch of resorts that I would never care to visit. And they've added a bunch of competition (to my II/Marriott properties) from RCI members looking to trade in to DVC. I lose both ways.

But the HUGE loss to me will be if/when DVC dumps II entirely. If that happens, we'll sell all the dvc (except one 25 point contract) and buy more marriott or some starwood.

 

[shellbelle]

Just got off the phone w an II Marriott rep...

He said that he's showing plenty of DVC availability through 2011, and that they haven't heard anything at all about DVC dropping II. He suggested that maybe DVC is just adding RCI, so you can choose to use either network.

Here's hoping...

 

[tug15]

Here's hoping they're adding RCI..an enhancement to Interval International...

Would be nice having both choices!

Here's hoping!

 

[bnoble]

He said that he's showing plenty of DVC availability through 2011

Interesting, seeing as how DVC only deposits 11 months in advance...

 

[gmarine]

I feel terrible that I might not be able to trade into DVC but I feel worse for the DVC members who may be stuck with RCI.

With no Marriotts,Hyatts,Westins,Four Seasons or Harborside how can a DVC member get a comparable exchange using RCI ? Very few RCI resorts even come close to the II offerings.

 

[tomandrobin]

I feel terrible that I might not be able to trade into DVC but I feel worse for the DVC members who may be stuck with RCI.

With no Marriotts,Hyatts,Westins,Four Seasons or Harborside how can a DVC member get a comparable exchange using RCI ? Very few RCI resorts even come close to the II offerings.

I agree. All you have to do is look at the top 100 resorts here on TUG. Only three RCI resorts are in the top 20.

 

[rsackett]

Since I did not get an AC for my Manor Club this year I've been toying with the Idea of dropping II after I use my 2008 Deposit at Grande Ocean in April. If I can not trade into DVC it may be the push I need to drop my II membership and give the independents a try.

Ray

 

[Amy]

So through RCI DVC has added a bunch of resorts that I would never care to visit. And they've added a bunch of competition (to my II/Marriott properties) from RCI members looking to trade in to DVC. I lose both ways.

Just wait and see; I'm sure DVC would not be adding all RCI resorts to the exchange list. Even now not all II resorts are available via DVC trades either. DVC tends to watch out for its members' interest. Or, to put it more cynically, DVC knows it wouldnt' want members to exchange into resorts that are not going to be considered somewhat comparable because it'll then have to deal with complaints from members.

 

[FLYNZ4]

I wonder if DVC has made a deal with RCI to not rent out any of the DVC properties. We all know that Disney hates competition... and it is hard to imagine them tollerating RCI renting out the inventory in direct competition to Disney's CRO. We can see the strong anti-rental policies that DVC has taken against DVC members. I cannot imagine that they would let the corporate world enter the DVC rental business.

Also... for those of us who like to trade into DVC. II does not have a 1 in 4 rule. It seems to me that this could be bad for us wanting to exchange through RCI. I own DVC, but often exchange in, and then cancel any overlapping days. I have had 5 inbound DVC II exchanges in the past 2 years.

/Jim

 

[Jbart74]

Just wait and see; I'm sure DVC would not be adding all RCI resorts to the exchange list. Even now not all II resorts are available via DVC trades either. DVC tends to watch out for its members' interest. Or, to put it more cynically, DVC knows it wouldnt' want members to exchange into resorts that are not going to be considered somewhat comparable because it'll then have to deal with complaints from members.

This thread is cracking me up! I have no desire to visit an overpriced theme park while on a TS vacation, but the fact that you DVC guys and gals are so upset about this just makes me giggle a little. Welcome to our new economy. The Mouse has made a move to RCI, or returned, as some have previously mentioned, because they know where the money is. As a longtime RCI exchanger, I think it's great! Welcome back! We just love having you! Most of us really don't want to visit DVC properties. If we did, we'd be in II or DVC owners, right? Relax. It's all good. No one is going to sweep in and take away your vacations. The Mouse just knows where the cheese is, and I'm happy that I never left the Cheese! RCI has been great to us, over and over again. In fact, we RCI diehards should be afraid of you because when your kids grow up, you really won't care about the parks, and waterslides, and lazy rivers anymore. You'll want a nice, relaxing, adult oriented timeshare like we've been enjoying through RCI all along. Hmmm There's something to think about....

 

[Amy]

In fact, we RCI diehards should be afraid of you because when your kids grow up, you really won't care about the parks, and waterslides, and lazy rivers anymore. You'll want a nice, relaxing, adult oriented timeshare like we've been enjoying through RCI all along. Hmmm There's something to think about....

Some of us were Disney diehards before kids and will probably want to stay at DVCs more often when the kids are grown and no longer interested in joining mom and dad; we definitely would find it more relaxing to not have the kids along.

That said, I do agree the anxiety is unwarranted right now. I for one am not anxious; I'm more curious, as we would never exchange DVC since it does not make $ sense. We use cheap traders for exchanging.

 

[linsj]

With no Marriotts,Hyatts,Westins,Four Seasons or Harborside how can a DVC member get a comparable exchange using RCI ? Very few RCI resorts even come close to the II offerings.

Well, Hiltons do; but I don't know how many are deposited into RCI.

 

[joestein]

Wow, this stinks. We are confirmed for a 1 bdrm in OKW in May, it will probably be our last exchange into DVC.

I hope I don't have any problem with the exchange. I am going to call Disney this week and pay them the money for the exchange.

Joe

 

[gmarine]

Wow, this stinks. We are confirmed for a 1 bdrm in OKW in May, it will probably be our last exchange into DVC.

I hope I don't have any problem with the exchange. I am going to call Disney this week and pay them the money for the exchange.

Joe

You dont pay the $95 fee in advance anymore. It is added to your room account on check in.

 

[gmarine]

I spoke to two people at DVC member services. Bad news for II members and worse news for DVC members.

DVC will not be dual affiliated. RCI is replacing II.

 

[cdziuba]

This is really bad news. We've traded into DVCs at least 22 times with regular and Bonus weeks, never stayed in anything less than a 1bdr. It makes me wonder if Disney is trying to encourage people to buy points packages instead of trading in.

RCI...a company with abysmal customer service, untrustworthy practices, and MUCH less desirable resorts is a company I would never deal with again. I really feel sorry for DVC owners who might tire of DVCs every year and want to exchange out. The small number of quality resorts affiliated with RCI will surely hugely disappoint them.

 

[JAKEANDERIC]

It's not all gloom and doom for us DVC owners.... I just rent out my DVC points and rent a reservation from an owner at a resort I want, (and save an exchange fee, in the process )

 

[littlestar]

It's not all gloom and doom for us DVC owners.... I just rent out my DVC points and rent a reservation from an owner at a resort I want, (and save an exchange fee, in the process )

Exactly! This is good news for people who rent points.

 

[ondeadlin]

If you own Worldmark points, it's the best of both worlds - you'll have great trading power to chase DVC in RCI, and you won't have to compete with Marriott owners for the availability.

Only negative is you'll have to pay II and RCI membership fees if you want to keep chasing Marriotts in II.

 

[lawgs]

II Knows nothing....DVC Member Services says Jan 2, 2009

just called II... the people i spoke to their ( front line and supervisor ) have been given no indication that DVC is ceasing their relationship with DVC

however, as stated above the member services are being trained in the new system and the date they state is Jan 02 2009 ....DVC will no longer be affiliated with II

and the world turns and twists....

just called RCI to see if they have any further information:

Jan 01 2009 is the date they say DVC comes on board, they do not know how the affiliation will be implemented ie RCI Weeks or RCI Points

when asked if RCI members will be able to trade into DVC ...she said from the information that she has, at first RCI members will be able to do so via "RENTALS" until the process gets rolling and DVC members exchange into the RCI system to make availability for exchangers....

very interesting......

 

[jmatias]

This press release was posted on the disboards:

Group RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange, and Disney Vacation Club, one of the world's most innovative and fastest-growing brands in the vacation-ownership industry, announced today a new multi-year affiliation relationship. This new agreement allows subscribing members access to a broad array of exciting vacation opportunities.

Effective January 1, 2009, RCI will become the exclusive third-party exchange provider for Disney Vacation Club, enrolling Disney Vacation Club's more than 135,000 member families into RCI's global exchange network. RCI has one of the most expansive portfolios of high-end affiliated vacation resorts, as well as more choices in more countries than any other exchange network.

Disney Vacation Club Members will be able to enjoy vacations at a variety of destinations across six continents and 25 countries and will have access to a significantly broader range of resort experiences, including more all-inclusive options, more nightly exchanges than ever before and even a selection of luxurious, high-end fractional properties.

Similarly, RCI's more than 3.6 million members will now also enjoy the opportunity to exchange into Disney Vacation Club resorts and may rent at Disney Vacation Club resorts throughout the year.

"Group RCI has the management depth, technology resources and global marketing infrastructure to align with Disney Vacation Club's strategic growth plan," said DVC President Jim Lewis. "This relationship will provide our member families with the most diverse experiences possible beyond our signature Disney Vacation Club resorts."

Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO of Group RCI, notes that the company is looking forward to working with Disney Vacation Club and its member families in the coming years.

"It's an honor for all of us at Group RCI to have been selected by one of the most internationally recognized and revered brands on the planet," commented Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO of Group RCI. "For more than 50 years, Disney has been offering unique family vacation experiences with legendary service, superb accommodations and magical touches at every turn. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Disney Vacation Club members into the world's largest vacation network and we look forward to working closely with Disney Vacation Club to continue to build new and innovative programs that will provide even more member benefits and opportunities."

 

[tombo]

II has always touted their high quality resorts based on having DVC and Marriott. With DVC gone the number of high quality II resorts has dropped, and the bragging rights of having DVC is gone too. If Mariott pulls out of II too (as has been rumored), then II will be almost worthless. Now Marriott has a trading advantage for their own resorts and little else through II, so they might actually form their own trade program as has been rumored.

Before the DVC owners get too upset, the main thing you are losing is access to Marriott (after Mariott owners choose what they want first). Overall RCI has most of the available II locations plus a lot more that II doesn't have. In my area of the country (southeast), RCI always has had better choices at more locations. In gatlinburg RCI exchangers can stay in every II afilliated resort offered except for Westgate, however II exchangers have numerous RCI resorts they can't exchange in to including Crown Park and Wyndham etc. Same thing in Panama City and Destin. Every II resort that is oceanfront is also available to RCI members, however there are numerous resorts on the ocean not available to II that can be exchanged in to by RCI including, Intrawest Sandestin resort, the new Wyndham Panama City, and the Wyndhams in Destin. II has the Marriott legends edge (which is a good 20 minute ride from the beach) which is about the only resort in the area they can lay claim to that RCI can't trade in to.

I might trade for a DVC through RCI sometime if it is a good week I could use, but it will not be a high priority trade for me. Please put me in the TUG category that hates the overpriced Rodent World with the boring kiddie rides. The only reason I would trade for a DVC is because they are supposed to be really nice, but I hope to never set foot in a Disney park again in my life. Conversely, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, and best of all Busch Gardens will possibly get my money again because they have some awesome thrill rides. Disney has a devoted fan base, but there are plenty of people who went one time and said once was more than enough. If the main advantage of staying at DVC is Disney perks (early entrance to the parks etc), then don't worry about fighting me for available RCI DVC trades. I will leave them for the Disney lovers.

 

[Amy]

This press release was posted on the disboards:

Group RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange, and Disney Vacation Club, one of the world's most innovative and fastest-growing brands in the vacation-ownership industry, announced today a new multi-year affiliation relationship. This new agreement allows subscribing members access to a broad array of exciting vacation opportunities.

Effective January 1, 2009, RCI will become the exclusive third-party exchange provider for Disney Vacation Club, enrolling Disney Vacation Club's more than 135,000 member families into RCI's global exchange network. RCI has one of the most expansive portfolios of high-end affiliated vacation resorts, as well as more choices in more countries than any other exchange network.

Disney Vacation Club Members will be able to enjoy vacations at a variety of destinations across six continents and 25 countries and will have access to a significantly broader range of resort experiences, including more all-inclusive options, more nightly exchanges than ever before and even a selection of luxurious, high-end fractional properties.

Similarly, RCI's more than 3.6 million members will now also enjoy the opportunity to exchange into Disney Vacation Club resorts and may rent at Disney Vacation Club resorts throughout the year.

"Group RCI has the management depth, technology resources and global marketing infrastructure to align with Disney Vacation Club's strategic growth plan," said DVC President Jim Lewis. "This relationship will provide our member families with the most diverse experiences possible beyond our signature Disney Vacation Club resorts."

Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO of Group RCI, notes that the company is looking forward to working with Disney Vacation Club and its member families in the coming years.

"It's an honor for all of us at Group RCI to have been selected by one of the most internationally recognized and revered brands on the planet," commented Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO of Group RCI. "For more than 50 years, Disney has been offering unique family vacation experiences with legendary service, superb accommodations and magical touches at every turn. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Disney Vacation Club members into the world's largest vacation network and we look forward to working closely with Disney Vacation Club to continue to build new and innovative programs that will provide even more member benefits and opportunities."

I saw this on the DIS board thread, but no mention of the source. If true, then I'm truly surprised!!! Maybe more opportunities for DVC owners to do direct exchanges with Marriott, Starwood, Four Seasons, et al. now.

 

[Carl D]

This thread is cracking me up! I have no desire to visit an overpriced theme park while on a TS vacation, but the fact that you DVC guys and gals are so upset about this just makes me giggle a little. Welcome to our new economy. The Mouse has made a move to RCI, or returned, as some have previously mentioned, because they know where the money is. As a longtime RCI exchanger, I think it's great! Welcome back! We just love having you! Most of us really don't want to visit DVC properties. If we did, we'd be in II or DVC owners, right? Relax. It's all good. No one is going to sweep in and take away your vacations. The Mouse just knows where the cheese is, and I'm happy that I never left the Cheese! RCI has been great to us, over and over again. In fact, we RCI diehards should be afraid of you because when your kids grow up, you really won't care about the parks, and waterslides, and lazy rivers anymore. You'll want a nice, relaxing, adult oriented timeshare like we've been enjoying through RCI all along. Hmmm There's something to think about....

This post seems like it came out of left field. Nowhere did I read DVC Members, especially Amy, complaining about others taking our resort time.

In addition, I have absolutely zero desire to take a long vacation at any other destination.
I have visited every large US city, many small US towns, and many other cities & towns throughout North America. While I find many places very nice and would love to spend a few days there, I couldn't imagine filling two weeks there.

As for "more adult orientated" places... well, you just aren't looking in the right places. Disney is not all about the Dumbo Elephant ride, or meeting Cinderella. My wife and I have been visiting WDW for many years, and have never done either.

In conclusion, it's impossible for me to care any less about this one. I have never, and will probably never in the future, trade my DVC for non Disney accommodations.