For those planning to use Open Season Rates in Orlando and Vegas

[alwysonvac]

Just a heads up....

Instead of waiting for HGVC Open Seasons Rate (30 days before check-in), you can call and book an RCI Extra Vacation.
Depending on RCI availability and your travel dates, the weekly RCI rate might be similar or cheaper (if you're traveling during HGVC Platinum Season).

Since HGVC Members don't have online access to RCI Extra Vacation, I've posted what's currently available online using my other timeshare - http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=232484
NOTE: You have to be a TUG Member to view this thread on the Sightings Forum.

As a reference, here's a link to HGVC 2015 Open Season Rates - http://www.hgvclubprogram.com/content/2Fees-ENG-Rev010715.pdf

NOTE: I don't know if the 1 in 4 rule applies to RCI Extra Vacations.

 

[presley]

Thanks for the head's up! I probably won't use any of these this time around, but this is the type of thing that could benefit us at another time. I only have RCI through Hilton, so I'd never be able to see these.

 

[Helios]

Question about the fees is the chart that is referenced above, what is the Club Activation Fee (Enrollment)? A fee to allow HGVC developed resale weeks into the system so they can make resevations using HGVC reservations...

 

[Helios]

And how about the First Year Activation Fee (Voluntary)? Is this to activate resale Affiliates?

 

[Jason245]

While if you are dead set on those locations this may be an option, alternative might be to book it through hilton hotel website. IMHO, if you are planning on going to orlando, It might make more sense to look into a last call through RCI. Might not be Hilton quality resort, but at less than half the price (~$300 for a 2BR and ~$260 for a 1BR), if I didn't have points available, that type of option might make sense. The Difference can cover a lot of expenses at the theme parks.

 

[jehb2]

It's been 10+ years but before we had kids and could travel whenever we wanted, we routinely made use of RCI Extra Vacations and it only cost us $207 for 7 nights!

 

[alwysonvac]

Yes, if you're willing to stay at a non-HGVC timeshare there are better rates available. Resorts vary in terms of quality/amenities, so you need to research before booking.

Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort (#6369) comes to mind and their RCI Extra Vacation rates are posted from time to time on the TUG Sightings/Distressed forum. Here's an example - http://tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1737769&postcount=3 (NOTE: The date of the sighting vs the travel dates available)

Keep in mind that RCI Extra Vacation has availability over a year out (depending on the resort) compared to RCI Last Call which is only available about 6 weeks before check-in. This allows folks to search for airfare and car rentals deals earlier.
NOTE: Some resorts are not available via Last Call.

Depending on your destination & travel dates, you might find the lowest rental rates offered from a timeshare owner via the various rental sites (demand vs supply).

Also , keep in mind that you can also rent from various timeshare exchange companies via their public website without being an owner. (NOTE: All resorts are not available via the Public website and some rates may be a little higher than the rates offered to timeshare owners)

(a) ResorTime - http://resortime.com
ResorTime Good Buys - http://bookings.resortime.com/product/category/good-buys/
ResorTime FAQ - http://resortime.com/help/faqs/
(b) Trading Places International (TPI) - http://www.tradingplaces.com/
Trading Places Suite Deals Weekly Stays - http://www.tradingplaces.com/Rentals/suite-deals-Weekly-Stays
TPI Rentals FAQ - http://www.tradingplaces.com/my-tpi/faqs#rent
(c) SFX - https://www.sfx-resorts.com/
Last Minute Resort Specials - http://www.sfxresorts.com/resort-rental-escapes/?sort=&count_page=all
(d) Hawaii Timeshare Rental - https://www.htse.net/rental/rentals
(e) Interval International’s Rental Site - http://www.condodirect.com/travel/welcome.home (only a small subset of the rental pool)
(f) RCI Endless Vacation Rental - http://www.endlessvacationrentals.com/ (only a small subset of the RCI rental pool)

 

[alwysonvac]

Question about the fees is the chart that is referenced above, what is the Club Activation Fee (Enrollment)? A fee to allow HGVC developed resale weeks into the system so they can make resevations using HGVC reservations...

And how about the First Year Activation Fee (Voluntary)? Is this to activate resale Affiliates?

See this 2014 thread
"Clarification on the HGVC Activation Fees" - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=206968

 

[Helios]

See this 2014 thread
"Clarification on the HGVC Activation Fees" - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=206968

Thanks alwaysonvac

 

[alwysonvac]

For the Bargain Hunters
I did a RCI search for Extra Vacations in Orlando and Las Vegas with weekly rental prices less than $350.
I saw availability through December 2016. See this post on the TUG Sightings/Distressed forum - http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=232542

NOTE: There are some resorts in $130-$249 via RCI Extra Vacations through March 2017.
Carolinas and the Southeast [11 available units]
Mid-South [47 available units]
Midwest & Plains [21 available units]
Nevada - Other [32 available units]
New England [2 available units]
Pacific Coast [5 available units]
Rocky Mountains [1 available units]

 

[chriskre]

For the Bargain Hunters

NOTE: There are some resorts in $130-$249 via RCI Extra Vacations through March 2017.

$130?
Is that for a full week?
I've not seen them that cheap in RCI.

 

[alwysonvac]

$130?
Is that for a full week?
I've not seen them that cheap in RCI.

Hmm.. I logged back in to check. RCI allows you to search by their preselected price ranges (see list below).
However when I selected the lowest range, the lowest price currently available was closer to $249.

Price Range Search offered by RCI
$130-$249
$250-$349
$350-$499
$500-$649
$650-$749
$750-$999
$1000+