worried about availability of points resorts

christsh · Jan 27, 2006

It is 10 months out to book points and what if there is nothing? At ten months it is too late to get anything with my weeks.
I would like to set up my Christmas trip for 2006 using points. I am somewhat open about where I go. I would like to get the Caribbean or Panama or Costa Rica. I want to leave the 23rd. What day do I call to talk to a VC? Will I be able to get something?
I have grown very frustrated with RCI and have been a weeks member and have not been happy with availability. So will all resorts be available at the 10 monthmark?
Yours in trying to stay positive about my timeshares and RCI,
Michelle
Thanks for your help

BocaBum99 · Jan 27, 2006

In general, point systems work like reservation systems at hotels. Availability of all units not elected for use by owners is made available to all points owners at the 10-month before check in point. Theoretically, it's first come, first served. If it will ever become available, the 10-month mark is the day to check. If it doesn't become available, it's because there aren't enough fixed/floating weeks that have been converted yet at those resorts.

This is the problem with systems that were mostly fixed/floating weeks in the recent past. If the resort system started that way, you have a much better chance for availability.

christsh · Jan 27, 2006

So if I want Dec 23 I should call FEB 23rd?

BocaBum99 · Jan 27, 2006

It tells you right on the RCI Points standard point reservations when the last day you can currently reserve. Here is what is says today:

Reservation Window: 303 days (approximately 10 months) or less in advance of check-in date.

You can make a reservation today for check-in dates from Jan 27, 2006 to Nov 26, 2006.

If you would like a check-in date later than Nov 26, 2006 , you must wait until the Reservation Window is within the required 10 month timeframe. To assist you in identifying these dates, please refer to the Reservation Calculator.

BocaBum99 · Jan 27, 2006

I would try exactly 27 days from now, online at 1 minute after midnight. My counting says that Feb 23 is it. But, we could be off by 1 day either way. Just check the website, it will tell you when you get close.

riverside · Jan 27, 2006

I make a list of all the resorts I would like to go to in weeks and I put in my ongoing request 2 years early. Then if I don't have anything at the 10 month window, I check in points to see what's there. (at midnight) We primarily only exchange to the Caribbean and I always get what I want one way or the other. Caribbean resorts usually don't come available as early as other places, from what I've seen.

christsh · Jan 28, 2006

"Then if I don't have anything at the 10 month window, I check in points to see what's there. " ( I have not figure out this quote thing yet)

Thanks..
Will all of the resorts show up? (unfortunately, my luck at finding what I want has never included more than one resort)
Lets say I put in 10 resorts and 3 are available. How does it show up on my RCI screen?
And what if the RCI site does not work?( this happens to me all the time!) Are vacation Guides there late at night?
Thanks again. There is quite a learning curve here.

riverside · Jan 28, 2006

Unfortunately you won't be able to call at midnight. If a resort is available it should show up. I would also call as soon as RCI opens in the morning. You may see resorts show up later after the exact 10 month window. I've seen that happen, but usually the best selection is right away. I rarely have problems getting on the site, so can't comment on that. Good luck!

JeffV · Jan 28, 2006

They mean that they have an ongoing search in weeks and if nothing has shown up at the 10 month mark, they go to their points search.
You can do a points search by region but some have found that you get a different result when searching by specific resort. Anything that is available will show up.
Not sure why you are having problems with the points website but it is very stable for me.
Good luck.

christsh said:
"Then if I don't have anything at the 10 month window, I check in points to see what's there. " ( I have not figure out this quote thing yet)

Thanks..
Will all of the resorts show up? (unfortunately, my luck at finding what I want has never included more than one resort)
Lets say I put in 10 resorts and 3 are available. How does it show up on my RCI screen?
And what if the RCI site does not work?( this happens to me all the time!) Are vacation Guides there late at night?
Thanks again. There is quite a learning curve here.