Exchanging points with RCI for Caribbean getaway? - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I see many RCI resorts in the Caribbean that exchange with DVC. I'm wondering if anyone has actually done this? We're looking to take our kids in November of 2014 instead of a cruise -- we'll have 4 kids by then and the cruises will not be attainable with the points we have but a 2 bedroom exchange will be.
Just trying to do some of the legwork now. Hubs and I have only stayed (by ourselves) at all inclusives in Jamaica. So any info on other islands and/or resorts is welcome!
Perhaps the most important thing to remember when it comes to exchanges is to assume NOTHING with regard to the resort you are trading into. Some people expect all RCI resorts to be equal or better quality compared to DVC resorts in terms of room condition, amenities, etc. That's just not a valid assumption to make.
Do a great deal of homework before accepting any trade or listing a specific resort on your want list.
If a resort is in the midst of a refurbishment, the safe assumption to make is that you will be placed in one of the older, non-updated rooms. Many timeshare systems go to great lengths to show preferential treatment to their native owners. Non-owners and those trading in will be deliberately placed in less guest rooms, locations, views, etc. The goal is to keep owners happy at the expense of all others.
I don't mean to paint an ugly picture because RCI exchanges really are a good way to get value from DVC points outside of the Disney resorts. But you would be wise to uncover any resorts which deserve to be crossed off the list entirely and go into the trip with somewhat modest expectations. Better to be pleasantly surprised if things go better than anticipated rather than letting an obstructed partial beach view and some dated appliances ruin your visions of the perfect tropical getaway.
Thanks Tim! I appreciate it. I've been trying to read the reviews of the resorts I'm looking at too. That is something that is definitely worth the spin - I found that one resort has oceanfront check in only on Fri and Sun; if you check in on Sat you're in oceanview. On others, I've read that the kitchens stink but the beaches are beautiful.
So much homework. Picking Disney instead would be an easy choice. And, I'd have my purple locker to boot.
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Picking Disney instead would be an easy choice. And, I'd have my purple locker to boot. 
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