For Disney enthusiasts, the allure of owning a piece of the magic through the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is hard to resist. Is it a smart investment, or will it tie you down?  

The idea of committing to a DVC membership can feel like a big decision—but in the end, it’s an investment that pays off in countless magical moments. It’s natural to have questions about how it works and whether it’s flexible enough for your family’s changing needs, but DVC is designed to make planning your Disney vacations easier and more affordable.

Whether you’re deciding between buying direct or going the resale route, DVC offers incredible perks and the flexibility to create unforgettable vacations every year. Let’s talk about the differences between purchasing directly from Disney and renting points from an active DVC member.

Understanding Disney Vacation Club (DVC)

Disney Vacation Club operates as a points-based timeshare program. As a member, you’ll choose a home resort and purchase a set number of points that come with a few key benefits. Most notably, you get priority booking at your home resort allowing you to make reservations up to 11 months in advance. This home resort booking advantage gives you a better chance of securing the dates and accommodations you want. For other DVC resorts, you can only book 7 months in advance. Your home resort is also where your DVC points will remain tied to, even though you can use your points at other DVC resorts when space is available. Membership includes annual dues and the flexibility to use, rent out, or bank points for future vacations. 

Benefits of DVC Membership

When considering a Disney Vacation Club membership, it’s important to weigh the various benefits that come with this long-term commitment. These perks not only enhance your vacation experience but also provide financial and flexibility advantages that can make membership a valuable investment.

Vacation Flexibility

Points-Based System: One of the most significant advantages of DVC membership is the flexibility offered by the points-based system. Members can use their points at various DVC resorts, including Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas. This flexibility allows members to choose from a range of accommodations, from studios to multi-bedroom villas as well as stay for as little as one night when compared to the week-long commitment of a traditional timeshare.

Booking Options: DVC members can book vacations 11 months in advance at their home resort and 7 months in advance at other DVC resorts. This advance booking window provides flexibility in planning vacations around busy seasons and special Disney events.

Flexibility with Points: Members can bank points for use in future years or borrow points from the following year. This flexibility allows for larger trips or fewer trips based on personal preferences and changing circumstances.

Exclusive Member Perks

Discounts and Offers: DVC members who purchase directly from Disney enjoy various discounts on park tickets, dining, shopping, and more. These perks can add significant value to your Disney experience. For example, members often receive discounts on merchandise and select dining locations throughout the parks and resorts. For those that choose to buy resale, you can obtain some of these discounts through other ways, such as obtaining a Chase Disney Visa or through the purchase of an Annual Pass and using the annual pass discounts on items.

Member Events and Lounges: Exclusive events, like member-only parties and previews, offer unique experiences not available to non-members or resale buyers. Additionally, some Theme Parks feature member lounges with amenities like complimentary refreshments and relaxation areas. Again, this perk is for owners that purchased directly from Disney. 

Vacation Flexibility and Choice: DVC membership includes access to not only Disney resorts but also other vacation destinations through the Interval exchange program. This means you can use your points for stays at a variety of vacation spots around the world, providing even more memory-making opportunities.

Resale Value and Long-Term Considerations

Potential for Resale: While purchasing DVC directly from Disney offers certain advantages, buying out the remainder of someone else’s membership can be a cost-effective alternative. Resale prices for DVC points are often lower than direct purchase prices, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, resale contracts come with certain restrictions on member benefits and booking privileges.

Long-Term Financial Commitment: Both direct and resale memberships involve a long-term financial commitment. Membership comes with annual dues, which can increase over time, just as hotel prices increase over time. It’s important to consider whether the long-term commitment aligns with your vacation habits and financial situation. Calculate the total cost of ownership, including the initial purchase price, annual dues, and any potential maintenance fees, to determine if DVC is a good fit for your family.

Considerations for Potential Buyers

Before committing to a Disney Vacation Club membership, take some time to carefully consider the factors that matter most to you. Evaluating your vacation habits, understanding the commitment involved, and exploring your purchasing options will help you make an informed decision you can feel good about. 

Evaluate Your Vacation Habits

Frequency of Visits: If you visit Disney resorts frequently, a DVC membership can provide substantial savings and convenience. Calculate how often you plan to travel and compare the cost of membership (keeping members-only perks in mind, when buying direct from Disney),  against the cost of booking Disney resorts directly.

Flexibility Needs: Consider how important vacation flexibility is to you. DVC’s points system offers significant flexibility, but it requires big-picture planning to manage your points effectively.

Explore Direct vs. Resale Options

Direct Purchase Benefits: Purchasing directly from Disney provides access to additional benefits, like higher booking priority and exclusive member events. If these benefits are important to you, direct purchase may be worth the additional cost.

Resale Savings: Buying resale offers a more affordable entry into DVC ownership. While resale contracts may come with restricted access to certain benefits, they still provide access to Disney’s resorts at an extremely affordable price.

Why Choose DVC Advantages? 

We bring over 30 years of firsthand experience as Disney Vacation Club members and more than 30 combined years of selling DVC directly for Disney. Our deep knowledge of DVC membership benefits can help guide you in choosing the perfect resort for your family. We also offer a secure point rental service that can save you both time and money on your next Disney vacation.

If you decide to try the DVC point rental approach before you buy, then booking your Disney trip with DVC Advantages could be the best decision you make this year. You’ll get to experience the perks of DVC membership without any long-term commitment. Our team is here to help you get the most magical Disney vacation at a fraction of the cost compared to booking directly with Disney. 

Please remember, some DVC members choose to buy Direct from Disney to obtain their member benefits, then add on additional points through the resale market. This accomplishes a couple of things. First, you have a lower out of pocket expense by purchasing a minimum 150 point contract at Disney and then adding on additional resale points to obtain the number of points that work best for you and your family. Second, this allows you to have the Member Benefits that come with a direct purchase, yet still benefit from the reduced rates that resale offers. 

Whether you’re looking to rent, buy, or sell DVC points, DVC Advantages is here to provide expert advice and VIP customer service every step of the way. From our years of experience selling Disney directly, we have no problem advising you when it is best to buy Direct from Disney vs. purchasing resale. We’re passionate about helping families create unforgettable Disney vacations, and we’d love to talk about how we can make that happen for you, too!  Visit DVC Advantages today to learn more.