Having a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) membership opens the door to unforgettable adventures in the happiest places on earth. This special membership allows families to enjoy flexible vacation options at Disney World and Disneyland throughout the year. To truly enhance your DVC experience, it’s important to explore all the features and advantages of the program so you can make the most of every magical moment.

Understanding Your Membership

At the core of your DVC membership are the points that you purchase one time and receive yearly for the length of your deed. You will use these points to book accommodations at select Disney Resorts. These points can be used to book rooms at various resorts, from moderate to deluxe. The number of points required for a specific room type and length of stay varies based on factors like seasonality and resort location, just like cash.

Mastering the Art of Booking

When booking accommodations, flexibility is your best friend. DVC members can reserve accommodations at Disney properties using their points; however, the availability of these options can vary significantly based on the season and how far in advance you book your reservation. To optimize your booking experience, familiarize yourself with the DVC booking and Disney event calendar and try to plan your trips during off-peak seasons. Disney these days has fewer lower demand periods. Previously late January through mid-February and late August through mid-December were considered slower, but now Marathons, Festivals, like Food and Wine at EPCOT, dominate much of those previously slower months. 

 

Maximizing Your Member Perks

Utilizing member perks is another excellent way to enhance your DVC experience. Members benefit from exclusive amenities that can elevate your vacation experience. For instance, members who purchased directly through Disney currently receive discounts on select park tickets, dining, and merchandise throughout the parks. Additionally, many DVC resorts feature amenities that cater specifically to members, including unique pools, recreational activities, and members-only events. At this time, a new member perk, called the Membership Magic Beyond option, is being introduced that allows members to purchase additional benefits for the year such as priority access to member only lounges, special Disney after hours events,and more.   Take the time to explore all these options, and don’t hesitate to ask a cast member about current member-exclusive offers during your stay. Some perks can enhance your experience significantly but may not be widely advertised.

 Planning your vacations with a mix of Disney destinations can elevate your DVC membership experience. While the primary focus may be on the parks, Disney has a wealth of resorts, cruises, and Adventures by Disney options. Consider scheduling a stay at one of the non-park DVC resorts, like Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii or the stunning villas at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. These locations provide a different kind of Disney magic, often with unique activities and experiences that are less crowded and more relaxing than traditional park visits. You can also explore the potential of using your DVC points for Disney Cruise Line adventures or guided trips to far-off destinations, which can add a whole new dimension to your membership.

One of the great things about being a DVC member is that you can rent your points out and use that money to pay for other vacations. It’s a flexible, budget-friendly way to enjoy even more Disney vacations without the big upfront cost. Whether it’s making the most of vacations while your kids are little, treating your grandkids, or taking more trips now that you have extra time, renting points lets you enjoy more Disney magic.

Resale vs. Direct Purchase: Which is Right for You?

If you’ve been thinking about a DVC membership, there are options. It’s important to understand the differences between purchasing a DVC membership directly from Disney versus buying a resale contract from a DVC member who wants out of their contract early. When you buy directly from Disney, you can access certain benefits that are unavailable to resale members. For example, direct purchasers can enjoy perks like member only events. On the other hand, resale contracts often come at a significantly lower price, allowing savvy buyers to maximize their investment. However, if you go this route, some benefits, like specific discounts and exclusive experiences, will not be available to you.

 Resale contracts typically carry the same number of points and rights as direct purchases, but the restrictions on the benefits can affect how you experience DVC membership. If you prioritize the complete array of member benefits, buying directly from Disney might be the more advantageous option, even with the higher cost. Conversely, if you’re focused on cost and are willing to forgo member perks, a resale contract could be your best route to DVC membership.

Enhance Your DVC Membership Experience

With decades of combined experience as Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members and years of selling DVC directly for Disney, we’re here to help you plan the perfect vacation. Our secure point rental service saves you time and money, offering an affordable way to enjoy Disney vacations without the commitment of membership.

If you’re thinking about renting DVC points as a first step before buying, we make it easy to experience the magic of DVC resorts at a fraction of the cost when compared to booking directly through Disney. If you didn’t plan far enough in advance to rent DVC points, we can help you book your trip directly through Disney. We can also guide you through purchasing DVC, whether you’re interested in buying directly from Disney for exclusive member benefits or supplementing with resale points for a more budget-friendly approach. 

Whether you’re looking to rent, buy, or sell DVC points, DVC Advantages is dedicated to providing personalized advice and exceptional customer service. We’re passionate about helping families create magical Disney memories and can’t wait to help you plan your dream vacation!

Remember to plan ahead—DVC villas often book months in advance. If your desired villa isn’t available, we can help you book directly with Disney through our full-service travel agency. Let’s start building a trusted relationship so we can assist with all your DVC planning needs for this trip and beyond. Contact us today to learn more.