The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a timeshare program run by The Walt Disney Company, where members purchase points, known as Vacation Points, that can be redeemed for stays at Disney resorts or other Disney vacation experiences.
Many devoted Disney enthusiasts laud DVC as a smart way to save on specific Disney vacations — but it’s not universally beneficial. With its notable limitations, significant costs, and long-term commitment, DVC isn’t suited for everyone.
For those passionate about Disney and confident in their ongoing interest in Disney-themed vacations, DVC could be a sensible financial choice. Here’s an in-depth look at what DVC entails, its costs, and alternative strategies for maximizing your budget on Disney vacations.
What is Disney Vacation Club?
Disney Vacation Club (DVC) operates similarly to a timeshare, where you purchase Vacation Points to use at select Disney resort properties.
Traditional timeshares let buyers acquire fractional ownership in a property, securing them an annual vacation spot. These programs often come with fixed or rotating dates each year. Major hospitality brands like Marriott Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacation Club, and Hyatt Residence Club also offer timeshare programs.
However, DVC differs from standard timeshares. Instead of locking you into a specific property or set dates, DVC members receive points that can be used flexibly across all DVC resorts and for various vacation experiences worldwide.
How to become a Disney Vacation Club member
To become a member of Disney Vacation Club (DVC), you need to purchase what’s known as a “real estate interest” in one of Disney’s participating Vacation Club resorts, referred to as your home resort. Most of these resorts are located at Walt Disney World in Florida, though a few are scattered across the U.S.
A “real estate interest” essentially means you’re paying for an annual allotment of Vacation Points — which come with a significant price tag. The initial investment starts at around $30,000, plus closing costs, which can begin at over $380, depending on the details of your transaction.
But the expenses don’t stop there. DVC members are also responsible for annual dues, which can total nearly $900 per year.
Exiting the recurring dues isn’t straightforward. As a DVC member, you sign a contract that generally lasts up to 50 years from the construction date of your chosen resort. With such a significant upfront cost and decades-long obligation, joining DVC is a decision that requires careful consideration.
Choosing a Home Resort Your home resort comes with benefits, such as the Home Resort Priority Period, allowing you to book accommodations at your home resort up to 11 months before your check-in date — four months earlier than DVC members with different home resorts.
Selecting the right home resort is important, as some properties are more popular than others. Early access to highly sought-after or newer resorts can increase your chances of securing a booking.
However, staying at your home resort is not mandatory. The concept of a home resort is primarily a system to determine your annual Vacation Point allocation.
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Deciding How Many Vacation Points to Purchase
DVC points share some similarities with points earned through hotel loyalty programs or credit card perks — but with one major distinction. While loyalty points from airlines, hotels, or credit cards are typically earned through regular spending or as rewards for hotel stays, DVC points are purchased outright, often at a high cost.
In 2024, new members are required to buy a minimum of 100 points, priced at $225 each, totaling over $22,500. However, families, larger groups, or those desiring luxury accommodations and longer vacations may need more points.
For example, Disney estimates that a family of four visiting for a seven-day summer vacation would need approximately 275 points, costing around $61,875 at current rates. While 100 points might suffice for less frequent or budget-conscious travelers, they may barely cover a single night at premium properties during peak season, such as the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
DVC members receive a new allotment of points each year. Although points do have an expiration date, members can bank unused points or borrow from future years to maximize their use.
Using Your Vacation Points
Similar to hotel loyalty programs, DVC’s nightly point rates vary based on factors such as the resort, room type, and season.
The most affordable options, like Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, start at six points per night for the smallest rooms on low-demand nights. A 100-point annual allocation could potentially cover up to 16 nights at these lower-end properties.
In contrast, luxury properties, such as The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, start at 17 points per night for a deluxe studio during the offseason. Peak nights for the same room type can cost 37 points per night, while a three-bedroom grand villa accommodating up to 12 people can require as much as 224 points per night.
Other Ways to Use DVC Points
DVC members have the flexibility to use their points for various Disney experiences beyond DVC resorts. These include booking vacations with Disney Cruise Line, National Geographic Expeditions, and Adventures by Disney. Members can even use their points to stay at Disney hotels at international theme parks, like Tokyo Disney Resort.
However, these non-DVC redemptions often provide less value for your points. For this reason, NerdWallet generally advises against using points for options outside of official DVC resorts.
Disney Vacation Club Resorts
Here is a comprehensive table of U.S.-based Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resorts, including starting Vacation Points needed per night for bookings in 2024.
DVC Resorts at Walt Disney World, Florida
| Resort | Starting Points per Night (2024) |
|---|---|
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas — Jambo House | 7 |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas — Kidani Village | 7 |
| Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa | 9 |
| Disney’s BoardWalk Villas | 9 |
| Disney’s Old Key West Resort | 9 |
| Disney’s Riviera Resort | 10 |
| Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort | 13 |
| Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge | 13 |
| Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge | 13 |
| Disney’s Beach Club Villas | 14 |
| Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows | 14 |
| The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa | 16 |
DVC Resorts Elsewhere in the U.S.
| Resort | State | Starting Points per Night (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort | South Carolina | 6 |
| Disney’s Vero Beach Resort | Florida | 10 |
| The Villas at Disneyland Hotel | California | 10 |
| Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina | Hawaii | 16 |
| The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa | California | 17 |
What are DVC resorts like?
Unit Types
While DVC points can be used for booking standard hotel rooms at Disney-owned hotels, most members prefer to use them for DVC studios or villas at designated DVC resorts.
- DVC Villas: These units resemble vacation homes, complete with full kitchens and complimentary access to laundry facilities. Villas come in various sizes, with some featuring up to three separate bedrooms. This setup is ideal for larger groups, providing both space and privacy. The largest villas can accommodate up to 12 guests.
- Deluxe Studios: For those looking to save points, booking a deluxe studio is a popular option. While typically more affordable, these studios come equipped with a kitchenette and can sleep up to five people.
- Unique Experiences: Many studios and villas go beyond basic lodging. For instance, members staying at the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge might enjoy a waterfront Cascade Cabin, complete with a double-sided stone-hearth fireplace and a screened-in wraparound porch featuring a built-in hot tub.
At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, you can sleep in a Treehouse Villa, elevated 10 feet off the ground for a unique experience in nature.
For those seeking the ultimate luxury, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows offers overwater bungalows that rival tropical destinations worldwide. These bungalows feature a private back deck and plunge pool, all while overlooking Bay Lake, providing an unforgettable view for watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks at night.
Design and Accommodation
When you buy into newer DVC resorts, like Disney’s Riviera Resort and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, you’ll find rooms that are spacious and thoughtfully designed, offering a higher-tier experience compared to many other resorts. On the other hand, older resorts, like Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort (opened in 1996), may offer fewer amenities.
For instance, Disney’s Riviera Resort received the 2021 ACE Project of Excellence Award from the American Resort Development Association, a prestigious honor within the timeshare industry. The resort’s design features standout elements, such as two grand mosaic murals, each 20 feet tall, showcasing scenes from “Peter Pan” and “Tangled”, created with over 1 million hand-cut tiles.
How much does the Disney Vacation Club cost?
Joining Disney Vacation Club (DVC) requires a minimum upfront cost of at least $33,000 in your first year, though financing options are available. In addition, you’ll need to pay annual dues of at least $1,000, which will continue until the end of your contract, often spanning decades. Keep in mind that these annual dues will likely increase each year.
First-Year Costs
As of 2024, to become a DVC member, you must purchase a minimum of 100 points. At $225 per point, this will cost you at least $22,500 for the points alone.
The minimum buy-in cost is on par with the national average for timeshares. According to the American Resort Development Association, the average price for a timeshare transaction across the industry is $23,940.
In addition to the points cost, you’ll also face closing costs based on the number of points purchased and the resort type, typically totaling several hundred dollars. For example, the closing cost for purchasing 100 points at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel in 2024 is $382.29.
Financing Your Upfront Costs
For those who prefer not to pay the full amount upfront, Disney offers financing options, but these come with additional costs and are only available to qualified buyers.
Financing rates range from 10% APR for a 10-year loan up to 18.01% APR. However, approval for financing isn’t guaranteed, and your eligibility will depend on your credit score and financial history. If you receive a higher interest rate, you could end up paying more in interest than the initial loan cost.
Ongoing Costs in Future Years
Once you’re a member, you’ll be responsible for annual dues, which cover operating costs, administrative fees, real estate taxes, and refurbishment expenses. Dues can be paid in one lump sum or in monthly installments.
For example, in 2024, the monthly dues for 100 points at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel are $79.50, totaling $954 annually.
However, it’s important to note that these dues typically increase every year. In 2024, the smallest dues increase was 1.64% at Disney’s Boardwalk Villas, while nearly half of DVC resorts experienced increases of more than 5%. Some resorts saw increases of over 6%. For example, at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, members faced a 3.28% dues increase in 2024 compared to 2023.
Disney doesn’t always emphasize this in their marketing, but it’s important to understand that even a seemingly small 5% increase can compound over the years, meaning your dues will likely be much higher in the future than they are at the time of purchase.
This increase is driven by inflation, which raises operating costs, as well as potential increases in repair and upgrade expenses, especially at older resorts or those in harsher climates.
Hidden Costs
In addition to the main costs, there are other potential expenses you may encounter, such as late fees, bank charges, and transaction fees when booking non-DVC properties with points.
Hypothetical Breakdown of Costs
The exact cost of a Disney timeshare varies based on the resort, but here’s an example using Disney’s Riviera Resort as your Home Resort.
For this example, let’s assume you’re not financing and you don’t incur any additional fees like late fees. We’ll also exclude costs for tickets or food, as all Disney vacationers, DVC members or not, would typically pay for those.
Is Disney Vacation Club Worth It?
So, is DVC really worth it? NerdWallet conducted an in-depth analysis of the program, weighing the pros and cons, along with all associated costs.
For some frequent Disney visitors who would otherwise pay full price for larger, more luxurious suites or villa-style rooms, joining DVC could be a good value. However, even Disney advises against purchasing a membership for investment purposes.
As noted in the fine print on Disney’s website:
“Ownership interests should not be purchased for resale or rental, as an investment opportunity, or with any expectation of achieving income, capital appreciation, or any other financial return or valuable benefit, including any tax benefit.”
While DVC may not be a good investment from a financial standpoint, there are still many personal benefits to membership. As Disney also points out, “an ownership interest should only be purchased for personal use and enjoyment.”
Beyond just access to accommodations, DVC members enjoy a range of perks, including discounts on food, merchandise, and theme park tickets, as well as exclusive experiences like members-only theme park parties and limited-edition swag.
Alternatives to Disney Vacation Club
While timeshares can be appealing for guaranteeing resort stays without the hassle of owning a vacation home, they come with their own set of challenges — and DVC is no exception. If you’re interested in saving money on Disney vacations without committing to a DVC membership, here are a few alternatives:
Rent Disney Vacation Club Points
DVC members may rent out their points, providing non-members the opportunity to stay at DVC properties. Renting points can often result in significant savings, especially if owners are eager to offload unused points. There are several dedicated websites that facilitate these exchanges. While these sites typically take a cut of the transaction, they offer protections and guarantees that you wouldn’t get when dealing directly with individual owners through forums or platforms like Craigslist.
Buy from the DVC Resale Market
Another option is to purchase DVC membership via a third-party reseller, which often offers great deals. Many of the same websites that handle DVC rentals also manage resales. You can often buy DVC memberships at discounts of 50% or more compared to purchasing directly from Disney.
However, there are some important limitations when buying through resale. Many of DVC’s top membership benefits, such as lounge access and restaurant discounts, are only available to members who buy directly from Disney. So, if you purchase through resale, you’ll miss out on some of these perks.
Example Budget for Joining Disney Vacation Club in 2024
Let’s say you join DVC in 2024 and remain a member for the next 46 years until the resort’s contract expires in 2070. Here’s an example of the costs you might expect if you purchase 100 points (the minimum):
- Initial purchase price of 100 Vacation Points ($225 each): $22,550
- Initial closing costs: $676.93
- Annual dues over the next 46 years (assuming a 4.1% annual increase): $120,333.65
Grand total: $143,510.58
In this scenario, you’d end up paying more than $143,000 in total (or an average of around $3,120 per year) for 46 years of 100 points annually.
Keep in mind, every resort has different closing costs, dues, and annual increases, so your total costs could vary based on the resort you choose and the number of points you purchase. To get an accurate estimate, it’s best to run your own calculations based on your specific situation.
Also note, while the $3,120 estimate is spread out over 46 years, the bulk of the cost is in the first year, due to the upfront purchase. After that, you’ll only be responsible for the annual dues, which are likely to increase over time.
Use credit card rewards and travel loyalty points to book cheap Disney vacations
DVC points aren’t the only way to fund your Disney vacation. If you have hotel points and are open to staying at a hotel not directly owned by Disney, there are plenty of properties affiliated with major hotel loyalty programs where you can use your points for stays.
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In Florida, there are more than a dozen hotels within walking distance of Disney Springs—Disney’s vibrant shopping and dining district. These hotels are part of major hotel loyalty programs and can be booked with points. Plus, Disney provides free bus transportation from these hotels to the theme parks, making it an easy and convenient stay. Similarly, there are several point-eligible hotels near Disneyland as well.
You can earn points for these stays by holding specific hotel-branded credit cards or general travel rewards cards. Interestingly, the best credit cards for booking Disney vacations often aren’t Disney-branded, but rather those offering flexible travel rewards across various hotels and airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Disney Vacation Club (DVC)?
The Disney Vacation Club is a timeshare program that allows members to purchase points for vacationing at Disney resorts and other Disney destinations. Members can use these points to book stays at DVC properties, as well as enjoy a range of exclusive benefits like discounts, special events, and access to unique vacation experiences.
How does the Disney Vacation Club points system work?
The DVC uses a points-based system, where members purchase a set number of points each year. These points can be used to book accommodations at Disney resorts, with the number of points required depending on factors like the resort, the time of year, and the length of stay. Members can also bank or borrow points for future or past trips.
What are the benefits of joining the Disney Vacation Club?
Membership offers several perks, including the flexibility to stay at a variety of Disney resorts, discounted park tickets, exclusive events, and access to members-only lounges. Members can also enjoy the convenience of booking vacations at over 50 Disney destinations worldwide, from hotels to cruises and beyond.
What is the cost to join the Disney Vacation Club?
The initial cost to join the Disney Vacation Club varies based on the number of points purchased and the resort selected. In 2024, the starting cost for 100 points is approximately $22,550, with additional annual dues. The total cost depends on the resort, the number of points, and the length of the contract.
Can I sell or rent my DVC points?
Yes, members can rent out their points or sell their DVC membership through third-party services. Renting points can be a good way to offset the cost of membership if you’re unable to use them for your own vacations. However, selling your membership may involve fees and limitations, especially regarding benefits tied to buying directly from Disney.
conclusion
The Disney Vacation Club offers a unique opportunity to experience the magic of Disney vacations in a more flexible and personalized way. With its points-based system, members gain access to a wide range of resorts, exclusive perks, and the ability to create unforgettable memories with loved ones year after year. While the initial cost and ongoing dues may seem daunting, the value of being able to stay at luxurious Disney resorts, enjoy special discounts, and access members-only experiences makes it a worthwhile investment for those who frequent Disney destinations. Whether you’re a Disney enthusiast, a frequent traveler, or someone who dreams of magical getaways, the Disney Vacation Club provides a pathway to making your vacation dreams come true—time and time again.