5 Reasons to Buy Disney Vacation Club… And 5 Reasons Not To
The decision to purchase a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) membership can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re considering the significant financial commitment and benefits touted by enthusiastic sales representatives. While Disney Vacation Club offers plenty of magical perks for Disney enthusiasts, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully to determine if it’s the right choice for you and your family.
Below, we’ll dive into five reasons to buy Disney Vacation Club and five reasons to reconsider. Let’s explore!
5 Reasons to Buy Disney Vacation Club
1. Save on Future Vacations
Purchasing a Disney Vacation Club membership is essentially prepaying for your Disney vacations over several decades. The upfront cost can be hefty, but it locks in savings over the long term—a major advantage as Disney’s resort prices continue to rise. Members avoid the 12.5% hotel tax and benefit from lower overall costs than regular resort stays. This investment often leads to significant savings for repeat Disney guests.
2. Memorable Experiences to Share
One of the most magical aspects of owning Disney Vacation Club points is the opportunity to create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Not only can you use your points to stay at luxurious Disney resorts, but you can also gift vacations to friends or family. Furthermore, ownership can be passed down to your children, ensuring generations of Disney magic.
If you are tired of visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, Disney Vacation Club points can be used at various resorts worldwide, including non-Disney destinations.
3. Spacious Accommodations for Families
Disney Vacation Club properties offer deluxe villas with space to accommodate larger families or groups. Options range from studios that sleep four to grand villas that host up to 12 guests.
These spacious accommodations provide more room to relax and enjoy your stay than standard hotel rooms. Families traveling together often find this extra space invaluable, making Disney Vacation Club an appealing choice for group vacations.
4. Exclusive Membership Perks
Disney Vacation Club members enjoy various benefits that enhance their Disney experiences. These perks include discounts on dining, merchandise, recreational activities, and theme park tickets. Members also gain access to special events like seasonal parties, tours, movie screenings, and more.
Additionally, members can unwind at exclusive locations such as the DVC Member Lounge in the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT. Disney recently introduced “Membership Magic Beyond,” an optional package for $99 per year that provides enhanced perks such as specially priced weekday tickets and exclusive lounge access. These offerings make the membership experience fresh and rewarding.
5. Resale Market Value
Unlike many traditional timeshares, Disney Vacation Club memberships retain much of their value over time. Some early contracts have even appreciated in value. If your family decides Disney Vacation Club no longer fits your needs, you can resell your membership or rent out your points to cover annual maintenance fees.
However, it’s important to note that resale restrictions apply to contracts purchased on the resale market after January 19, 2019, for resorts like Disney’s Riviera Resort. These restrictions may impact the value and benefits associated with these contracts, so potential buyers should carefully evaluate their options.
5 Reasons Not to Buy Disney Vacation Club
1. Limited Use for Infrequent Visitors
If you don’t plan on visiting Disney destinations at least once every two years, Disney Vacation Club may not be a wise investment. While Disney promotes flexibility, using points for Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, or non-Disney resorts often requires many points, reducing the overall value.
For infrequent travelers, booking Disney vacations case-by-case is likely a more cost-effective choice.
2. High Upfront and Annual Costs
The initial cost of a Disney Vacation Club membership starts at around $13,000 and can rise significantly depending on the home resort and a number of points purchased. Annual maintenance fees add another ongoing expense, and these fees increase over time due to inflation. While financing is available, interest rates may offset long-term savings.
Families considering Disney Vacation Club should evaluate their budget carefully to ensure they can handle these financial obligations.
3. Better Deals on the Resale Market
Purchasing a Disney Vacation Club membership directly from Disney includes perks like membership extras and exclusive events. However, if these benefits aren’t a priority, the resale market offers significant savings. Resale contracts with fewer remaining years can be purchased at a fraction of the cost. Keep in mind that buying secondhand typically excludes extras such as discounts and access to exclusive lounges.
4. Requires Extensive Planning
Disney vacations already require a fair amount of planning, from dining reservations to park passes. Adding Disney Vacation Club into the mix increases this complexity. Booking your home resort requires making reservations 11 months in advance, while other resorts are available at the 7-month mark—if there’s availability.
For spontaneous travelers, the structured planning needed for Disney Vacation Club can feel restrictive and diminish the magic of a more carefree vacation.
5. Not Ideal for Value or Moderate Resort Fans
Disney Vacation Club focuses on deluxe resorts, meaning fans of Disney’s Value or Moderate Resorts won’t find these properties included. Families who prefer these more affordable options may find that the savings from booking directly far outweigh the benefits of purchasing a Disney Vacation Club membership. In such cases, staying off-property or at value accommodations might make more financial sense.
Is Disney Vacation Club Right for You?
Deciding whether to buy a Disney Vacation Club membership depends on your family’s vacation habits, budget, and preferences. For frequent Disney visitors who enjoy staying at deluxe resorts, the membership can offer substantial savings and unforgettable experiences. However, it’s not for everyone—infrequent travelers or those who prefer value accommodations may find other options more practical.
By weighing the pros and cons, you can determine whether Disney Vacation Club is the right investment for your family’s magical adventures.
