If you’ve ever caught a glimpse of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) at Walt Disney World or heard the buzz about it while staying at a Disney resort, you might be wondering: is it really worth it? Advertised as “Disney’s best-kept secret,” the DVC is a timeshare program that allows you and your family to return to Disney deluxe accommodations year after year, creating magical memories without the stress of booking hotels each time.
7. Is DVC Financially Right for You?
The most important consideration before joining DVC is the cost. When you buy into DVC, you’re purchasing points. These points are used to book your hotel stay at Disney’s deluxe resorts.
Each resort has a point chart, which tells you how many points are required to stay based on factors like the time of year and room type. Disney recommends a minimum purchase of 150 points, though most families will need at least 250–350 points to get the accommodations they want. We’ve even heard of families with as many as 1,650 points!
The current price for points is between $150 and $330 per point, though prices fluctuate based on resort location. Disney frequently offers incentives, such as bonus points or even a free Disney cruise.
However, the key question is: can you afford it? While the initial purchase may seem manageable, the ongoing costs of DVC can add up. Points have steadily increased in price over time, and maintenance fees (charged yearly) can range between $5–$9 per point depending on the resort.
If you’re on a tight budget, carefully consider whether the ongoing expenses will fit into your finances before moving forward.
6. The DVC Resale Market Is a Great Option
Did you know you can buy DVC points on the resale market? Third-party companies offer DVC contracts at much lower prices than Disney does directly. You might find points for as low as $93 each, which can be a huge savings compared to purchasing directly from Disney.
However, there are some limitations with resale contracts. Most notably, resale buyers cannot use their points for Adventures by Disney, Disney cruises, or exchanges through the RCI network. Resale points are only valid at the original 14 DVC resorts, including locations in California, Hawaii, and Vero Beach, Florida.
If you choose to go the resale route, make sure to buy points at a resort where you actually want to stay. One perk of being an owner at your “home” resort is that you can book it 11 months in advance—much sooner than the 7-month booking window for other resorts.
This is a big deal during busy times like holidays or school breaks, so choosing the right location is key.
5. Are Reservations Always Guaranteed?
While DVC offers fantastic flexibility in vacation planning, one downside is that bookings are not guaranteed. Many DVC members share frustration over rooms being booked up during peak seasons—especially around the holidays, spring break, or marathon weekends.
If you want to stay at your home resort, it’s best to book well in advance. If you wait too long, you might have to either pay out of pocket for a room or use a large number of points for a regular Disney hotel room, which can be much more expensive.
4. Maintenance Fees and Annual Costs
Every year, you’ll need to pay maintenance fees for your points. These fees vary by resort but typically range from $5 to $9 per point, and they increase slightly each year. For example:
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Bay Lake Tower: $8.02 per point
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Beach Club: $9.12 per point
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Boardwalk: $9.06 per point
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Polynesian: $7.93 per point
These fees are in addition to any other Disney vacation expenses, like tickets, dining, and souvenirs. For my family, the DVC investment has made us more likely to visit Disney frequently—leading us to upgrade from seasonal passes to annual ones.
This means more time spent in the parks, but it also means more money spent on everything else! Even though the accommodation costs are already covered, we tend to splurge more once we’re at Disney, since we’re not paying for hotels. For some families, this is a great perk; for others, it may lead to more vacation spending than expected.
Do you find yourself indulging more on vacation? Share your thoughts with us!
3. The Exclusive Perks Are Amazing
One of the best aspects of DVC membership is the exclusive perks! These perks can make your Disney vacation even more magical. DVC members enjoy discounts on:
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Annual passes
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Merchandise
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Spa services
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Broadway shows
In addition to these discounts, DVC members also get access to special lounges and events that non-members can’t enjoy. For example, there’s a Member Lounge in Epcot above the Imagination Pavilion, which offers a relaxing space to unwind.
You can also enjoy a private view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks at the Top of the World Lounge above Bay Lake Tower. Perhaps the most unique perk is Moonlight Magic—a free after-hours event held at select Disney parks just for DVC members.
You’ll also be welcomed “home” every time you arrive, which feels extra special and adds to the warm Disney magic that only members get to experience.
2. Renting Points Is a Risk-Free Way to Try DVC
If you’re unsure whether DVC is right for you, consider renting points before committing. Many DVC members rent out their unused points through third-party companies. Renting points can allow you to stay in deluxe accommodations without the upfront investment, and it can be much cheaper than booking a room through Disney directly.
Renting points can also help you experience what it’s like to stay at different resorts. Once you try out a deluxe resort, you might find that it’s the only way you’ll want to vacation at Disney in the future! Just be sure to do the math and determine if renting regularly makes more financial sense than purchasing points yourself.
1. “Add-On-Itis” Is Real
Once you buy into DVC, you may find yourself with a case of “add-on-itis” – a term used to describe the urge to buy more points after the initial purchase. Many DVC members end up adding on points after a few years, as they fall deeper in love with the program and its perks.
If you find yourself really enjoying your DVC membership, it’s not uncommon to want to expand your points to book more vacations.
Final Thoughts: Is DVC Right for You?
Before making your final decision, we recommend joining an online community of DVC owners. These communities are full of helpful members who can answer all your questions, share their experiences, and even rent out their points to you.
If you do decide to take the plunge, rest assured that you’ll be joining a family of Disney lovers who enjoy creating magical memories year after year. Whether you’re looking for savings, flexibility, or just a magical experience at Disney, the DVC could be the perfect fit for your family.
And when you finally join, we’ll be the first to say: Welcome home! Have you been thinking about joining DVC? Share your thoughts below!
