What is the Disney Vacation Club?

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is Disney's timeshare-style vacation ownership program, launched in 1991 with the opening of Disney's Old Key West Resort. Unlike traditional timeshares, which often sell fixed one- or two-week vacations, DVC uses a points-based system. This approach allows members to customize their vacations, including when, where, and how long they stay. Points are allocated annually based on the size of the contract purchased and can be used at any DVC resort across Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Vero Beach, Hilton Head, Aulani in Hawaii, and select other Disney locations.

DVC has been a resounding success while almost all other timeshare programs have failed for several reasons. First, Disney is a trusted brand with a loyal fan base, which gives members confidence that their investment will retain value. Second, DVC properties are full-service resorts with high-quality accommodations, dining, transportation, and entertainment, unlike many traditional timeshares that are purely condo-style or secondary market properties. Third, DVC contracts are flexible and provide unique benefits, including banking and borrowing points, access to Disney resorts, and a robust Member Services Department.

Unlike conventional timeshares that sell a fixed week each year, DVC's points system provides flexibility and choice. Members can use points for stays ranging from a single night to multiple weeks, choose different resort categories, or book different villa sizes depending on need. Points can be banked from one year to the next or borrowed from the upcoming year to accommodate travel schedules, special vacations, or unique experiences. Banking allows members to save unused points from the current Use Year and apply them to the next year, enabling longer or upgraded vacations. Borrowing allows members to use points from the next Use Year early, providing additional flexibility for special trips. Together, these features give families freedom to plan vacations that align with school schedules, holidays, and personal preferences without being tied to rigid time slots.

All DVC members have access to the Member Services Department, which offers two key ways to manage vacations: online or by speaking with a live representative. Members can book resorts, modify reservations, bank or borrow points, and get assistance with special requests through the Member Services website. For more complex travel planning or questions, the department also provides customer service representatives who can assist by phone. This combination of technology and personal service makes managing DVC vacations seamless and convenient. The points system makes resale ownership straightforward and transparent—each resale contract comes with a defined number of points per year, a home resort, and a Use Year, so buyers immediately know how many points they are purchasing, the resorts they can access, and their booking window.

The Resale Advantage: Saving 30–40% or More

While direct DVC contracts can cost $200–$300 per point, resale buyers often save 30–40%, sometimes more depending on the resort, Use Year, and contract size. For a typical 150-point contract, resale savings can amount to thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars upfront, with additional savings over the life of the contract. Importantly, resale buyers still enjoy the same resorts, accommodations, and booking flexibility as direct buyers. For families planning decades of vacations, the financial advantage is compelling.

The resale process is structured, safe, and standardized. Buyers select a resort, point amount, and Use Year, then make an offer to the seller. Once both parties agree, Disney exercises its Right of First Refusal (ROFR), allowing it to purchase the contract at the agreed price if it chooses. If Disney waives ROFR, the sale moves to closing with a licensed title company, and the new owner gains full DVC membership access. Working with a broker experienced in DVC resale and direct sales is highly recommended, as they guide buyers through ROFR, contract evaluation, and closing.

Resale buyers enjoy the same accommodations, points flexibility, and Member Services access while saving 30–40% or more. Minor perks they may forgo—such as Moonlight Magic events, certain lounge access, and merchandise or dining discounts—have little practical financial value. Many require additional spending to take advantage of, and most families rarely use them. Resale buyers still retain the core value of DVC: deluxe accommodations, home resort priority, flexible points, and Member Services support. Using points for non-resort experiences like cruises or tours is rarely cost-effective, as it often costs more in annual dues than simply paying cash for the experience. Resale provides better financial security, lower upfront costs, and a stronger long-term value proposition.

Understanding DVC Contracts: Home Resort, Use Year, and Expert Guidance

Selecting a home resort is critical because it provides an 11-month booking window, compared to 7 months for other members. High-demand resorts benefit most from this advantage. Choosing the correct Use Year also allows families to align points with preferred travel times, optimizing flexibility and avoiding lost vacations. These decisions affect long-term usage and potential resale value.

DVC contracts involve banking and borrowing points, ROFR, Use Year planning, and sometimes complex point allocations. A specialized broker ensures the buyer selects the right contract, avoids pitfalls, and completes the purchase efficiently. Brokers with direct DVC sales experience understand not only the resale side but also Disney's internal operations, providing valuable insight that general real estate agents cannot offer.

It is important to note that using points for cruises, tours, or special events often costs more in annual dues than simply paying cash for the experience. For example, using 300 points for a Disney cruise could cost $2,400 in dues alone if dues are $8 per point. That same cruise could be purchased with cash for less while preserving points for resort stays. Resale buyers benefit because they focus on where DVC provides maximum value—stays at deluxe resorts.

Resale Restrictions and the Risks of Direct Purchase at Newer Resorts

Resale buyers can book at virtually every DVC resort except:

• Disney's Riviera Resort
• The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
• The Cabins at Fort Wilderness

Contracts from these resorts are restricted to home resort use only, limiting future resale appeal. Newer resorts like these often have the largest discounts on resale because buyers and sellers must contend with these restrictions.

Many buyers assume direct ownership protects resale value, but life changes. People sell DVC contracts due to job relocation, family changes, or financial needs. Restricted resorts reduce the potential buyer pool for resale because future owners are limited to that resort. As a result, direct buyers at Riviera, Disneyland Hotel Villas, or Fort Wilderness Cabins often suffer financial losses when attempting to resell. Even if buyers do not anticipate selling, planning for potential life changes is essential. Resale contracts maintain strong value and flexibility, protecting buyers from future losses and offering financial peace of mind.

Why Choose DVC Market for Your Purchase

DVC Market aggregates listings from every major DVC resale broker in one centralized marketplace, giving buyers unprecedented access to the entire resale inventory. Instead of visiting dozens of broker websites individually, buyers can compare prices, point allocations, Use Years, and contract details all in one place. This transparency ensures buyers find the best value and make informed decisions quickly.

Because DVC Market provides access to all broker listings, buyers see more competitive pricing and have a wider selection of contracts. The platform's daily inventory sync ensures buyers never miss newly listed contracts or price reductions. Advanced filtering tools allow buyers to search by resort, points, price range, Use Year, and more, streamlining the search process. DVC Market connects buyers directly with listing brokers, ensuring professional guidance through ROFR, contract evaluation, and closing.

Making the Right Decision for Your Family

The Disney Vacation Club is a uniquely successful vacation ownership system because of its trusted brand, points-based flexibility, high-quality resorts, and supportive Member Services. Resale contracts deliver all the core benefits while saving thousands upfront and providing long-term financial advantages. Using DVC Market's centralized marketplace ensures buyers access every available contract, compare pricing across all brokers, and make confident purchasing decisions.

For families seeking decades of magical vacations, resale through DVC Market offers the smartest and most transparent path to DVC ownership. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to add points to your existing membership, DVC Market provides the tools, information, and broker connections you need to make the best investment for your family's future vacations.