The Price Difference
The most significant difference between resale and direct purchase is price. Resale contracts typically sell for 30-50% less than buying direct from Disney, which can mean savings of $50,000 or more on a large contract.
Resale Restrictions (Post-2019)
If you purchase a resale contract after January 19, 2019, you'll face some limitations:
- Can only book at your home resort and the 14 original DVC resorts
- Cannot exchange points for Disney Cruise Line or Adventures by Disney
- Limited access to certain member perks and discounts
Benefits of Buying Direct
Direct purchases from Disney include:
- Full booking privileges at all current and future DVC resorts
- Access to all exchange options (Cruises, Adventures, Collection stays)
- All member perks and discounts
- New member incentives and bonuses
Making Your Decision
The right choice depends on your priorities. If you plan to primarily stay at DVC resorts and want maximum savings, resale is excellent. If you want full flexibility and exchange options, buying direct may be worth the premium.