You've heard that purchasing DVC on the resale market saves thousands compared to buying direct from Disney. That's true. But if you've never done it before, the process can feel unfamiliar. This guide covers everything from finding a contract to recording the deed, so you know exactly what to expect at each step.
What You're Actually Purchasing
A DVC resale contract is a deeded real estate interest. You're purchasing a specific number of vacation points at a specific home resort, with a defined use year and expiration date. Those points can be used to book rooms at any DVC resort (subject to availability windows). The deed transfers to you at closing, and you become a full DVC member with access to the member website for booking.
One important note: resale contracts purchased after January 2019 at certain resorts have restrictions on booking at non DVC properties (Disney Collection and Concierge Collection). This primarily affects Riviera contracts. All other booking privileges within the DVC resort network remain identical to direct purchases.
Step 1: Figure Out How Many Points You Need
Before you shop for contracts, determine how many points your typical vacation requires. A studio at Animal Kingdom Lodge in October might cost 10 points per night. A two bedroom at Grand Floridian during Christmas week could run 50+ points per night. The difference is enormous.
Use our vacation point calculator to model your ideal trip. Most families find that 150 to 200 points covers a week long trip in a one bedroom during regular season. If you vacation during value season or prefer studios, you might need significantly less.
Step 2: Choose Your Home Resort
Your home resort determines two things: your 11 month booking window (you can book your home resort 11 months out, all others at 7 months) and your annual dues rate. Browse all options on our resort details page.
If you always want to stay at the same resort during peak dates, own there. If you're flexible on where you stay, consider purchasing at a resort with lower annual dues (Saratoga Springs, Old Key West) and booking elsewhere at the 7 month mark. Both strategies work. It depends on your travel patterns.
Step 3: Find and Evaluate Listings
Browse available contracts on our resale listings page. Pay attention to these details:
- Price per point: Your primary comparison metric. Value resorts run $90 to $120, mid tier $120 to $160, premium $160 to $220.
- Use year: Pick one that aligns with when you typically vacation.
- Points status: Are current year points available, banked from last year, or already used ("stripped")?
- Expiration: Longer remaining terms mean more total value.
Step 4: Make an Offer
Found a contract you like? Submit an offer. Sellers can accept, reject, or counter. Most transactions involve at least one round of negotiation. Your offer price should reflect recent comparable sales at that resort (your broker can provide this data).
Once both parties agree on price and terms, you'll sign a purchase agreement. At that point, the contract goes to Disney for ROFR review.
Step 5: ROFR (The Waiting Game)
Disney has 30 days to exercise their Right of First Refusal. They can match your purchase price and take the contract, or they can waive (let it pass to you). In 2026, most contracts priced at fair market value are passing ROFR without issue. The wait is the hardest part. You'll get a notification from the closing company once Disney responds.
If Disney exercises ROFR, your earnest deposit is refunded in full. You lose nothing except time.
Step 6: Closing
After ROFR clears, the closing company handles paperwork, collects funds, and records the deed. You'll pay the remaining balance plus closing costs (approximately $500 in buyer fees). The seller pays a $150 estoppel fee. Total timeline from accepted offer to deed recording: 30 to 60 days.
Step 7: Welcome Home
Once the deed records, Disney sets up your membership account (this takes a few additional business days). You'll receive login credentials for the member site, and your points will appear in your account. From there, you can start booking.
Common First Timer Questions
Can I finance a DVC resale purchase? Yes. Several lenders specialize in DVC timeshare loans, though rates are higher than traditional mortgages. Many buyers choose to pay cash given the relatively modest purchase prices.
What if I want to sell later? You can resell your contract anytime on the secondary market. DVC contracts have historically held their value well relative to other timeshare products.
Is there a catch? The main consideration is the 2019 resale restriction on Riviera (limited access to non DVC properties). Beyond that, resale owners receive the same resort access and booking experience as direct buyers.
Ready to start looking? Head to our listings page or read more about how the process works in detail.
