Small vs Large Contract: Which to Buy?
DVC buyers face important decisions about initial point allocation sizes, balancing affordability, flexibility, and vacation needs. Understanding the trade-offs between small starter contracts and larger comprehensive allocations helps you choose the right entry point for your DVC ownership journey.
Small Contracts (50-100 Points)
Small contracts require lower upfront investments, making DVC accessible to buyers with limited budgets. A 75-point contract might cost $7,000-9,000, providing entry-level ownership without massive financial commitment. These contracts work well for couples taking short trips, buyers wanting to "test" DVC before larger investments, or members supplementing existing larger contracts.
However, small allocations limit vacation flexibility. Seventy-five points might cover 4 nights in a studio during value season but falls short for week-long family vacations or larger villas. Banking and borrowing help occasionally, but small contracts constrain your vacation choices and require careful point management to avoid running short.
Medium Contracts (150-200 Points)
Medium contracts represent the "sweet spot" for many families, providing enough points for annual week-long trips in one-bedroom villas during moderate seasons. A 150-point allocation might support a 6-7 night BoardWalk one-bedroom vacation each year with modest points remaining for flexibility, without requiring $20,000+ investments that larger contracts demand.
This size allows strategic banking and borrowing to occasionally upgrade to two-bedrooms or extend trips beyond your typical week, while annual allocations still support meaningful vacations without supplementing. Medium contracts balance affordability and utility for families committed to regular Disney travel.
Large Contracts (250+ Points)
Large contracts provide maximum flexibility, supporting extended trips, larger villas, peak season travel, and even multiple annual vacations. A 300-point allocation might fund a 10-day summer vacation in a two-bedroom villa with points left over for a long weekend trip during off-season, all from one annual allocation.
However, large contracts require substantial upfront investment ($25,000-40,000+ depending on resort and per-point costs) plus higher annual dues. Buyers must ensure they'll actually use 250-300 points annually - unused points represent wasted dues payments and diminished value from your investment.
Adding On Later
Many members start with small contracts, confirm DVC fits their vacation style, then add points through additional purchases. This gradual approach minimizes initial risk while building toward desired allocations over time. Each add-on contract can be at the same home resort (consolidating points) or different properties (gaining 11-month access to multiple resorts).
The add-on strategy requires being comfortable with transaction costs for multiple purchases and managing multiple use years if buying contracts with different point deposit dates. However, spreading DVC investment across several years makes large allocations financially accessible without taking massive single-purchase risks.
Matching Points to Vacation Patterns
Calculate your typical Disney vacation needs: villa size, trip length, and seasons you travel. Add 20-30% buffer for flexibility and occasional splurges. If you need 140 points for your target annual vacation, consider buying 175-200 points to ensure adequate allocations without constant point shortages.
Resale Value Considerations
Both very small contracts (under 100 points) and very large contracts (500+ points) can be harder to resell due to limited buyer demand. Medium-sized contracts (150-250 points) typically sell fastest with the broadest buyer interest. While you're buying for your own use, eventual resale liquidity matters if life changes require selling before contract expiration.