Is Disney Vacation Club Worth It? Things To Know Before You Buy

It’s no secret that a Disney World vacation is an expensive vacation. Unlike an all-inclusive getaway, Disney World involves accommodation costs and park tickets, along with optional expenses like dining plans and skip-the-line services. But while the financial outlay can be significant, Disney World has been – and continues to be – one of the top vacation destinations in the world. Full of magic, wonder, and incredible, one-of-a-kind experiences, Disney World is truly a place like no other. It’s no wonder that so many singles, couples, and families consider it their home away from home!

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Of course, if you’ve ever been to Disney World, you know how easily that “once in a lifetime” trip can snowball into a lifetime of Disney vacations. Once you experience the magic, there’s no going back! Unfortunately, costs can quickly add up – making it impossible to visit as often as you’d like. Major bummer, right? Well, maybe not.

Enter Disney Vacation Club!

What is Disney Vacation Club?

A timeshare for Disney-loving travelers, the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) program is owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. Essentially, members buy into the program by purchasing “points,” which can be used for stays at select resorts in Walt Disney World and Disneyland, as well as at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii. Additionally, members can use their points to book sailings on Disney Cruise Line ships and for travel experiences worldwide with Adventures by Disney.

How Does Disney Vacation Club Work?

When you buy a Disney Vacation Club membership, you’ll choose your “home resort” (more on this later!) and decide how many points to buy. So what exactly are “points?” Essentially, points equate to DVC currency. As a DVC member, you’ll use your points to book stays at DVC resorts, sailings with Disney Cruise Line, and travel with Adventures by Disney.

Your set number of points will accrue annually, allowing you to allocate them to your vacation of choice. Different types of vacations will cost you a different number of points, largely depending on which resort you choose, what time of year you visit, and the number of nights you stay. Unsurprisingly, Disney’s most popular resorts will cost you the highest number of points, as will stays during peak travel seasons, like Spring Break and the winter holidays.

If you don’t use any (or all) of your points in a given year, they will roll over to the following year, allowing you to bank those points for future use. Be aware that unused points DO eventually expire, so they won’t continue to roll over indefinitely.

Finally, it’s important to know that DVC membership generally involves a 50-year contract that can (eventually) be passed down to your kids or grandkids. While many Disney fans see this as a positive, be aware that this IS a long-term commitment. If you want to terminate your contract early, you’ll need to sell your points on the resale market.

What are the Advantages of Disney Vacation Club Membership?

Obviously, owning a Disney Vacation Club membership comes at a cost. That being said, so do Disney vacations in general – and prices go up EVERY year, like clockwork.

While DVC membership requires a significant financial commitment, it also locks you into current resort rates. So while rates continue to skyrocket each year, you’ll ALWAYS pay the same rate that you’d pay TODAY. Even better? Your membership will eventually be paid off, at which point, your monthly installments will cease and your resort stay will be – or at least feel – “free.”

If you plan on visiting Disney World annually – or even bi-annually – for decades to come, Disney Vacation Club is a great way to save money in the long term.

Disney Vacation Club Membership Perks

In addition to potential cost savings down the line, Disney Vacation Club offers a variety of fun and magical perks to members, including:

• Exclusive DVC-only lounges inside the Disney Parks
• Dining discounts
• Shopping discounts
• Experience/Tour Discounts
• Exclusive Disney Vacation Club Member Disney Cruise Sailings
• Exclusive Disney Vacation Club Member Park Events
• Extra hours inside the parks that are JUST for DVC and Deluxe Resort guests

Disney Vacation Club Resorts

Of course, one of the BIGGEST advantages of Disney Vacation Club is the ability to stay (year after year!) at Disney’s top-tier resorts, for a fraction of the price.

These Deluxe resorts offer some of the best dining, amenities, and accommodations that Disney World has to offer. Depending on which resort you choose, you’ll also enjoy closer proximity to the parks and better, more convenient park transportation options. Need a break from park-hopping? Disney Vacation Club also offers THREE beach resorts that are perfect for a bit of rest and relaxation.

In addition, Disney Vacation Club resort rooms are actually considered “villas,” with Deluxe Studio, One-Bedroom, Two-Bedroom, and Three-Bedroom options. Some resorts even offer extra options like full-on bungalows and cabins. DVC rooms generally offer more space than a traditional hotel room, and each comes equipped with a kitchenette, at minimum. If you choose anything larger than a Deluxe Studio, your DVC villa will include a full kitchen AND an in-unit washer and dryer.

So, where can you stay? Disney Vacation Club resorts are located at the following Disney resorts:

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Bay Lake Tower)
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Grand Californian Resort
• The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
• Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
• Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

What is a “Home Resort?”

While DVC members can choose to stay at ANY Disney Vacation Club resort, be aware that the resort you buy into will be considered your “home resort.” Keep reading because this is IMPORTANT!

Your HOME RESORT is the resort where you actually own real estate interest. This is also the resort where you enjoy “home resort priority,” meaning you can book a stay here up to eleven months in advance. This gives you the chance to book your stay here before other DVC members and the general public.

Prefer to stay at another DVC resort? Be aware that you’ll need to wait until seven months out to book your stay. As such, availability may be limited depending on your desired travel dates.

With this in mind, be sure to choose your home resort carefully. Even if you intend to visit other DVC resorts, you are still likely to spend LOTS of time at your home resort – so make sure it’s one you’ll enjoy and visit frequently! If you intend to use your membership primarily for Walt Disney World visits, don’t buy a Disney Vacation Club Membership at Disney’s Aulani Resort. Planning to frequent Disneyland? Choose a home resort in California!

Where Can I Buy?

At the time of this writing, Disney Vacation Club is selling points for home resorts at Disney’s Riviera Resort, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows (Island Tower), Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa, and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel. Be aware that this will change as these resorts sell out and new DVC resorts continue to open.

How Much Does it Cost?

Just like any Disney vacation, the total cost of your Disney Vacation Club membership will depend on a variety of factors. This includes your choice of home resort, the number of points you buy, and your interest rate.

As with any real estate purchase, your Disney Vacation Club membership will require a down payment and can be paid in installments over time (obviously, you can also pay in full if you so desire). Naturally, interest rates will vary depending on the amount of your down payment and your credit score. Members must also pay annual dues (i.e., maintenance fees). Be aware that these can (and do) increase annually, and you are responsible for paying them for the entire length of your contract (yes, even after your principal is paid off). Think of it as the Disney timeshare equivalent of HOA dues.

How Many Points Will I Need?

Deciding how many points to buy is a deeply personal decision. What’s right for one person may not be what’s right for the next! To determine your DVC sweet spot, consider factors like:

• How often you plan to visit
• Your ideal length of stay
• The time of year you tend to visit
• Which DVC resorts you prefer
• The type of DVC villa you will need to accommodate your family or travel party

In addition, you may want to consider your FUTURE plans, lifestyle, and the makeup of your travel party. Keep in mind that it’s much easier to add more points later than it is to offload points you find you’re not using.

Things to Consider Before You Buy

Disney Vacation Club offers plenty of benefits, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. When making a significant financial investment, it’s always wise to ask the hard questions before you commit. Naturally, Disney Vacation Club is no exception! So, here are a few important things to consider BEFORE you buy into Disney Vacation Club:

Maintenance Fees are FOREVER –

I’ve already mentioned this once, but it bears repeating: Disney Vacation Club maintenance fees are required for the ENTIRE length of your DVC contract. While your principal will eventually be paid off, you’ll still be on the hook to pay those annual dues. Be sure that you’re prepared to pay those dues (which vary depending on your home resort and the number of points you own) for the next FIFTY years.

Disney Vacation Club Does NOT Include Food, Park Tickets, or Travel Costs –

When you buy a DVC membership, you are purchasing a timeshare stake. This means you are buying the right to use a portion of the property (in this case, your DVC home resort) for a specific amount of time each year. As such, you are buying the right to your ACCOMMODATIONS ONLY – Disney Vacation Club membership DOES NOT include food or park tickets.

On the surface, this might not seem like such a big deal. But before you pull the trigger, you should know that getting the most of your money with Disney Vacation Club means visiting at least every other year. So, in addition to your monthly DVC payments and annual maintenance dues, you’ll also need to budget for the park tickets, food costs, and travel expenses associated with your next Disney vacation. It’s probably smart to think about whether you can afford to pay those costs – in addition to the costs of your DVC membership – at least every other year.

That being said, many Disney Vacation Club members find that they can cut costs if needed by booking a resort-only stay. That means forgoing costly park tickets in favor of a resort-centric vacation full of relaxing pool time and incredible dining. After all, Disney World offers plenty of amazing restaurants and shopping that don’t require park access!

Will it Work for Your Family LONG TERM?

A Disney Vacation Club membership is a long-term commitment. Therefore, you’ll want to consider your long-term plans before you buy.

The idea that Disney is “just for kids” is incredibly outdated. With amazing bars, upscale fine dining, and fun-filled food & wine festivals, Disney vacations appeal to kids, families, and child-free adults alike.

Still, it’s smart to consider what’s best for you (and your family) long-term. If you’re currently kid-free, will you want them in the future? If you do have kids, will they still want to visit Disney World ten years from now? More importantly, will YOU? Disney Vacation Club will usually work best for dedicated Disney fans who will enjoy years of Disney vacations – with or without kids!

It Won’t Necessarily Save You Money

Disney Vacation Club is NOT a discount club. Yes, it COULD save you money in the long term, but that depends entirely on the way you visit Disney – and the way you plan to visit in the future.

For example, if you usually stay at Disney’s value resorts and are satisfied with those accommodations, you’ll still spend LESS by choosing a value resort than you would on a DVC membership. On the other hand, if you prefer Disney’s deluxe resorts and would otherwise pay for them out of pocket, Disney Vacation Club will offer more competitive rates.

In the end, most DVC members see their membership as more of an emotional decision than a financial one. Yes, Disney Vacation Club CAN save you money in some circumstances – but a DVC membership is more about the joy you’ll get belonging to this exclusive Disney club and knowing that there’s ALWAYS another Disney vacation right around the corner. If you LOVE Disney and foresee years and years of Disney vacations in your future, then a DVC membership could very well pay off for you.

DVC Reviews: What Do Others Say About DVC?

➡️ Active DVC Club Member (and Disney enthusiast) Review:

“It forces me and my husband to take a vacation. It also takes the stress out of a Disney vacation because we feel that we don’t have to make each trip a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ event, we can relax knowing that we will be back and check out what we missed next time.”

-J. Hubbell

➡️ Avid Disney Fan Who Travels Annually:

“For us, it really boils down to the dues – they increase yearly and don’t go away. Plus your contract eventually expires so it’s not like real estate where you can make it a true investment. From an emotional standpoint, I’d love to buy a DVC membership, but financially it works out better for us to rent DVC points rather than committing to owning it.”

-A.Fricker

➡️ Avid Disney Traveler:

“We don’t live in Florida but still manage to visit Disney 2-3 times per year. Between RV rentals, campgrounds, and special sales, we can make 2-3 trips/year for a fraction of the cost. We also don’t find it necessary to stay at the upgraded resorts, we are content with the more affordable options since we can do more each year that way.”

-D. Ross

DVC: FAQs

Still have questions? Keep reading!

How long is DVC good for?

A Disney Vacation Club contract is valid for 50 years from the construction of the building. During your 50-year contract, you can pass down the rights to your kids or grandkids so they can use the membership before the contract expires. If you want to end your contract early, you’ll need to sell your contract on the resale market. This is not always easy to do, buying direct offers significant member perks that do not apply to members who bought resale. 

What happens when you pay off Disney Vacation Club?

When you pay off your Disney Vacation Club membership, your principal payments – whatever they may be – will end. You will be free to use your points until your contract eventually expires. Remember that while your PRINCIPAL will be paid off, you are still responsible for paying your annual maintenance dues.

Is it considered a timeshare?

Yes, Disney Vacation Club is a timeshare program. However, unlike other timeshares you may be familiar with, DVC works on a points-based system and allows members to stay at many Disney Vacation Club properties and book different types of vacations.

Is Disney Vacation Club a ripoff?

Disney Vacation Club may not be for everyone, but it’s certainly not a ripoff. If you LOVE Disney, prefer deluxe-level resorts, and visit at least bi-annually, DVC will likely save you money in the long run. Add in those member perks and you will definitely get your money’s worth!

Are there alternatives to Disney Vacation Club?

Obviously, you can always book your Disney vacations as needed, directly through Disney. This allows you to take advantage of promotions, discounts, and other incentives. Booking directly also allows you to choose a moderate-level or value-level resort if you so desire.

In addition, you can also choose to rent DVC points from current members, either directly (preferably from someone you know and trust!) or through reputable agencies that specialize in DVC rentals. Be aware that most DVC rental services require payment in full, upfront. They are also (generally) non-refundable, so be sure to check those cancellation policies and purchase travel insurance separately if needed.

The Bottom Line: Is Disney Vacation Club Worth It?

When it comes to Disney Vacation Club, “worth it” is a matter of opinion – and the answer will ultimately lie in your financial situation, your travel preferences, and your level of commitment to ongoing Disney vacations.

For those willing to make the investment, DVC has a lot to offer and could provide longterm savings – and decades of unforgettable family memories. However, the financial commitment of Disney Vacation is significant and real – making it a non-option for many families. In the end, only YOU know if DVC membership is right for you.

Of course, if you LOVE Disney vacations – but not the commitment to Disney Vacation Club – there are still plenty of ways to enjoy ALL the magic! For more information on a traditional Disney World vacation, contact us HERE to get started.