If you’ve ever dreamt of having a slice of Disney magic that’s yours to cherish year after year, then the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) might be the enchanted key to your fairytale. But, as with all enchantments, it comes at a price. In this post, we’re going to pull back the curtain and reveal the secrets of the Disney Vacation Club cost of membership.
Before I decided to become a DVC member, it was imperative to me to make sure that it made financial sense.
We’ll break down the numbers, unravel the membership options, and help you decide if becoming a part of the DVC family is the right choice for you.
So, let’s embark on this magical journey to discover the real cost of your Disney dreams!
This post is all about breaking down the Disney Vacation Club cost of membership to help you decide if it is worth it for you.
Disney Vacation Club Cost of Membership
As with any journey, it’s essential to plan your path, and that begins with understanding the financial commitment of becoming a Disney Vacation Club member. Let’s dive into the cost breakdown and membership details.
1) The Initial Cost
To open the door to DVC magic, you’ll need to make an initial purchase of real estate interest. This is your “home resort” and serves as your primary booking window for reservations (11 months in advance).
Prices vary significantly depending on two main factors:
1) Whether you’re purchasing a Direct or Resale Contract.
2) The Resort you’re choosing for your Home Resort.
Initial Cost Depends on Whether You’re Purchasing a Direct or Resale Contract
A direct contract is where you purchase a DVC contract directly with Disney. This may enable you to access certain benefits (if you are buying a 150-point contract), such as special events and discounts (which are usually similar to the Annual Passholder discounts).
A resale contract is where a DVC owner decides to sell their existing contract to someone else (usually through a third-party company, like DVC Store – who I purchased my contract through – or DVC Resale Market). You can often save up to 50%+ compared to a resale contract. This is because you’re probably not receiving 50 years on your contract, and you don’t get the direct benefits.
To be transparent, I bought an Old Key West resale contract for $95/point for 100 points (with 100 banked points for 2022 and 2023) – expiring in 2042 – so I only have first-hand experience with purchasing resale contracts.
Initial Cost Depends on the Resort you’re choosing for your Home Resort
Now, onto home resorts. In most cases, the older the DVC property, the cheaper the contract. This is why you will find the best deals on Old Key West (2042 or 2057 expiration dates), Saratoga Springs (2054 expiration date) or Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (2042 expiration date).
However, it’s important to note that this isn’t always the case. Boardwalk Villas and Beach Club Villas both have 2042 expiration dates. But they maintain their values better than other resorts with contracts expiring the same year – due to their immense popularity.
You will also find that the location of your DVC home resort greatly impacts the initial purchase price.
RELATED POST: All the Disney Vacation Club Locations of Resorts: A Complete Guide
For example, you can find excellent deals on Vero Beach, Hilton Head and Aulani because they are not located at Disney World or Disneyland. (However, the annual dues are high here – more on this later).
Newer properties tend to sell for higher prices (think Polynesian, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian Villas).
RELATED POST: A Grand Experience: Unveiling the Pros and Cons of Disney’s Grand Floridian Villas
However, the latest DVC properties (Riviera Resort and the Villas at Disneyland Hotel) have a resale restriction. This means that if you purchase resale contracts for these properties, you can only use your contract at that one Resort. Subsequently, you may be able to find decently-priced resale contracts, because they are far more restrictive.
Initial Cost Depends on How Many Points You Purchase
It’s also important to note that the price of your contract depends on how many points you purchase.
You pay a certain price per point. So, as I mentioned, I bought 100 points at $95 per point for my Old Key West resale contract. This means that every year, I have 100 points to “spend” on stays at DVC Resorts – until 2042 (when my contract expires).
When purchasing Direct contracts with Disney, this is a set amount (depending on the Resort).
As of December 2023 (at the time of posting this), we are seeing a 100-point minimum for direct contracts.
Please note that minimum purchases are subject to change, so it is recommended that you speak to a DVC rep to get this confirmed if you are interested.
However, if you’re purchasing a resale contract, smaller contracts tend to have a higher price per point (because they are easier to sell), and larger contracts tend to have a lower price per point (most people aren’t buying HUGE resale contracts).
The amount of points you need will also depend on the types of accommodation you need. Small parties (of up to 4-5 – depending on the resort) may be fine in a Studio. Want a kitchen and extra space? A One-Bedroom, Two-Bedroom – or even a Three-Bedroom Grand Villa may be more suitable.
This is something you should research before buying a contract, as this cannot be changed. You can work this out by looking at the Points Charts for the DVC Resorts.
2) Annual Dues
In addition to the initial investment, you’ll be responsible for annual dues.
These dues cover the operating costs of the resorts, such as maintenance, utilities, and property taxes.
They vary depending on the number of points you own and the specific Resort.
Here is the price per point you can expect to pay at each DVC Resort for your annual dues.
When do you pay annual dues?
You pay your DVC annual dues on January 15th each year.
If you are paying from a U.S. bank account, you have the option to pay in monthly instalments.
3) Perks and Discounts
Being an eligible Direct DVC member comes with its set of perks, including discounts on merchandise, dining, and annual passes.
This can save you a lot of money throughout your DVC vacations, which can be counted as a “saving” of your membership.
4) Financing Options
To make the financial burden more manageable, Disney offers financing options, including loans through their subsidiary, Disney Vacation Development, Inc. (DVDC). Keep in mind that interest rates and terms can change.
You may also be able to finance your resale contract through another company.
5) The Value of Membership
Once you’ve deciphered the cost, it’s vital to consider what you’re receiving in return. For many, the flexibility, consistent quality, and the joy of vacationing at DVC Resorts at least every other year make the cost worthwhile.
But, is it worth it for you? This is a key question you should answer before becoming a DVC member.
RELATED POST: Is Disney Vacation Club Worth It?: 8 Things To Consider Before Becoming a DVC Member
6) Key Factors to Consider
When calculating the Disney Vacation Club cost of membership, keep these factors in mind:
- How often you plan to vacation at Disney properties.
- How important it is for you to stay in deluxe accommodations.
- Whether you’ll buy direct or through resale.
- Whether you’ll pay your initial cost upfront or finance your contract.
- Whether you’ll use your membership perks and discounts.
Now that you’ve unlocked the secrets of DVC membership costs, you’re better equipped to decide if the magic is worth the price. Remember that owning a piece of the Disney kingdom is a lifelong investment in creating treasured memories with your loved ones. The price of magic may be high, but for many, it’s a cost worth bearing to experience Disney enchantment year after year.
Ta Ta For Now
Now that you’ve unlocked the secrets of DVC membership costs, you’re better equipped to decide if the magic is worth the price. Remember that becoming a DVC member is a huge commitment.
But for many people (and from my own experience, I know), it can be a wonderful decision.
Let me know if you decide to/not to become a DVC member!
This post was all about breaking down the Disney Vacation Club cost of membership to help you decide if it is worth it for you.
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