If you want to book a cheap Disney vacation, you won’t want to choose a DVC resort with a bad Disney Vacation Club point chart.
The more Disney Vacation Club points a room/studio/villa costs, the worse value for you.
Understanding the DVC point chart is vital. It helps you get the most out of your points or the points you are renting.
Some resorts offer great value, but today, we’re focusing on the ones that simply don’t.
This post is all about the DVC Resorts with the worst Disney Vacation Club point chart (in 2024 and 2025).
Resorts with the Worst Disney Vacation Club Point Chart
What is a DVC Point Chart?
A DVC point chart is essentially a guide that tells you how many points you need for a stay at a Disney Vacation Club resort. Different resorts and room types have different point requirements, which can vary by season. Think of it as a pricing menu for booking your Disney vacation using your DVC points.
Understanding the Disney Vacation Club Point Chart
Navigating the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) point chart can feel like decoding a complex puzzle at first.
But getting a grip on how it works is key to making the most of your Disney vacation.
In this section, let’s break down the essentials of the DVC point charts.
How DVC Points Work
DVC points are a type of virtual currency that members use to book stays at Disney resorts.
When you buy into the Disney Vacation Club, you receive an annual allotment of points. Here’s the gist:
- Allocation: Points are allocated based on the size of your purchase and the terms of your contract.
- Usage: You can use points to book nights at various DVC resorts. The number of points required depends on several factors, which we’ll discuss later.
- Banking and Borrowing: You can “bank” unused points for future use or “borrow” points from the next year if you need more.
The goal is to maximize your points for the best vacation experience possible.
RELATED POST: The Price of Magic: Breaking Down the Disney Vacation Club Cost of Membership
How much is a Disney Vacation Club point worth?
This depends on several factors, but it mainly depends on whether you’re a DVC member or renting DVC points.
If you own points, the initial cost of a point can vary from approximately $55+ – $300, depending on your Home Resort and whether you buy a direct or resale contract – with resale contracts usually being cheaper.
RELATED POST: DVC Home Resort: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Budget-Friendly Option
But, if you’re renting Disney Vacation Club points, you can often expect to pay $21 – $23 per point.
For example, if you’re renting a Studio that costs 10 points per night, you’d pay $210 – $230.
If you book a last minute confirmed reservation (which means you can’t change the resort, room type, view type or dates), you can sometimes find incredible deals (as in as low as $10 ish per point). But, unless you plan EXTREMELY last minute, you probably won’t get these deals.
RELATED POST: Unlocking Deluxe Disney Resorts on a Budget: Your Complete Guide to Renting Disney Vacation Club Points
Also, remember that the value of DVC points can fluctuate based on demand and the specific resort.
Factors Influencing Point Requirements
Several factors can affect how many points you’ll need for a stay:
- Resort Location: Resorts closer to popular parks, like Magic Kingdom, typically require more points.
- Room Type: Larger rooms like villas or suites naturally cost more points compared to standard rooms or studios.
- Season: Points required can vary significantly depending on whether you’re booking during peak holiday times or off-season periods.
Here’s a quick look at how these factors play out:
- Room Preferences: Opting for a studio rather than a one-bedroom villa can save you a significant number of points.
- Seasonal Variations: Planning your trip during less busy times, like late summer or winter (avoiding major holidays or marathon weekends), can reduce the number of points you need.
5 DVC Resorts with the Worst Point Charts
Choosing the right Disney Vacation Club resort is essential for getting the best value out of your points. Unfortunately, not all resorts offer the same bang for your buck. Some DVC resorts require more points for fewer amenities, making them less desirable. Let’s break down which resorts have the worst point charts and why.
1) Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, Hawai`i
Disney Vacation Club Point Chart: 2024 & 2025
Transient Accommodations Tax (more on this later)
Hotel Rooms – based on 2025 points chart: 16-21 points per night
Deluxe Studios (4 different view types) – based on 2025 points chart: 17 – 31 points per night
One-Bedroom Villas (4 different view types) – based on 2025 points chart: 34 – 62 points per night
Two-Bedroom Villas (4 different view types) – based on 2025 points chart: 47 – 84 points per night
Three-Bedroom Grand Villas (2 different view types) – based on 2025 points chart: 95 – 184 points per night
Aulani might sound like a dream destination, but when you look at the Disney Vacation Club point chart, it starts to lose its luster (financially speaking). Here’s why:
- Location: Aulani is on the island of Oahu in Hawai`i, which means you’re far from any Disney parks. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing (I mean, this resort is so gorgeous). But it’s an expensive resort considering it isn’t located at Disney World or Disneyland.
- Point Requirements: Aulani requires a VERY high number of points, even for standard rooms. For the same number of points, you could be staying much closer to the magic at a Disney World resort (but again, this resort offers a very different, more relaxing kind of vacation).
2) Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney Vacation Club Point Chart: 2024 & 2025
Deluxe Studios (2 different view types) – based on 2025 points chart: 14 – 43 points per night
Two-Bedroom Bungalow (1 view type) – based on 2025 points chart: 112 – 226 points per night
At first glance, the Polynesian Village Resort seems like a paradise within Disney World. However, a deeper look into the Disney Vacation Club Polynesian point chart shows some shortcomings:
- High Points per Night: The Polynesian has some of the highest point requirements among DVC resorts. Sometimes, it’s even MORE expensive than The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Let’s not forget, the Grand Floridian is Disney’s only on-site 5-star hotel. The Polynesian is incredible, but it’s a 4-star hotel, so it shouldn’t really be more expensive!
- Limited Accommodation Types: The resort primarily offers studios and bungalows. The bungalows are luxurious but require an enormous amount of points, making them impractical for most families. But, this is changing with the opening of the new DVC Tower – on December 17th, 2024!
3) Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Disney Vacation Club Point Chart: 2024 & 2025
Deluxe Studios (1 view type) – based on 2025 points chart: 17 – 37 points per night
One-Bedroom Villas (1 view type) – based on 2025 points chart: 31 – 76 points per night
Two-Bedroom Villas (1 view type) – based on 2025 points chart: 46 – 108 points per night
Three-Bedroom Grand Villas (1 view type) – based on 2025 points chart: 94 – 224 points per night
The Grand Californian is one of the most sought-after DVC resorts, but it comes with a hefty price in points. Here’s why it might not be worth it:
- High Demand: Being the only DVC resort at Disneyland in California, it has extremely high demand, leading to sky-high point requirements, even for standard rooms.
- Limited Availability: Due to its popularity, it’s challenging to book a room, especially at the 7-month mark for non-home resort members. And you may even struggle to rent points here up to 11 months in advance, due to limited inventory.
- Point Cost Versus Amenities: The resort offers excellent amenities, but the points required often don’t match the value. For the same points, you can get better amenities and more luxurious accommodations elsewhere. That being said, even the Villas at Disneyland Hotel aren’t exactly cheap. Sadly, Disneyland is just a very expensive place to visit hotel-wise, if you’re staying on-site (I’ve just rented points to stay at the Villas at Disneyland Hotel, and though that saved me hundreds on my hotel, it’s still *very* expensive).
4) Boulder Ridge Villas & Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Boulder Ridge Disney Vacation Club Point Chart: 2024 & 2025
Deluxe Studios (1 view type) – based on 2025 points chart: 13 – 28 points per night
One-Bedroom Villas (1 view type) – based on 2025 points chart: 27 – 55 points per night
Two-Bedroom Villas (1 view type) – based on 2025 points chart: 36 – 72 points per night
Copper Creek Disney Vacation Club Point Chart: 2024 & 2025
Deluxe Studios (1 view type) – based on 2025 points chart: 13 – 28 points per night
One-Bedroom Villas (1 view type) – based on 2025 points chart: 25 – 54 points per night
Two-Bedroom Villas (1 view type) – based on 2025 points chart: 35 – 72 points per night
Three-Bedroom Grand Villas (1 view type) – based on 2025 points chart: 91 – 206 points per night
Two-Bedroom Cabins (1 view type) – based on 2025 points chart: 84 – 196 points per night
While Wilderness Lodge offers a rustic charm, its point chart leaves much to be desired:
- High Point Requirements: Both Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek require a lot of points, even for smaller rooms.
- Remote Location: The resort is somewhat isolated, meaning longer travel times to most parks except Magic Kingdom. Although Wilderness Lodge is close to Magic Kingdom, it is not on the monorail. You can get a leisurely boat to Magic Kingdom, but this can reduce convenience.
- Amenities and Value: Although the resort is beautiful, the amenities offered don’t always justify the high point cost. For fewer points, you could find more modern accommodations elsewhere in Disney World. And sometimes for the same/similar prices, you could stay at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Disney’s Beach Club Villas. Both these DVC resorts are within walking distance of 1-2 parks!
RELATED POST: The Absolute Best Disney World Resort Area to Stay At (the 10 Best Resorts & Borderline Genius Budget Tips!)
5) The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney Vacation Club Point Chart: 2024 & 2025
Resort & Deluxe Studios (3 different view types) – based on 2025 points chart: 16 – 54 points per night
One-Bedroom Villas (2 different view types) – based on 2025 points chart: 31 – 89 points per night
Two-Bedroom Villas (2 different view types) – based on 2025 points chart: 44 – 122 points per night
Three-Bedroom Grand Villas (1 view type) – based on 2025 points chart: 111 – 187 points per night
The Grand Floridian is often seen as the crown jewel of Disney World resorts. But does it justify its steep point chart?
- Luxurious Yet Costly: The Grand Floridian offers luxury but at a high cost in points. Even the smallest rooms require a significant number of points (especially if you’re looking at those Theme Park View Studios. They are more expensive than the Theme Park View Studios at Bay Lake Tower, and the view can be worse).
- High Points for Location: It’s close to Magic Kingdom, which is a plus, but it is always one of the most expensive resorts in this area.
Understanding the Disney Vacation Club point chart can be challenging, but being aware of these high-cost, low-value options can help you plan a more effective and enjoyable Disney vacation.
Tips for Maximizing DVC Points
Getting the best out of your Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points can be tricky but rewarding. By following a few smart strategies, you can make the most of your Disney Vacation Club point chart and enjoy an unforgettable vacation. Below are some tips on how to optimize your points.
Choosing the Right Room Type
Different room types cost different amounts of points. Selecting the right room type can conserve your points:
- Studios Over Villas: Studios are generally more affordable (in points) than one- or two-bedroom villas. If your group is small, a studio can be a great option. These usually accommodate 4-5 guests, but the Tower Studios at Riviera and Duo Studios at the new Polynesian Tower only sleep 2 guests (on a Murphy bed).
- Standard View Rooms: Opting for a room with a standard view rather than a preferred view can save you a chunk of points. You’ll still enjoy all the resort’s amenities without overspending on the view.
- Value Accommodation: Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House offer value accommodations that require fewer points. These can be a fantastic way to extend your stay without sacrificing comfort. HOWEVER, the Studios can be impossible to book through your own points if you don’t own at Animal Kingdom (and really have luck on your side), but you can find them to rent quite a bit (but usually not for extended periods).
Booking Early
Booking your stay early is another great way to maximize your DVC points:
- 11-Month Window: If you book at your home resort, you can reserve up to 11 months in advance. This allows you to snag the best rooms before they’re taken. Or, if you’re renting points, this is the time where you’ll have the most options.
- 7-Month Window: As members, booking early at non-home resorts can still have benefits. Popular resorts and room types sell out quickly, so grab them as soon as the 7-month window opens. If your renting, this is usually where your options will become more limited – especially if you want to book a Studio.
- Waitlisting IF YOU ARE A MEMBER ONLY: If the room you want isn’t available, use the waitlist feature. Booking early increases the chances of your waitlist request being fulfilled.
Frequently Asked Questions about DVC Point Charts
Understanding the intricacies of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) point chart can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. To help clarify things, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you’re new to DVC or just need a quick refresher, this section is here to help.
How many points for Disney Vacation Club do I need for my stay?
To figure out how many points you’ll need, you’ll consult the DVC point chart for the resort and time of year you’re interested in. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Choose Your Resort: Point requirements vary widely between resorts.
- Pick Your Dates: Seasons affect point costs, so check the chart for the specific dates you want.
- Select Your Room Type: Larger rooms and suites require more points.
- Calculate Total Points: Add up the points based on the number of nights you plan to stay.
Using the point chart correctly ensures you make the most out of your points.
Are There Any Hidden Costs with DVC Bookings?
When using DVC points, there are no hidden costs for the room. However, be aware of a few additional expenses:
- Annual Dues (FOR OWNERS) These are maintenance fees you pay each year, based on the size of your ownership. If you’re only renting points, you won’t be charged these dues!
- Transportation and Meals: DVC points cover your room, but you’ll still need to budget for travel (not including on-site buses, monorail, boats, the Skyliner), food, and park tickets.
- Extra Activities: Some activities and special events at resorts may have additional costs.
- Transient Taxes: If you stay at Aulani or The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, you will be charged transient tax each night of your stay 🙁
Planning ahead for these expenses helps you enjoy a stress-free vacation.
Ta Ta For Now
Understanding the Disney Vacation Club point chart is essential for maximizing your vacation experience.
Resorts like Aulani, the Polynesian Village Resort, and the Grand Californian require a high number of points, often without providing equivalent value in amenities or convenience.
These resorts can drain your points quickly, leaving you with less flexibility for future trips.
By knowing which resorts offer the best value and planning accordingly, you can make the most of your Disney Vacation Club points. This ensures a more enjoyable and cost-effective Disney vacation. Be smart, plan wisely, and ensure that each DVC point works for you.
This post was all about the DVC Resorts with the worst Disney Vacation Club point chart (in 2024 and 2025).
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