Disney Vacation Club Pros and Cons: Should You Become a DVC Member in 2024/2025 [or Is It a Waste of Money]?

Looking for some Disney Vacation Club pros and cons to help you decide if you should become a DVC member?

Thinking about joining the Disney Vacation Club (DVC)? You’re probably wondering if the perks are worth the commitment.

Disney Vacation Club is a timeshare program that offers a unique way to vacation at Disney resorts, but it comes with its own set of DVC pros and cons.

It also has its fair share of complications – namely, the differences between resale and direct contracts.

In this post, I’ll break down the Disney Vacation Club pros and cons to help you decide if becoming a DVC member is the right choice for you.

By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of whether the Disney Vacation Club benefits outweigh its disadvantages.

This post is all about the Disney Vacation Club pros and cons to help you decide if it’s worth it for you.

Disney Vacation Club Pros and Cons

What is Disney Vacation Club & How does Disney Vacation Club Work?

Have you ever dreamed of staying at different Deluxe Disney resorts – without paying the crazy room rates?

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) might be your answer.

It’s a vacation ownership program that lets you buy points to use for stays at Disney resorts and other destinations.

How does Disney Vacation Club work?

Understanding how DVC works can seem a bit tricky at first, but it’s like piecing together a puzzle. Here’s a clearer picture:

Purchase Points: You start by buying a set number of points. These points are like your vacation currency. The number of points you need depends on factors like the time of year and type of accommodations you prefer. You have to choose a DVC Home Resort (at 11 months out, you can only book your Home Resort and at 7 months, you can book other DVC resorts. Beware that if you buy a resale contract, you won’t be able to stay at the new resorts – Riviera, Villas at Disneyland Hotel and The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. If you buy a contract at one of these resorts on the resale market, you’ll ONLY be able to stay there (not at ANY OTHER DVC resort).

Use Points to Book: Once you have your points, you can book stays at any DVC resort. Each night at a resort has a point value. For instance, staying in a studio room during off-peak times will cost fewer points than staying in a grand villa during the holidays.
Bank, Borrow, or Save Points: If you don’t use all your points one year, you can bank them for the next year. If you need more points, you can borrow from future years. This flexibility helps you tailor your vacations to fit your plans.

Is Disney Vacation Club a timeshare?

Yes, Disney Vacation Club is a type of timeshare, but it’s different to most.

Unless you buy a DVC Guaranteed Week (which is rare for DVC members, as it is more costly and not flexible), you can book stays whenever you like – as long as you have points available.
Variety of Resorts: Unlike a traditional timeshare locked into one destination, DVC lets you choose from a variety of Disney resorts. Imagine staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort one year and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge the next! Or, you could do a split stay and experience both resorts on one trip!
Resale Value: DVC points often hold their value better than traditional timeshares. This means that if you decide to sell your membership, you may not lose as much (some people have profited from selling their DVC contracts, but this cannot be expected, as the DVC market can change at any time).

Disney Vacation Club Pros of Becoming a Member

So, what are the benefits of being a Disney Vacation Club member?

There are many Disney Vacation Club pros and cons, but let’s first cover the positive points!

When considering joining Disney Vacation Club, it’s crucial to understand the benefits that come with a membership. Below are some of the standout advantages of being a DVC member.

Long-Term Savings

One of the biggest perks of being a DVC member is the potential for long-term savings.

Disney vacations can be expensive, but with DVC, you prepay for your vacations years (or even decades) in advance. This means you essentially lock in today’s prices for future vacations, potentially saving you money in the long run.

Imagine if you went on a Disney vacation every year for the next 20 years. Each trip would likely get more expensive over time due to inflation.

As a DVC member, you shield yourself from these price hikes. Instead, you pay for everything upfront, which can lead to significant savings over the years.

That being said, you still have to pay your annual dues, which tend to increase a small amount each year.

This post breaks down the historical annual dues for each DVC resort, so you can work out how much your approximate DVC annual dues could be.

Flexibility and Options

DVC membership offers a level of flexibility that’s hard to match. When you buy into DVC, you get vacation points that you can use at a variety of Disney properties. These points are like a flexible currency, allowing you to customize your vacation experience. Here’s why flexibility is a huge advantage:

Multiple Resorts: As long as your contract permits, you can stay at a variety of different DVC resorts – like the very popular Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa!

Different Accommodation Types: Whether you want a cozy studio for a quick getaway or a villa for a family reunion, DVC has options to suit your needs.

pros & cons of disney vacation club — A Standard Deluxe Studio at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Varied Seasons: With points, you can choose to visit during different times of the year, from peak holiday seasons to quieter off-peak times.

This flexibility allows you to tailor each trip to fit your needs and preferences, making every vacation unique.

Check out each Disney Vacation Club points chart to find out how affordable/expensive different accommodation types and seasons are.

Exclusive Member Benefits

Being a DVC member comes with exclusive perks that can make your Disney experience even more magical. These benefits add extra value to your membership and can enhance your overall vacation experience.

Discounts: DVC members get discounts on dining, merchandise, and even park tickets. These savings can add up, making your trip more affordable. (These are often similar to the Disney World Annual Pass discounts).

Special Events: Members have access to exclusive events and experiences, such as Moonlight Magic, where the parks stay open late just for members. But beware, these tickets are very hard to secure and have some frustrating requirements!

Member-Only Areas: Enjoy access to exclusive lounges (at Epcot and Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort) and member-only areas within the parks, offering a relaxed space to unwind away from the crowds

*However, it’s worth noting that these perks are not available to all members.

If you’re buying a resale contract of any size or a direct DVC contract of less than 150 points, you will not have access to these perks.*

Cons of Becoming a DVC Member

While there are plenty of perks to being a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member, like any significant investment, it comes with its own set of drawbacks. To help you make a balanced decision, let’s explore some of the cons of joining the DVC.

High Initial Cost

One of the biggest hurdles in becoming a DVC member is the high initial cost. Purchasing a DVC membership isn’t cheap; you need to be prepared to invest a substantial amount of money upfront.

Initial Purchase: Buying into DVC typically requires a large financial commitment. The cost of points can range from around $60 – $300+ per point, depending on the number of points you purchase and the resort you choose.

Financing Costs: If you don’t have the cash to pay upfront, you’ll likely have to finance the purchase. This means taking on a loan, which adds interest costs and increases the overall price you’ll end up paying. A lot of the time this may diminish the savings you would otherwise see with DVC, making it a financial hassle.

Annual Dues

Is Disney Vacation Club a one time payment?

Sadly, no.

Beyond the initial price, DVC members also have to pay annual dues, which can add up over time and should be factored into the total cost of membership.

Maintenance Fees: Members must pay annual maintenance fees that cover the upkeep of the resorts. These fees can range from $7+ to $12+ per point each year, depending on your home resort.

Rising Costs: These fees are not fixed and can increase over time. Just like how your phone bill might sneak up a few dollars each year, your annual dues can climb (click here for the historical increases of DVC annual dues).

It’s like having a gym membership—you’ll pay a monthly fee whether you go to the gym or not. If you skip a few Disney vacations, you’ll still need to fork out the annual dues.

You may be able to bank your points for next year or sell your yearly allotment of points to cover your Annual Dues, but it’s definitely worth thinking about this.

Long-Term Commitment

Becoming a DVC member is a long-term commitment that might not suit everyone’s lifestyle or future plans. Here’s why:

Contract Length: DVC contracts currently expire between 2042 and 2075 (depending on your Home Resort). So, it’s a decades-long commitment. If you don’t see yourself visiting Disney Resorts WAY into the future, DVC may not be a worthwhile expense.

Resale Challenges: There are some popular companies (including DVC Resale Market and DVC Store) who you can sell your contract through, but it can be a hassle (and you have to pay commission, which is often around 9% or 10% of the sale price of the contract – varying by company). (I have bought resale contracts from both companies (and had positive experiences), but have not sold a contract through these companies, so cannot speak from a seller’s perspective).

Who Should Consider Joining the Disney Vacation Club?

Joining Disney Vacation Club (DVC) can be an exciting decision, but it’s essential to know if it’s the right fit for you and your family. Here’s a look at who might benefit most from a DVC membership.

Frequent Disney Visitors

If you find yourself making regular trips to Disney properties, becoming a DVC member could be a great choice. Here’s why:

Savings: Frequent visitors can save a lot of money over time (Disney claims that it’s about half the price of paying in cash for hotels over the lifetime of your contract, but this will vary from member to member). Instead of paying for hotel rooms at the rack rate each visit, DVC members prepay for their vacations with points. This can significantly reduce lodging costs in the long run.

Home-Like Comfort: DVC resorts offer amenities that make frequent stays more comfortable. With kitchens and laundry facilities in many units, you can enjoy the comforts of home while on vacation. It’s a great way to make your stay more relaxing and less like a typical hotel stay.

Flexibility: You have the freedom to choose when and where you stay. Whether you want to visit during peak times or off-season, DVC’s point system allows you to book according to your schedule. This flexibility makes it easier to plan multiple trips a year.

Exclusive Perks: Frequent visitors get to enjoy member-exclusive events. From special previews of new attractions to members-only parties, these perks add a unique touch to each visit.

Families and Large Groups

For families and large groups, DVC offers spacious accommodations that can make your stay more enjoyable and cost-effective.

Room for Everyone: DVC properties offer a range of accommodations from Studios to Grand Villas (please note that not all DVC resorts have Three-Bedroom Grand Villas, but once the new DVC Tower at the Polynesian opens, they will all have One and Two Bedroom Villas). These larger units provide plenty of space, so everyone in your group can stay comfortably under one roof. It’s like having a vacation home at Disney.

Full Kitchens: DVC Villas come with full kitchens. This is a huge benefit for families, as it allows you to prepare meals and snacks in your room. Not only does this save money, but it also makes it easier to cater to dietary requirements. Studios come with a small Kitchenette.

disney vacation club pros cons — The Kitchen in a One-Bedroom Villa at the Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

pros cons disney vacation club — Kitchenette in a Garden/Pool View Deluxe Studio at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

Shared Spaces: The villas have shared living spaces where everyone can hang out together. Imagine relaxing in a living room after a long day at the parks, or enjoying a family movie night in your room. These shared spaces make vacationing together more pleasant.

Proximity to Parks: DVC resorts are often located close to the theme parks (excluding Old Key West, Saratoga Springs and Animal Kingdom Villas), which is super convenient for families with young children. Being able to easily return to your room for naps or breaks can make your trip much smoother.

For frequent Disney visitors and families or large groups, the Disney Vacation Club can offer a range of benefits that enhance your vacation experience. From saving money over time to enjoying the convenience and comfort of spacious accommodations, DVC membership can be a valuable investment for the right kind of traveler.

Alternative Options to Consider

Choosing whether to become a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member is a big decision, but it’s not your only option.

There are other ways to enjoy Disney vacations and get the most out of your trips. Let’s explore a couple of alternative options that might fit your travel needs.

Renting DVC Points

Renting DVC points is a great way to experience the benefits of DVC without the long-term commitment. It’s like dipping your toes in the water before diving in.

When you rent points, you essentially borrow someone else’s DVC membership to book your stay. This allows you to enjoy the perks of staying at a DVC resort, such as larger rooms and prime locations, without buying into the membership.

And you can usually save A LOT by renting DVC points instead of booking directly with Disney (hundreds or thousands on your vacation).

Renting points can be a smart choice if you want to see if DVC resorts are right for you before making the commitment to buy.

Frequently Asked Questions about DVC

Joining the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) can come with many questions. In this section, we’ll answer some of the most common queries to help you understand whether becoming a DVC member is right for you.

Can I Use Points at Non-Disney Resorts?

Yes, you can definitely use your DVC points at non-Disney resorts.

If you are a new DVC resale member, you can only use your points at World Collection—Vacation Exchange.

Other direct members can use points at:

Using your points at other resorts often isn’t a good value for points, so make sure to do plenty of research on this!

Ta Ta For Now

Choosing to join the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a big decision. Weighing the pros and cons is crucial. On one hand, members enjoy long-term savings, flexibility, and exclusive perks. On the other, high upfront costs, annual dues, and a long-term commitment can be drawbacks.

For frequent Disney visitors or families, DVC might offer great value. But if your travel plans are varied or you prefer flexibility, other options like renting DVC points or booking traditional packages could be better.

Think about your vacation habits and financial goals. If you plan to take regular Disney trips, DVC could be a magical fit. Otherwise, explore other ways to make your Disney dreams come true.

This post was all about the Disney Vacation Club pros and cons to help you decide if it’s worth it for you.