‘Is Disney Vacation Club worth it?’ – a question every DVC member has asked themselves. So, if you’re considering purchasing your first contract, you’re probably wondering the same thing.
In fact, I wondered about this for years before I became a Disney Vacation Club member.
The year was 2019. I was on a family vacation to Disney World.
We were walking around the Polynesian – in awe of the Deluxe Resort we can only dream of staying at.
The guide at the Disney Vacation Club booth told us (mainly my parents because I wasn’t an adult then) about DVC. And then we moved on with our vacation.
Fast forward four years. I’m eighteen-and-a-half. I have started caffeinebythecastle.com, and during one sleepless night – and hours of research – I decided that Disney Vacation Club is right for me.
So now (as of publishing this post), it’s November 2023. I’m 19 with an Old Key West resale contract, and now I can declare that I’m qualified to answer the question that baffled me for years: ‘Is Disney Vacation Club worth it’?
Side note: by qualified, I mean I have had 3 DVC stays on my points. I never said the bar was set exceptionally high 😂
So, if you’re contemplating whether joining the Disney Vacation Club is worth the purchase, grab your Mickey ears, and let’s explore the enchanting world of DVC together.
This post is all about finding the answer to the ultimate DVC question: ‘Is Disney Vacation Club Worth It?’
Is Disney Vacation Club Worth It?
What is DVC, and how does Disney Vacation Club work?
Before we dive into answering this question, let’s briefly discuss what Disney Vacation Club is.
With DVC, you purchase a real estate interest in one of Disney’s deluxe resorts, and this ownership grants you annual points that can be used to stay at various Disney properties or even trade for accommodations around the world.
This flexible points-based system allows you to tailor your Disney vacations to your liking. You purchase a set number of points, which you can spend at the different DVC resorts.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic charm of the Grand Floridian Resort or the adventurous spirit of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, DVC provides you with options to make each trip as magical as you desire.
You are effectively pre-paying for your vacations, by purchasing a contract (that has a lifespan of up to 50 years). After buying your contract, you pay annual dues for the maintenance of your property (from $7.33 to $12.85 per point – depending on your home resort – based on 2023 prices).
DISCLAIMER: This is not financial advice, and DVC is a timeshare – not an investment (even though there are members who have profited by selling their DVC contracts).
Also, this post applies mainly to people planning to stay primarily at Disney World (and Disneyland), but it can still be helpful – regardless of your home resort and vacation plans.
8 Things to Consider to Decide: ‘Is Disney Vacation Club Worth It?’
1. How often do you plan on visiting Disney World?
When considering if the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is worth it, one crucial factor to evaluate is how often you plan to visit Disney World.
The DVC is a long-term purchase that pays off most for those who visit Disney properties frequently. If you’re a local or can easily make trips to Disney destinations, DVC can be a fantastic way to enjoy the parks regularly without the financial burden of nightly hotel costs.
Even for those residing internationally, if you have a deep love for Disney and plan to visit every year or every other year, DVC can offer substantial savings over time.
I live in England, but I spend enough time in Disney World every year to make it worth it. As a matter of fact, it has already saved me $2,749 (once subtracting my annual dues of $936) on hotel bills (on just 3 stays!).
However, for those who only make infrequent visits, the initial cost and annual dues might outweigh the benefits.
It’s essential to assess your travel habits and frequency to determine if DVC aligns with your vacationing style and if it genuinely offers the value you seek.
2) How important is staying on-site for you?
When assessing the worth of Disney Vacation Club (DVC), one critical consideration is how important staying on-site is to you during your Disney vacations.
DVC membership primarily provides:
- Accommodations at Disney’s deluxe resorts.
- Convenience for getting to the Disney parks (along with “complimentary” transportation).
- Disney theming – to various degrees.
- Immersive magic that on-site stays offer.
If the idea of being fully immersed in the Disney experience, with easy park access, complimentary transportation, and the unique atmosphere of Disney resorts, holds great significance for your vacation enjoyment, then DVC could be a fantastic investment.
On the other hand, if you don’t mind staying off-site or at non-Disney properties (on the more affordable side), DVC might not align with your preferences.
Assessing your desire for the full Disney experience versus budget considerations is crucial in determining whether DVC is a valuable investment for your Disney adventures.
3) Are you a Park or Resort person?
Determining if Disney Vacation Club is worth it often comes down to whether you identify as “park people” or “resort people.”
If you’re all about maximizing your time in the Disney parks, exploring every attraction, show, and dining option, it might not be worth it.
After all, why buy a contract to stay at Deluxe Resorts if you will spend little time at them?
On the other hand, it can be a wise choice if you’re a park person, as on-site Deluxe accommodations put you closer to the magic, minimizing travel time to and from the parks.
Plus, the comfort of Disney resorts offers a convenient retreat when you need a break.
However, DVC can still make sense if you prefer leisurely resort days, enjoy the pools, dining, and recreational activities, and are content with a few park visits during your stay.
So, whether you’re park-centric or enjoy a blend of park and resort experiences, DVC may cater to your vacation style, making it a worthwhile purchase.
4) Are you buying a direct or indirect contract?
Evaluating whether Disney Vacation Club is worth it also depends on whether you’re purchasing a direct or indirect contract.
Direct contracts are acquired directly through Disney, while indirect contracts involve buying from current DVC members looking to sell their points (usually through companies like DVC Resale Market or DVC Store (the company I went through to purchase my contract).
Direct contracts generally come with more perks, like discounts on food and merchandise and access to exclusive events. They also tend to have a higher initial cost.
Indirect contracts can be more budget-friendly – but don’t include all the same membership benefits.
If you buy an indirect contract, you can’t use your points to stay at the newer DVC points (including Disney’s Riviera Resort and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel).
I own an indirect contract, and the same contract – direct with Disney – would’ve cost me approximately double the price. Even with the benefits, it wasn’t worth it – especially considering I get some similar perks with my Annual Pass anyway.
In addition, you now need to own 150 eligible direct points to receive the direct DVC benefits (which are subject to change).
If you purchase an indirect contract, it takes less time to recoup the initial cost and start to see your savings.
This is a helpful video that explains this in more detail (I watched this when I was thinking about becoming a DVC member):
When deciding, consider your budget, your willingness to forego some member exclusives, and whether owning at a specific resort is essential.
Both options can be worthwhile, but the choice often depends on your financial considerations and how much you value the additional member benefits.
5) Would you pay for your contract upfront or finance it?
Your choice regarding payment is a crucial factor in becoming a DVC member. You can pay for your contract upfront or opt for financing through a loan.
Paying upfront can be a financially sound decision if you have the resources available. It reduces long-term interest costs, and you can immediately start enjoying the benefits of DVC ownership.
However, if you prefer to preserve your liquid assets or aren’t in a position to make a significant upfront payment, financing with a loan can make DVC more accessible.
Just be sure to calculate the total cost over the life of the loan, including interest, and weigh that against the convenience of immediate ownership.
In full transparency, I paid for my DVC contract upfront – as I’m not currently comfortable with financing a DVC contract.
But this is a personal decision that will be different for everyone, so it’s worth evaluating your options.
This video breaks this down in a lot of details (and was one of the reasons why I decided that paying for my DVC contract upfront was best for me – and my bank account 😂):
Plenty of people opt to finance their contract and are happy with that decision, so it’s important to research and evaluate what’s best for you.
This decision should align with your financial situation and objectives, and it plays a considerable role in determining if DVC is a sound purchase for you.
6) Can you afford as many points as you want?
Determining whether DVC is worth it depends significantly on your ability to afford the points you need.
Points dictate how often and how long you can stay in DVC resorts. They also affect your membership costs.
It’s essential to carefully consider your vacation habits, including:
- how many times a year you plan to visit Disney properties
- your length of stay
- how many people will be in your party
- the type of accommodations you desire (Studios, One Bedrooms, Two Bedrooms, Grand Villas etc.).
Ensure you can comfortably cover the initial purchase of points, annual dues, and potential financing costs (if you’re not purchasing your contract over time). Additionally, be prepared for potential increases in annual dues over time.
Remember, the initial cost of points depends on whether you’re purchasing a direct or resale contract and your home resort.
Your annual dues will vary depending on your home resort.
Check out the DVC point charts to calculate how many points will be best for you.
And remember, it’s okay to start out with a small contract. My contract is only for 100 points (with 100 banked points that expired last month and 100 banked points to use within the next year). I will still pay cash for some hotels on my trips (which also allows me to experience and review Value and Moderate Resorts – as well as other room types at Deluxe Resorts).
If you like being a DVC member, you can always buy another contract later on (maybe even at another home resort).
7) The overall cost of frequent Disney vacations
While DVC ownership primarily covers accommodation costs (assuming you have enough points for your trips), you must consider the broader expenses of your Disney trips.
This includes:
- flights or transportation to Disney World
- food
- park tickets
- other incidentals.
DVC membership can make financial sense if you visit Disney parks frequently, as it locks in your accommodation costs and may help offset some of your expenses.
However, it’s essential to evaluate your total vacation expenses – as you have to pay for more than just your hotel.
8) The age you are when purchasing your DVC contract
Age can play a role in determining whether Disney Vacation Club (DVC) membership is worth it.
When you’re younger, you have more time to enjoy the benefits of DVC ownership. Your upfront investment can translate into decades of vacation experiences. This makes it an attractive option if you plan to visit Disney properties consistently over the long term.
I got my contract two days before my 19th birthday, and I will be in my late 30s when it expires – and I can imagine that I will still be going to Disney World into the 2040s (and probably beyond!).
However, it’s also essential to consider how your priorities might change as you age.
Will Disney vacations still be a top priority in your life in the coming years?
Are there other financial goals or obligations that compete with DVC expenses?
Although you get the best value out of your contract if you purchase young, it may be the wrong time, as it is still a significant commitment – especially if you have other, more important expenses to prioritise first.
Even if you’re not a Gen Z or Millenial, DVC can still have a lot of value – depending on your vacation goals.
Some people view DVC as a way of pre-paying for their vacations for their retirement.
Evaluating these factors can help you decide if DVC is a sound investment based on your age and vision for future vacations.
Ta Ta For Now
In conclusion, the question of whether DVC is worth it is a deeply personal one. It is based on a multitude of factors, from your vacationing habits and travel priorities to your financial situation and long-term plans.
Disney Vacation Club can be an excellent purchase for those who frequent Disney properties and value the comforts of staying in Disney resorts.
However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The decision to join DVC should be carefully considered and tailored to your unique circumstances.
By weighing the pros and cons and reflecting on your travel goals, you can make an informed choice about whether DVC membership aligns with your Disney dreams and financial realities.
This post was all about finding the answer to the ultimate DVC question: ‘Is Disney Vacation Club Worth It?’
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