Have you ever dreamed of staying in a beautiful Disney resort year after year? The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) makes that dream possible. DVC is Disney’s version of a timeshare, allowing you to enjoy magical vacations at Disney resorts and other locations. But don’t worry- it’s not as complicated as it sounds!

This guide will help beginners understand how it works, why it’s popular, and how to get started.

How Does Disney Vacation Club Work?

Disney Vacation Club works on a points system. When you become a member, you buy a set number of points. Each year, you use those points to book stays at Disney Vacation Club resorts.

The number of points you need depends on where, when, and how long you want to stay. A studio for a weekend in January might cost fewer points than a large villa over the holidays. You can bank unused points for next year or borrow from next year if you want a longer stay now.

Where Can You Stay With DVC?

There are many DVC resorts at Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in California, and even in Hawaii. Some of the popular DVC resorts include:

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii

You can also use your points at non-Disney locations through the “Disney Collection” or “RCI Exchange,” which opens the door to thousands of destinations worldwide.

What Is a “Home Resort”?

Your “home resort” is the resort where you own your points. You’ll get priority booking there up to 11 months in advance. For all other DVC resorts, you can book only 7 months in advance. So, if you love one specific resort, it’s smart to choose it as your home base.

For example, if you love the look and location of Disney’s Grand Floridian, consider getting into the Grand Floridian DVC resale market. This lets you buy points from other owners and often at a lower price.

Buying Direct vs. Resale

When you decide to join the Disney Vacation Club, you have two ways to buy your membership: directly from Disney or through the resale market.

Buying Direct from Disney

Buying DVC points directly from Disney means you’re purchasing straight from the source. Disney often sells points for their newer resorts, but you can sometimes buy points at older resorts, too. Here are the benefits of buying direct:

• Full Member Benefits
• Access to All Collections
• Ease of Purchase

However, the biggest downside is the price. Direct prices are typically higher per point than resale. This makes the upfront cost more expensive.

Buying Resale from Other Members

The resale market is where existing DVC members sell their contracts. These sales are handled by licensed brokers who specialize in Disney Vacation Club properties.

Here’s why resale can be a great option:

• Lower Prices
• Same Great Resorts
• Flexible Terms

In short, buying direct offers more perks and easier access to all Disney options, while buying resale is more affordable and still provides excellent value for those mainly interested in Disney resorts. 

Make the Magic Last a Lifetime

Disney Vacation Club is a fun way to make Disney part of your life. With flexible stays, beautiful resorts, and the ability to save over time, DVC is a smart choice for many Disney lovers. Whether you dream of walking to Magic Kingdom from the Grand Floridian or relaxing in Hawaii at Aulani, your magical home away from home could be closer than you think!

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