Advantages and Disadvantages of Disney Vacation Club

Jason Connolly

August 07, 2023

Disney Vacation Club: Pros and Cons

With its beloved characters, memorable theme parks, and iconic films, Disney has for decades served as a beacon for family fun and timeless memories. Fans have been flocking to their theme parks for years and in need of quality accommodations, which is why it created Disney Vacation Club (DVC), a timeshare program that provides its members with opportunities to enjoy Disney's unique holiday experiences.

However, like any purchase, buying a Disney Vacation Club timeshare membership comes with both advantages and disadvantages. This article will provide an in-depth look at the pros and cons of becoming a member of the Disney Vacation Club.

Advantages of Disney Vacation Club

Value for Frequent Visitors: If you frequently visit the Disney theme parks, DVC membership can prove a cost-effective way of securing accommodation for your trips to see Mickey and Minnie. Despite an initial cost, the long-term savings over regular hotel bookings can be considerable for those who take regular Disney vacations. DVC operates on a points system, allowing members to stay in a range of accommodations that, over time, can work out cheaper than paying nightly hotel rates.

Accommodation Options: DVC members have access to timeshare accommodations that are more spacious and better equipped than standard hotel rooms. DVC timeshare villas typically include kitchen facilities, living areas, and can include multiple bedrooms, providing a more comfortable and home-like experience, particularly for families.

Flexibility: Unlike traditional timeshares, DVC points provide flexibility both in terms of where and when you vacation. Points can be used at different DVC resorts, not just the one you "own" at, and you can choose any time of year for your vacation. You can also bank or borrow points from one year to another, allowing for longer or more extravagant vacations.

Extended Theme Park Hours: Members of the DVC also get the advantage of extended evening hours in the Disney theme parks. This perk allows members additional time in specific parks on specific days, providing a valuable opportunity to enjoy popular attractions.

Vacations Beyond Disney: DVC isn't just for Disney timeshare resorts. Members can use their points for Interval International (II) exchanges, providing access to thousands of resorts worldwide. Also referred to as World Collection – Vacation Exchange, Disney's partnership with the II timeshare exchange network vastly expands your potential vacation destinations.

Transferability: Your DVC membership can be given to future generations, as it can be transferred to your children or grandchildren. This feature ensures that your family can continue to make magical Disney memories long after the initial contract has been paid for.

Good Resale Value: Disney timeshare points hold their value on the resale market better than just about any other timeshare product. The brand power of Disney combined with its multi-level marketing ability and its legion of fans means there is always demand for DVC points. This is excellent news for members who may need to sell Disney Vacation Club points at some stage during their ownership.

Long-term Contract: DVC contracts can last as long as 50 years, meaning that you can create lifelong vacation traditions with your family. For many, the knowledge that they have a secure and paid-for holiday destination for years to come is a very important point.

Disney’s Reputation and Standards: When you buy DVC points, you partake in Disney’s legendary brand and reputation. Disney is well-known for its high standards and immersive experiences, which extends to its DVC resorts. As a member, you are ensured a consistent and quality vacation experience.

Potential for Growth: As the Disney Vacation Club continues to expand, new DVC resorts and units are becoming available, such as The Villas at Disneyland Hotel and the new suites at Disney’s Polynesian Villas. This means that your DVC membership can provide access to more vacation experiences as Disney continues to innovate and expand.

Disadvantages of Disney Vacation Club

Initial Cost: The most obvious drawback of DVC membership is the initial cost, which is why the Disney timeshare resale market is so important. The price of buying into the Disney Vacation Club directly through Disney can run into tens of thousands of dollars, making it a significant financial move. However, those costs can be cut in half by purchasing Disney points on the resale market, but even so, those who do not visit Disney regularly may not see as much value from their purchase.

Annual Maintenance Fees: In addition to the initial purchase price, members are also responsible for yearly maintenance fees. These fees can increase annually and are not optional. Even if you don’t use your DVC points in a given year, you are still required to pay these fees as they go toward the upkeep and maintenance of the resort at which the DVC points are deeded.

Complexity: The DVC program operates on a points-based system, which can be tricky to navigate. Some prospective members may find the system confusing, although the customer care team at Disney do a good job of talking members through the system.

Resale Regulations: Disney has a right of first refusal policy on any DVC resale, meaning that if you decide to sell DVC points, Disney has the right to buy them first. However, the seller must first have a buyer under contract to buy and the contract submitted to Disney for review. This is why sellers and buyers would be wise to work with a licensed resale brokerage such as Timeshare Broker Associates to work through the process.

Booking Window: While you can use your points to book a DVC resort, your "home resort" (where you purchased your points) gets priority. You can book there 11 months in advance, but for other Disney timeshare resorts, you must wait until at least 7 months prior to your preferred dates. Popular resorts and times of year can book up quickly, so be open to alternative dates if you don’t get your preferred location and date.

Limited Spontaneity: Although there is flexibility with DVC, there are some limitations. Last minute availability can be difficult, particularly at popular times and resorts, requiring members to plan far in advance. This system may not suit those who prefer spontaneous travel plans, but because there is so much planning necessary regarding the theme parks and associated travel, Disney vacations tend to be preplanned anyway.

Limited Vacation Variety: While you can use DVC points for exchanges through Interval International, the main value is often found at Disney resorts. This means that, since most Disney timeshare resorts are located between Walt Disney World in Orlando and Disneyland in Anaheim, you might be vacationing at Disney more often than you would otherwise, which could lead to less variety in your vacations. The good news is that Hawaii, Hilton Head and Vero Beach are also in the DVC network in case you are looking for a beach getaway instead.

Having a Look at Disney Vacation Club Membership?

Whether the Disney Vacation Club is a good move for you depends on your personal circumstances and how often you plan to visit Disney’s theme parks. It provides a magical, high-quality vacation experience, and for Disney devotees who frequent the parks and can navigate the points system, it offers value and a chance to create lifelong memories. However, for less frequent visitors or those looking for travel spontaneity, the costs and ongoing commitments may outweigh the benefits.

Disney Vacation Club offers several significant benefits, such as cost savings for frequent Disney visitors in comfortable accommodations. However, prospective members should also carefully consider the potential snags, such as the initial cost, the use of the points system, and the potential for reduced availability. With careful planning and realistic expectations, a DVC membership can provide a unique and very rewarding way to experience the magic of Disney.

Being a DVC member can change the way you experience Disney. It can mean having a secure plan and a home-away-from-home feel whenever they visit. There's also a community aspect to DVC, with many members feeling a sense of belonging in being part of the "DVC family."

If you’d like to view the Disney timeshare points for sale in our system, click here to see the DVC resorts we have on offer. Click on your favorite resort, then click the Timeshares for Sale button to see what is available.

If you have any questions or need more details, please call us on 888-879-7165 or click here to email us and we’ll refer you to one of our Disney resale specialists.