What is Disney Vacation Club (DVC)?

Let’s get one thing straight—Disney Vacation Club (DVC) isn’t your parents' timeshare from the ‘80s. 

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

It doesn’t like to be called a timeshare, even though, technically, it is one. But unlike those old-school timeshares that locked you into the same week at the same resort every year, DVC is a flexible, points-based system. Members can use their points to stay at different Disney resorts based on availability, making it far more customizable.

That being said, DVC isn’t for everyone—it takes strategy, planning, and a bit of math to make sure it’s the right fit for your travel style. Let’s break it down.

How Does Disney Vacation Club Work?

DVC is a vacation ownership program where you buy points that renew annually. Instead of owning a fixed week at a resort, you purchase a contract tied to a home resort (where you get priority booking). Here’s the basic structure:

1️⃣ Buy a Contract – You purchase a set number of points (e.g., 150 points per year) at a Disney resort.

2️⃣ Use Points for Stays – Different room types and seasons require different points. A Deluxe Studio costs fewer points than a Three-Bedroom Villa, which can eat up a year's worth of points in one stay.

3️⃣ Home Resort Advantage – Book at your home resort 11 months in advance, while other DVC resorts open at the 7-month mark.

4️⃣ Bank & Borrow Points – Save points for a bigger trip or borrow from the next year if needed.

How Much Does DVC Cost?

DVC is an investment, and like any investment, the goal is to make sure it pays off.

💰 Direct Purchase Price (2024)

• Newer resorts like Disney’s Riviera Resort and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel: $235 per point

• Older resorts like Saratoga Springs & Old Key West: Lower price per point but earlier expiration dates

  
  

📌 Example: 150-Point Contract at $230 per Point

• Upfront Cost: $34,500 (not including closing costs)

• Resale Price: $120–$180 per point (restrictions may apply)

  
  

🔄 Annual Dues (Maintenance Fees)

• Typically $7–$10 per point per year

• Example: A 150-point contract = $1,050–$1,500 annually

• Important: You still pay these dues even after your contract is fully paid off

  
  

💡 Resale vs. Direct Purchase

• Resale contracts can be significantly cheaper but come with booking restrictions.

• Direct purchases offer full membership perks but cost more upfront.

Is Disney Vacation Club Worth It?

I’m not here to sell you on DVC—I did that a lifetime ago. Now, I just enjoy it and want to lay out the facts. For my family, it’s been a game-changer.

🏨 I stay at a deluxe resort once a year for just $1,200.

🚢 I’ve gained access to discounts, exclusive events, and even specialty cruises.

🏝️ This September, I’m staying in a Polynesian Bungalow—normally $4,000 per night.

And the biggest reason I love it? Inflation-free Disney stays. My points are locked in for the next 50 years. To put that in perspective—when the Polynesian Resort first opened, rooms cost just $29–$44 per night.

Should You Buy DVC?

If you visit at least once every three years, it’s worth considering. We’ll continue breaking down costs, discounts, and benefits—without the confusing sales pitch—so you can decide if DVC makes sense for your family.

💡 Perspective on Inflation: When Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort opened in 1971, rooms cost $29–$44 per night. In 2025, an average night now costs $847–$1,026, depending on the season.

📈 That’s an increase of over 2,800% for the lower range and more than 2,230% for the higher range in just over 50 years.

This is why DVC’s locked-in pricing matters—while cash rates keep climbing, my points stay the same.

📊 Want to dig deeper? 

I put together a DVC Resort Guide with point charts and key resort details to help you compare your options. I'm also building a live breakeven spreadsheet to track my own DVC savings and figure out exactly when I’ll break even—because if you’re gonna do Disney smart, you’ve gotta know your numbers.