Disney Vacation Club Resale Guide: Save Thousands on DVC
Introduction: What is Disney Vacation Club Resale?
Disney Vacation Club is Disney's timeshare program. It lets you own vacation points. These points can be used at Disney resorts. Buying directly from Disney can be expensive. That is where resale comes in.
Resale means buying from current owners. They sell their contracts. You can save a lot of money. Sometimes you save over 50%. This guide will explain everything. We cover how it works. We show the benefits and risks. We give you step-by-step instructions.
Many people love Disney vacations. But prices keep going up. DVC resale offers a smart solution. You get to stay at deluxe resorts for less. You can visit year after year. It feels like having a second home at Disney.
This market has grown a lot. More people discover resale each year. They realize they do not need to buy new. They can get the same magic for less money. Let us explore how you can join them.
Understanding Disney Vacation Club Basics
What is Disney Vacation Club?
Disney Vacation Club started in 1991. It is a points-based timeshare. You buy a real estate interest. This gives you annual points. You use points to book stays.
There are many resort options. You can stay at Walt Disney World. You can visit Disneyland. There are also other locations. These include Aulani in Hawaii and Vero Beach in Florida.
Your contract lasts for many years. Each resort has a different end date. Some expire in 2042. Others go until 2070. You pay annual dues for maintenance.
How DVC Points Work
Points are your vacation currency. You get a set amount each year. The number depends on your contract. You use them to book rooms.
- Studio rooms cost fewer points
- One-bedroom villas need more points
- Grand villas require the most points
Points vary by season. Holiday weeks cost more. September usually costs less. You can bank points to next year. You can also borrow from next year.
Home Resort Advantage
Your home resort is important. It is where you bought points. You get booking priority there. You can book 11 months in advance.
At other resorts, you book at 7 months. Popular times fill quickly. So home resort advantage matters. Choose your home resort carefully.
Benefits of Buying DVC Resale
Massive Cost Savings
This is the biggest advantage. Resale contracts cost much less. Let us look at some examples.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney World. Direct price: $230 per point. Resale price: $140 per point. That is 39% savings. For a 150-point contract, you save $13,500.
Animal Kingdom Lodge. Direct: $210 per point. Resale: $115 per point. That is 45% savings. For 200 points, you save $19,000.
These savings are real. They make DVC affordable for more families.
Same Resort Benefits
Resale buyers get most benefits. You can still book all DVC resorts. You get access to pools and amenities. You receive member discounts on dining and merchandise.
The resorts are exactly the same. The rooms are identical. The magic is just as real. You just paid less for it.
Proven Investment Value
DVC contracts hold value well. They are real estate interests. They do not depreciate like cars. Many contracts sell for close to original price.
Some even increase in value. Especially popular resorts. Like Polynesian Village or Grand Floridian. Their resale prices stay strong.
Important Limitations of DVC Resale
Restricted Membership Benefits
Disney changed rules in 2016. Resale buyers after this date cannot access certain benefits. These include:
- Member discounts on annual passes
- Access to Member Magic events
- Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney discounts
- DVC Moonlight Magic events
But you still get the main benefit. You can stay at beautiful resorts. For many buyers, this is enough.
Resort Restrictions
Another change came in 2019. Resale buyers cannot use points at new resorts. This includes Riviera Resort and future properties.
But you can still book all original 14 resorts. This includes many favorites. Like Beach Club, BoardWalk, and Wilderness Lodge.
Financing Challenges
Disney does not finance resale contracts. You need other financing options. Some specialized lenders help. Or you can pay cash.
Interest rates may be higher. Loan terms might be shorter. This is important to consider.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying DVC Resale
Step 1: Determine Your Needs
First, decide what you want. Consider these questions:
- How many points do you need?
- Which home resort do you prefer?
- What use year works best?
- What is your budget?
Research different resorts. Learn about point charts. Understand annual dues. Dues vary by resort.
Step 2: Find a Reputable Resale Broker
Use trusted resale companies. They have many listings. They handle the paperwork. They protect both buyer and seller.
Popular brokers include:
Compare their services. Look at their fees. Read customer reviews.
Step 3: Search for Available Contracts
Browse current listings. Filter by resort, points, and price. Set up alerts for new listings. Good deals sell quickly.
Consider these factors:
- Price per point
- Points available
- Use year
- Contract expiration
- Current points status
Step 4: Make an Offer and Negotiate
Found a contract you like? Make an offer. The broker will submit it. Sellers may counteroffer.
Negotiation is common. You can ask for closing cost help. You might get current year points included. Be reasonable but firm.
Step 5: Complete the Purchase Process
Once offer is accepted:
- Sign purchase agreement
- Pay deposit (usually 10%)
- Submit paperwork to Disney
- Wait for Disney's right of first refusal
- Pay remaining balance
- Receive contract in mail
The whole process takes 30-90 days. Disney has 30 days to exercise right of first refusal. They might buy the contract themselves. This happens rarely.
Current DVC Resale Market Statistics
Price Trends and Data
The resale market changes constantly. Here are recent statistics from DVC Resale Market:
- Average resale price: $130-$180 per point
- Direct prices: $200-$275 per point
- Most popular resorts: Polynesian, Grand Floridian
- Fastest selling: Beach Club, BoardWalk
- Highest demand: 100-200 point contracts
According to DVC Fan, resale volume has increased 35% since 2020. More people discover this option.
Resale Value Retention
DVC contracts keep value well. Data from DVC Resales shows:
- 20-year old contracts still sell for 60-80% of original price
- Some resorts actually appreciate
- Polynesian resale prices increased 15% since opening
- Annual dues increase 3-5% yearly
Practical Tips for DVC Resale Buyers
Choosing the Right Resort
Your home resort matters. Consider these factors:
- Where do you want to stay most often?
- How hard is it to book at 7 months?
- What are the annual dues?
- When does the contract expire?
Some resorts book quickly. Beach Club and BoardWalk are popular. Their studios are hard to get. Buying there gives you advantage.
Understanding Use Year
Use year affects booking flexibility. It is when your points renew. Choose based on your travel patterns.
If you travel in December, avoid December use year. If you cancel, points could be lost. February or June might be better.
Financing Your Purchase
Since Disney does not finance resales, consider:
- Personal savings
- Home equity loans
- Specialized timeshare lenders
- Payment plans with brokers
Compare interest rates. Calculate total cost. Make sure payments fit your budget.
Working with Title Companies
Title companies handle the transfer. They ensure clear ownership. They manage escrow funds.
Reputable companies include:
- First American Title
- Timeshare Title Services
- Mason Title
Your broker will recommend one. They typically charge $300-500.
Real Examples: DVC Resale Success Stories
The Johnson Family
The Johnsons wanted DVC for years. Direct prices were too high. They found a resale contract at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
They bought 160 points for $125 each. Direct price was $210. They saved $13,600. They now visit every other year. Their children love the savanna view.
Young Couple's First Purchase
Mark and Sarah are in their 30s. They love Disney vacations. They bought a small contract at Saratoga Springs.
They paid $105 per point for 100 points. They use it for short trips. They save on hotel costs. They plan to add more points later.
Retirement Planning
Robert and Linda are retirees. They bought multiple resale contracts. They spend winters in Florida.
They own at three different resorts. They bought all resale. They estimate saving over $40,000. They enjoy extended stays each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DVC resale legal?
Yes, completely legal. Florida law protects timeshare resales. Disney must allow transfers. They have right of first refusal. But they rarely use it.
Can I still use my points at all resorts?
Most resorts, yes. But not the newest ones. Riviera Resort and future properties are restricted. All original resorts are available.
How long does the buying process take?
Typically 30-90 days. It depends on several factors. Disney's review takes 30 days. Title work adds more time. Summer is busiest season.
What are closing costs?
Closing costs include:
- Broker commission (paid by seller)
- Title company fees ($300-500)
- Recording fees ($50-100)
- Estoppel fee ($250)
Total is usually $500-900. Sometimes sellers help with these.
Can I finance a resale contract?
Disney does not finance resales. But other lenders do. Timeshare loan companies offer financing. Interest rates are higher than direct.
What is right of first refusal?
Disney can buy the contract instead of you. They match your offer. This happens in about 5% of cases. It is more common with low-priced contracts.
Are annual dues the same for resale?
Yes, exactly the same. All owners pay the same dues. Regardless of how they bought. Dues cover maintenance and operations.
Conclusion: Is DVC Resale Right for You?
DVC resale offers incredible value. You can save thousands of dollars. You get the same magical stays. The process is straightforward with good guidance.
Consider your vacation habits. Do you visit Disney often? Do you prefer deluxe resorts? If yes, resale could be perfect. The savings are substantial.
Remember the limitations. You will not get all member benefits. New resorts are restricted. But for many, the trade-off is worth it.
The resale market continues to grow. More buyers discover this option each year. They realize they do not need to pay full price. They can enjoy Disney magic for less.
Start by researching resorts. Determine your point needs. Then browse resale listings. Work with a reputable broker. Soon you could be enjoying your DVC membership.
Dreams do come true. Sometimes they just cost less than you think. Happy vacation planning!