Disney Vacation Club Resale Guide: Save Thousands on DVC Points

Dreaming of magical Disney vacations every year? The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) makes this dream possible. DVC is Disney's timeshare program. Members buy points to stay at Disney resorts. But buying directly from Disney is expensive. A Disney Vacation Club resale offers a smarter path. You can save thousands of dollars. This guide explains everything about DVC resales. We cover how it works, the benefits, the risks, and how to buy. Get ready for a journey into affordable Disney magic.

What is the Disney Vacation Club?

The Disney Vacation Club started in 1991. It is a points-based timeshare system. You are not buying a specific week in a specific room. Instead, you buy an annual allotment of Vacation Points. You use these points to book stays at Disney resorts. There are over 15 DVC resorts at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and other locations. You can also use points for Disney Cruise Line adventures or guided tours with Adventures by Disney.

How DVC Works: The Basics

When you buy a DVC contract, you become a member. Your contract is for a specific resort and a specific number of points. You get these points every year. The contract also has a specific end date, called the expiration year. Most contracts last for about 50 years. You pay annual dues for maintenance and taxes. These dues cover the upkeep of the resort. You use your points to book vacations. You can book at your home resort 11 months in advance. You can book at other DVC resorts 7 months in advance. This system offers great flexibility.

What is a Disney Vacation Club Resale?

A Disney Vacation Club resale is a contract sold by a current member. The member sells their contract on the secondary market. You are not buying from Disney directly. You are buying from another person. This is similar to buying a resale timeshare. The main benefit is price. Resale contracts are much cheaper than buying new from Disney. According to industry data from DVC Resale Market, resale prices can be 30-50% lower. This can save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Key Differences: Resale vs. Direct Purchase

It is important to know the differences between resale and direct.

• Price: Resale is much cheaper. Direct prices are set by Disney and are high.
• Perks: Direct buyers get special member perks. These include discounts on annual passes, merchandise, and dining. They also get access to member-only events. Resale buyers bought after 2016 do not get most of these perks. This is a big change from Disney.
• Eligibility: Resale buyers can still use points for DVC resorts. They can also use them for the Disney Collection and some other options. But they cannot use points for Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, or the Concierge Collection. Direct buyers can use points for all these options.
• Financing: Disney offers financing for direct purchases. For resales, you usually need to pay cash or get a loan from a third-party lender.

Why Buy a DVC Resale Contract?

Buying resale is a financial decision. The main reason is to save money. Let's look at a real example. A 150-point contract at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas might cost $35,000 direct from Disney. The same contract on the resale market might cost $20,000. That is a saving of $15,000 immediately. You still get the same vacation accommodations. You still get to stay in the same beautiful villas. For many families, this saving makes DVC ownership possible.

Other Benefits of Buying Resale

• Access to Sold-Out Resorts: Some popular resorts, like Disney's Old Key West or Disney's BoardWalk Villas, are sold out. You cannot buy them direct from Disney. But you can find resale contracts for these resorts. This lets you own at a classic, beloved property.
• Shorter Contracts: Some resale contracts have fewer years left. This can be good if you don't want a 50-year commitment. It can also make the contract cheaper.
• Immediate Availability: When you buy direct, you wait for Disney to have inventory. With a resale, you can find a contract that matches your needs now.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a DVC Resale

Buying a resale contract has several steps. It takes more time than buying direct. The process usually takes 30-60 days. Follow this guide for a smooth purchase.

Step 1: Research and Decide

First, decide what you want. Which resort do you like? How many points do you need? Think about your vacation habits. Do you go every year? Do you stay in a studio or a one-bedroom villa? Use a DVC point calculator to estimate your needs. Also, research the annual dues for each resort. Dues are a yearly cost you must pay.

Step 2: Find a Reputable Resale Broker

Do not try to buy directly from an owner without help. Use a licensed timeshare resale broker. Good brokers know the process. They handle the paperwork. They protect both the buyer and the seller. Some well-known brokers are DVC Resale Market, Fidelity Real Estate, and DVC By Resale. Look at their listings.

Step 3: Make an Offer and Sign a Contract

When you find a contract you like, make an offer. The broker will help you. If the seller accepts, you will sign a purchase agreement. You will also give a deposit, usually 10% of the price. The deposit goes into an escrow account. This keeps the money safe.

Step 4: Disney's Right of First Refusal (ROFR)

This is a unique step. Disney has the right to buy the contract back. The seller must send the contract details to Disney. Disney then has about 30 days to decide. If Disney wants the contract, they will buy it at your agreed price. Your deal is canceled. If Disney waives its right, the sale continues. According to DVC Resale Market data, Disney exercises ROFR on about 10-20% of contracts, often on cheaper ones.

Step 5: Closing and Transfer

If Disney waives ROFR, you move to closing. A title company handles the legal transfer. You will pay the remaining balance and closing costs. Closing costs include fees for the title company and recording the deed. They are usually $400-$600. The title company then sends the deed to Disney for transfer. Disney will set up your new membership. This final step can take a few weeks.

Important Considerations and Potential Risks

Buying resale is great, but you must know the risks.

Loss of Perks

This is the biggest change. In 2016, Disney changed the rules. Resale buyers no longer get most membership extras. You cannot get the Platinum or Gold annual pass discount. You cannot get discounts on dining or merchandise. You cannot attend member events like Moonlight Magic. If these perks are very important to you, think carefully. Maybe buying direct is better for you.

Financing Challenges

Disney does not finance resales. You need to pay cash or get a loan. Some credit unions offer timeshare loans. But interest rates are higher than a mortgage. Be sure you can afford the full cost.

Annual Dues Are Forever

Remember, you must pay annual dues every year. These dues go up over time. They are a permanent part of DVC ownership. Make sure your budget includes these ongoing costs.

Resale Restrictions on New Resorts

Disney has added new rules for its newest resorts. For resorts like Disney's Riviera Resort and the new Disneyland Hotel Tower, there is a major restriction. If you buy a resale contract for these resorts, your points can ONLY be used at that one resort. You cannot use them to book at other DVC resorts at 7 months. This greatly reduces flexibility. Be very careful when considering resale at these new properties.

Practical Tips for Smart DVC Resale Buying

Follow these tips to be a smart buyer.

• Start Small: You can always add more points later. Buy a 100-point contract first. See if you like the system.
• Consider Use Year: Your Use Year is the month your new points are added. It matters for booking. Try to get a Use Year that matches when you usually travel.
• Check Point Availability: Some contracts are sold with "banked" or "borrowed" points. This can give you extra points for your first vacation. But it can also be complicated. Ask your broker to explain the point balance clearly.
• Factor in All Costs: Do not just look at the price per point. Add the closing costs and first year's dues. This is your true starting cost.
• Be Patient: The perfect contract might not appear today. Set up alerts with brokers. Wait for a contract that fits your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I still stay at all DVC resorts with a resale contract?

Yes, for most resorts. If you buy a resale contract for an original resort (like Bay Lake Tower or Beach Club), you can use your points to book at any other DVC resort at 7 months. The exception is for the new restricted resorts like Riviera. A Riviera resale contract locks you into only Riviera.

2. How much can I really save buying resale?

Savings are significant. On average, resale prices are 30-50% lower than direct Disney prices. For a 200-point contract, this can mean saving $20,000 to $40,000.

3. What are the ongoing costs after I buy?

You must pay annual dues every year. These cover property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. The cost varies by resort. For 2024, dues range from about $7 to $10 per point. For 150 points, that's $1,050 to $1,500 per year.

4. Is it hard to book vacations with DVC?

It can be competitive for popular rooms and times. To get a studio at Disney's Beach Club Villas in summer, you must book right at the 11-month window. Planning is key. But for many room types and seasons, availability is good.

5. Can I rent out my DVC points if I don't use them?

Yes. Many owners rent their unused points to other guests. You can use a rental service like DVC Rental Store. This can help cover your annual dues. But Disney's official policy discourages commercial renting.

6. Can I sell my resale contract later?

Yes. You can sell your contract on the resale market. The value may go up or down. Historically, DVC contracts have held their value well compared to other timeshares.

7. What happens when my contract expires?

At the end of your contract term, ownership reverts to Disney. You no longer own anything. You stop paying dues. For a 2042 contract, it simply ends. There is no renewal option.

Real Examples and Statistics

Let's look at real numbers from 2023-2024. Data from DVC Resale Market shows trends.

• The average resale price per point across all resorts was about $145.
• The lowest average price was for Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort, around $110 per point.
• The highest average price was for Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, over $180 per point.
• Disney exercised its Right of First Refusal on about 15% of submitted contracts. They often took contracts priced below average.

Example Purchase: A family buys a 160-point contract at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Direct price: $240 per point = $38,400. Resale price found: $165 per point = $26,400. They save $12,000 upfront. They pay annual dues of about $1,280 per year. They book a 5-night stay in a studio villa every other year. This makes their cost per vacation very reasonable.

Conclusion: Is a DVC Resale Right for You?

A Disney Vacation Club resale is a powerful tool. It opens the door to luxury Disney vacations for less money. You trade some membership perks for huge upfront savings. For many families, this is an excellent trade. The key is to do your homework. Understand the costs, the process, and the rules. Use a reputable broker. Be clear about your vacation goals. If you plan to visit Disney often, a resale contract can be a wise financial move. It turns a dream into a realistic, affordable plan. Start your research today. Your first magical vacation as an owner could be just a few months away. Remember, the world of DVC resale is waiting. Dive in and discover your path to a lifetime of Disney memories.