IS DISNEY VACATION CLUB WORTH IT? All You Need To Know

Whether or not Disney Vacation Club is worth it varies depending on individual circumstances and preferences. DVC can deliver significant savings over the life of membership for guests who plan to visit Disney parks frequently and prefer to stay at Disney resorts. However, it may not be cost-effective for those who only visit Disney parks occasionally.
Through thorough research, we provided you with the needed assessment and information that will align with your needs.

Is Disney Vacation Club Worth It?

The opinions on whether Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is worth it will vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. Disney Vacation Club may be worth it if a membership is in your budget and if you love Disney and are looking for cost-effective ways to take Disney vacations. It is vital to do thorough research, weigh the benefits and costs, and consider your travel habits before deciding to purchase a DVC membership.

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a vacation ownership program operated by Disney. It allows members to purchase a real estate interest in Disney properties, primarily resorts located within Disney destinations. DVC provides members with the opportunity to enjoy Disney vacations at select accommodations while offering flexibility and a range of benefits.

Features of the Disney Vacation Club

Here’s an overview of the Disney Vacation Club:

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) offers several features that make it a unique vacation ownership program for Disney enthusiasts:

#1. Points-Based System

DVC operates on a points-based system where members purchase a certain number of points. These points determine the accommodations, duration of stay, and time of year for their vacations.

#2. Flexibility

DVC provides flexibility in choosing accommodations, travel dates, and destinations within the DVC resort network.

#3. Diverse Accommodations

Members can enjoy a variety of accommodations, including studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and grand villa options, often with home-like amenities.

#4. Home Resort Priority

Members have priority booking at their designated home resort 11 months before their use year begins, providing an advantage in securing desired reservations.

#5. Use Year

Each member has a designated use year, determining when their annual allotment of points is available for booking.

#6. Borrowing and Banking

Members can borrow points from a future use year or bank unused points from the current year for future use.

#7. Access to Disney Destinations

DVC resorts are located within or near Disney theme parks, providing convenient access to Disney experiences.

#8. Special Member Benefits

DVC members can enjoy various perks, such as discounts on dining, merchandise, and select experiences at Disney properties.

#9. Exclusive Events

Members have the opportunity to participate in special events and gatherings exclusively for DVC members.

#10. Long-Term Ownership

DVC ownership offers the potential for years of Disney vacations and memories, often spanning decades.

#11. Cost Savings Over Time

For frequent Disney visitors, DVC can provide savings on accommodation costs compared to booking accommodations separately.

#12. Themed Resorts

DVC resorts are known for their unique theming and immersive experiences, enhancing the Disney vacation experience.

#13. High-Quality Amenities

DVC accommodations often include amenities like kitchenettes or kitchens, making them suitable for families or longer stays.

#14. Resale Market

DVC memberships can be purchased directly from Disney or through the resale market, offering different pricing options.

#15. Community Atmosphere

DVC creates a sense of community among members who share a love for Disney vacations.

#16. Variety of Locations

While primarily associated with Disney destinations, DVC has expanded to include properties at locations beyond Disney parks.

#17. Membership Services

DVC offers member services to assist with reservations, inquiries, and other aspects of membership.

How To Become a Disney Vacation Club Member

To become a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member, there are a few steps you can follow:

#1. Visit the DVC Website

The first step is to visit the DVC website to explore membership options and learn more about how DVC works.

#2. Choose a Resort

Once you’ve explored the website and decided that DVC is right for you, you will need to choose a resort to purchase a real estate interest in.

#3. Contact DVC Sales

You can contact DVC sales to receive more information and assistance in purchasing a DVC membership. This can be done either online, by phone, or in person.

#4. Purchase the Membership

After you have chosen a resort and received assistance from DVC sales, you are ready to purchase your DVC membership. This involves buying a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club resort that’s represented by Vacation Points.

#5. Begin Using Your Membership

Once you are a DVC member, you can start using your Vacation Points to book vacations at DVC resorts or other Disney destinations. You can also access various member benefits and perks.

Factors to Consider Before Joining Disney Vacation Club

Before joining the Disney Vacation Club (DVC), there are several important factors to consider to ensure that the program aligns with your vacation preferences, financial situation, and overall goals.

Here are some things to consider before joining Disney Vacation Club:

#1. Vacation Frequency and Style

Consider how often you visit Disney destinations or plan to in the future. DVC may be more beneficial for frequent visitors who want to stay in Disney accommodations.

#2. Budget

Evaluate the upfront cost of purchasing DVC points and the annual dues. Calculate whether these costs align with your travel budget over the long term.

#3. Financial Commitment

DVC membership is a long-term financial commitment, often spanning decades. Assess whether you’re comfortable with this level of commitment.

#4. Resale vs. Direct Purchase

Decide whether you’ll purchase a DVC membership directly from Disney or through the resale market. Resale memberships might offer lower upfront costs but could have limitations.

#5. Points Allocation

Determine how many points you need for the type of accommodations and vacation experiences you desire. Make sure your point allocation meets your needs.

#6. Your flexibility

Consider whether the flexibility of booking different resorts and travel dates aligns with your vacation style. Evaluate the booking windows for your preferred resorts.

#7. Travel Preferences

Think about whether you prefer Disney destinations exclusively or if you also enjoy exploring other travel options.

#8. Use Year and Timing

Understand how the use year and timing of points allocation work and whether they suit your vacation planning.

#9. Maintenance Fees

Factor in the annual maintenance fees when calculating the overall cost of ownership.

#10. Family Size and Needs

Consider the size of your travel group and whether the accommodations provided by DVC resorts are suitable.

#11. Cancellation and Refund Policies

Familiarize yourself with the cancellation and refund policies, especially for reservations and changes.

#12. Member Benefits

Research the member benefits offered by DVC and determine if they add value to your vacation experience.

#13. Future Plans

Reflect on your future travel plans and whether they align with the long-term commitment of DVC ownership.

#14. Resale Restrictions

If you purchase a resale membership, be aware that some benefits and restrictions might differ from those of direct purchases.

#15. Research and Information

Gather information from official DVC resources, attend presentations, and ask questions to fully understand the program.

#16. Risks and Rewards

Weigh the potential benefits of savings and unique Disney experiences against the risks of changing travel preferences or financial circumstances.

#17. Legal and Financial Advice

Consider seeking legal or financial advice before making a major purchase like a DVC membership.

Disadvantages of Becoming a Disney Vacation Club Member

While the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) offers many benefits, there are also several disadvantages to consider before becoming a member.

Here are some limitations of DVC:

#1. High Upfront Costs

Joining DVC requires a significant upfront financial commitment in the form of purchasing points, which can be a substantial expense.

#2. Annual Dues

In addition to the upfront cost, DVC members are required to pay annual dues to cover maintenance, operations, and other expenses related to the DVC resorts. These dues can increase over time.

#3. Long-Term Commitment

DVC membership is usually a long-term commitment, often spanning decades. Consider whether your travel preferences will remain consistent over time.

#4. Cancellation and Refund Challenges

Changing circumstances or preferences might make it difficult to cancel or get a refund for a DVC membership, especially after the rescission period has passed.

#5. Resale Restrictions

Some DVC member benefits, such as certain discounts and perks, might not apply to resale purchases.

#6. Limited Non-Disney Options

While DVC has expanded to include non-Disney properties, the selection is limited compared to other vacation ownership programs.

#7. Availability Issues

Availability of accommodations can be a challenge during peak travel times or for popular resorts, potentially limiting your vacation choices.

#8. Points Management

Managing points and ensuring they are used effectively can be complex, and not utilizing them properly might lead to wastage.

#9. Fluctuating Costs

Annual dues can increase over time, potentially impacting the cost-effectiveness of your ownership.

#10. Rigidity in Booking

While DVC offers flexibility, booking accommodations still with certain rules and booking windows that might not always align with your plans.

#11. Changing Preferences

Your travel preferences might evolve, and what was appealing at the start might not be as relevant in the future.

#12. Financial Risk

The value of DVC memberships can fluctuate on the resale market, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll recoup your initial investment.

#13. Inability to Rent

If you’re unable to use your points for a particular year, you might not be able to rent them out for financial compensation.

#14. Limited Return on Investment

While DVC can provide savings on accommodations, it might not provide significant financial returns, especially if you’re not a frequent traveler.

#15. Commitment to Disney Destinations

DVC ownership ties you primarily to Disney destinations, which might limit your travel options if you prefer diverse experiences.

What Happens After You Pay Off Disney Vacation Club?

After you pay off your Disney Vacation Club (DVC) membership, you will still have to pay annual dues and taxes associated with your ownership. Once those fees are paid, you can continue to use your Vacation Points to book stays at eligible Disney resorts. You can use them to book stays at other Disney resorts and partner hotels. You may also be eligible for certain member benefits, such as discounts on Disney merchandise, dining, and other experiences. If you decide to sell your DVC membership, you can do so either directly to Disney or to another member on the resale market.

What Are The Benefits Of Being A Disney Vacation Club Member?

Some of the benefits of being a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member include exclusive events and member-only experiences, and discounts on select dining. Merchandise, and experiences at Disney parks and resorts, savings on Disney vacations by using your Vacation Points. You have access to special member lounges and events, free laundry, and pool hopping, discounts on Disney Cruise Line vacations, and being able to purchase deeded real estate.

What Is The Cheapest Way To Join The Disney Vacation Club?

The cheapest way to join the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is to purchase a resale DVC membership. Acquiring a DVC Membership through a resale purchase continues to be the most economical way to join DVC. The cheapest membership is currently being offered at around $19,500 without closing costs and annual dues taken into consideration (Disney Trippers).

Is It Hard To Get Approved For Disney Vacation Club?

It is easy to get approved for a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) membership. The minimum credit score requirement is as low as 650. However, approval for DVC financing is subject to credit checks and other factors, and financing options may vary depending on the lender and the terms of the loan. It is generally recommended to have financing in place before making a DVC purchase.

How Long Is The Contract For Disney Vacation Club?

The length of a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) contract varies depending on the resort. Generally, the contracts last for at least 50 years from the opening date of the resort. Some DVC contracts may last more than 50 years past that point. It is important to note that DVC memberships are deeded real estate, and each resort’s deed expiration date is 50 years from its opening.

How Many Years Is DVC?

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) contracts last for at least 50 years from the opening date of the resort. Some contracts for certain resorts may be longer than this. Each resort’s deed expiration date is 50 years from its opening date.

Conclusion

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a vacation ownership program owned and operated by Disney Vacation Development, Inc., a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company. The program allows members to purchase vacation points that can be redeemed for accommodations at Disney resorts, as well as other vacation options. DVC allows you to buy Vacation Points you can redeem at eligible Disney resort properties. These points can be used to reserve accommodations at Disney Vacation Club resorts, as well as other Disney resorts and partner hotels. The number of points required for a stay varies depending on factors such as the resort, room type, and time of year. So, whether or not Disney Vacation Club is worth it varies depending on individual circumstances and preferences.