Is there any vacation better than one in the Happiest Place on Earth? We think not. If you’re thinking the same thing, you might want to consider if the DVC is worth it for your family.
Not sure what the DVC is? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the DVC buying process.
What is the DVC?
Before we delve into the ins and outs of the DVC, you need to know exactly what it is.
The DVC stands for Disney Vacation Club and it acts as Disney’s timeshare program. Don’t let the word ‘timeshare’ scare you away. Over 9.9 million U.S. households have some type of timeshare product (weeks, points, etc).
Timeshares aren’t as scary as the media makes them out to be.
At the time of writing, there are 14 different resorts you can visit when you’re a DVC member. This includes eleven options in Florida at Disneyworld and one in California at Disneyland.
The remaining resorts are found in Oahu, Vero Beach, and Hilton Head.
The DVC uses a points system to provide its members with points to use at any DVC resort. Owners buy points which they can then use to book their stays. Members can bank points from one year to another and even “borrow” points from the next year.
What Are the Benefits of Joining the DVC?
There are many benefits to look forward to when you join the DVC.
Eligible DVC members will receive exclusive invitations to some of Disney’s more special events and experiences. They will have the chance to book themselves into workshops to explore activities like cake decorating or animation. Members are also able to attend after-hours celebrations at certain parks.
Members can also look forward to discounts on:
- bodyboard rentals
- cabana rentals
- workshops
- beach chairs
- paddleboards
- loungers
These discounts are not available at all resorts. For example, you can only enjoy paddleboard and lounger discounts at the Aulani resort in Hawai’i.
Members will have the chance to book their stay in exclusive villas. These accommodations go beyond the traditional DVC hotel room. In villas you can expect:
- full kitchens
- separate bedrooms for maximum privacy
- laundry facilities
- spacious living and dining rooms
Where Do I Buy Into the DVC?
You have several options when buying into the DVC.
The most common way to enter the membership is by buying directly from the Disney Vacation Club. Joining this way provides you with many benefits that you won’t get through other options.
Purchasing direct gives you access to many more vacation destinations than if you were to purchase through a third-party resale. You will also have the chance to take cruise vacations via the Disney Cruise Line. When you buy from the DVC direct, you’ll also get dining, shopping, and recreation discounts.
Not everyone who has a DVC membership bought it directly through Disney, though. Sometimes people choose to buy into the club through one of the many different DVC resales.
Buying into the club through the resale market can save you a lot of money versus purchasing right from Disney. You can peruse the many different contracts available to find the perfect one for your family.
The downfall of purchasing resale contracts is that Disney has implemented some restrictions. Contracts that are bought through the 14 Disney resorts will only be able to use points at those “home” resorts. If your resale contract was bought at Disney’s Riveria Resort, for example, you will only be able to use points at that resort.
What’s the DVC Buying Process?
You can begin the buying process directly through the official DVC website. On the website, you can find all the information you need about the club as well as order an informational DVD.
If you’re considering the resale option, the DVC buying process is a bit different. The good news is that there are many different options when choosing to go this route.
The internet will be your best friend as you head down this path. Countless websites devote themselves to facilitating DVC resale sales. We recommend searching through several different sites before you find the one that you’ll ultimately go with.
The contract will vary by home resort, point size, availability of points, as well as use year. Each of these factors will affect the total price of your membership.
The home resort you choose will determine when your contract expires, the annual maintenance fees, as well as your booking windows.
You need to choose a contract that provides the number of points you’ll need to take the vacations you’re dreaming of. Though you can bank and borrow points every year, it’s best to have the right amount from the get-go.
“Use Year” refers to when your yearly amount of points will become available. A September Use Year, for example, will give you access to your year’s points starting on September 1. Your points will then expire on August 31.
How Much Does the DVC Cost?
There are several different costs that DVC members must pay.
The initial purchase to purchase into the club direct from Disney is anywhere between $140-$295 per point with a 100 point minimum. You will also need to pay annual dues which will vary depending on how many points you own.
When you buy your membership through a DVC resale, your per-point values are in the $77-$246 range.
The great news is that you can finance the price of your membership. Disney provides financing options and many resale websites will provide you with the information you need to finance through a lender.
Start the DVC Buying Process Today
If you’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on joining the DVC, it’s time to start the buying process. There’s no time like the present to start making unforgettable memories at the happiest place on Earth.
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