Your Guide to Disney Vacation Club

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is Disney’s timeshare program where you buy points that can be used for stays at Disney Vacation Club resorts. DVC members acquire a deeded real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club resort, represented by Vacation Points. These points allow you to reserve stays at a variety of DVC resorts within the Disney network.

How does DVC work?

At its core, DVC revolves around the concepts of Vacation Points, Home Resorts, and Use Years. Let’s delve into each of these elements:

  • Vacation Points: When you become a DVC member, you purchase a predetermined number of Vacation Points. These points are allocated annually based on your Use Year and serve as the currency for booking stays at DVC resorts. The number of points required for a specific stay depends on several factors, including the chosen resort, the size of the accommodation, the time of year, and the length of your vacation.
  • Home Resort: This is the DVC resort where you initially purchase your Vacation Points. Your Home Resort holds significance because it grants you an advantageous booking window. You can reserve accommodations at your Home Resort 11 months in advance of your desired check-in date, compared to a 7-month booking window for other DVC resorts.
  • Use Year: This refers to the specific month in which your annual allotment of Vacation Points becomes available. For example, if your Use Year is September, you’ll receive your points every year on September 1st.

Booking with DVC Points

DVC provides remarkable flexibility in how you utilize your points. You have the freedom to book stays at any DVC resort, subject to availability. To assist with planning, Disney provides comprehensive points charts that outline the number of points required for different resorts, room types, and travel dates.

  • Booking Process: The booking process typically involves contacting DVC Member Services or using the online booking tool to reserve your desired accommodations. You’ll need to specify your travel dates, resort preference, room type, and the number of guests.
  • Booking Window: As mentioned earlier, you gain a significant advantage by owning DVC points. You can book your Home Resort 11 months in advance and other DVC resorts 7 months in advance.
  • Banking and Borrowing: DVC offers valuable options for managing your points across different Use Years. If you have unused points from the current year, you can bank them for use in the following year. Conversely, if you’re planning a more extravagant vacation and need additional points, you can borrow points from the next Use Year.

Costs Associated with DVC Membership

While DVC offers incredible value and flexibility, it’s essential to understand the costs involved in becoming a member. Here’s a breakdown of the key expenses:

  • Initial Purchase Price: This is the upfront cost of acquiring your Vacation Points. The price per point can vary based on the DVC resort you choose and any current promotions or incentives offered by Disney or Resale Agents.
  • Closing Costs: In addition to the purchase price, you’ll incur closing costs associated with the purchase of the real estate interest. These are one-time fees that cover administrative expenses and legal documentation. Closing costs typically vary based on the Home Resort and the number of Vacation Points you purchase.
  • Annual Dues: Annual dues are an ongoing expense that covers the operating costs of your Home Resort. These costs include expenses related to resort maintenance, property taxes, refurbishment projects, and Cast Member salaries. Annual dues are calculated based on the number of points you own and the dues rate for your specific resort.

Deeded Real Estate Interest / Fractional Ownership

When you buy Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points, you’re purchasing a small fractional ownership in a DVC resort. Fractional ownership means you own a portion of the resort itself. Your ownership is recorded through a deed, which specifies the resort, the number of Vacation Points you own, and your Use Year—determining when your points are deposited annually. All DVC properties have an expiration date, typically 50 years from construction. For example, Disney’s Riviera Resort deeds expire on January 31, 2070.

Think of it like owning a small slice of a large pie—the pie being all the units at a DVC resort, such as Bay Lake Tower. Your slice (your points) grants you the right to book stays at that resort, but you don’t own a specific villa or room. Instead, your points represent your share of the entire property, allowing you to reserve accommodations based on availability.

The information provided is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal or investment advice. It is essential to consult with qualified professionals for personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.