How Much Does DVC Cost?

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a vacation ownership program that allows individuals to own a timeshare interest in one of the many DVC resorts located throughout the United States. With DVC, you can enjoy luxurious accommodations, exclusive member perks, and access to a variety of Disney experiences. But before you can become a DVC member, one of the most important things you need to know is how much it costs.

So, how much does DVC cost? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the specific resort, the number of points you purchase, and the current market conditions. But with an initial purchase price that can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, a DVC membership is a significant investment. In addition to the purchase price, you'll also need to budget for annual dues, which can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per year.

Despite the upfront cost, many people find that a DVC membership provides a great vacation experience and offers long-term value. With access to Deluxe accommodations and a range of vacation options, a DVC membership can be a great way to make the most of your Disney vacations, and to save significant money when compared to booking the same hotel accommodations as a non-member. 

To get an idea of the cost of a DVC membership, let's take a closer look at some of the key factors that can affect the price.

How much do DVC dues go up each year?

One of the most significant costs associated with DVC membership is the annual membership dues. These dues cover the cost of maintaining the resort and the common areas, as well as providing member services and amenities. The amount of annual dues you'll have to pay will depend on the number of points you own and the resort you're a member of.

For example, as of 2023, the annual dues for a DVC member at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows in Orlando, Florida, are $7.9475 per point. This means that if you own 100 points at this resort, you'll pay between $794.75 in annual dues this year.

The annual dues for DVC resorts can vary based on the resort, the amenities offered, and the cost of maintaining the property. However, it's important to note that these dues increase over time. In fact, the annual dues for some resorts have increased by as much as 10% or more in recent years. Historically, annual dues have risen by around 4% annually. 

What perks do you lose if you buy DVC resale?

If you're considering purchasing a DVC membership, you may be wondering if you can save money by buying a resale membership rather than purchasing directly from Disney. The answer is yes, you will find resale contracts for significantly less than the cost of a direct purchase. You will save between 25% and 55% vs buying direct. Not accounting for occasional promotional events hosted by Disney.

However, keep in mind that there are some limitations to buying a resale membership. For example, if you purchase a resale membership, you won't be eligible for some of the exclusive member perks that come with a direct purchase, such as access to certain events like the evenings with Membership Magic.

Since January 19, 2019, the utilization of Vacation Points at the 14 current Disney Vacation Club Resorts or upcoming resorts, such as Disney's Riviera Resort or The Villas at the Disneyland Hotel, will be exclusively available to Members who directly purchase from Disney. 

In addition, if you purchase a resale membership, you won't be able to use your points for Disney Cruises or Adventures by Disney. However, you can still use your points to book rooms at DVC resorts and other Disney hotels.

Considering the savings offered by the resale market, and the limited benefit of the perks that you must give up, resale is an undeniable bargain when compared to purchasing direct. 

You can browse every resale listing on the internet conveniently in one place here on our website.

DVC Resort Costs

The cost of a DVC membership can also vary depending on the "home resort" you choose. Some of the most popular DVC resorts include Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Disney's Vero Beach Resort.

The cost of a membership at each of these resorts will depend on a variety of factors, such as the location, the amenities offered, the number of years left on the property's deed and the popularity of the resort. For example, as of 2023, the cost of a direct purchase at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins is $250 per point, while the cost at Disney's Vero Beach Resort is $150.00 per point. 

It's also important to keep in mind that the cost of a membership at a DVC resort can increase over time. For example, when Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa first opened as a DVC resort in 2013, the cost of a direct purchase was $165 per point. As of 2023, the cost has increased to $255 per point, an increase of over 50%.

Do you own DVC forever?

When you purchase a DVC membership, you'll be buying a certain number of points that you can use to book rooms at DVC resorts. However, you'll also be purchasing a membership term, dictated by the contract's deed expiration date, which is the length of time your membership will be valid.

The length of the deed expiration date is different depending on the resort. In general, when a new DVC resort is first offered to the public, it carries a 50 year long deed.  After the membership term expires, you'll no longer have access to the benefits of being a DVC member.

What are DVC points?

DVC uses a point system that allows members to book rooms at DVC resorts based on the number of points they own. The number of points required for a particular room or resort will depend on a variety of factors, such as the time of year, the length of the stay, and the size of the room.

For example, as of 2023, a one-night stay in a studio unit at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort during the peak season (which includes most holidays and summer months) can cost anywhere from 32 to 44 points, depending on the specific dates. A one-bedroom villa at the same resort can cost anywhere from 64 to 89 points per night.

It's important to make sure you have enough points to meet your vacation needs. If you don't have enough points to book the room or resort you want, you may have to book a different room or resort, or you may have to borrow points from a future year (which will reduce the number of points you have available in that year).

If you're wondering how many points you should buy for your family, check out our handy point recommendation tool. By answering a few simple questions about your vacation habits and desires, this propriety tool will give you an accurate point recommendation. 

What are DVC financing interest rates?

If you choose to finance your DVC membership, you'll also have to pay interest on the loan. The annual percentage rate (APR) for DVC financing can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as your credit score, the amount of the loan, and the length of the loan term.

As of 2023, the APR for DVC financing ranges from 9.99% to 17.99%, depending on the specific loan terms. It's important to keep in mind that financing a DVC membership can significantly increase the total cost of the membership over time, so it's important to carefully consider whether financing is the right choice for you.

Important Information for potential DVC members

If you're considering becoming a DVC member, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, DVC is not a traditional timeshare program. Instead of owning a specific unit or week, you'll own a certain number of points that you can use to book rooms at DVC resorts.

Second, it's important to carefully consider whether DVC is the right choice for you. While DVC can provide a great vacation experience, it can also be a significant financial investment. Before purchasing a DVC membership, be sure to carefully consider your vacation needs, your budget, and your long-term financial goals.

Third, it's important to keep in mind that the value of your DVC contract can fluctuate over time.  However, over its 30 years of existence DVC resorts have increased their resale value over time.

Fourth, it's important to understand the annual dues associated with owning a DVC membership. These dues can vary depending on the specific resort and the number of points you own, but they can be a significant ongoing expense that you'll need to budget for.

Finally, it's important to understand the options available to you as a DVC member. In addition to booking rooms at DVC resorts, you can also use your points to book rooms at select Disney resorts.