Disney Vacation Club 101: Understanding DVC and How It Works

If you’ve ever heard someone mention “DVC” and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. Disney loves its initials, and DVC stands for Disney Vacation Club — Disney’s version of a timeshare program that gives members access to deluxe villa accommodations at resorts across the country.

Whether you’re considering joining or just curious how it works, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about DVC in simple terms.

The Resorts

Disney Vacation Club is made up of 16 resorts — 12 located at Walt Disney World in Orlando, plus others in Hawaii, California, South Carolina, and Vero Beach, Florida.

Accommodations include studios and 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas. One-bedroom villas and larger come with full kitchens and in-room laundry, perfect for families or longer stays.

Joining DVC

To become a member, you purchase a deeded contract with an end date no sooner than 2042. The length of the contract depends on your home resort — the property you buy at and where you can book earliest.

Booking Windows

  • Your home resort determines your priority booking window: This system rewards owners who prefer a specific resort while still offering the flexibility to explore others.

    • Home resort bookings: Up to 11 months in advance

    • Other DVC resorts: Up to 7 months in advance

How to Buy DVC

There are two primary ways to purchase DVC:

Directly through Disney Vacation Club

  • Easiest and quickest process

  • Comes with access to exclusive member benefits and events

  • Typically more expensive per point

Through the resale market

  • Companies such as DVC Resale Market specialize in buying and selling existing contracts

  • Usually significantly cheaper than buying direct

  • Some Disney perks and benefits may not transfer to resale buyers

For many families, the savings from resale outweigh the missing extras — making it an appealing way to join DVC at a lower cost.

Financial Breakdown

You’ll pay an upfront cost per point plus annual dues per point owned.

Example:

  • 150-point contract at Old Key West

    • Resale price: Around $20,000 total ($120 per point)

    • Direct from Disney: About $200 per point

    • Annual dues: Around $9 per point ($1,350/year)

    • Contract ends in 2042

Simple Math

$20,000 over 20 years = about $1,000/year

Add annual dues of $1,350, and your average yearly cost is around $2,350 (dues may increase slightly over time).

What Does 150 Points Get You?

A 150-point contract can provide around 15 nights per year in a studio villa at Old Key West Resort, depending on the season and dates selected.

When you break it down, that’s approximately $156 per night, compared to paying $450 or more per night when booking the same room through Disney at standard cash rates.

That difference in nightly cost is where many members see the true long-term value of owning DVC.

Managing Your Points

DVC’s flexibility is one of its biggest perks. Members can:

  • Bank points to use in a future year

  • Borrow points from a future year if they need more

  • Rent out unused points through a company like DVC Rental Store, which handles the transaction for you

  • Rent points from another member if you need extra for a special trip

This point system allows members to adjust based on life changes, travel patterns, and vacation goals.

Need More Points?

You can:

  • Rent points from another member.

  • Add on another contract.

  • Borrow from future years in your contract.

Selling Your DVC Contract

If your circumstances change or you simply want to move on, your DVC ownership can be sold — just like it was purchased — through DVC Resale Market or other licensed resale brokers.

Many members find that DVC contracts retain solid resale value, especially for popular resorts like Bay Lake Tower, Polynesian Villas, and Beach Club Villas.

Is DVC Right for You?

Buying into Disney Vacation Club is a financial and lifestyle decision. It’s best suited for families who:

  • Vacation at Disney regularly (typically once a year or every other year)

  • Prefer deluxe-level accommodations

  • Value the ability to plan vacations well in advance

  • Want predictable, prepaid lodging costs over time

Final Thoughts

Disney Vacation Club can be a magical investment in your family’s future vacations. It offers flexibility, deluxe accommodations, and potential long-term savings for those who visit Disney often.

However, as with any major financial decision, take the time to explore your options, run the numbers, and consider whether it fits your family’s travel habits.

If you’d like personalized advice or want to explore DVC rentals or stays as part of your next Walt Disney World vacation, a Travel Genie can help you compare options, estimate costs, and plan the perfect Disney experience.