Buying DVC Resale Pros and Cons

Is Buying DVC Resale Right for You?

Weighing the pros and cons of buying DVC resale is essential for anyone considering Disney Vacation Club membership through the secondary market. Resale offers excellent savings and flexibility, but there are some key limitations compared to buying direct from Disney.

Pros of Buying DVC Resale

• Lower Cost: DVC resale contracts are typically 30%–50% less expensive than direct purchases. This allows buyers to secure Disney Vacation Club membership at a much lower entry price or afford more points for the same budget. You’ll find updated pricing on real-time DVC resale listings.
• Same Classic Resort Benefits: You can book at your Home Resort and all other classic DVC resorts (such as Beach Club Villas, Saratoga Springs, or BoardWalk Villas) using the same online system as direct buyers.
• More Contract Options: The resale market offers a wide variety of contract sizes, Use Years, and available points. Some contracts even have banked points ready for immediate use.
• Deeded Real Estate Ownership: Just like with direct purchases, resale buyers receive a real estate deed and long-term ownership interest in the resort.

Cons of Buying DVC Resale

• Limited Access to New Resorts: Points purchased via resale after 2019 cannot be used at certain new resorts, including Disney’s Riviera Resort or the Villas at Disneyland Hotel, unless you purchase those points directly from Disney.
• No Membership Extras: Resale buyers are not eligible for perks like exclusive events, discounts, or booking Disney Cruise Line vacations unless they also own a qualifying direct contract. Find more details at the official Disney Vacation Club FAQ.
• Longer Purchase Process: The DVC resale process includes negotiation, Disney’s Right of First Refusal, and title transfer, which often takes 30–60 days. Learn more about the steps in the DVC Sales buying process page.

Understanding the DVC Points System

The Disney Vacation Club operates on a points-based system, which offers significant flexibility. Members can use their points to book stays at any DVC resort, subject to availability. The number of points required for a stay depends on various factors, including the resort, time of year, and type of accommodation. This flexibility allows members to tailor their vacations to their preferences, whether they want a luxurious stay at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or a cozy getaway at Disney's Old Key West Resort.

The Home Resort Advantage

One of the unique aspects of the DVC points system is the home resort advantage. Members can book stays at their home resort up to 11 months in advance, whereas reservations at other DVC resorts can be made 7 months in advance. This advantage is crucial for securing accommodations during peak times or at popular resorts. When buying resale, it's important to consider which resort you want as your home resort, as this will impact your booking flexibility.

Practical Tips for Buying DVC Resale

• Research Expiration Dates: DVC contracts come with expiration dates, which vary by resort. Understanding these dates is crucial as they affect the length of your membership. For example, contracts at Disney's Old Key West Resort may expire in 2042, while those at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows may extend to 2066.
• Consider Annual Dues: Annual dues are a recurring cost of DVC membership and vary by resort. These dues cover maintenance, taxes, and other operational costs. It's important to factor these into your budget, as they can increase periodically.
• Understand Resale Restrictions: Be aware of the restrictions on resale contracts, such as the inability to use points for Disney Collection, Adventures by Disney, or Disney Cruise Line experiences. If these perks are important to you, consider purchasing a small direct contract to qualify for membership extras.

Transparent Guidance Every Step of the Way

At DVC Sales, we are committed to clear, honest information so you can make the best decision for your vacation needs. Our licensed real estate agents, many of whom are former Disney cast members, will guide you through each step, from searching for contracts to final closing. For many families, the cost savings and flexible contract options found with resale far outweigh the loss of a few exclusive perks. Review the full list of resorts at DVC Sales Resorts and contact us for help comparing your options.