Disney Vacation Club Adds $500 Fee to All Resale Transactions

Disney has introduced a new fee structure for the secondary market. Starting January 1, 2026, a $500 Contract Administration Fee will be imposed on all resale closings, in addition to the existing $150 Estoppel Fee.

This isn't Disney's first foray into resale fees. The estoppel fee was implemented without clear justification, and now the $500 charge lacks explanation regarding the administrative tasks it supposedly covers.

This change was not formally announced but rather uncovered through new language on the DVC website.

Who Pays This Fee

While Disney doesn't dictate who pays this fee, the decision falls to the buyer and seller during negotiations. Disney likely prefers buyers to absorb the cost due to two main reasons:

• Narrows the pricing gap: By adding $500 to the buyer's side, the difference between retail and resale pricing is reduced, making the secondary market appear less attractive.
• Avoids seller backlash: Sellers might protest a fee they were not informed of at purchase, and Disney aims to prevent such conflicts.

Why This Is Happening

Disney has historically excelled at selling its products to buyers who love Disney, have disposable income, and often make impulsive decisions without prior research. However, this model is failing as today's buyers are more informed and compare prices online.

The secondary market offers similar booking rights at significantly lower prices, which has led to a shift in buyer behavior. Consequently, Disney is attempting to counteract this trend by increasing resale costs rather than lowering direct prices.

What Sellers Should Do

At DVC Sales, we recommend treating this as a seller expense. Passing the fee to buyers could deter them due to the added complexity and unexpected cost, which is contrary to a positive buying experience.

When listing a contract for sale in 2026, adjust your pricing to account for the $500 fee. The secondary market remains strong, and while this fee is a new expense, it is not catastrophic. Sellers should be prepared to accommodate this change.