Disney Vacation Club's ROFR Resurgence: What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

Understanding Disney Vacation Club’s Right of First Refusal

When buying or selling a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) contract, one of the most important terms you’ll encounter is ROFR, or Right of First Refusal. This policy gives Disney the option to step in and repurchase a resale contract before it officially transfers to the buyer. Understanding ROFR is essential for both buyers and sellers navigating the DVC resale process.

What Does ROFR Mean?

ROFR allows Disney to review every resale contract submitted for transfer. If Disney exercises this right, it will purchase the contract at the agreed-upon terms instead of allowing the resale to proceed. If Disney declines, the contract moves forward between the original buyer and seller.

Why Does Disney Use ROFR?

Disney enforces ROFR for several reasons:

• Market Stability: Ensures DVC contracts don’t sell at prices that undervalue the program.

• Inventory Control: Allows Disney to acquire contracts and resell them directly at higher retail prices.

• Brand Protection: Maintains consistency in the perceived value of DVC memberships.

How Does ROFR Affect Buyers?

For buyers, ROFR introduces an extra step in the process. Even if your offer is accepted by the seller, Disney has the right to review and decide whether to purchase the contract instead. If Disney takes it, your deposit is refunded, and you can make offers on other contracts.

How Does ROFR Affect Sellers?

For sellers, ROFR means that even if you have a buyer lined up, the sale is not guaranteed until Disney waives their right. While it can slow the process, it also protects sellers by ensuring their contract is not sold below market value.

Tips to Navigate ROFR Successfully

• Research Average Prices: Make offers that reflect current market trends to reduce the chance of Disney exercising ROFR.

• Work with Experts: Partnering with trusted DVC resale specialists can help you understand which resorts and price points are most likely to pass ROFR.

• Stay Flexible: If a contract is taken by Disney, be prepared to pursue another one quickly.

Final Thoughts

ROFR is a key part of the DVC resale landscape. While it may seem like an obstacle, it ultimately helps maintain the value of memberships for all owners. By understanding how it works and working with experienced resale professionals, buyers and sellers can navigate the process confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Disney’s Right of First Refusal (ROFR)?
ROFR gives Disney the right to repurchase a DVC contract before it’s sold to a new buyer. This ensures resale prices stay consistent with market value. To better understand DVC ownership, explore what is ROFR and how it impacts your sale or purchase.

Q2: How does ROFR affect DVC buyers?
When you make an offer on a resale contract, Disney can choose to buy it instead—meaning you’ll need to find another listing. Reviewing multiple DVC resale listings can help you stay flexible and prepared for this process.

Q3: Why has Disney been exercising ROFR more often recently?
A rise in ROFR activity often indicates stronger demand for DVC ownership. Disney uses it to maintain resort value and control resale pricing. For related insights, check out how to sell your DVC points and see how sellers can benefit from these trends.

Q4: What can sellers do to avoid a ROFR buyback?
Setting a competitive price helps reduce the likelihood of Disney reclaiming your contract. You can get an idea of current pricing trends by reading when is the best time to sell for timing strategies that align with demand.

Q5: Does ROFR make buying DVC points risky?
Not at all. While it can delay a purchase, it doesn’t affect your ability to own DVC points. With help from trusted brokers like DVC Sales, buyers can easily find new contracts and continue the process smoothly.