How to Buy DVC Points - The Real Process (Not the Marketing Fluff)
Look, buying DVC points isn't rocket science, but Disney and most brokers make it sound way more complicated than it is. After helping families buy DVC for over 25 years, I can tell you the process is pretty straightforward once you cut through all the sales talk. You're basically buying the right to use Disney resort rooms for the next 30-50 years, depending on which resort you choose.
The big decision? Buying direct from Disney or going resale through us. Direct costs about 40% more for the exact same points. Same rooms, same reservations, same everything. You just pay a lot less on the resale market.
Why Most Smart Buyers Choose DVC Points
Here's what I tell every family who calls: DVC points beat traditional timeshares hands down. You're not locked into one week at one resort. Got 160 points? You can stay three nights in a Grand Villa at Bay Lake Tower or stretch those same points across ten nights in a studio at Old Key West.
The flexibility is real. Bank points one year, borrow from next year. Book BoardWalk Villas in February or Polynesian at Christmas. Your points, your choice.
But here's what Disney won't tell you upfront: buying through DVC Sales saves you $50,000 to $80,000 on a typical 200-point contract. Same deed, same ownership, same vacation. We charge 6.9% commission vs the industry standard 9.5%. Our price comparison tool shows you exactly how much.
Step 1: Pick Your Home Resort (This Actually Matters)
Your home resort gives you an 11-month booking window versus 7 months everywhere else. That's huge for popular times and places. Trying to book Grand Floridian for New Year's Week? Good luck at 7 months. Easy at 11 months if it's your home resort.
Right now, I'm seeing strong values at Saratoga Springs ($155 per point), Animal Kingdom Jambo House ($170), and Old Key West ($160). Aulani is expensive but holds value better than anything else. We're talking $230+ per point, but it's Hawaii.
Check the contract end dates too. Old Key West goes to 2057, while some newer resorts like Boulder Ridge end in 2042. Longer contracts cost more upfront but give you more years of ownership.
Step 2: Figure Out How Many Points You Actually Need
Don't let anyone sell you more points than you'll use. I've seen too many families buy 300+ points and then struggle to use them all. Most families do fine with 150-200 points annually.
A studio at Beach Club in June runs 19 points per night. One-bedroom is 30 points. Christmas week? That same studio is 38 points per night. Use our point calculator with real dates and real resorts. The official DVC point charts don't lie.
Want to stay at Grand Californian during spring break? Budget 35-45 points per night for a studio. That adds up fast.
Step 3: Direct vs Resale - The Truth About What You're Giving Up
Disney wants you to buy direct. Of course they do - they make 40% more profit. But what are you actually missing by buying resale?
Honestly? Not much that matters for 90% of families. You can't book the new Disney Cruise ships or some Disney Collection hotels. You don't get discounts on Annual Passes or merchandise. But you get the same resort rooms, same booking windows, same everything that actually matters for Disney World vacations.
We've closed over 2,000 resale contracts, and I can count on one hand how many buyers regretted going resale. Check out our breakdown of what you actually lose buying resale. It's not scary.
Step 4: The Real Buying Process
Found a contract you want? Here's what actually happens:
You make an offer. Seller accepts or counters. You sign a purchase agreement. We send it to Disney for Right of First Refusal (ROFR). Disney has 30 days to either buy the contract themselves or pass. They pass on 85% of contracts at current market prices.
If Disney passes, you go to closing. Buyer pays a $500 admin fee, seller pays $150 for estoppel. Title company handles the paperwork. Takes about 60-90 days total from offer to owning your first points.
Want to know typical timelines? Our timing guide breaks down every step.
Step 5: Setting Up Your Account (Finally, the Fun Part)
After closing, Disney sends you a Member ID within 2-3 weeks. You create your online account, see your points, and can start booking. Your first annual dues bill comes in January - budget $7-10 per point depending on your home resort.
Now you can book Hilton Head for spring break or Vero Beach for a quick getaway. The system works exactly like it does for direct buyers.
What I Tell Every New Buyer
- Use our resale value calculator before you buy. Know what you're getting into.
- Annual dues go up 3-5% every year. Factor that in.
- Don't buy the first contract you see. We get new listings daily.
- Ignore Disney's scare tactics about resale. Read the actual restriction policy yourself.
Bottom Line on Buying DVC Points
We've helped families save millions buying resale over the years. Saratoga Springs is one of the best values right now at $155 per point. Animal Kingdom Villas gives you two resorts for the price of one. Even the expensive stuff like the new Polynesian Tower will hit the resale market eventually.
Don't overthink it. Pick a resort you'd actually want to stay at, buy enough points for one good vacation per year, and save the 40% markup. Your future self will thank you.
