Make the Most of Your Time at Disney World by Using These Tips

While purchasing a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) contract is an exciting decision, planning the ideal resort stay can be just as important. With so many unique DVC resorts to choose from, narrowing your options down to one that suits your preferences can be a challenge. This guide covers essential tips to help you make the most of your stay, get the best value, and maximize your Disney magic.

1. Location and Proximity to Favorite Destinations

Each DVC resort is situated near different Disney attractions, and your preferences will help determine the best fit for you.

• Walt Disney World (Florida): Consider Polynesian Villas, Beach Club Villas, or Bay Lake Tower for easy access to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.
• Disneyland Resort (California): Stay at the Grand Californian Villas for direct access to Disney California Adventure.
• Beach Resorts: For relaxation, explore Aulani or Hilton Head.

Use the Disney Vacation Club Point Calculator to estimate the point value for each destination.

2. Contract Expiration Dates

Each DVC resort has its contract end date. Resorts like Bay Lake Tower and Riviera Resort have more extended agreements that expire in 2060 or later, while others, such as BoardWalk Villas, expire sooner. See a complete overview of DVC Expiration Dates to compare resorts.

3. Price Per Point

Resale prices differ greatly depending on resort popularity and contract length.

• Economic Choices: Copper Creek and Old Key West often offer excellent value.
• Premium Resorts: Locations like Grand Floridian and Beach Club Villas tend to cost more but also offer high resale value.

Compare options using the DVC Compare Prices tool to make the most informed investment decision.

4. Room Types and Accommodations

The size of your travel party plays a significant role in choosing a resort.

• Studios are best for couples or small families.
• 1- or 2-Bedroom Villas and Deluxe Studios offer more space and amenities.
• Explore photos and layouts by visiting resort pages like Boulder Ridge or Animal Kingdom Villas.

5. Transportation Options

Resorts like Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Bay Lake Tower offer monorail access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.

For more remote resorts, buses or boat transportation are available. If easy park access is key, prioritize resorts with direct transit, such as Boulder Ridge or Riviera.

6. Points Chart and Usage

Each resort has its point chart, and using points wisely is vital.

• Lower Point Requirements: Resorts like Old Key West and BoardWalk Villas require fewer points per night.
• Higher Point Resorts: Premium resorts such as Grand Californian or Villas at Disneyland Hotel can require more.
• Check the Disney Points Chart to plan efficiently.

7. Annual Dues and Additional Costs

Your ownership cost doesn’t end with the purchase.

• Annual Dues vary by resort. For example, DVC Annual Dues are lower at Old Key West and higher at Grand Floridian.
• Transient Taxes may apply to resorts like Aulani or Villas at Disneyland Hotel, due at check-in.

Conclusion

By balancing factors like location, contract length, price per point, and transportation, you’ll get the most out of your Disney Vacation Club membership. For personalized assistance, explore DVC Resale Listings or read our complete Disney Vacation Club Checklist to ensure you’re making the best choice for your family’s vacation needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I choose the best DVC resort location for my family?

Consider your favorite destinations: stay at Polynesian Villas, Beach Club Villas, or Bay Lake Tower for easy access to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT at Walt Disney World, or choose Grand Californian Villas for direct access to Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort. Read Choosing the Best DVC Home Resort.

Q2. What should I know about DVC contract expiration dates?

Each DVC resort has a contract end date. Newer resorts like Bay Lake Tower and Riviera expire in 2060 or later, while older resorts like BoardWalk Villas expire sooner. This affects resale value and long-term ownership benefits. Learn more at What is ROFR and Why Is It a Good Thing.

Q3. Which DVC resorts offer the best value per point?

Economic choices like Copper Creek and Old Key West often offer excellent value, while premium resorts like Grand Floridian and Beach Club Villas cost more but maintain high resale value. Check out The Best Economic DVC Resorts to Buy in 2023.

Q4. What transportation options are available at DVC resorts?

Resorts like Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Bay Lake Tower offer monorail access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Remote resorts provide bus or boat transportation. For easy park access, prioritize resorts with direct transit options. See Ground Transportation to Your DVC Resort.

Q5. How do annual dues vary between DVC resorts?

Annual dues differ by resort, with Old Key West typically having lower dues and Grand Floridian having higher dues. Some resorts like Aulani may also have transient taxes due at check-in. Review DVC Transient Occupancy Tax: Everything You Need to Know for TOT.