What about the Disney Perks? Part III: Perk Alternatives

If you’re considering purchasing your Disney Vacation Club membership through DVC Sales, you may be asking what perks you may be missing out on by not buying directly from the Disney Vacation Club. Are these “Membership Extras” worth spending thousands of dollars more on your membership? That’s what we’re answering in this three-part blog series. In our first post, we explained what Membership Extras are and who has access to them. Next, we crunched the numbers to see whether purchasing your membership directly from Disney adds up. Now, we’re looking at alternative ways to experience some of these perks while saving on your DVC membership by purchasing a DVC resale.

Annual Passes

DVC members who have access to Membership Extras (those who purchased a minimum of 100 points directly from Disney) get special pricing on Disney Annual Passes. Many DVC members consider this to be a huge benefit. Still, as we discussed in our last post, you can purchase about 12 non-discounted Platinum Annual Passes at current pricing, which could save you more than the cost of buying your membership on the resale market.

If you want to save on Disney Annual Passes, there are a few ways to do it without purchasing a DVC membership directly from Disney. If you are a Florida resident, you already receive special pricing on the Gold Pass, which is a pass only available to DVC members and Florida residents. Florida residents get the exact pricing as direct DVC members on the Platinum Annual Pass. AAA offers discounts on Platinum Plus passes, as well as other Disney-related discounts. If you’re an AAA member, it’s worth checking out their website to see what discounts you can take advantage of.

Annual Passholder benefits

Both Annual Passholders and direct DVC members get discounts at select merchandise and dining locations throughout the Disney parks, ranging from 10% to 20% off (often at the exact locations). There are also exclusive events throughout the year for Annual Passholders, similar to events held for DVC members.

Other discounts

If you’re not considering getting an Annual Pass but you want to save at the parks, there are a few options. One option is the Disney Visa credit card, which offers 10% off merchandise purchases of $50 or more and 10% off dining at select locations at the theme parks. Cardmembers also have access to character meet-and-greet locations at Hollywood Studios and Epcot, as well as discount tickets. From Florida resident to military discounts, there are several ways to purchase discounted tickets to the theme parks. T

ake a bit of time to research what you may be eligible for; it will pay off in the end! What’s the best way to purchase my Disney Vacation Club membership? In our opinion, the best (and cheapest) way to become a DVC member is to buy your contract here at DVC Sales and get Disney Annual Passes. This way, you’ll save thousands on your membership and still have access to many of the same perks! Ready to get started? Please explore our website to learn more about becoming a DVC member with our team at DVC Sales. If you have questions, we’re always here to help. Please chat with us live using our built-in chat feature, or contact us here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are some alternatives to traditional Disney Vacation Club perks?
Even without certain Disney-exclusive perks, members can still enjoy savings through DVC resale listings and member-only benefits like early park entry, dining discounts, and resort amenities. Resale ownership often provides great flexibility at a lower cost.

Q2: Do DVC resale buyers miss out on any major Disney perks?
Some perks like member-exclusive events or discounts may be limited, but resale owners still access excellent resort stays and point flexibility. For a full breakdown of member advantages, read Top Benefits of Joining the Disney Vacation Club.

Q3: How can members maximize their DVC experience without relying on perks?
Focus on planning smart stays using points efficiently, exploring unique resort experiences, and attending Moonlight Magic Events. Even without premium perks, DVC membership offers incredible vacation value.

Q4: Are there non-Disney benefits to owning through DVC resale?
Yes, resale owners can often save thousands while still enjoying Disney accommodations and the option to exchange points through programs like RCI. To learn more about ownership value, visit Why Disney Vacation Club Is Worth It.