Purchasing DVC points on the resale market delivers substantial savings compared to purchasing directly from Disney while providing access to the same Walt Disney World resort accommodations. In our experience working with hundreds of families, understanding the resale purchasing process helps first-time purchasers navigate transactions confidently and secure appropriate ownership at competitive prices.
Why Purchase DVC Points Resale
The primary motivation for purchasing DVC points resale is significant cost savings. Resale prices typically range from $100-$175 per point depending on resort, compared to Disney direct prices that range from $205-$275 per point at Walt Disney World properties. For a 150-point contract, this difference translates to potential savings of $15,000 to $25,000.
These savings compound over ownership duration. Lower initial costs mean faster break-even against equivalent hotel reservations and better long-term value for families committed to regular Disney vacations. The financial advantage makes resale purchasing the preferred approach for most cost-conscious purchasers.
What You Get with Resale Points
Resale DVC points provide the core benefits that make ownership valuable: access to deluxe villa accommodations at Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts. Resale purchasers can reserve stays at any DVC resort using the same point-based system as direct purchasers, with identical room access during booking windows.
Resale points come with full home resort priority during the 11-month booking window, meaning you can secure preferred reservations at your home resort before other members gain access. At seven months, all DVC resorts become available for reservation regardless of home resort designation.
Understanding the Booking System
The DVC booking system is based on a points calendar, where different times of the year and types of accommodations require varying points. Planning ahead and understanding peak seasons can maximize the value of your points. Resale owners use the same booking system as direct owners, ensuring equal opportunity to secure desired accommodations.
Resale Purchase Limitations
Resale points carry certain restrictions not applicable to direct purchases. Most significantly, resale owners cannot reserve at Disney Collection properties including Aulani, Hilton Head, and Vero Beach using their resale points. These destinations remain reserved for direct purchasers or those who acquired points before specific policy change dates.
Additional perks like Annual Passholder discounts, Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise discounts, and certain special events are also restricted from resale purchasers. However, these benefits represent relatively minor value compared to the substantial cost savings resale provides.
Choosing the Right Resort
Selecting a home resort involves balancing price, location preferences, point value, and annual dues. Lower-priced resorts like Old Key West and Saratoga Springs offer excellent entry points for budget-conscious purchasers, while premium resorts like Polynesian and Riviera command higher prices but provide prestigious locations.
Consider which resort you would most frequently want to reserve during the 11-month window. Home resort priority matters most for peak-season reservations at popular resorts, while purchasers with flexible travel dates may prioritize price over specific location.
Evaluating Resort Amenities
- Old Key West: Known for its spacious accommodations and tranquil setting
- Saratoga Springs: Offers proximity to Disney Springs and extensive recreational facilities
- Polynesian: Provides a unique South Pacific theme and easy access to Magic Kingdom via monorail
- Riviera: Features European-inspired luxury and convenient Skyliner transportation
Determining Point Needs
Before purchasing DVC points resale, calculate how many points align with your vacation patterns. Every family is different, and every family's needs change over time. I'd suggest you consider your vacation plans for the next 2-3 years, calculate the points needed for those trips, and purchase based on that average.
A typical family wanting annual one-week vacations in one-bedroom villas during regular season needs approximately 150-200 points. Studios require fewer points, while two-bedroom villas and peak seasons demand more. Start conservatively. Purchasing slightly fewer points than maximum estimated needs is safer than over-purchasing. Additional points can be acquired later through subsequent resale purchases, while excess points create annual use pressure and ongoing dues obligations.
The Resale Purchasing Process
Purchasing DVC points resale follows a standardized process. First, research available listings to identify contracts matching your criteria including resort, point allocation, use year, and price range. When you find suitable contracts, submit offers through the listing broker with earnest money deposits typically ranging $1,000-$2,000.
Accepted offers enter Disney's Right of First Refusal (ROFR) review for approximately 30 days. Disney may purchase the contract at your agreed price or waive their right to allow the transaction to proceed. After ROFR waiver, the sale proceeds to closing through a title company, typically completing 45-75 days from initial offer acceptance.
Understanding Use Years
DVC points allocate annually on specific use year anniversaries. Common use years include February, March, June, August, September, October, and December. Your use year determines when new points become available and affects banking and borrowing deadlines.
Select use years aligning with your typical vacation timing. If you usually travel in summer, a February or March use year provides points early enough for summer planning. December use years work well for purchasers who prefer fall or holiday season travel.
Evaluating Contract Value
Beyond per-point price, evaluate total contract value by considering current point status. Contracts with banked points from previous years or current-year points already loaded provide immediate vacation capacity. Stripped contracts with borrowed or used points offer lower prices but delayed utility.
Annual dues status also affects value. Verify sellers are current on dues and no special assessments are pending. Delinquent dues must be cleared before transfer, potentially creating complications or additional costs.
Working with Experienced Resale Brokers
Experienced DVC resale brokers provide valuable guidance throughout the purchasing process. They understand market conditions, can advise on competitive pricing, explain contract details, and coordinate transaction logistics. Quality brokers make the process significantly smoother, particularly for first-time purchasers unfamiliar with DVC ownership.
We've helped hundreds of families through this process and offer comprehensive purchaser support including market analysis, contract evaluation, offer negotiation, and closing coordination. Our 6.9% commission is significantly lower than the industry average of 9.5%, and we charge purchasers a $500 administration fee to handle all transaction details from contract to closing.
After Your Purchase
Once your resale purchase closes, Disney transfers the membership into your name and provides access to Member Services and online reservation systems. You'll receive a welcome packet with your member number and instructions for making your first reservation. Most new owners can start using their points immediately if current-year points are included with the contract.
Understanding DVC annual dues becomes important as a new owner, as these fees are billed annually and vary by resort. We recommend reviewing our comprehensive guide on how DVC works to maximize your new membership benefits.
