Buying DVC Direct vs Resale

Deciding between buying DVC direct from Disney versus purchasing on the resale market represents the most significant choice facing prospective Disney Vacation Club members. Understanding the differences in cost, benefits, and restrictions helps buyers make informed decisions aligned with their priorities and vacation goals.

Price Differences: Direct vs Resale

The most striking difference between direct and resale purchases is cost. Disney currently prices direct DVC purchases at $200-250+ per point depending on resort, while resale prices typically range from $100-175 per point. For a 150-point contract, this difference translates to potential savings of $7,500-22,500 through resale purchasing.

These savings represent the primary motivation for most resale buyers. The substantial cost difference allows families to either keep more money in their pockets or purchase additional points for expanded vacation capacity at the same total cost as a smaller direct purchase.

What You Get with Direct Purchases

Direct purchases from Disney include benefits unavailable to resale buyers. Most significantly, direct purchasers can book stays at Disney Collection properties including Aulani in Hawaii, Hilton Head Island Resort, and Vero Beach Resort using their points. These destinations are restricted from resale-purchased points under current policies.

Additional direct purchase benefits include Annual Passholder discounts, Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise rate availability, certain special event access, and moonlight magic events at Disney parks. Disney also offers financing options for direct purchases that aren't available through resale transactions.

Additional Direct Benefits

• Access to exclusive events and experiences
• Ability to participate in special promotions
• Full access to the Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge at Epcot

What Resale Purchases Provide

Resale purchases provide the core DVC benefits most members use regularly. This includes full access to all Walt Disney World DVC resorts and Disneyland's Grand Californian Villas during both 11-month home resort priority and 7-month general booking windows. Resale owners enjoy identical room access and point-based booking as direct purchasers at these properties.

All fundamental ownership aspects transfer to resale buyers including home resort designation, use year assignment, banking and borrowing privileges, and membership in the Disney Vacation Club organization. The practical vacation experience at Walt Disney World and Disneyland properties is essentially identical regardless of purchase source.

Restrictions on Resale Points

The primary limitation for resale purchasers involves booking restrictions at Disney Collection properties. Points purchased through resale cannot be used to book Aulani, Hilton Head, or Vero Beach under current Disney policy. For buyers specifically wanting these destinations, direct purchasing may be necessary despite higher costs.

Resale purchasers also cannot access member discounts on Annual Passes, Member Cruise rates, and certain special events. These benefits have monetary value but typically represent small fractions of the price difference between direct and resale options.

Evaluating What Matters to You

The direct versus resale decision ultimately depends on individual priorities. Buyers who specifically want Hawaii vacations at Aulani need direct purchases or must find alternatives outside DVC. Those focused primarily on Walt Disney World accommodations generally find resale provides equivalent vacation experiences at substantially lower costs.

Consider how you realistically plan to use DVC ownership. If Collection properties represent significant vacation goals, factor their importance against cost savings from resale. If Walt Disney World stays dominate your expected usage, resale likely delivers better value without meaningful sacrifice.

The Hybrid Approach

Some buyers combine direct and resale purchases to optimize both cost and benefits. A small direct purchase establishes member status with full benefits including Collection access, while larger resale purchases provide the bulk of points at lower per-point costs. This approach requires larger total investment but may suit certain priorities.

The minimum direct purchase for establishing membership varies by sales promotion and resort. Consult Disney Vacation Club directly for current minimum purchase requirements if considering hybrid approaches.

Long-Term Value Considerations

Resale pricing creates favorable long-term economics for most buyers. The immediate savings compound over decades of ownership through preserved capital and lower break-even points against equivalent hotel costs. Direct purchase benefits rarely compensate for price differences over extended ownership periods for typical usage patterns.

Resale contracts also maintain reasonable liquidity if you eventually want to sell. While resale values fluctuate with market conditions, DVC resale prices have historically maintained stability relative to purchase costs, providing reasonable exit options for owners whose circumstances change.

Making Your Decision

Carefully evaluate your specific vacation patterns, desired destinations, and budget constraints when choosing between direct and resale. For most families primarily interested in Walt Disney World vacations, resale offers compelling value without significant compromise. Those with specific Collection property goals or strong desire for member extras may find direct purchases better aligned with their priorities despite higher costs.

DVC Sales helps buyers understand these differences and navigate the resale market when that path matches their needs. Contact us to discuss your DVC goals and evaluate whether resale purchasing fits your vacation plans.