When purchasing Disney Vacation Club, you have two main options: purchasing directly from Disney or purchasing a resale contract through a licensed broker like DVC Sales. Both paths provide genuine DVC ownership with the same deeded real estate and booking privileges. The difference comes down to price, perks, and certain restrictions that can significantly impact your long-term vacation costs.
We've helped hundreds of families through this decision over the past 25+ years. The choice typically comes down to whether you prioritize maximum savings or want Disney's current membership perks. Here's what you need to know about each option.
Direct Purchase from Disney
What You Get with Direct Purchase
When you purchase DVC points directly from Disney, you're paying current retail prices that range from $150 per point at Vero Beach to $310 per point at Grand Californian. Walt Disney World resorts currently range from $205 per point for Saratoga Springs and Old Key West to $275 per point for Bay Lake Tower and Beach Club.
Direct purchasers become eligible for Disney's Membership Extras program, which includes merchandise discounts, exclusive events, member lounges, and occasional perks like complimentary theme park tickets or dining credits. These benefits can change over time and aren't guaranteed to continue.
You also get unrestricted booking access to Disney's entire DVC portfolio, including newer resorts like Riviera Resort and Villas at Disneyland Hotel. If you want the flexibility to book any DVC property with your points, direct purchase provides that option.
Direct Purchase Considerations
The primary consideration is cost. Direct purchase means paying full retail pricing, which represents a significant premium over resale prices. You're essentially paying extra for the membership perks and unrestricted resort access.
Disney's sales process can also be lengthy, with presentations that often last several hours. Some buyers appreciate the comprehensive education, while others find it overwhelming when they've already decided to purchase.
DVC Resale Purchase
How Resale Works
DVC resale means purchasing an existing contract from a current member, typically at 30% to 50% below Disney's direct pricing. You're purchasing the same deeded real estate interest with the same booking privileges at your home resort. The points work identically to direct purchase points for reservations, banking, borrowing, and transfers.
Resale contracts come in various sizes and use years, giving you options to find exactly what fits your vacation plans. You can purchase small add-on contracts or large contracts depending on your family's needs. The resale market also offers contracts at sold-out resorts that Disney no longer sells directly.
Resale Restrictions
Disney has placed booking restrictions on resale contracts purchased at certain legacy resorts. If you purchase resale at properties like Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Animal Kingdom Lodge, or Beach Club, you cannot use those points to book stays at Riviera Resort or Villas at Disneyland Hotel.
However, you can still book at more than a dozen other DVC resorts, including Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Bay Lake Tower, and Copper Creek. Most families find this roster provides plenty of vacation variety.
Resale purchasers typically don't qualify for Membership Extras, though Disney has occasionally extended certain perks to all members regardless of how they purchased.
The Resale Process
When you purchase through DVC Sales, you pay a $500 administrative fee and your closing costs through a licensed title company. We charge a 6.9% commission to the seller, well below the industry average of 9.5%. You don't pay any commission as the buyer.
All contracts go through Disney's Right of First Refusal process, where Disney can choose to purchase the contract at your offered price. If Disney exercises ROFR, your earnest money is returned and you can make an offer on another contract. Most transactions proceed without Disney intervention, but it's part of the process to understand.
You can search available contracts on our resale listings page and submit offers online. Our licensed agents guide you through the entire process from contract to closing.
Understanding ROFR
Disney's Right of First Refusal allows them to purchase any resale contract at the same terms you've agreed to with the seller. This process typically takes 10-14 business days after your contract is signed.
Disney tends to exercise ROFR on contracts priced significantly below market value or at resorts they want to control inventory for. There's no guaranteed way to avoid ROFR, but contracts priced at fair market value generally proceed to closing.
Making Your Decision
When Direct Purchase Makes Sense
Consider direct purchase if you specifically want to book at Riviera Resort or Villas at Disneyland Hotel, value the current Membership Extras program, or prefer purchasing through Disney's sales process. Some buyers also appreciate supporting Disney directly.
Direct purchase also makes sense if you want the newest resort with the longest remaining contract term, as direct sales typically offer contracts with 50-year terms.
When Resale Makes Sense
Resale typically makes financial sense for most buyers. The 30-50% savings on purchase price can fund years of vacation costs, and the booking privileges remain essentially the same for the vast majority of DVC resorts.
Resale is particularly attractive if you're interested in a specific resort as your home resort, want to start with a smaller point contract, or prioritize maximizing your vacation budget. The money saved on purchase price can be used for annual dues, airfare, dining, or other vacation expenses.
Calculating Your Decision
Consider using our DVC point calculator to estimate how many points you need for your typical vacations. Factor in the total cost over your planned ownership period, including purchase price, annual dues, and any financing costs.
Remember that both options provide the same fundamental DVC ownership experience. You're purchasing deeded real estate with vacation use rights that extend until the contract's expiration date. The booking system, point banking and borrowing rules, and core vacation benefits remain consistent regardless of how you purchased.
For most families, the substantial savings from resale purchase outweigh the restrictions and missing perks. But the right choice depends on your specific priorities and vacation plans. We're happy to discuss your situation and help you evaluate both options based on your family's needs.
