Buying DVC Resale Pros and Cons

Buying DVC resale offers significant advantages but also involves limitations prospective buyers should understand. Evaluating both the pros and cons of resale purchasing helps families make informed decisions about whether this path to Disney Vacation Club ownership aligns with their priorities and vacation goals.

Pro: Substantial Cost Savings

The most compelling advantage of buying DVC resale is dramatic cost reduction compared to direct Disney purchases. Resale prices typically range from 40-60% of direct Disney pricing, potentially saving buyers thousands of dollars on typical family-sized contracts. These savings represent the primary motivation for most resale purchasers.

Lower acquisition costs create faster break-even points against equivalent hotel rates, improving long-term ownership economics. The preserved capital can fund other vacation expenses, additional point purchases, or simply remain in savings accounts for other family needs.

Pro: Identical Core Benefits

Resale purchasers receive the same fundamental DVC benefits as direct buyers for Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts. This includes booking access to all DVC resorts during both 11-month home resort priority and 7-month general windows, identical room types and amenities, and full membership in Disney Vacation Club.

The vacation experience itself doesn't differ based on how points were acquired. A resale owner's stay at Bay Lake Tower or Polynesian Villas is identical to a direct purchaser's stay at the same resort with the same room type.

Pro: Established Market Liquidity

The DVC resale market has operated for decades with established brokers, defined processes, and reasonable transaction liquidity. Buyers can find available contracts across all resorts, and sellers can exit ownership when circumstances change. This market maturity provides confidence that resale purchases represent legitimate ownership with recognized value.

Historical resale price stability demonstrates that DVC ownership maintains value over time, though specific values fluctuate with market conditions. This liquidity provides flexibility if your family situation changes and you need to sell your ownership.

Pro: Variety of Contract Options

The resale market offers diverse contract options that direct purchases cannot match. Buyers can find specific combinations of resort, point allocation, use year, and price that precisely match their needs. This variety enables optimization rather than accepting whatever direct sales inventory happens to be available.

Resale also provides access to sold-out resorts like Beach Club Villas that Disney no longer sells directly. These desirable properties only become available through resale when existing owners decide to sell.

Con: Restricted Collection Property Access

The most significant limitation for resale purchasers involves booking restrictions at Disney Collection properties. Points purchased through resale cannot be used to book Aulani in Hawaii, Hilton Head Island Resort, or Vero Beach Resort under current Disney policy. Buyers specifically wanting these destinations must purchase directly from Disney.

This restriction matters primarily to buyers with specific Collection property goals. Those focused on Walt Disney World and Disneyland vacations rarely feel this limitation, as those resorts represent the vast majority of DVC inventory and member usage.

Con: No Member Discount Access

Resale purchasers cannot access certain Disney member discounts and benefits. This includes Annual Passholder purchase discounts, Member Cruise rates on Disney Cruise Line, certain special event access, and Moonlight Magic park events. These benefits have monetary value for members who would utilize them.

The practical impact depends on your Disney engagement level. Active visitors who buy Annual Passes and book Disney cruises lose more value from these restrictions than occasional visitors focused solely on DVC resort stays.

Con: No Financing Options

Resale purchases typically require cash payment since Disney's financing programs don't apply to secondary market transactions. While timeshare-specific loans exist, they carry higher interest rates than Disney's financing offers. Buyers needing to finance purchases may find direct options more accessible despite higher total costs.

Cash requirements may limit purchase timing for buyers who need to accumulate funds before purchasing. Direct purchases allow immediate ownership with monthly payments, while resale typically requires complete funds at closing.

Con: ROFR Uncertainty

Disney's Right of First Refusal creates transaction uncertainty not present in direct purchases. Disney can purchase any resale contract at the agreed price during the approximately 30-day ROFR review period. While most contracts pass ROFR, the possibility of Disney purchase adds timeline uncertainty and potential disappointment to resale transactions.

Buyers should understand this process and set realistic expectations. Some contracts don't pass ROFR, requiring buyers to either offer higher prices or seek alternative contracts.

Weighing Your Decision

For most families prioritizing Walt Disney World vacations, the pros of resale purchasing substantially outweigh the cons. Cost savings are substantial and immediate, while restrictions primarily affect supplementary benefits rather than core vacation experiences. The math typically favors resale for buyers focused on the primary DVC value proposition.

Buyers should choose direct purchases when Collection property access is essential, financing is necessary, or specific member benefits align closely with their Disney lifestyle. Otherwise, resale provides excellent ownership value without meaningful sacrifice for typical usage patterns.

Additional Considerations

• Research and Patience: Engaging in the resale market requires thorough research and patience. Potential buyers should familiarize themselves with various resorts, point charts, and use years to find the best contract.
• Working with Brokers: Utilizing experienced DVC resale brokers can simplify the process. These professionals can guide you through the complexities of the resale market, ensuring a smoother transaction.
• Understanding Maintenance Fees: Regardless of how points are purchased, owners are responsible for annual maintenance fees. These fees contribute to the upkeep of the resorts and are a critical factor in the overall cost of ownership.

Overall, the decision to purchase DVC resale should align with your family's vacation habits, financial situation, and long-term goals. By weighing the pros and cons carefully, you can make a choice that enhances your Disney vacation experiences for years to come.