Discover the differences between buying Disney Vacation Club resale contracts directly from Disney and purchasing through the open resale market, so you can make the best decision for your vacation needs and budget.
What Does It Mean to Buy DVC Resale Directly from Disney?
While some buyers wonder if it’s possible to purchase Disney Vacation Club resale contracts straight from Disney, the answer is more complex than it seems. Disney Vacation Club does sometimes sell contracts that it reacquires, but these are not traditional resale options. Instead, Disney typically offers these contracts at their full retail prices, and inventory is limited to what Disney has on hand. This means you often face higher prices and fewer choices compared to what you’ll find on the open resale market.
How Disney’s Right of First Refusal Works
Whenever a DVC owner sells their membership, Disney holds what’s called the Right of First Refusal (ROFR). If Disney chooses to exercise this right, it will buy the contract at the terms agreed to between the buyer and seller. After taking back the contract, Disney resells it as a “direct sale,” not as an open resale. These contracts are then offered to new buyers at full price, not at a resale discount.
If you’re hoping to save by buying “resale direct from Disney,” you’ll likely be disappointed. Disney’s reacquired contracts are rarely discounted, and buyers miss out on the flexibility and transparency that comes with the broader resale market.
How the Open Resale Market Is Different
Buying DVC resale through a licensed broker like DVC Sales is a proven way to maximize your savings and get the most value from your membership. Brokers represent current DVC owners who are looking to sell their contracts. This setup leads to prices that are typically 30–50% lower than buying direct from Disney.
When you shop the resale market, you’ll find a much larger selection of contracts, with choices across all DVC resorts such as Aulani, Bay Lake Tower, Animal Kingdom Villas, BoardWalk Villas, and many more. You can also shop by point amount, Use Year, and price to fit your family’s needs.
What Do You Get When Buying Resale?
A contract purchased on the resale market gives you access to the same DVC point system, resorts, and the valuable 11-month Home Resort booking window. While some perks exclusive to direct purchases may not apply, the savings often outweigh these differences for most buyers. For example, you’ll still be able to use your points at popular resorts like Polynesian, Old Key West, and Grand Californian.
If you’re curious about the cost differences, try the DVC Compare Prices tool or check out the DVC Resale Value Calculator for up-to-date market data.
Expert Guidance Makes a Difference
Working with a licensed brokerage such as DVC Sales ensures you’re guided by industry professionals with decades of experience. Our team is available seven days a week to answer questions, verify deed details, and help you navigate every step of the resale transaction. We focus on transparency, compliance, and client satisfaction.
So, Can You Buy DVC Resale Directly from Disney?
Technically, yes, but most buyers discover that the true value, better selection, and greater transparency come from the open resale market. At DVC Sales, we help you save thousands on Disney Vacation Club ownership, with a streamlined process and support from former Disney cast members.
For more details, explore our Disney Vacation Club checklist or view current listings. You can also learn about official DVC policies and review the latest Disney Vacation Club points charts to make the most informed decision.