Disadvantages of Buying DVC Resale

While buying DVC resale offers substantial cost savings, prospective buyers should understand the disadvantages and limitations compared to purchasing directly from Disney. Honest evaluation of these drawbacks helps buyers make informed decisions aligned with their priorities and vacation goals.

Disney Collection Property Restrictions

The most significant disadvantage of DVC resale involves booking restrictions at Disney Collection properties. Points purchased through resale cannot be used to book stays at Aulani in Hawaii, Hilton Head Island Resort, or Vero Beach Resort. These popular destinations remain accessible only to direct Disney purchasers.

For buyers specifically wanting Hawaiian vacations through DVC, this restriction represents a substantial limitation. Aulani offers a unique Disney experience combining the company's service standards with authentic Hawaiian culture and stunning Pacific Ocean setting. Resale purchasers cannot access this experience using their DVC points regardless of home resort selection.

Member Discount Unavailability

Resale purchasers cannot access several Disney member discounts that direct purchasers enjoy. Annual Passholder discounts provide savings on Disney theme park passes, but resale members pay standard pricing. Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise rates offer reduced pricing on select Disney Cruise Line sailings, unavailable to resale owners.

The monetary value of these discounts varies based on usage patterns. Families who buy Annual Passes and book Disney cruises regularly miss more value than occasional visitors. Calculate realistic savings from these discounts against the substantial purchase price difference between resale and direct options.

Special Event Exclusion

Certain Disney member events are restricted from resale purchasers. Moonlight Magic events provide exclusive after-hours access to Disney theme parks for DVC members, but participation requires direct-purchased points. Other member-exclusive events may have similar restrictions that limit resale owner participation.

The impact depends on your interest in attending special events versus using DVC primarily for accommodations. Some families never attend special events regardless of eligibility, making this restriction inconsequential. Others specifically value exclusive experiences and would miss these opportunities.

No Financing Options

Disney offers financing for direct DVC purchases, allowing buyers to spread payments over time. Resale purchases typically require cash payment since Disney's financing programs don't extend to secondary market transactions. While timeshare-specific loans exist, they carry higher interest rates than Disney's financing options.

This limitation affects buyers who would prefer or require financing to complete purchases. Direct purchases may be the only realistic option for those who cannot pay cash, despite higher total costs including interest. Cash-ready buyers face no disadvantage from this limitation.

ROFR Transaction Uncertainty

Disney's Right of First Refusal (ROFR) creates transaction uncertainty unique to resale purchases. After your offer is accepted, Disney has approximately 30 days to purchase the contract at your agreed price. If Disney exercises this right, your transaction terminates and you must find alternative contracts.

This uncertainty doesn't exist with direct purchases where transactions proceed immediately upon agreement. ROFR delays timelines and may result in disappointment if Disney purchases contracts you wanted. Understanding and accepting this uncertainty is necessary for resale purchasing.

Longer Transaction Timelines

Resale purchases involve longer timelines than direct purchases. Between offer acceptance, ROFR review, closing procedures, and membership setup, 45-75 days typically pass before you become a functional DVC member. Direct purchases complete more quickly since ROFR doesn't apply and Disney manages the entire process.

For buyers with specific vacation deadlines, extended timelines may create planning complications. Points from resale purchases aren't available until transactions complete and membership activates, potentially affecting near-term travel plans.

Limited Resort Selection Control

Resale inventory depends on what current owners choose to sell. While most resorts have available listings most of the time, specific combinations of resort, points, and use year may not be available when you're ready to buy. Direct purchases offer whatever Disney currently sells without inventory constraints.

Sold-out resorts like Beach Club Villas are only available through resale, which can be advantageous. However, specific desired contract characteristics might require patience and market monitoring rather than immediate availability.

Potential Complexity

Resale transactions involve more parties and complexity than direct purchases. Brokers, title companies, and sellers all participate in processes that Disney handles internally for direct purchases. While experienced brokers manage this complexity effectively, some buyers prefer the streamlined direct purchase experience.

First-time buyers unfamiliar with real estate transactions may find resale processes initially confusing. Working with knowledgeable brokers reduces this concern, but some learning curve exists regardless.

Balancing Disadvantages Against Savings

These disadvantages must be weighed against substantial resale savings, typically 40-60% below direct pricing. For most buyers focused on Walt Disney World accommodations, the disadvantages have limited practical impact while savings are significant. Those prioritizing Collection access, member perks, or simplified purchasing may find direct options better aligned with their priorities despite higher costs.

It's essential to consider your vacation habits, financial situation, and long-term goals when deciding between resale and direct purchase. Some buyers may find the immediate cost savings of resale appealing enough to overlook the disadvantages. Others might prioritize the flexibility and perks of direct ownership despite the higher initial investment.

DVC Sales helps buyers understand these trade-offs and determine whether resale disadvantages affect their specific situations. Contact us to discuss how resale ownership might work for your vacation goals.