DVC Point Resale

Understanding DVC Point Resale

DVC point resale involves purchasing vacation club points from existing Disney Vacation Club members through the secondary market. These transactions provide buyers with ownership stakes in DVC properties at prices below Disney's direct purchase rates. Understanding how point resale works helps prospective buyers navigate the market effectively and secure contracts that match their vacation needs.

What DVC Points Represent

DVC points function as vacation currency within the Disney Vacation Club system. Each point represents ownership in a specific DVC resort property and carries annual use rights for booking accommodations. Points reset annually on your use year date, providing fresh vacation currency each year throughout your contract term.

Point values differ based on accommodation size, resort location, and travel season. A studio villa during value season requires fewer points than a two-bedroom grand villa during peak holiday periods. This flexibility allows members to customize vacations based on available points and travel preferences.

Resale Point Pricing Factors

Resale point prices vary significantly based on several factors. Resort desirability strongly influences pricing, with popular resorts like Beach Club and Polynesian commanding premium prices while Old Key West and Saratoga Springs offer more affordable options. Current resale prices range from approximately $100 to $175 per point depending on resort.

Contract size affects per-point pricing as well. Larger contracts often achieve slight per-point discounts while smaller contracts may carry premium pricing due to higher demand from entry-level buyers. Use year timing also influences value, with more flexible use years sometimes commanding slight premiums.

Benefits of Resale Points

Purchasing points through resale provides substantial savings compared to Disney's direct pricing. Resale prices typically run 40-60% below direct purchase rates, representing thousands of dollars in savings on typical contract sizes. These savings can fund years of annual dues or simply reduce overall vacation investment.

Resale points provide full access to the DVC reservation system including home resort booking at 11 months and system-wide booking at 7 months. Your points work identically to direct purchase points for accommodation bookings at DVC resorts. However, it's important to note that some membership extras, like certain discounts or access to exclusive events, may not be available to resale buyers.

Understanding the Resale Process

The process of purchasing resale points typically involves several steps. Initially, potential buyers need to determine their desired home resort and the number of points they wish to purchase. Engaging with a reputable resale broker can provide guidance and access to available listings.

Once a suitable contract is found, an offer is made. After negotiations, a sales agreement is signed, and a deposit is placed in escrow. The contract then enters the Right of First Refusal (ROFR) process, where Disney decides whether to purchase the contract at the agreed price.

Calculating Point Needs

Determining appropriate point quantities requires understanding your vacation patterns. Review DVC point charts showing nightly requirements for different room types, resorts, and seasons. A typical week in a studio villa might require 80-120 points while a two-bedroom villa week could need 200-350 points depending on timing and location.

Consider how frequently you plan to vacation at Disney properties. Annual visitors might target point quantities covering their typical stay. Occasional visitors might purchase smaller contracts supplemented by point rentals when needed. Banking and borrowing features provide additional flexibility for point management.

Point Transfer and Ownership

When you purchase resale points, ownership transfers through a deed recorded in Orange County, Florida. This real property interest continues until contract expiration, which varies by resort from 2042 to 2080 depending on the property. Your points become usable once Disney processes the ownership transfer and activates your membership.

Contracts may include banked points from the previous year or current year points depending on timing. Clarify what points convey with the purchase before making offers. Additional points included with the contract provide immediate vacation value beyond base annual allocations.

Right of First Refusal Impact

Disney reviews all resale point transactions through their Right of First Refusal process. This 30-45 day review period allows Disney to purchase contracts at the agreed price if they choose. Disney exercises ROFR on approximately 5-10% of transactions, typically targeting attractive pricing below current market rates.

If Disney exercises ROFR, your deposit returns in full and you can pursue other contracts. Working with experienced brokers helps set pricing expectations that balance competitive rates with reasonable ROFR risk.

Final Thoughts

Purchasing DVC points through resale can be a cost-effective way to enjoy Disney vacations for years to come. By understanding the process, pricing factors, and potential benefits, prospective buyers can make informed decisions that align with their vacation goals. Engaging with knowledgeable brokers and doing thorough research are key steps to successfully navigating the DVC resale market.