Home Resort Priority
Last updated: January 7, 2026
Home Resort Priority: Understanding the 11-Month and 7-Month Booking Windows
One of the most valuable benefits of Disney Vacation Club membership is Home Resort Priority. This booking advantage gives you a head start when reserving accommodations at the resort where your points are deeded, helping ensure you can secure your preferred dates and room types.
DVC Booking Window Timeline
How Home Resort Priority Works
When you purchase a DVC membership, your points are deeded at a specific resort - this becomes your "Home Resort." Your Home Resort determines when you can start booking:
- 11-Month Window (Home Resort): You can book reservations at your Home Resort up to 11 months before your planned check-in date. Only members who own points at that specific resort can book during this window.
- 7-Month Window (All Resorts): Starting at 7 months before check-in, all DVC resorts become available to all members regardless of where their points are deeded.
Why Home Resort Priority Matters
The 4-month head start (from 11 months to 7 months) gives Home Resort owners a significant advantage for booking popular dates and room types. This is especially important for:
- Peak Seasons: Holiday weeks, spring break, and summer months book quickly
- Popular Room Types: Larger villas and premium views are limited
- Special Events: Marathon weekends, Food and Wine Festival, and other events drive demand
- High-Demand Resorts: Some resorts like Polynesian, Riviera, and Bay Lake Tower fill up fast
Example: Booking a Christmas Vacation
Lets say you want to stay at Disneys Polynesian Village Resort for Christmas week (December 20-27):
If you own Polynesian points: You can book starting January 20 (11 months out). You have 4 months of exclusive access before other DVC members can book.
If you own points elsewhere: You must wait until May 20 (7 months out) to book Polynesian. By then, popular room types may already be taken by Polynesian owners.
Choosing Your Home Resort
When buying DVC resale, consider which resort you will most want to book during the 11-month window. Ask yourself:
- Which resort do I want to stay at most often?
- Do I typically travel during peak seasons when availability is tight?
- Am I flexible with dates and room types, or do I have specific preferences?
- Is the resort I want typically high-demand?
If you are flexible with travel dates and do not mind smaller rooms, the 7-month window often provides plenty of options. However, if you want guaranteed access to a specific resort during popular times, owning points there gives you the best chance.
Tips for Maximizing Your Booking Window
- Book at 8:00 AM Eastern: The DVC booking system opens at 8:00 AM ET. For high-demand dates, be ready to book right when your window opens.
- Know Your Dates: Calculate exactly when your 11-month or 7-month window opens and mark your calendar.
- Have a Backup Plan: If your first choice is not available, know which alternative room types or dates you would accept.
- Consider Waitlists: If your desired dates are not available, add yourself to the waitlist - cancellations do happen.
Understanding Home Resort Priority helps you make smart decisions about which DVC contracts to purchase and how to plan your Disney vacations. If you have questions about which resort might be the best fit for your travel style, our team at DVC Sales is happy to help.
