Love Disney? Ever wonder if the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is for you and your family? Check out my family’s journey to deciding to purchase our DVC as well as some answers to some considerations and general questions. I hope this helps you make your decision.
The Journey to DVC
After many years of discussing and researching, we decided to buy into the vacation club in December of 2016 after our November 2016 trip. My husband and I were nervous about that 2016 WDW trip. It was the first time it would just be our core family, (me, my husband, my 7 yr old daughter and our 2.5 yr old son – at the time). My husband and I as well as my daughter had been previously, so we know how overwhelming it can be.
The trip was a success. The kids did so well on the plane and were able to hang for the most part. The weather was terrific, and my son’s reaction to everything was what I was hoping for when we took my daughter five years prior but never got; definitely a magical experience.
This was also the first time we stayed on property. We did a split stay, two 
days at Pop Century and two days at Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL). We just fell in love with AKL and the feeling of staying within the Disney bubble. Shortly after that trip, we bought into the timeshare program.
This was not a rash decision and is something my husband and I contemplated years ago but didn’t move forward. We didn’t think it was within our grasp to do so. But after that amazing trip, we decided we would make it work.
How does it work?
In short, the Disney Vacation Club is based on a point system. There is a minimum amount of points you will need to purchase through Disney. These points are then used to reserve a resort room. Disney uses dynamic pricing to determine the points per night per resort room. It looks as though some of the criteria used in the algorithm are based on the time of year, the hotel (e.g., off the monorail) and previous year’s demand.
Decision Making
There are a couple of things you do need to decide before finalizing your purchase. Below are some you should consider:
- Selecting your home resort
As your home resort, you’ll be able to book your stay 11 months in advance. You’ll have to wait until the 7-month mark for any other DVC resort. Unfortunately, there are super popular resorts that even at the 7-month mark are sold out. Therefore you need to select a home resort that you love and want to continue to stay. Additionally, each resort will have different HOA fee amount, e.g., Animal Kingdom Lodge typically has a higher HOA fee due to the management and care of the animals.
- How many points purchase
That will depend on the resort and the frequency and duration of your stays
- Purchase through Disney OR a reseller
Currently, there are limited locations you can buy directly through Disney. However, you can purchase most resorts through a reseller.
General Questions and Answers
- Question: Do I have to be a DVC member to stay at a DVC resort or room?
No, you do not have to be a DVC member to stay in a DVC resort. You can rent points from a DVC member. Additionally, the hotel room you book may be a DVC room – this is what happened to us during our first stay at AKL.
- Question: Do I have to use my points every year?
No, you “bank” (moving points from the current Use Year to the next Use Year) them or borrow (moving points from the next Use Year to apply toward a vacation in the current year). Points do expire, so you need to be careful with which use years you bank and borrow.
- Question: What if I don’t have enough points for a stay?
You can bank them for the following year if they do not expire OR purchase additionally “one-time use” points from Disney. You can purchase up to 24 additional points. There are other rules regarding the use of these points (for more details: https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/faq/add-on-one-time-use-points/how-to/)
- Question: Can I sell my points if I no longer go to Disney?
Yes, you can go through a registered DVC resaler or sell them directly to Disney.
- Question: Is it better to purchase directly from Disney or a Resaler?
Depends, you will save more $ if you go through a Resalers. However, you will not receive all the benefits that come with buying directly through Disney. Some benefits include:
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- Discounts on Annual Passes, merch, and restaurants
- Access to the DVC lounge and Top of the World Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Exclusive Member Events, (e.g., Moonlight Magic, Painting with a view)
- Early Access to Parties (MNSSHP, A Very Merry Christmas Party)
- Question: Are the DVC rooms and the hotel rooms different?
Yes. DVC studio rooms will always have a kitchenette, which is perfect for a family. They also seem to be more spacious, but that might be my opinion.
Final Thoughts
We are so happy and love going to Disney frequently. We still stand by our 
decision to purchase. We average about 3-4 trips per year, and every trip is different and unique. We are considering purchasing more points at another resort. It is an addiction.
Let us know about your journey and final decision. We love to hear more perspectives. And with that, I hope you’re having a magical day!