Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a timeshare-style program that allows members to secure deluxe Disney resort accommodations for decades to come. It’s a long-term vacation investment that can offer valuable perks, but it’s not the right fit for every traveler.
DVC appeals to those who visit Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or other Disney destinations regularly and enjoy planning vacations in advance. But there are also notable financial considerations and travel limitations involved.
If you’re evaluating whether DVC is the right choice, here are five compelling reasons to join, and five reasons why it might not be the best fit.
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5 Reasons to Buy Disney Vacation Club
5. Exclusive Discounts on Dining and Merchandise
4. Access to Florida Resident Pricing on Annual Passes
DVC membership provides access to Florida resident rates on annual passes, even for non-residents. Eligible members can purchase the Sorcerer Pass, an Annual Pass option commonly only available to Florida residents.
This can result in significant savings for those who visit multiple times yearly and strategically plan trips.
3. Long-Term Vacation Value
DVC contracts generally last up to 50 years, depending on the resort. Members are only responsible for annual dues after the initial cost is paid off. Over time, this can offer a more stable and predictable cost for deluxe accommodations than standard hotel bookings.
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2. Flexibility to Transfer, Rent, or Inherit Membership
DVC points can be rented out if not used, helping to offset costs. Memberships can also be transferred to family members or inherited, making them a long-term asset with multi-generational benefits.
1. Early Access to Reservations and Events
Members receive early booking windows for Disney resort stays, making securing accommodations at high-demand resorts easier. They may also receive advance access to exclusive events such as RunDisney races or limited-capacity ticketed experiences.
5 Reasons Not to Buy Disney Vacation Club
5. Limited Availability for Last-Minute Trips
DVC operates on a points-based reservation system that favors early planners. Availability at popular resorts can be scarce during peak seasons, making last-minute travel difficult.
4. Modified Housekeeping Services
DVC resorts follow a different housekeeping schedule than traditional Disney hotel rooms. For stays under eight nights, trash and towel service is typically provided on the fourth day, with a full cleaning on the eighth day.
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3. Ineligibility for Certain Vacation Packages and Discounts
Standard Disney hotel promotions, such as free dining offers or vacation packages, do not apply to DVC stays booked with points. This may limit access to some cost-saving opportunities available to non-members.
2. High Upfront Costs and Potential Financing Fees
The initial cost to join DVC can be substantial, often starting around $23,500 for a 100-point package (with many families requiring more points for ideal travel). Financing is available, but interest rates can significantly increase the total cost over time.
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1. Rising Annual Dues and Evolving Point Charts
Annual dues are required and typically increase over time. Disney also periodically adjusts the number of points needed for specific resorts or seasons, which can reduce the overall value of existing points.
Is Disney Vacation Club Right for You?
Deciding whether to join DVC depends on vacation frequency, budgeting preferences, and travel style. It’s best suited for travelers who visit Disney regularly, value deluxe resort experiences, and prefer to plan vacations well in advance.
Traditional vacation booking methods may offer more flexibility for those who prefer spontaneous trips, rely on seasonal promotions, or want to avoid long-term commitments.
Carefully compare the cost of DVC membership, including annual dues and potential financing, with your current vacation plans. DVC can be a valuable option for the right kind of Disney traveler, but it’s important to make an informed decision.
Regardless of which path you choose, the magic of Disney is always waiting.
