5 Essentials for a Stress-Free Disney Vacation Club Stay
A Disney Vacation Club (DVC) vacation combines spacious villas, home-like comforts, and the magic of staying at deluxe Disney resorts. With a little planning, DVC can be one of the most flexible and rewarding ways to vacation at Disney.
Here are five essential tips to help you get the most out of your DVC stay.
1. Understand the Points System — and Book Early
Disney Vacation Club uses a points-based system. The number of points required depends on:
- The resort
- Room type (Studio, 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom, or Grand Villa)
- Time of year
- Day of the week
DVC members can book their home resort up to 11 months in advance. All other resorts open at the 7-month window. Popular resorts and room types can fill quickly, especially during holidays, events, festivals, and peak seasons.
Booking early gives you the best selection and the most flexibility.
2. Choose the Right Resort and Room Type
Every DVC resort offers a different experience. Some are steps from the parks, while others feel quiet and relaxed.
Think about:
- How many people are traveling
- How much space you want
- Whether location or resort amenities matter most
Studios work well for couples or small families.
One- and Two-Bedroom Villas are ideal for larger groups and include full kitchens and in-room laundry—often saving money on dining.
3. Use Banking, Borrowing, and Flexibility to Your Advantage
One of the biggest benefits of DVC is flexibility.
- Bank points if you won’t use them this year
- Borrow points from a future year for a larger trip or larger accommodations
- Travel during off-peak seasons to use fewer points
If you end up with extra points that you don’t plan to use, you can also rent them out. Or if you’re short on points, renting points from another owner may help complete your stay. Our team at The Timeshare Store, Inc.® is always happy to assist with either option.
4. Pack Smart for a Comfortable Stay
DVC villas are designed for comfort, so pack with that in mind.
Helpful items include:
- Groceries for the kitchen – Always good to stock up and have snacks and comfort foods when you’re relaxing at the resort.
- Refillable water bottles – Great to have when walking the Parks or Resorts
- Portable phone chargers – Park Tickets, Genie+, Photos, Mobile Food Ordering – it’s never fun when your phone dies.
- Comfortable walking shoes – you’ll walk 5 to 10+ miles a day, so have good, comfortable shoes.
5. Plan Your Park Strategy Around Your Resort Stay
Link your reservation in My Disney Experience to take advantage of:
- Mobile food ordering
- Lightning Lane selections
- Early theme park entry (when available)
Be sure to balance park time with resort time. One of the biggest advantages of DVC is having a spacious villa to return to after long park days. The resorts are filled with fun things to do, activities, pools, and just relaxation, so make sure you take time to enjoy the resorts during your vacation.
Making the Most of Your DVC Vacation
With smart planning, a Disney Vacation Club vacation delivers deluxe comfort, flexibility, and lasting value. Whether you travel every year or mix in larger trips over time, DVC is designed to grow with your family—and help create magical memories year after year.
If you ever need help booking, renting points, or understanding your options, our team is here to help. Feel free to reach out to us at sales@dvcstore.com, or you can reach us by phone at 800-550-6493, and let our trusted experts assist you with any questions you may have.
Written By:
Scot has been a senior member of The Timeshare Store, Inc.® (DVCstore.com) for nearly two decades, bringing a wealth of knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to our team. In addition to his expertise in the world of Disney Vacation Club, Scot is also an amazing cook —always ready to swap a great recipe. Most importantly, he’s a devoted family man who lights up when talking about his kids. His warmth, humor, and heart are just a few of the reasons he’s such a valued part of our team.