Disney Vacation Club Resales 101: A Beginner’s Guide

If you love Disney vacations but don’t love paying full price, Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resales may be worth a closer look.

For many families, buying a DVC resale is one of the most affordable ways to stay in Disney’s deluxe resorts while enjoying larger rooms, extra space, and the flexibility to travel year after year. This guide walks through the basics of a DVC resale in a clear, straightforward way so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your family.

What Is Disney Vacation Club?

Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s version of a timeshare program, but it works very differently from traditional timeshares.

Instead of owning a fixed week at a single resort, DVC members purchase points. The points can be used to book stays at Disney Vacation Club resorts. The number of points required depends on the resort, room type, and time of year.

This point-based system gives families flexibility. Points can be used for studios up to three-bedroom grand villas, making DVC especially appealing for families who want more space, kitchens, and convenient resort locations near the parks.

What Does “Buying DVC Resale” Mean?

Buying DVC resale simply means purchasing a membership from an existing owner rather than buying directly from Disney.

When you purchase resale, you are not getting a different product. The points, Home Resort, annual dues, and contract expiration date all remain the same. In most cases, the price is significantly lower than Disney’s direct purchase price.

For many buyers, resale offers the best balance of value and long-term vacation flexibility.

The Benefits of Buying DVC Resale

The biggest advantage of buying resale is cost. Resale contracts are priced well below what Disney charges directly, which means your upfront investment is lower from the start.

Because prices are lower, many resale buyers are able to purchase more points for the same budget. That can translate into longer stays, larger villas, or the ability to travel more often.

Another major benefit is access to Disney’s deluxe resorts. DVC villas offer spacious layouts, kitchens, laundry, and prime locations—all for a fraction of the cost of paying cash for the same accommodations.

Resale also gives buyers more flexibility when choosing a contract. You can select the resort, point total, and use year that best fit how and when your family likes to travel.

Are There Any Downsides to DVC Resale?

While DVC resale offers excellent value, there are a few limitations to understand.

Resale buyers cannot use their points directly with Disney for the Disney Cruise Line or the Adventures by Disney. In addition, resale contracts do not include Disney’s “Member Extras,” such as discounts and special events.

For families who mainly stay at Disney resorts, the savings from resale often outweigh these limitations.

Key DVC Terms Explained (Without the Confusion)

To really understand how DVC works, it helps to know a few basic terms.

Points are the currency of DVC. Each resort uses a point chart that shows how many points you need per night by season and room type. Once you understand point charts, planning becomes much easier.

Your Use Year is the month when your points renew each year. DVC offers Use Years in February, March, April, June, August, September, October, and December. There are no January, May, July, or November Use Years. Choosing the right Use Year helps ensure your points align with your travel habits.

The Home Resort is the resort tied to your contract. This matters because it gives you priority booking at that resort. Owners can book their Home Resort up to eleven months in advance, while other eligible resorts can be booked starting at seven months.

This booking advantage is especially helpful during busy travel seasons or for popular room types.

Another important term is ROFR, or Right of First Refusal. Disney has an option to repurchase any property resold on the secondary market. After the buyer and seller sign the resale contract, Disney will review the agreement and may buy it back at the same price. Disney typically takes around thirty days to review and make that decision.

Can You Stay at Other Resorts When You Buy Resale?

In most cases, yes.

Even when buying resale, owners can use their points at nearly all Disney Vacation Club resorts, subject to availability. Many owners choose a lower-priced Home Resort and then book stays at other resorts using the seven-month booking window.

There are a few important exceptions. Resale contracts at Riviera Resort, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness, Disneyland Hotel Villas, and any future DVC resorts are restricted to that specific resort only.

Because of these rules, Home Resort selection is one of the most important decisions when buying resale.

Why Contract Expiration Dates Matter

Every DVC resort has a contract expiration year, which determines how long the membership lasts.

The original 6 DVC resorts have an expiration date (2042), while newer resorts have more time. Each resort has its own expiration date, so when comparing resale options, it’s important to balance the purchase price with how many years remain and the location.

A lower price may still be a great value, even if the contract expires sooner, depending on how your family travels and your location preferences.

Choosing the Right Home Resort for Your Family

There is no single “best” Home Resort. The right choice depends on how your family vacations.

If you travel during peak seasons or need guaranteed access to a specific resort, owning that resort as your Home Resort may make sense. If you value flexibility, choosing a different Home Resort can save money and still give access to many DVC resorts.

The key is matching the contract to your vacation style, not someone else’s.

Is DVC Resale Right for You?

DVC resale isn’t perfect for everyone, but for families who love Disney and plan to return regularly, it can be an incredible long-term value.

If you’d like help reviewing resale listings, comparing resorts, or understanding how points work in real-life scenarios, we’re happy to walk you through your options and help you decide what makes the most sense for your family.

Written By:

For over 23 years, Yamilin has been a vital part of The Timeshare Store, Inc.® (DVCstore.com), where she serves as a trusted DVC Sales Specialist and Accounting Manager. Her deep knowledge and commitment have helped thousands of families confidently explore and enjoy the magic of Disney Vacation Club.