How to Maximize Your Disney Vacation Club Contract

Buying into Disney Vacation Club is a significant investment—but when used strategically, your DVC contract can deliver far more value than a “standard” Disney vacation. With smart planning, flexible travel habits, and a little insider know-how, many owners stretch their points into bigger stays, better resorts, and even long-term savings.

Here’s how to make your Disney Vacation Club membership work harder for you year after year.

Understand Your Use Year (and Use It Strategically)

Your Use Year determines when your points are deposited and when they expire. Also, the Use year ties into the points banking deadline. Choosing—and managing it wisely is an important factor in maximizing your contract.

Maximization tips:

• If you tend to travel during the same season each year, choose a Use Year that aligns with your vacation habits. Either the Month you like to travel or a Use Year before you travel.
• Bank unused points so you never risk losing them.
• Combine banked, current, and borrowed points to plan larger or more luxurious trips.

Pro tip: Set calendar reminders for banking deadlines so no points go unused.

Travel During Lower Point Seasons

DVC point charts fluctuate throughout the year, and timing your stays can make a huge difference.

Best value seasons typically include:

• January through early February
• May (before Memorial Day weekend)
• Late August through September

Staying during lower-point seasons can reduce your point cost by 30–50% compared to peak travel dates—often for the same room and resort.

Consider Split Stays

Split stays—dividing your vacation between two resorts—can be both fun and point-savvy.

How to maximize value:

• Stay at a more affordable resort (like Old Key West or Saratoga Springs) on Friday and Saturday, when point costs are highest.
• Move to higher-end resorts (such as Grand Floridian or Beach Club Villas) Sunday through Thursday, when point costs are lower.

This strategy lets you enjoy deluxe resorts without paying premium point prices every night.

Take Advantage of Larger Villas

Traveling with family or friends? Larger villas can dramatically reduce your per-person cost.

• One- and two-bedroom villas may use more points, but they’re often far cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
• Villas include full kitchens, laundry, and extra living space—saving money on dining, baggage, and convenience fees.

For groups or larger families, DVC villas are often one of the best values on Disney property.

Rent Out Unused Points

If you can’t travel one year, don’t let your points go to waste.

• Renting your points through The Timeshare Store, Inc.® can help offset your annual dues—or even make your membership nearly cost-neutral in off years.
• Many owners alternate between using and renting their points to maintain long-term flexibility.

(And yes—we’re happy to help with that.)

Stay Informed on Point Charts and Rule Changes

Disney periodically updates point charts to reflect annual holidays and booking seasons. They also change Member perks and benefits. Staying informed helps you stay ahead.

Smart owners:

• login and review the Disney Vacation Club Member Website regularly
• Follow DVC blogs and forums
• Review annual condo association updates (mailed every November)
• Reevaluate booking strategies each year to maximize your points

Owners who stay engaged consistently get more value than those who set it and forget it.

Your Disney Vacation Club contract can be an incredible long-term value. By planning ahead, traveling strategically, and taking advantage of every perk available, you can turn your DVC points into unforgettable vacations—and potentially save thousands over the life of your membership.

If you ever want help optimizing your contract, planning a stay, or exploring rental or resale options, our team is always happy to help.

Written by:

Jessica, one of our most experienced and dedicated rental agents at The Timeshare Store, Inc.®, with over 13 years on our team, has helped thousands of families create unforgettable Disney vacations. Her deep knowledge of the resorts, attention to detail, and genuine care for each guest’s experience make her a trusted resource for first-time renters and longtime Members alike. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a dream family trip, Jessica is here to make every step of the rental process smooth and magical.