Buying a Disney Vacation Club membership is an exciting decision, but it is also a long-term financial commitment (unless you decide to resell). The best contract is not always the one with the lowest price per point. Instead, it should match your travel habits, preferred resorts, budget, and future vacation plans.
Use this Disney Vacation Club buying checklist before purchasing directly from Disney or through The Timeshare Store, Inc® via resale.
1. Choose the Right Home Resort
Start by deciding where you would most like to stay.
DVC members can book their Home Resort up to 11 months before check-in, or book reservations at other eligible DVC resorts, up to 7 months before check-in.
Ask yourself:
- Do I prefer the EPCOT or Magic Kingdom area?
- Is walking, monorail, or boat transportation important?
- Would I enjoy Aulani, Hilton Head, or Vero Beach?
- Which resort would I be happy staying at regularly?
Your Home Resort also affects annual dues, contract expiration, room options, transportation, and point requirements.
2. Estimate How Many Points You Need
Your ideal point total depends on:
- Preferred room size
- Travel season
- Length of stay
- Number of annual trips
- Weekday or weekend travel
- Future family needs
Review the DVC point charts and use our DVC points calculator to estimate your needs.
Buying a few extra points can provide flexibility for booking extra nights, larger rooms, or different room types. Usually, a 10%-20% buffer of extra DVC points is a good idea. However, avoid purchasing too many extra points, because each point carries annual dues.
3. Select the Best Use Year
A Use Year is the month when your annual points are added to your account.
It does not determine when you can travel or make reservations. Instead, it affects banking deadlines and point management if you cancel a trip.
A Use Year shortly before your normal travel season may provide more flexibility. Existing owners may also prefer the same Use Year as their current membership to simplify booking and point management.
4. Review the Contract’s Point Availability
Not every contract includes the same number of immediately available points.
Before making an offer, review:
- Current Use Year points
- Banked points
- Borrowed points
- Future allocations
- Existing reservations
- Expiration dates for banked points
A loaded contract may offer extra vacation value. A stripped contract may have limited points available until a future year.
Always consider point availability when comparing prices.
5. Compare Large and Small Contracts
One larger contract may provide:
- A seller who is typically more negotiable.
- Typically a lower sale price than smaller size listings
- Easier point management
Multiple smaller contracts may provide:
- Greater resale flexibility
- The ability to sell only part of your ownership
- More estate-planning options
- Access to multiple Home Resort booking advantages
There is no single correct choice. Select the structure that fits your long-term goals.
6. Calculate the Total Cost
Do not focus only on the price per point.
Consider:
- Total purchase price
- Annual dues
- Closing costs
- Disney’s Contract Administration Fee
- Future dues increases
- Financing charges (if applicable)
- Interest costs (if financing)
Annual dues vary by resort and generally increase over time. Financing can also significantly increase your total cost.
Choose a membership that fits comfortably within your vacation budget.
7. Understand DVC Resale Restrictions
Resale buyers receive many of the core benefits of DVC ownership. However, restrictions may affect where certain points can be used and whether the owner qualifies for Membership Extras.
The rules can depend on the resort, purchase method, contract terms, and current DVC policies.
Before purchasing, confirm:
- Which resorts the points can access
- Which benefits are included
- Whether any resale restrictions apply
Membership Extras can and do change with Disney, so they should not be the main reason for purchasing.
8. Think About Your Future Needs
DVC ownership can last for decades.
Consider whether:
- Your family may need larger accommodations
- Your children may eventually travel with their families
- You may travel more after retirement
- You may want to sell part of your ownership later
- You are comfortable paying annual dues long term
A contract that fits today should also provide flexibility for the future.
9. Learn the DVC Resale Process
A typical DVC resale purchase includes:
- Making an offer
- Receiving the seller’s response
- Signing the purchase agreement
- Paying the deposit
- Completing Disney’s Right of First Refusal review
- Completing closing
- Recording the deed
- Transferring the membership
- Receiving access to the points
Timelines vary based on the resort, title companies, financing, seller location, and Disney’s processing time.
10. Work With an Experienced DVC Resale Professional
Every DVC contract is different.
An experienced resale specialist can help you:
- Compare available contracts
- Understand Use Years
- Review point availability
- Compare annual dues
- Explain resale restrictions
- Estimate closing costs
- Prepare an offer
- Navigate ROFR, closing, and membership transfer
Professional guidance can help you avoid common mistakes and choose a contract that fits your vacation goals.
Final Disney Vacation Club Buying Checklist
Before submitting an offer, review:
- Home Resort
- Preferred Room type
- Travel dates
- Annual point needs
- Use Year
- Current and future points
- Annual dues
- Contract expiration
- Purchase price
- Closing and financing costs
- Resale restrictions
- Contract size
- Long-term plans
Find the Right Disney Vacation Club Membership
Buying Disney Vacation Club is not simply about finding the lowest price. It is about finding the right combination of resort, points, Use Year, cost, availability, and flexibility.
Whether you are buying your first contract or adding to an existing membership, The Timeshare Store, Inc.® can help you compare your options and find the membership that best fits your family.
Browse our current Disney Vacation Club resale listings or contact our experienced team for personalized assistance.
Written By:
Yamilin Alfonso
For over 23 years, Yamilin has been a vital part of The Timeshare Store, Inc.® (DVCstore.com), serving 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.