Understanding Right of First Refusal (ROFR) as a First-Time Buyer
Purchasing a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) package for the first time can be daunting. From new terminology and acronyms to deciding your “Home Resort” and how many points you need, there can be a lot to learn about becoming a Member.
Our team has been helping buyers and sellers of DVC packages for over 30 years and continues to make the process as seamless as possible for new buyers – and future Members – like you.
Once you find the perfect DVC package that suits your needs, we’ll get the purchase process started so you can enjoy your membership as soon as possible.
What is Right of First Refusal (ROFR)?
Right of First Refusal (ROFR) is part of every DVC resale transaction.
Disney Vacation Development, LLC (the parent organization that owns and operates the DVC program) is given a Right of First Refusal, which may be waived, allowing the package to be resold to a new owner, or exercised, allowing Disney Vacation Development, LLC (to be referenced as “Disney”) to buy back the package.
They are granted this ROFR when a package enters into a contract for sale to a new owner.
If the ROFR is exercised, Disney reacquires sold-out inventory and resells it at current direct prices. This is often referred to as a “buy-back.”
When they decide to reacquire this inventory, it also helps maintain stability in the resale market, ensuring that packages retain strong resale potential if an owner decides to sell in the future, building long-term value for DVC Members.
When the ROFR is waived, the resale transaction can continue.
How and When the ROFR Process Works
This guide and date ranges are for illustrative purposes only.
You have found a package that suits your needs, and you’re ready to enjoy the magic of Disney Vacation Club – congratulations!
After you make an offer, we work with you and the seller to negotiate on behalf of both parties.
Once a final offer is confirmed and the seller accepts, you will be prompted to e-sign documents to confirm the transaction and make a 10% deposit of the sale price within 7 days of the offer acceptance.
Our team then submits the documentation to Disney so they can begin their ROFR process, which, in most cases, can take 21 to 30 business days.
During this process, the title company conducts a full title search to ensure there are no liens, encumbrances, or ownership issues, thereby guaranteeing you will receive a free and clear title at closing.
ROFR is Waived – Welcome Home!
This is the moment that all buyers wait for – has the ROFR been waived or exercised? Will you be able to purchase your desired package, or will Disney decide to buy it back?
If the ROFR has been waived, the title company prepares the final closing documents and sends them to both you and the seller for electronic signatures along with your final payment.
If financing, the title company will contact the finance company to request funding for the loan. If any balance remains due, you will pay it at closing. Once you and the seller have returned your signed documents and the final payment has been received, the transaction officially closes. At that point, the title company records all documents and submits them to Disney to begin the ownership transfer process.
Disney will then begin processing your membership and setting up your account on DisneyVacationClub.com, which can take up to six weeks after closing. Once your Membership is in the system, you’ll be able to access your Member Dashboard, manage your points, make reservations, and more.
ROFR is Exercised – What’s Next?
If the ROFR has been exercised, our team will work with you to find a comparable package for purchase or refund your deposit in full.
How Common is ROFR?
Less than 5% of all resale packages are bought back through ROFR.
So far, in 2025, we have had less than 4% of our sales bought back. Overall, the chance that your desired package will be bought back is very low.
When Disney chooses to exercise its Right of First Refusal (ROFR), it helps prevent resale prices from dropping too low.
By stepping in periodically, Disney maintains balance in the market and supports stable, long-term value for both buyers and sellers. This occasional intervention helps ensure a healthy, consistent resale environment for all DVC Members.
While price is usually the primary factor that triggers a buy-back, Disney will occasionally exercise its ROFR on a package even when it’s priced at – or slightly above – typical market value when they need additional inventory at a particular Resort or want to help stabilize the overall resale market.
How dvcstore.com Helps You Navigate ROFR
The waiting game to find out if the ROFR has been waived or exercised can be not-so-magical. As soon as we receive the official waiver from Disney, we will connect with both parties to share the good news.
Our team closely follows the market and monitors buy-backs to stay aware of any trends and better support our buyers and sellers.
This knowledge also allows us to price our clients’ packages appropriately and to give you the best chance of passing ROFR.
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Written by:
When it comes to creating Disney magic and maximizing the value of a DVC Membership or a Disney vacation, Jerry is the expert families trust. With more than 25 years of experience at The Timeshare Store, Inc.®, Jerry has helped thousands of guests become DVC Members and secure unforgettable DVC rentals. Whether you’re exploring membership for the first time or searching for the perfect resort stay, Jerry and his team are here to make the process seamless, magical, and truly memorable.