Buying Disney Vacation Club: Direct vs. Resale
Buying DVC Direct vs. Resale: Which is right for you?
Buying DVC direct vs. resale can save you tens of thousands of dollars over time. While Disney offers specific exclusive perks, the DVC resale market provides the same deluxe accommodations for a fraction of the cost.
Which Option Is Right for You—and Why the Difference Matters
If you love taking Disney vacations, chances are you’ve looked into Disney Vacation Club (DVC) as a smarter way to stay in deluxe resorts without paying full hotel prices year after year.
What many people don’t realize, you can purchase DVC in one of two ways:
- Directly from Disney
- Through the DVC resale or secondary market
Both options lead to amazing Disney vacations. But they are not the same—and understanding the difference helps you make a confident, informed decision.
Let’s break it down.
What’s the Same—No Matter How You Buy DVC
This is the most important thing to understand about buying DVC direct vs. resale.
Buying a DVC resale still gives you a real Disney Vacation Club membership.
Whether you buy directly from Disney or through resale, you receive:
- A deeded real estate interest at a DVC resort
- Access to the same Disney Vacation Club reservation system
- The same deluxe villas, layouts, and room categories
- The same point charts used by all DVC Members
- The ability to book:
- 11 months in advance at your Home Resort
- 7 months in advance at other eligible DVC resorts
- On-property benefits like:
- Disney transporation
- Early Theme Park Entry
- Staying inside the Disney “bubble”
Same rooms. Same resorts. Same vacations.
The differences come down to price, perks, and flexibility. Since 1994, the Timeshare Store, Inc.® has helped families find the best value for their Disney vacations
DVC Direct vs. Resale: At a Glance
There are two dining plans currently available to members:
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Same
- Same
- Highest
- Significantly Lower
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
Buying Disney Vacation Club Direct from Disney
Buying direct from Disney is often the first option people encounter—usually during a resort tour or on-site presentation.
Why Some Buyers Choose to Buy Direct
Purchasing directly from Disney can include access to:
- All DVC resorts, including those restricted to direct buyers
- Certain Member Extras, such as:
- DVC Member Lounges
- Special events and previews
- Select dining, merchandise, and annual pass discounts
For some buyers, having every available perk feels worth the extra cost.
The Biggest Trade-Off to buying direct: Price
Buying direct comes at a premium.
In many cases, direct buyers pay $50–$100+ more per point compared to resale buyers for the same deluxe accommodations. That difference can easily total tens of thousands of dollars.
You’re not paying for better rooms with a direct purchase. You’re paying for added perks and access.
Buying Disney Vacation Club Through Resale
Buying resale means purchasing an existing DVC contract from a current owner. The membership is still fully governed by Disney and uses the same booking system and same accommodations.
Why Many Buyers Choose DVC Resale
Resale buyers benefit from:
- Significant savings compared to buying direct
- Lower upfront cost, which means:
- More points for the same budget, or
- The same vacations for far less money
Resale buyers have access to many of the most popular DVC deluxe resorts at a much lower cost, including:
- Old Key West
- BoardWalk Villas
- Beach Club Villas
- Boulder Ridge
- Bay Lake Tower
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins
- Animal Kingdom (Jambo House & Kidani Village)
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Saratoga Springs
- Grand Californian (Disneyland)
- Aulani Resort & Spa (Hawaii)
- Hilton Head Resort
- Vero Beach Resort
What Resale Buyers Don’t Receive
Resale buyers do not receive some direct-only perks, including:
- DVC Member Lounges
- Certain events and exclusive discounts
- Access to a limited number of newer, restricted resorts (Riviera Resort, Villas at Disneyland Hotel, Cabins at Fort Wilderness)
That said, many owners find that these perks or resorts are not enough to justify Disney’s higher direct pricing.
Which Option Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there is a smarter choice depending on how you vacation.
Buying Direct May Be Right If You:
- Want access to every DVC resort, including restricted properties
- Place high value on member perks and exclusives
- Prefer buying directly from Disney regardless of cost
Buying Resale May Be Right If You:
Want the lowest price per point
Want to buy into a sold-out resort that Disney no longer sells
Care more about deluxe accommodations than exclusive perks
Plan to visit Disney resorts regularly
Want to maximize savings
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t see your question here, contact us — we’re happy to help.
Is buying DVC resale safe?
Yes. Every Disney Vacation Club resale contract is verified by Disney’s system and its recorded deed before it is listed, to confirm membership and ensure all points are accurate. Once a buyer is secured, the contract is submitted to Disney for its Right of First Refusal (ROFR) to verify the package and sale details. Also, a licensed & insured title company will complete a full title search, ensure the membership is free and clear of any encumbrances at the time of closing, and provide title insurance as part of the closing process. After closing and the ownership transfer process is completed, the new owner is officially recognized by Disney and uses the same reservation system as all DVC Members.
Do resale buyers get worse rooms?
No. Room assignments are based on availability and room category—not how the points were purchased.
Can resale owners book Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani, Vero Beach, and Hilton Head?
Absolutely. Resale owners can book all eligible DVC resorts just like direct/any owners.
Why would anyone buy direct if resale is cheaper?
Some buyers value exclusive perks, events, and access to restricted resorts enough to justify the higher cost.
The Bottom Line: Smarter Disney Vacations
Disney Vacation Club is about flexibility, variety, spacious accommodations, and long-term value—and not paying more than necessary.
The real question is whether you want to:
Pay a premium for perks, or
Save significantly while enjoying the same deluxe accommodations.
For many buyers, DVC resale packages are simply the smarter, more economical path.
Both direct and resale purchases deliver unforgettable Disney vacations. The magic gets even better when your decision is an informed one.