There’s a reason why Walt Disney’s parks and resorts bring in an estimated $20.29 billion every year. Every year millions of people choose to spend their vacation at these magical vacation spots.
If you go to these parks a lot, then you know that even a small trip can quickly get expensive. So, is there any way to make it more affordable? Depending on how often you go, the solution might be the Disney Vacation Club.
But, what exactly is the Disney Vacation Club? And is it worth it to become a part of it? If you want to learn the answer to these questions and more, then you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll answer all of your questions about the DVC so you can decide whether or not it’s the right decision for you. Let’s get started!
What Is the Disney Vacation Club?
For those who don’t know, Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s timeshare program. This timeshare program is similar to many others you’ve seen. It allows you to own a small piece of Disney property that you share with others.
However, there are some areas where Disney Vacation Clubs differ from the average timeshare program. For one thing, there’s a reward and point system that comes with it.
Plus, it’s also a bit more flexible in that you can use points earned toward any number of resorts, cruise, and park experiences. But how exactly does this points system work? Let’s take a closer look at it.
How Does the Disney Vacation Club Work?
As we mentioned before, Disney Vacation Club is a points-based system. When you sign a DVC contract, your purchase a certain amount of vacation points. Resort locations charge a certain amount of points for each night of the visit.
For example, one resort room might be worth twenty-five points per night. So, a three-day weekend trip would cost you seventy-five points.
These points are subject to increases when you factor in things like room quality and the season you’re traveling. For example, a room with a great view during the peak season will cost a lot more than a standard one during the off-season.
You get your Disney Vacation Club points once every year. You can either spend them, save them, or borrow points from an upcoming year. This is good if you want to visit Disney once every two or three years.
What is a Home Resort?
When selecting a contract you will need to choose a resort that is your “home resort”. This is important because certain resorts will cost more points than others. So, if you choose a prestigious resort as your home resort, then you can expect to pay more money.
Your home resort also gives you a bit of an advantage when booking. You can book your vacation at a home resort up to eleven months in advance. Any resort that isn’t your home resort can only be booked seven months in advance.
Pros of the Disney Vacation Club
There are lots of pros that come with being a member of the Disney Vacation Club. For one thing, there are tons of rewards, perks, and discounts. When you purchase passes for a park, or food and merchandise, then you will get a discount.
There are also more dining options. On top of all the restaurants, you also have access to a full kitchen. This means that some nights you can get groceries to save some money with a home-cooked meal.
There are also both member and vacation perks. Member perks give you access to events that are only available for DVC members. This includes things like the after-hours Moonlight Magic event and special lounges found throughout the park.
Finally, there’s the vacation perk of getting access to a Disney vacation every year if you want. The resorts also have some of the best pools in the area. And, you can resort hop from building to building.
Cons of the Disney Vacation Club?
Unfortunately, Disney Vacation Club isn’t for everyone. There are a few cons that come with the program that you should consider. The biggest downside to the program is the costs. The membership is without a doubt expensive.
The upfront cost, annual fees, and other expenses add up quickly. Plus, the price is likely to increase from year to year. What’s more, these costs don’t even cover all of your expenses on the trip. You will still need to pay for things like food, admissions, and any merchandise you purchase.
While the discounts do help with this, you can only maximize your savings with a large family that vacations at Disney frequently. Finally, there’s the fact that your membership will last for fifty years.
While some people might never grow tired of the resorts during this time, other might. As such, the program is best reserved for Disney die-hards.
Can You Sell You Disney Vacation Club Contract?
If you decide that Disney Vacation Club isn’t right for you, then are locked into the contract? Or can you end it early? The good news is that you can sell your DVC contract. This works similarly to selling real estate.
You can either sell it to interest parties unrelated to Disney. Or, in some cases, Disney will purchase it for you. Make sure to check out this resource if you want more info. for DVC sellers.
Want More Content? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you answer the question, What is the Disney Vacation Club? As you can see, the DVC does represent a sizable investment.
However, if you frequent these types of parks and resorts enough, then it can make financial sense in the long term. So, if it sounds like the right choice for you, then start organizing your contract today.
Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep exploring to find more topics that you’re sure to love.
