Everyone remembers their first time stepping into Disneyland… the magic is undeniable. The only thing better than experiencing Disney for yourself is seeing the excitement in another person’s eyes!
Becoming a member of the Disney Vacation Club makes returning year after year easier than ever. But how much will that run? Let’s look at the perks, options and dive into the Disney Vacation Club Cost.
What Is the Disney Vacation Club?
The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a timeshare program operated by Disney. Participants purchase a real estate interest which will give a certain number of points each year.
Points may be used each year for vacations around the world! Vacations can be taken at themed DVC Resorts, cruises, Adventures by Disney vacations, and theme parks.
Disney Vacation Club Cost
Disney Vacation Club costs will vary depending on the package selected. Memberships can be tailored to meet your budget and travel needs. Financing starts at $423 per month.
When initially buying into the DVC membership, there is an upfront cost for purchasing the membership. This starts at a little over $19,000. In addition, there will be closing costs of at least $587 and annual dues of at least $70 per month depending on the membership level purchased.
What Does a Membership Offer?
Owning an interest in the Disney Vacation Club offers year-long and location flexibility. DVC members can visit any resort without being locked into certain dates, or limit the length of stay.
Members will also receive invitations to exclusive Disney events, discounts on theme park admission, dining, shopping, and more.
Vacations may be booked up to 11 months in advance, so you have plenty of time to plan. If you plan on booking a stay at a resort that is not your “home resort” – the location where you purchased your membership – you may make reservations up to seven months in advance.
Understanding Vacation Points
Vacation points are used to book vacations through the DVC. The amount of yearly vacation points you are allotted depends on the size of the real estate interest purchased.
Vacation points can be used as many times as you would like per year, without the worry of working around blackout dates.
If you do not use all of your points in a year, they can be transferred from one year to another! Conversely, if you do not plan to take a vacation the following year, next year’s points may be used ahead of time, which is referred to as “borrowing”.
Planning a Vacation
The Disney Vacation Club offers an array of travel options including theme parks, resorts, and cruises.
Regardless of the type of vacation you want to take, your desired activity level, and the age of the travelers, Disney Vacation Club is sure to not only meet but exceed your expectations.
Resorts
Available resort locations through the Disney Vacation Club range from Hawaii to Key West! Each resort features innovative amenities and tons of Disney detail! Enjoy beautiful swimming pools, relaxing spa treatments, sports and recreation, children’s activities and programs, and more!
In addition, several resorts are located just a short distance from Disney theme parks, adding a little more magic to your trip! Resort locations include:
- Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, Hawai’i
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Each resort offers its own special them and family-oriented activities to ensure you will enjoy your stay.
The resort accommodations aren’t your typical hotel stay, either. One to three-bedroom Villas are available, as well as bungalows, cabins, and even treehouse villas!
Each space features a large living area, a fully-equipped kitchen, private bedrooms, washing machine, and dryer, as well as several other amazing amenities to make you feel right at home.
Cruises
The Disney Cruise Line is another option for vacation points that will take you around the world! Cruise destinations include:
- Alaska
- Bahamas
- Bermuda
- Canada and New England Coast
- Caribbean
- Hawaii
- Mediterranean
- Member Exclusive Voyage on the Disney Wish
- Mexico
- Northern Europe
- Pacific Coast
- Panama Canal
- Transatlantic
- UK Staycations with Disney Magic at Sea
Disney cruises offer guests a spectacular and memorable experience! Enjoy shows, commemorative gifts, special décor, and amazing onboard entertainment!
Several vessels are available to cruise on. Disney Magic is the original boat and embraces the traditional Disney magic! This boat features Broadway-style shows, live music, magic shows, comedy performances, as well as tons of more entertainment.
Experiences exclusively for kids include “Toy Story” -themed areas, chances for kids to join the “Lion Guard”, the Oceaneer Lab, Vibe teen club, Edge tween club, and even a nursery for younger children.
Adults aren’t left out! Several adult-only experiences including luxury pools, bars, piano bars, pubs, and high-end restaurants are available.
Theme Parks
While you are enjoying your Disney vacation, you can also visit one of the fantastic theme parks! When you become a Disney Vacation Club member, you will automatically receive two extra days added to your theme park ticket!
This will also include complimentary standard theme park parking at all Disney Vacation Club properties. This is a huge bonus – especially if you are carting around strollers and keeping up with the kids!
Once you are in the park, you can take advantage of the FastPass+. As a DVC member, you will have the option to purchase additional daily Fast Passes.
Maybe the biggest theme park perk of all is the DVC Lounges located at Disney World! The Top of the World Lounge at Disney’s Bay Lake Tower and the DVC Member Lounge at Epcot’s Future World allow DVC members to take a moment to relax while enjoying the theme parks!
Enjoy a TV area, a helpful business center, drink machines, charging stations, a food bar, and more. The relaxing atmosphere will be just what you need to catch that second wind and enjoy the rest of your day!
How Many Points Should You Purchase?
Planning your Disney Vacation doesn’t have to be difficult when you are a DVC member. The number of points you want to purchase depends on how often you plan to take a vacation, the size of your space, and the time of year you plan to take your vacation. Certain travel periods may cost more than others depending on the vacation season.
For example, a weekly vacation between September 1 – September 19 in a two-bedroom Villa with a “preferred view” will cost 356 points, whereas a weekend vacation with the same dates and same view will only cost 58 points.
If you want to take a vacation that requires more points than you have and don’t want to borrow next year’s points, additional points may be purchased for a one-time use towards your stay for $19 per vacation point.
For cash buyers, at least 25 points must be purchased at a time, however, those who are financing the points must purchase at least 50 points.
Available Financing Options
The Disney Vacation Club offers several financing options for those interested in becoming DVC members. Most options require a 10% down payment, with fixed interest rates of between 10% and 18%.
Your interest rate will depend on your credit score, down payment, and loan terms. Call to speak with a representative to learn more on DVC financing, and to see what is available for you!
Deciding if the Disney Vacation Club Is Right for You
Although the initial fee might seem a bit steep, there are numerous benefits to becoming a DVC member. The flexibility that comes along with vacation planning saves tons of headaches.
Not only does membership make it easier to plan your vacation, but the list of destinations and vacation options are also endless! Make it a bucket list to travel to each Disney location!
Keep in mind all of the great financing options available for Disney Vacation Club members. There are varying levels to accommodate the most adventurous traveler, down to a weekend Disney-lover.
Becoming a Disney Vacation Club Member
Don’t let the Disney Vacation Club cost hold you back from your dreams of yearly Disney getaways. Consult with a Disney representative today to discuss the vacation package and select the option that is perfect for you!
You will thank yourself when you wake up in a beautiful Disney destination. Take the leap and become a DVC member today!
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