DVC 101: Top 7 Disney Vacation Club Questions Answered!

Are you dreaming of staying on Disney property during your Disney vacations year after year? Then let’s answer your Disney Vacation Club (DVC) questions in our quick but answer-filled DVC 101 Guide!

If you’ve visited Disney World or Disneyland and stayed in a deluxe Disney resort, you’ve likely encountered the Disney Vacation Club (DVC). As a DVC member myself, I understand how overwhelming the information can be, so I’m here to break it all down. 

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll answer the top seven questions about DVC to help you determine if becoming a DVC owner is right for you and/or your family.

This blog is all about DVC 101 and answering your Disney Vacation Club questions!

Key Takeaways

• The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) operates on a flexible points-based system for booking accommodations.
• Members enjoy significant benefits, including Home Resort Priority, special events and parties, and exclusive discounts.
• Annual dues cover maintenance costs and vary by resort, impacting overall membership expenses- this must be factored into your purchase.
• DVC points can be rented, allowing non-members to access DVC accommodations at reduced rates, and allowing members to recoup annual dues and expenses during times they aren’t planning a Disney vacation.

1. What is the Disney Vacation Club (DVC)?

Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s version of a vacation ownership program, though they avoid calling it a “timeshare.” Instead, DVC is marketed as a real estate interest that gives members the ability to stay at deluxe Disney accommodations for years to come.

When you purchase DVC, you’re buying a deeded interest at a specific resort (your home resort) that expires on a set date (typically 50 years from the resort’s opening).  All contracts at a given resort share the same expiration date, and that date is tied to when the resort originally opened—not when you personally buy your contract.

This investment allows you to enjoy Disney vacations with significant savings compared to booking regular hotel rooms over time. 

Our Real-Life Example: Buying at the Polynesian in 2017

To give you a clear picture of how Disney Vacation Club can save you money, let’s look at our own experience. Back in 2017, we purchased a 125-point contract at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. At the time, points at the Poly averaged around $160 per point, so our initial investment was about $20,000. Annual dues were roughly $6.20 per point back then, which came out to about $775 for the year.

Now let’s fast-forward. Over the last eight years, we’ve used those points for a various stays and even rented out some points. But for comparison sake, let’s say we used them for a seven-night stay at a deluxe studio at the Polynesian every year.  If we had paid Disney’s cash rack rates instead of using points, here’s how the numbers would compare:

• 2017 Polynesian Deluxe Studio rate: about $500 per night, or roughly $3,500 for a 7-night stay.

• 2025 Polynesian Deluxe Studio rate: now pushing $650–$700 per night in peak seasons, which means a week runs about $4,550–$4,900 before tax.

Over eight years of trips, that’s a cash total of roughly $32,000–$34,000 if we had booked directly with Disney.

By contrast, with our DVC contract, we spent the initial $20,000 purchase price plus about $7,000 in dues across those years—bringing our total cost to around $27,000. That means we’ve already saved about $5,000–$7,000 in just eight years, and we still have decades left on our contract to enjoy those savings. (And in reality, we made about $4000 of that back in rentals on the years we weren’t able to visit).

And the best part? Our costs are predictable. While cash rates climb every year, our “nightly rate” through DVC is essentially locked in aside from modest dues increases (and these truly have been modest).  

2. How does the DVC Points System work?

The heart of DVC is its flexible points system. When you purchase a membership, you’re buying a specific number of points that are deposited into your account annually during your use year (the 12-month period when your points become available).

Here’s how the DVC points system works:

• Points are allocated annually based on your contract size
• Different accommodations require different point values
• Point requirements vary based on time of year, resort, and room type
• A studio room might require 10-30 points per night while grand villas might need 80+ points (though you can get them for a bit less at Old Key West).
• Members can “bank” unused points to the next year or “borrow” from the following year

For example, a weeknight stay at Bay Lake Tower (the hotel just a short walk away from the Magic Kingdom and on the Monorail line) in a standard view studio might cost 15 points during adventure season, while the same room during premier season could cost 25 points.

This flexibility allows you to stretch your points for longer stays in smaller accommodations or splurge on 1, 2, or 3 bedroom villas for special occasions.

3. What are the benefits of being a DVC Member?

DVC membership comes with numerous perks that extend beyond just accommodations. These benefits make the investment particularly attractive for frequent Disney visitors.

Key DVC perks and benefits include:

• Significant discounts:

  • Expect exclusive savings—typically around 10- 20% on meals and merchandise (but this is not at every Disney dining location or merchandise store so always check ahead of time before you assume you get the discount), and during “Welcome Home Weeks” (August 14–September 16, 2025- not sure if they will continue this) that jumps to a remarkable 40% off food and non-alcoholic drinks at select table-service restaurants throughout Walt Disney World. 

• Member-only lounges:

  • Access four relaxing DVC lounges across Walt Disney World. These include the newly opened McKim’s Mile House in Magic Kingdom (opened March 18, 2025), the ImaginAtrium lounge at EPCOT (formerly the Figment Exit lounge, now with a priority waitlist benefit for “Membership Magic Beyond”), the Top of the World Lounge—A Villains Lair (however this is paid- more below) at Bay Lake Tower, and the Disney Springs Welcome Home Center lounge. These are peaceful respites with small snacks, drinks, and surprise Member-only character experiences for those eligible for Membership Extras (more on this below).

• Fireworks Viewing at Top of the World Lounge:

  • The Top of the World Lounge now features “Villains Lair” décor and themed cocktails. While general viewing remains open-access to all guests on the 16th floor viewing platform, access to the interior lounge is exclusive to eligible DVC Members—no entry fee, but food and drink items are for purchase. Special ticketed events like Wicked Wind Down and the Enchantment at the Top Dessert Party offer reserved tables, reserved fireworks viewing, and themed refreshments for an extra charge.  Top of the World Lounge – A Villains Lair is now categorized as a Membership Extra, meaning this lounge is only accessible to Blue Card Members—those who purchased at least 150 points directly from Disney or are grandfathered in (not for those who bought their points via resale. The interior lounge is typically reserved for ticketed events, while the outdoor viewing deck remains open to eligible Members staying on Disney property (via cash or points), subject to availability.

• For more see #7!

*Disney has changed the rules on DVC resale contracts several times over the years. Before 2011, resale buyers got all the same perks as direct Members, but starting in March 2011, Disney began restricting access to extras like the Disney Collection and Concierge Collection. In 2016, those restrictions tightened, and by 2019, resale buyers no longer had automatic access to new resorts. That same year, Disney also created the “Blue Card” system—only Members who bought a minimum number of points directly from Disney qualified for perks like discounts, lounges, and Moonlight Magic events. The threshold for Blue Card eligibility rose again in 2022 and now requires at least 150 direct-purchase points.

4. What is the significance of Home Resort Priority?

One of the most important concepts in DVC ownership is home resort priority. This feature gives members the ability to book their home resort 11 months before their check-in date, while bookings at other DVC resorts open at the 7-month mark.

This priority is crucial because:

• Popular resorts and seasons often book up before the 7-month window opens
• Having home resort priority at a high-demand resort (like Beach Club Villas or Grand Californian) can be extremely valuable
• Your vacation plans may require booking at specific times that align with school breaks
• Certain room types (like value rooms at Animal Kingdom Villas) are nearly impossible to book without home resort priority

Many experienced owners recommend purchasing where you want to stay most often or at resorts that are historically difficult to book at the 7-month window.

To learn more about how to use your DVC points check out this blog. 

5. How do annual dues work for DVC Members?

Beyond the initial purchase price, DVC members pay annual dues that cover the maintenance costs, property taxes, and operations of the resorts. These dues are calculated on a per-point basis and vary by resort.

How the Annual Dues Stack Up

• Dues are billed annually, typically in December, based on your home resort and point ownership.

• Rates vary significantly by resort: In 2025, per-point dues range from around $7.93 at resorts like Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and Grand Floridian Villas, up to $14.30 at Vero Beach. Coastal resorts such as Hilton Head and Aulani also carry some of the higher rates.

• Annual increases generally average 2–6% year over year, though the exact amount depends on the resort.

• Total cost example: At $7.93 per point, a mid-range resort, annual dues for a 150-point contract would be about $1,190. Resorts with higher dues can push that number closer to $2,000 per year for the same size contract.

• Resort-specific examples: For 2025, Grand Floridian Villas are billed at $7.93 per point, while Copper Creek Villas are set at $8.49 per point.

To learn more about Disney Vacation Club annual dues check out this blog.

6. Can I rent DVC points, and how does that process work?

Yes! The ability to rent DVC points creates flexibility for both owners and non-owners. For owners who can’t use their points in a particular year, renting allows them to recoup some costs. For non-owners, renting provides access to deluxe accommodations at significant savings.

The rental process typically works in two ways:

• Owner-direct rentals: Connect with an owner through forums or social media and arrange a private transaction.  These can be a bit riskier than renting through a company that provides guarantees and even the ability to cancel or reschedule in some cases.
• Point rental companies: Use a broker service that handles the transaction for a fee (Good examples are DVC Rental Store and David’s Vacation Rentals)

Current rental rates average $19-24 per point, meaning a 5-night stay in a studio at Boardwalk Villas might cost around $1,500-$1,900 when rented, compared to $3,000+ when booked directly through Disney.

Many first-time DVC guests try renting points for their first trip to experience the accommodations before committing to purchase.

7. What exclusive events are available to DVC Members?

Disney creates special experiences exclusively for DVC members to enhance the value of ownership. These perks help create a sense of community and exclusivity.

Exclusive Tours, Events, Additional Discounts & Experiences for DVC Members

• • • Behind-the-Scenes & Specialty Tours

      • Keys to the Kingdom Tour (Magic Kingdom) – save 15%

      • Savor the Savanna (Animal Kingdom) – save 15%

      • Disney Private VIP Tours (all four WDW parks) – save 20%

      • Holoholo Tours & Travel Excursion (Aulani) – save $25

      • Kayak Adventure (Vero Beach) – save $5

      • Jungle Trail Bike Hike (Vero Beach) – save $5

      • Surfing Lessons (Vero Beach) – save $5

    • Fitness & Wellness Member Events

      • Mindful Morning Magic (Disneyland Hotel) – instructor-led yoga with light refreshments.

      • Morning Yoga on the Adventure Lawn (Disneyland Hotel) – Sunday mornings, Member + 4 guests.

      • Morning Walk in Disney California Adventure Park – 2-mile brisk walk before park opening with refreshments.

      • Magical Ride – Group Cycling (Disneyland Resort hotels).

    • Seasonal & Holiday Member Exclusives

      • Moonlight Magic – complimentary after-hours park events with rides, characters, and snacks.

      • Special Member Cruises – Disney Cruise Line sailings with exclusive shows, gifts, and activities.

      • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Members save $10 per ticket on select nights; exclusive Halloween tote bags available at the McKim’s Mile House lounge.

      • Disney Jollywood Nights – $10 discount per ticket for all nights.

      • Oogie Boogie Bash (Disney California Adventure) – exclusive treat stop and tote bag at Golden Vine House Member Center.

    • Fireworks & Evening Experiences

      • Happily Ever After Fireworks Cruise (Magic Kingdom) – exclusive Member sailing.

      • Top of the World Lounge – A Villains Lair (Bay Lake Tower) – Blue Card Member access; interior reserved for Villains Lair events, with viewing deck access for fireworks.

    • Resort Activities & Discounts

      • Miniature Golf (Fantasia Gardens & Winter Summerland) – 15% off.

      • Surrey Bike Rentals (BoardWalk and various WDW marinas) – 10–15% off.

      • Arts & Crafts (Hilton Head Island) – 15% off.

      • Kapala Ki‘i T-Shirt Stamping (Aulani) – 10% off.

      • Ko Olina Golf Club (Aulani) – save 10% retail or $10 on golf clinic.

      • Ko Olina Marina (Aulani) – save 10% on boat activities.

      • Station 300 Bowling & Arcade (near Hilton Head) – 10% off.

      • Beach Chairs, Umbrellas, Body Boards, Kayaks & Cabanas (Vero Beach) – small daily discounts

  • And these aren’t even all of them!

These events provide additional value beyond the accommodations themselves and create special memories for member families.

The Wrap Up

Disney Vacation Club offers a unique opportunity for Disney enthusiasts to enjoy deluxe accommodations while potentially saving thousands over the lifetime of their membership. Whether you’re considering purchasing directly from Disney or exploring resale contracts, understanding these fundamentals will help you make an informed decision.

All Disney Vacation Club Resorts include:

Walt Disney World Resorts: – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas (Jambo House and Kidani Village) – Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Disney’s Beach Club Villas – Disney’s Boardwalk Villas – The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Disney’s Old Key West Resort – Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Disney’s Riviera Resort – Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Other Locations: – Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas (Ko Olina, Hawaii) – Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort (South Carolina) – Disney’s Vero Beach Resort (Florida) – The Villas at Disneyland Hotel (California) – The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (California)

Remember that DVC is more than just a vacation ownership program—it’s an investment in future family memories at the most magical places on earth.

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