Our DVC points (Disney Vacation Club points) are the only reason we are able to stay & play at Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney’s Aulani as often as we do. We purchased our membership back in 2001 before we were married or had kids. We have bought, sold, and rented through our Disney Vacation account over the years. We have even purchased a Disney Vacation Club Resale on occasion. Below I am sharing my 16 years of Ownership experience to help YOU afford your DREAM DISNEY VACATION!

Now, this post is about owning Disney Vacation points…….but you can also rent points and stay for 50% OFF – Check it out Here!

We have visited Disney World 25+ times, Disney’s Aulani Resort 7x and we just took our 6th Disney Cruise and this has all occurred in the past 15 years. Plus, we have taken countless vacations using our Disney Points or using the money we earned from renting out our points to travel all over the world with our 5 munchkins and much of this was made possible thanks to our Disney Vacation Club points.

What are DVC Points?

First things first, DVC stands for Disney Vacation Club which is a points-based vacation ownership program similar to a timeshare but SOOOO much more valuable than any other vacation ownership program out there, including others with point-based systems. Trust me we checked! It comes down to the Disney brand. It is in such high demand

With vacation club you are able to choose which resort you want to stay in when you want to go, and for how long. Not only are you able to use your points to book stays at Disney Resorts, on Disney Cruises & Disney Adventures but through Disney’s Concierge Collection and RCI partnership, you are able to use your DVC points to book stays at top-notch hotels around the globe.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Pool (one of our favs)

To become a member you purchase a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort. That resort becomes your home resort and your ownership is represented by an allotment of points. The resort you purchase your real estate interest in is called your home resort, but you can use your points at any of the Disney Vacation Club Resorts + countless (read as thousands) other amazing resorts through Disney’s partnership all over the world.

Currently, you can purchase real estate interests at the following Disney Vacation Club Home Resorts:

• Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, Hawai’i (check out our FULL review + photo tour of Aulani here)
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

*TIP- You do receive home resort priority which means you can book 11 months in advance as opposed to 7 months in advance at all the other resorts so if there is a particular resort you are fond of it may make sense to purchase your interest at that specific resort.

[bctt tweet=”This is exactly how I save 50% OFF at Disney Resorts incl. Aulani” username=”globalmunchkins”]

The Disney Difference

A Disney Vacation is something many families hope to experience at least once. With so many families wanting to visit Disney World you are at a very nice advantage when it comes to demand. This demand allows you to exchange your points on the RCI exchange very easily, you can rent out your points, and even sale your deed through the DVC resale market.

In fact, our membership paid for itself in no time. Between paying for itself and then actually making money through renting our points out our DVC Membership has practically paid for most of our vacations the past 14 years. Pretty crazy right??

Check out my post on “Is Disney Vacation Club Worth it?”

One of the things we love most about our Disney Vacation Club membership is the fact that we know wherever we go, whether it is a Disney Resort or one of the resort’s contracted into the DVC Concierge or World Collections, we know we can expect quality accommodations and top-notch service.

We have stayed in many high-end brand name hotels throughout the years and when we look back at which hotels we have had the BEST EXPERIENCES in 95% of them are all part of  DVC. That is pretty impressive! 

How do your Disney Vacation Club points save you $$$?

Well, it is pretty easy, and it takes no time at all. The average price of a deluxe room at Disney World is around $350 per night. The average studio in the same resort is around 20 points and by my simple calculations, a point comes to around $9 per year, so the room is only $180 instead of $350.

Pool at Disney’s Aulani Resort

For example, check out our actual savings on the last trip we personally booked using our DVC points….Aulani is one of the best places to get Bang for your Buck with your points

• Oceanview room at Disney’s Aulani during Thanksgiving 2017- $700 rack rate/ Our net price was $220 for a studio booked with points. That is almost 70% OFF!

10 Reasons We LOVE Our DVC Points

1. Money Savings

Just like you saw above the amount you save on Disney Vacation Club rooms is incredible. And when we don’t need our points we rent them out for a profit.

2. Amazing Rooms

The DVC rooms can be massive depending on the size you book and all are located in deluxe resorts. They feature furnishings and amenities that include refrigerators and a living area in the one and two bedroom villas.

3. Special VIP Events & Advanced Movie Screenings

One of the things unique about DVC is the VIP events, you would never find anything like these events at Marriott Vacation Club International or any others.

The benefit we LOVE the most is the special events exclusive to DVC Members. We have been invited to several advanced screenings in Downtown Disney where we got to watch Disney movies prior to their release in the theaters. At these screenings, our kids received toys, popcorn, and sodas complimentary and they were able to meet some of the folks that worked on the show too.

And, the last two years we have been invited to special events where they close down the theme parks and open it up to DVC Members FREE of charge!!! And, they even had complimentary snacks like churros, popcorn, ice cream, sodas, and water available to members too!!

4. Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge at Epcot & Bay Lake Towers

Relax and unwind like a VIP at the DVC Member Lounge located in Epcot. Here you can grab a drink, sit down and relax while your kids play video games or watch cartoons. It’s a great way to take a break from the heat.

Or skip the crowds and score an awesome view of Magic Kingdom’s fireworks from the Bay Lake Tower Top of the World Lounge exclusive for DVC Members & their guests.

5. FREE Laundry

Book a 1,2, or 3-bedroom villa and you have laundry amenities right there in your room. This makes traveling with kids super convenient. Less packing, fewer luggage fees, and you don’t have to break a sweat when they spill chocolate from their Mickey Ice Cream bar down the front of their shirt! *There are coin laundry rooms in the resorts as well for hotel guests and those staying in a studio.

6. Pool Hopping

DVC Members also have the advantage of pool hopping to the different DVC resort pools which can be super fun. *certain restrictions do apply and some resorts are blocked.

7. FREE Parking

DVC Members with a current hotel reservation receive complimentary parking at all Disney Parks and onsite at the hotel in the self-parking lots. *Does not apply when you park valet. 

8. Discounts on Water Park Tickets and Annual Passes

Another way your Disney Vacation Club membership saves you money is on your ticket purchases. They run discounts for park tickets and annual passes.

9. Meal, Shopping, and Room Discounts (25% off rack)

Members receive discounts to tons of shops & restaurants within the Disney Parks, Downtown Disney, and Disney Springs.

10. Event, Tour & Show Discounts

Members also receive special pricing on tons of events happening in the parks and on cruise ships. Plus, there are special discounts for tours in the parks and on show tickets.

Bonus – Pet Care and Boarding Savings

Need to bring Fido with you? DVC Members also save on pet care and pet boarding services too.

*These Membership Perks are no longer available to those who purchase their contracts via the resale market. 

How much do DVC Points Cost?

You can’t find pricing on the Disney Vacation Club website. Costs do change so make sure to speak with one of their DVC Cast Members for updated pricing. As of today (10/2017) these are the prices shown. (see below).

*Tip- Saratoga Springs and Bay Lake Towers are the most economical choices over the lifetime of your ownership.

If you are Looking to BUY DVC – Use Our Referral Link and Save up to $1,500 off your purchase!

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Here is another awesome comparison chart from DVC Resale Market that can help you figure out which property makes the most sense for you to purchase. Click here to see it.

How Many Points Do You Need?

Deciding how many points you should purchase can be a daunting task. It all depends on how often you are going to use them, at which resorts and what time of the year. But, here is the thing. You can ALWAYS BUY MORE so buy what you need for now and then see how it goes.

We were a couple when we purchased our first allotment of points and over the past 14 years, we have grown to a family of 7. As our family has grown so has our DVC points which is why I say don’t worry about trying to figure out how many you are going to need over the years. Buy what you will use now and add more DVC points as you need them down the road.

Example Vacations
Below are several examples from the DVC Website of how you can use your Points in 2017 (based on availability):

• 120 Points: 6 nights in a Savanna View Deluxe Studio at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas in mid-June 2017
• 189 Points: A week at Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina Hawai’i, in an Island Gardens View Deluxe Studio during July 2017
• 200 Points: A week in Europe in a 2-bedroom accommodation during Low Season through the World Collection
• 232 Points: 6 nights at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in a 1-Bedroom Villa with a Standard View in October 2017

One of the best things about purchasing DVC points is that you are locking in today’s purchase price. When we first purchased our points they were $65, now that was back in 2001. Now points are selling for around $176. So, if you are thinking about purchasing my advice is do it NOW and not later!

*****PRO TIP! You can still save money without being a vacation club owner by renting points
(check out my post here!)****

How to use your Disney Vacation Club Points

Using your DVC Points is easy. You simply login to your account on the Disney Vacation Club website and look up the points calenders to see which resorts you can book with your DVC point allotment then you call or book online. You can also use their availability tool to search resorts that are available during the time you are hoping to book.

*Tip- this is where the 11 months advance booking comes in handy bc popular resorts will book up! Although, if you are right on it aka morning of the 7-month mark you usually can snag the room you want. So, if you love a certain resort it is worth purchasing that property specifically.

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Here are some more helpful tips:

• The number of Points you need depends on the Resort, type of accommodations (both size and view), time of year and length of stay.
• DVC Points can be used however you’d like— Deluxe Studios, One and Two-Bedroom Villas and Three-Bedroom Grand Villas. You can choose different accommodation options each time you book.
• You can also borrow & bank your DVC points. Learn more about borrowing and banking Points.

Is DVC Ownership Right For You

Families who love vacationing at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney’s Aulani Resort will find that purchasing DVC points is practically a no-brainer! I mean savings of up to 50% that is hard to beat! Of course, this is a very personal question and what is right for one family isn’t always right for every family. However, I have yet to find a fellow DVC Member who is not super thankful they made the purchase.

Take a look at what 100-124 points can get you.

Commonly Asked Questions about DVC Points

Can I still book a dining plan?

Yes. You can add a Disney Dining Plan to your DVC reservation.

Do I still receive a Magicband?

Yes. Just like a regular hotel guest, you will receive a magic band which will link your theme park tickets, act as your room key, and if you activate it with a credit card become your payment option throughout your stay.

Am I able to book Fastpasses in advance like a hotel guest?

Yes. Your reservation is uploaded onto your My Disney Experience account where you can schedule all of your Fastpasses for Walt Disney World.

Is Magical Express available for guests booking with DVC points?

Yes. Magical Express is available at no cost just as it is for regular hotel guests.

Does my Disney Vacation Club purchase come with tickets to the parks?

No. You are purchasing a real estate interest at one of Disney’s resort properties. While you may receive discounts on tickets and annual passes they are NOT included in your purchase of DVC points.

What if I can’t afford to purchase DVC Points? (Buying Resale and Renting DVC Points)

Buying DVC Resale – (Disney Vacation Club Resale)

One way to cut costs on DVC Membership is to purchase your DVC points through a resale provider like DVC Request (we personally rent our own points through this service which is aka David’s DVC Rentals). Disney Vacation Club also offers properties that are resales but they are offered at a much higher price point and usually, you have to wait on the waitlist.

Things to consider when purchasing resale-

• Pay attention to how many years are left on the property/ contract you are looking at.
• Annual dues vary, a resort with a low price might have higher annual dues costing you more in the long run.
• Keep in mind certain member perks do not apply when you purchase resale through a 3rd party outlet.

How to Rent DVC Points

DVC Members are allowed to rent their points to non-members via their real estate purchase. When they make a reservation for their guest (non-member) the reservation is made in the guest’s name. The guest is able to access their online reservation, add it to their My Disney Account etc… just as if they booked the reservation through Disney themselves.

*We have personally rented out points to family & friends many times and we have never had any hiccups. But, what do you do if you don’t know a member?? Well, good news DVC request (aka David’s DVC) offers the public the ability to rent DVC Points from members. The DVC Point Rental process is very safe and simple plus it saves you quite a bit of cash.

DVC Point Rental through DVC Request currently runs $16 per point ($17 if you are booking 7+ months in advance). You can check your dates by clicking the banner below to see how much you can save!!

Disney Vacation Club Reviews By Property

Aulani Disney Vacation Club Villas

Beach Club Villas

Coming soon…

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Boardwalk

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Are you considering purchasing DVC Points?

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