The Ultimate Guide to the Disney Vacation Club (DVC)

When you travel to Disneyland for vacation, you’ve got tons of options for your home base: resort hotels, off-property “good neighbors”, even AirBNB. But did you know you can also earn membership points with a Disney program? I’ve teamed up with SellMyTimeshareNow.com to explain the perks and offerings of the Disney Vacation Club, a.k.a. the DVC.

You may have previously heard of a Disney Vacation Club points membership but maybe thought to yourself, “isn’t that just a timeshare trap?” While Disney Vacation Club is a type of timeshare ownership, it’s so much more than that. Disney fans go crazy for these flexible and highly beneficial ownership opportunities. With a Disney timeshare, you and your family can indulge in a lifetime of magical, memorable vacations for a price that won’t break the bank. So without further ado, here is our complete guide to all things Disney Vacation Club.

How Does Disney Vacation Club Work?

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a points-based ownership that gives you a selection of Disney vacation options at top-rated resorts, many with prime access to the famed Disney parks and attractions. As an owner, you are able to choose from a portfolio of Disney properties while also gaining access to numerous perks and extras that will enhance your Disney experience.

DVC points are used like currency, with the ability to use your points to book when, where, and how long you vacation at the Disney resort of your choosing. Refer to this 2018 DVC points chart to see the average prices for nightly and weekly rates at various Disney properties. Another benefit of DVC points is the ability to bank and borrow points to fully customize your travel experience. Bank your points if you’re unable to vacation on any given year or want to save up for a longer getaway, or you can borrow points from future years if you’re ready to book an extended trip.

Disney Vacation Club Resorts

DVC features a great collection of resort properties, and not just in Orlando! In fact, if you’re a Disneyland fanatic, you’ll absolutely adore the Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Experience impeccable amenities and 1-3 bedroom, spacious units. All timeshares at this resort include 55-inch flat screen TVs, Blu Ray players, Keurig coffee makers, kitchens complete with paper plates, bowls, and plastic utensils,and universal charging stations to power up your phones, tablets, and laptops during your offtime. You’ll also delight in on-site restaurants and lounges, the Mandara Spa, pools including poolside cabanas, and direct access to the Disney California Adventure Park. Owning at this resort is truly ideal for any Disneyland lover, and if you become a member you’ll also gain access to all 12 of the other Disney Vacation Club resorts located in Hawaii, California, Vero Beach, and Orlando. You can rest assured knowing whichever resort you choose to stay in each year, it will be the absolute best accommodation Disney offers, each featuring high-end accommodations and a variety of exclusive on-site amenities and services. We highlighted our favorites below.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas

Feel like you’re vacationing in an African jungle with breathtaking views of savannas and grazing wildlife. This unique resort property is a true experience with restaurants that serve traditional African cuisine, an oasis Uzima swimming pool, 30 species of wildlife, and the Simba clubhouse for kids. Two types of accommodations are offered–Kidana Village villas and Jambo House villas–both feature studio, one-, and two-bedroom suites equipped with full kitchens, whirlpool tubs, laundry machines, WiFi access, and balconies with gorgeous views. All of this and you’re just minutes from theme parks and local attractions with complimentary bus transportation.

Disney’s Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

This gorgeous lakeside resort offers a casual, yet sophisticated environment, perfect for your family’s Disney getaway. It’s located within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom and also offers convenient transportation to get to all the other parks. Studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas provide all the comforts of home such as kitchens, private bedrooms, a washer and dryer, wet bar, flat screen TVs, and balconies with a lake or theme park view. On-site, your family will love splashing in the pool or zipping down the waterslide, watching Disney movies under the stars, and dining at the resort’s award-winning restaurant.

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Unwind while enjoying the relaxing atmosphere at Disney’s Beach Club Villas in Lake Buena Vista. While relaxing, Disney’s Beach Club Villas plays host to numerous amenities and activities for all ages including the 3-acre water park, kids club, character dining, and jogging paths. Walk down the street to Epcot or take complimentary transportation to all other nearby Disney parks. Studio, one-, and two-bedroom villas offer a variety of resort views as well as kitchen facilities, flat screen TVs, whirlpool tubs, sofa beds, and laundry machines.

Disney’s Boardwalk Villas

This waterfront resort offers plenty of old-fashioned charm that’ll make you feel like you’ve time traveled to 1940’s Atlantic City. Disney’s Boardwalk Villas sits steps away from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and offers transportation to all other nearby favorites. Villas are offered in studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom sizes to accommodate all families. Most of the units offer pool or garden views, full kitchens, washers and dryers, living and dining areas, and full bathrooms. Amenities include outdoor pools, a miniature golf course, spa and fitness center, and an arcade room.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Feel like you’re in the Keys while vacationing just minutes from the famed Disney parks and attractions. Beautiful palm trees and pristinely manicured grounds adorn this resort along with plenty of amenities like a swimming pool, a neighboring golf course, game room, state-of-the-art fitness center, and multiple on-site dining options. Studios up to three-bedroom villas are available to choose from based on your accommodation needs. Most feature multiple bathrooms, a private patio, views of the golf course, spacious living room, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resorts and Spa

Situated right between a gorgeous lake and a scenic golf course lies Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resorts and Spa. The resort is bursting with natural beauty and fun for everyone with a great selection of amenities such as pools with waterslides, golf course access, a full-service spa, biking trails, and a nightly campfire. Disney bus transportation is offered to get you to and from the parks with ease and without need for a rental car. Studios, one-, two-bedroom, and treehouse villas are available to stay in and come well-equipped with the comforts of home that timeshares are known and loved for.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

Step outside of Central Florida and take a visit to the coast for an incredible getaway at Vero Beach. Just because you’re outside of Orlando doesn’t mean you won’t get to enjoy the Disney fun. The resort features a Mickey-shaped swimming pool, beach campfire singalongs, and a miniature golf course. You’ll also get to take advantage of stunning local golf courses, a full-service spa, fitness center, and long, relaxing days at the beach. Rooms, villas, and cottages of all sizes are offered and give you garden or ocean views to take in. Full kitchens, private bedrooms, living and dining areas, and soaking tubs are included in nearly every suite.

Additional Resorts

Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows

A true tropical oasis with a touch of Disney magic, Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows is a true family favorite. Stay in a cozy studio or a spacious bungalow equipped with a full kitchen, private balcony, full bathroom(s), living areas, WiFi, and laundry machines. The bungalows even provide you with your own private plunge pool. Other on-site features include swimming pools with waterfalls and slides, restaurants with character dining options, sports courts, and access to water sports. Take the monorail to easily access the Magic Kingdom, Downtown Disney, Universal Studios, and more.

Disney Aulani

Disney meets tropical Hawaii at this beautiful resort property in Ko Olina. Discover fun character breakfasts, an infinity-edge pool with a view, a kids activity center, a lazy river, and pools with waterslides. Not to mention prime access to Ko Olina Beach for plenty of water sports and sun bathing. Five different unit types and sizes make it easy to comfortably sleep any-sized family while enjoying many en-suite amenities like whirlpool tubs, sofa beds, laundry machines, living rooms, and full kitchens.

Disney’s Hilton Head Resort

Off the coast of South Carolina lies Disney’s Hilton Head Resort, offering a laid back atmosphere for families and Disney lovers alike. Its charming environment and homey accommodations will welcome you, while amenities such as swimming pools, on-site dining, Disney kids activity programs, and open water cruises will keep you entertained all vacation long. Studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas are offered and provide ocean views, living and dining rooms, whirlpool tubs, private bedrooms, and flat screen TVs. Nearby, you’ll enjoy numerous beaches, pristine golf courses, horseback riding, and live entertainment.

Disney Vacation Club Perks

Beyond flexible vacations and access to luxurious Disney resorts, DVC members get to take advantage of a great selection of additional perks and services. While certain benefits vary by which home resort you own at, many of the common perks include usage of MagicBands for various resort and park functions, DVC dining programs for discounted meal plans, Extra Magic Hours before and after the parks open so you can avoid the crowds and lines, and rides on the Magical Express that bring you from the airport to your desired DVC resort.

Other perks members have access to include pool hopping between the nearby resorts, free parking and shuttle service to the nearby parks, access to Top of the World Lounge to watch fireworks, free DVD rentals, and more.

DVC Timeshare Resales and Rentals

After hearing about what a DVC timeshare has to offer, you may not be surprised to hear that many of these properties are completely sold out at Disney. However, there is an even better way to obtain one of these magical vacation ownership properties. If you shop the secondary market, you can find DVC timeshares for sale by-owner for thousands off the original purchase prices. This gives you a great opportunity to have a lifetime of fun Disney getaways for less. If you’re looking to buy DVC points, the resale market is your best and most affordable bet.

Another option is to rent Disney Vacation Club points from the secondary market. Owners will rent their timeshares if they are unable to visit on any given year, giving interested renters a great chance to score an amazing deal. DVC rentals are advertised at affordable weekly rates, allowing you to enjoy a low-cost vacation or try before you buy! To find a Disney timeshare rental or resale on the by-owner market, visit SellMyTimeshareNow.com‘s resale site. They offer some of the lowest prices points found anywhere online.

Is the Disney Vacation Club Worth It?

The short answer is yes, absolutely! Families and avid Disney fans alike will love the affordability, convenience, and fun of DVC timeshares. And to get the most value out of this vacation opportunity, look no further than the secondary market. You’re certain to enjoy many of the same benefits and additional services that retail owners have, while saving thousands of dollars on the purchase price.

For more information about DVC options at the Disneyland Resort and other Disney properties worldwide, check out SellMyTimeshareNow.com and the official DVC site.