The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) usually costs around $32,000 to join if you buy directly from Disney. That’s based on a purchase of about 150 points at roughly $225 per point. But the exact price depends on which resort you choose and how many points you want. Each point is like a piece of vacation currency that you can use to book Disney stays throughout the year.
Besides the upfront cost, you’ll also pay yearly dues. These fees usually range from $7 to $12 per point and cover things like resort upkeep, taxes, and maintenance. So, if you own 150 points, your annual dues could add up to about $1,000 to $1,800 each year.
Some people choose to buy resale contracts from other DVC members, which can save thousands of dollars. However, resale memberships may come with fewer benefits than buying directly from Disney.
If you visit Disney often and plan to keep going for years, the DVC can be a good deal. But if you only go once in a while, you might save more by booking regular hotel stays instead. It’s all about how much Disney magic you want in your life and how often you plan to use it.
How Much Does Disney Vacation Club Cost
The Disney Vacation Club, or DVC, is not cheap, but it can be a smart choice if you visit Disney parks often. The starting cost to join is usually around 23,000 to 25,000 dollars for about 100 points. Each point lets you book nights at Disney resorts, and the more points you have, the longer or fancier your stay can be. The price per point depends on the resort you pick. For example, newer or more popular resorts like the Grand Floridian or Grand Californian can cost around 300 dollars per point. Older resorts such as Old Key West or Saratoga Springs might be closer to 150 to 200 dollars per point.
Besides the upfront cost, you also pay yearly fees called annual dues. These cover maintenance, taxes, and other resort costs. The dues can range from about 1,000 to 3,000 dollars a year, depending on how many points you own and which resort you choose. Even though that might sound high, many families say they end up saving money in the long run compared to paying for hotel stays every year.
You can also buy DVC points on the resale market for less money, but you might lose some member perks, like discounts or early booking options. Still, it’s a great way to join DVC for a lower cost if you don’t mind giving up a few benefits. In short, plan for at least 20,000 dollars to get started, plus yearly dues. It’s a big commitment, but for Disney fans who visit often, it can be a magical investment.
Is Disney Vacation Club Worth the Cost
Whether Disney Vacation Club is worth it really depends on how much you love Disney and how often you visit. If your family goes to Disney parks every year or every other year, DVC can make a lot of sense. Instead of paying for hotel rooms each trip, you’re basically pre-paying for future vacations at today’s prices. Over time, that can actually save money, especially as Disney hotel rates keep going up each year.
But if you only visit once every few years, it might not be worth the price. The upfront cost of more than 20,000 dollars, plus yearly dues, adds up fast. Some people find that when they don’t use all their points, they still end up paying the annual fees without getting the full value. Others rent out their unused points to cover those costs, which can help balance things out.
Think of DVC as part investment, part vacation plan. The real value comes if you use it often and plan your trips well in advance. You get access to high-end Disney resorts, larger rooms, and sometimes better locations than standard hotels. Plus, being part of the DVC community has its perks like exclusive lounges, special events, and member-only discounts. But if you just want a casual Disney trip every few years, a regular hotel stay might make more sense.
What Are the Ongoing Costs of Disney Vacation Club
Once you buy into Disney Vacation Club, you’ll still have to pay ongoing yearly costs called maintenance fees or annual dues. These aren’t optional because they cover things like property upkeep, taxes, insurance, and resort staff salaries. Depending on your resort and how many points you own, these fees usually range from about 1,000 to 3,000 dollars each year. For example, if you have 150 points at a resort that charges around 8 dollars per point in dues, that’s about 1,200 dollars a year.
The thing is, these dues can go up over time. Disney adjusts them each year to keep up with inflation and rising costs. Some people are surprised by this, especially after paying a big upfront price. It’s smart to plan for a small increase every year so you’re not caught off guard.
You’ll also have extra costs if you finance your DVC purchase, since you’ll be paying interest on top of your loan. And if you book vacations at non-Disney resorts through DVC’s exchange program, there can be small booking or transaction fees too. While these extra costs aren’t huge, they do add up over time. So even though DVC helps you lock in your vacation lodging, it’s not completely free after the first payment. The best way to handle it is to set aside money each month for dues so you don’t get hit with a big bill once a year.
Can You Save Money With Disney Vacation Club
You can save money with Disney Vacation Club, but it depends on how often and how smartly you use it. If you take Disney vacations every year, you’ll likely see savings after a few years. For example, a deluxe Disney resort can easily cost 600 dollars or more per night. But with DVC, your prepaid points can cover those same rooms at a much lower effective cost per night. Over time, that adds up, especially if hotel prices keep rising.
The key to saving money is using your points wisely. Booking during less busy times of year costs fewer points, which means you can stretch your membership further. Some people even plan shorter stays or split trips across multiple resorts to get more value. Others rent out unused points to cover annual dues, which is another clever way to make DVC more affordable.
On the other hand, if you rarely visit or don’t plan your trips early, you might end up spending more than you save. The upfront cost and yearly dues never go away, even if you skip a vacation. So DVC isn’t a money saver for everyone, it’s a long-term plan for families who love Disney and visit often. When used right, though, it can turn into one of the best deals for frequent Disney travelers.
What Are the Benefits of Joining Disney Vacation Club
The Disney Vacation Club isn’t just about saving money, it also gives you some fun and exclusive perks. One of the biggest benefits is access to deluxe Disney resorts that are usually way more expensive if you book them as a regular guest. You can stay in spacious villas with full kitchens, laundry machines, and amazing views that make your trip feel more like home. It’s also easier to plan family trips since you can book your vacations up to 11 months in advance at your home resort.
Another cool perk is the extra experiences that come with membership. You can get discounts on park tickets, dining, and merchandise, which adds up fast if you visit often. Members also get access to special lounges, private parties, and early park previews for new attractions. The DVC member lounge at EPCOT is a favorite, it’s a quiet spot with free drinks and air conditioning, perfect for taking a break during a long park day.
Then there’s the flexibility. You can use your points at different Disney resorts, from Hawaii’s Aulani to Disneyland and Walt Disney World. You can even use them for cruises or stays at partner hotels. That freedom makes DVC feel more like a vacation tool than just a membership. For families who love Disney and want comfort, flexibility, and a few extra perks, DVC offers a lot more than a standard vacation package ever could.
Are There Any Downsides to Disney Vacation Club
Yes, like most things, Disney Vacation Club has a few downsides that are worth thinking about before jumping in. The first one is the big upfront cost. Spending over 20,000 dollars (and often much more) is a serious commitment. Even though you’re pre-paying for vacations, that’s still a lot of money tied up for years. If your travel habits change or you stop going to Disney as often, it can start to feel like you’re paying for something you don’t use.
The second downside is the annual dues. These fees keep going up over time, and you have to pay them whether you take a trip or not. For some families, that’s a real pain. Even if you decide to sell your contract later, you won’t always get all your money back. The resale market can be tricky, and depending on the resort and how many years are left on your contract, you might lose a bit.
Another downside is limited flexibility compared to just booking a hotel. You have to plan early, like months in advance, because the best resorts and room types go fast. If you’re more of a spontaneous traveler, DVC might feel too structured. Also, while DVC gives you access to some amazing Disney resorts, using your points outside Disney (like on cruises or partner hotels) usually doesn’t give as much value. So, DVC works best for people who really love Disney and plan ahead. For casual or once-in-a-while visitors, it might be more of a hassle than a benefit.
How to Decide If Disney Vacation Club Is Right for You
Deciding if Disney Vacation Club is right for you comes down to how much you visit Disney and how you like to travel. If you’re the kind of person or family that visits Disney every year, loves staying at nice resorts, and plans vacations months in advance, then DVC can be a great fit. You’ll lock in your vacation lodging at today’s prices and enjoy a ton of extra perks. It’s also nice knowing that you always have a reason to plan another Disney trip.
But if you only go every few years, or you like staying at different places each time, it might not be the best choice. The upfront cost and annual fees can quickly outweigh the savings. DVC also requires a bit of long-term thinking, most contracts last around 50 years. So you have to be sure you’ll keep loving Disney for a while.
The best way to decide is to run the numbers. Look at how much you usually spend on Disney hotels each year, then compare it to what you’d spend on DVC over time. Don’t forget to add the yearly dues. You can even rent DVC points from current members to test the experience before you commit. If you love it, then it might be worth joining. If not, you’ll still get an amazing Disney vacation without the long-term commitment.
Conclusion
The Disney Vacation Club can be a dream come true for families who visit the parks often and want more comfort during their stays. The upfront cost, which starts around 20,000 dollars, plus annual dues, can feel like a lot at first. But if you travel to Disney regularly, it can actually save money in the long run. You’ll enjoy stays at deluxe resorts, flexible vacation planning, and exclusive member perks that make every trip feel special.
Still, DVC isn’t for everyone. If you’re not sure how often you’ll visit or prefer spontaneous trips, it might not be worth the price. Before you decide, do the math, explore resale options, and think about your long-term vacation habits. Renting points for a trial run is also a smart move.
At the end of the day, the Disney Vacation Club is less about saving money and more about creating memories. For true Disney fans who love returning year after year, it can turn those magical moments into lifelong traditions. But for occasional visitors, a regular Disney resort stay might make more sense. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits your family, your budget, and your love for Disney magic.