Disney Vacation Club Member FAQ’s
If you love Disney Vacations as much as I do, and if you have ever stayed in a deluxe Disney resort, chances are you have seen some reference to becoming a Disney Vacation Club member. I bet you still have a lot of questions unanswered. Like what does it cost to join? Is Disney Vacation Club worth it? Is there Vacation Club Financing? What does it mean to be a Disney Vacation Club Member?
I get so many questions every week about being a Disney Club Member versus just booking a vacation at Disney. I will answer some of those most common questions here for you.
Whether it’s a kiosk in the lobby; the cabins, or bungalows you passion the way to your next adventure; or even a simple “welcome home” from the security guard. Disney Vacation Club is a big deal at Walt Disney World and in select locations around the world.
The Bora Bora Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows The newest Disney Vacation Club Resort. Photo Credit @Disney, Matt Stroshane, photographer
It started with Old Key West, the first Disney Vacation Club property, in ’91. The most recent is The Riviera in ’19.
If you are at all curious about Disney Vacation Club, but are afraid to open a whole can of worms while on vacation, that’s understandable. So, here are some straightforward answers to common questions regarding becoming a Disney Vacation Club member.
1. What does it Mean to be a Disney Vacation Club Member?
Disney vacation is a flexible timeshare, where you purchase a very small piece of Disney real estate for return visits pursuant to the term limits of your contract.
When you are a Disney Vacation Club member you buy points that can be redeemed for vacations each year, any time you want to use them.
Disney Vacation Club membership gives you priority access to your home resort and accommodations for larger families in the form of studios, 1 and 2 bedroom villas. bungalows and cabins.
In addition to the price of the purchase, members pay an annual maintenance fee for upkeep of their home resort.
2. What Does it Cost to join Disney Vacation Club?
The costs associated with Disney Vacation Club are the purchase price on a per point basis with a 100 point minimum. The cost of a point varies depending on which resort you call home.
The cost of each coin ranges from $100 to $235. But some Disney Vacation Club hotels are not at Disney World, or even associated with any Disney Parks. Such is the case with Vero Beach, the cheapest Disney Vacation Club resort.
The overall cost depends on how many points you want to purchase, and which resort you make your home resort. One thing to keep in mind is how many points per night your accommodations are going to be, this varies by resort, but does not necessarily have bearing on your home resort.
3. What is a Home Resort?
The Home Resort is the property you are buying a piece of. While Disney Vacation Club members have access to and Disney Vacation Club resort, there is a restriction on how early you can book.
You can make reservations at your home resort 11 months before your trip, bot for other resorts you will have to wait until 8 months before your trip.
Photo Credit: @Disney, Matt Stroshane, photographer
4. How Many Years does Disney Vacation Club Last?
Generally speaking, your deed lasts until 50 years after the construction date of your Disney Vacation Club home resort. The more recently built resorts have longer to go, although there is some variance with Old Key West as some contracts don’t expire until 2057.
Contracts for the Riviera, the newest Disney Vacation Club resort will expire 2070. That’s a lot of vacations. An even newer resort is planned for Disney World by Fort Wilderness in the next few years.
5. Can You Finance Disney Vacation Club?
Yes. You can put a down payment on your purchase and finance your membership so that you pay monthly. You can also pay your annual maintenance fees on a monthly basis.
The purchase process is not unlike buying a car, except that it is much more straightforward and there aren’t really any options to consider that drive the price up.
As long as you know what home resort to buy and how many points you want to purchase, It’s pretty much just about the paperwork which is kind of a lot, but pretty easy to get through.
6. Is Disney Vacation Club Worth the Money?
Becoming a Disney Vacation Club member is not for everybody, but it can be a very good way to save money on future vacations by locking them in at the current prices.
If you only take one Disney vacation every few years or more, then Disney Vacation Club is not likely for you. This is for dedicated Disney Fans who need their fix. You could rent your points out if you are not going to use them, but You don’t buy Disney Vacation Club expecting to rent your points out.
Another reason to look into Disney Vacation Club is if you always stay at the deluxe hotels. These are the hotels you buy into and they are considerably more expensive than the others. If you prefer the moderate or value resorts, then Disney Vacation Club will not be worth the money.
If you do for to Walt Disney World, or another Disney destination, at least once every couple of years, you always stay at a deluxe resort and you have more than two kids, Disney Vacation Club is a shoe in for you and your investment will be paid off rather quickly.
7. What are Disney Vacation Club Points Good For?
It’s easy to think that Disney Vacation Club is only for Walt Disney World vacations because that’s where most of the DVC properties are and it is the best use of your points. However, you can use your points at Disneyland, Paris and even Adventures By Disney and Disney Cruise Line.
Essentially just about any vacation you could ever want, Disney has a hand in and you can use your points toward it. They are pricey though, so when you are thinking about the kind of mileage you get from buying Disney Vacation Club, it’s best just to focus on Walt Disney World.
8. Where Can I Purchase Disney Vacation Club?
You can easily become a Disney Vacation Club member at a kiosk at any Disney property, or you can buy over the phone and have the documents shipped to you. It’s just a matter of Asking your questions about any specifics such as available resorts and the cost per point.
Try to do your own research so you know how many points you will reasonably need. It’s not good to overshoot. You can always borrow points from the following year, or rent more points from another member.
The representative will disclose all of the information about what you are purchasing over the phone. You can make the down payment with your credit card and the paperwork will be shipped to you. They will then follow up to make sure you don’t have any questions.
You will also get login information for your online account. The paperwork is easy to sign and return. and you can book your next vacation immediately. They will also tell you welcome home about a gazillion times.
So, are you ready to become a Disney Vacation Club Member now? My advice, do a ton of research (like you are now) before you make the investment.
If you are already a Disney Vacation Club Member, I would love to hear from you.
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