How Does Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Points Work? A Complete Guide
Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points create an innovative, member-driven time model that is not partnered with a single location of real estate. Members have the ability to take away much more from their DVC investment in being able to comprehend how DVC points work and thereby, maximize the exciting world of wide Disney stays. For all the details on how DVC points work from purchasing, to managing and using them, get our comprehensive guide including expert insights for maximizing this unique vacation system.
About Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Points
Disney Vacation Club — A program similar to a timeshare where members rent accommodations for using an annual allotment of points that are contracted out by year at Disney resorts. Whereas typical timeshares bind their owners to using certain weeks, seasons or number of days at a specific location with DVC you buy points and have greater flexibility in where & when.
- Points-Based System: Each member buys a certain amount of points for use on stays in Disney resorts.
- Annual allotment: In the first example, every year members receive a batch of points they can spend how and when they want.
- All Things Disney: Use DVC points at many Disney resorts — near theme parks, cruises and international destinations affiliated with the company.
How to Purchase and Earn DVC Points
Joining DVC requires purchasing a points package, either directly from Disney or through the resale market. This initial investment forms the basis of your DVC membership.
- Direct Purchase from Disney: Purchasing directly gives access to certain perks and benefits unavailable to resale buyers, but it can be more expensive.
- Resale Market: Points bought on the resale market are often less expensive, although some restrictions may apply regarding perks and access.
- Cost per Point: DVC points vary in cost depending on the location and season, with prices typically ranging from $150 to over $200 per point.
Understanding Point Allotments and Usage
Stays require different numbers of points based on resort, type of accommodation and season. That flexibility also means that members can redeem their points whenever and however they like.
- Demand: High season demand means it takes more points to buy a room on holidays or the summer and fewer in low seasons.
- Apartment Type: Apartments such as 1-bedroom suites take more points than just a regular room.
- With Point Charts: The DVC releases a new point chart each year, showing how many points that it takes to stay in the different ways.
How to Book Stays with DVC Points
Using DVC points to book — With the largest savings that you can make using Disney Vacation Club, this is also known as one of the benefits with DVC point rentals since it just requires a signed reservation form. 11 months out from your home property and seven elsewhere.
- Home Resort Priority: Members can reserve their home resort up to 11 months in advance, which is essential during times of strong demand.
- Book Other Disney Resorts 7 Months Out: Members may book stays at other Disney properties seven months out offering greater flexibility.
- Everything Online: DVC website and app allows members to easily check availability, see points requirements, and reserve stays.
Banking and Borrowing DVC Points for Flexibility
Banking and borrowing offer additional flexibility for DVC members to optimize points usage year-to-year.
- Banking Points: Allows a portion of the unused points to be saved for use in next year.
- Borrow Points: Allows Members to Borrow the next year of points for that use year, great for longer vacations or high-point stays.
- Flexibility: Members are able to alter their points in the system based on vacation plans, seasonality (annual vacations or holiday events).
Transferring DVC Points Between Members
DVC points can be transferred between members, offering added flexibility for those who may not use all their points in a given year.
- Points Transfer: Members can transfer points to another DVC member’s account, subject to certain rules.
- Restrictions: Only one transfer (in or out) is permitted per year, making it essential to plan any transfers carefully.
- Family and Friends: Transferring points can help friends or family members who are also DVC members plan vacations without needing to buy additional points.
Annual Maintenance Fees for DVC Points Ownership
Owning DVC points involves paying annual maintenance fees, which cover resort upkeep, renovations, and other operational expenses.
- Cost per Point: Fees vary by resort and are generally between $6 to $10 per point.
- Budgeting: These fees are annual costs, so members should consider them when calculating the long-term costs of ownership.
- Maintenance Standards: These fees help ensure that all DVC properties remain well-maintained and uphold Disney’s quality standards.
Tips for Maximizing the Value of Your DVC Points
To get the best value from your DVC points, consider strategies that optimize usage, timing, and point management.
- Book Early: Securing reservations as early as possible maximizes chances for high-demand periods.
- Stay at High-Value Resorts: Some resorts offer better point-to-value ratios, allowing you to stretch your points further.
- Bank and Borrow Strategically: Adjust points across years to facilitate larger or more frequent vacations.
- Monitor Points Expiration: Ensure points are banked or borrowed as needed to avoid expiration and losing their value.
