Choosing the Best DVC Home Resort For You

There is a lot to consider before choosing your DVC home resort. Each Disney Vacation Club timeshare property has its own theme and special qualities. There’s also a matter of your budget, how close you want to be to your favorite Disney theme park, and more. Even though DVC uses a flexible, points-based system, choosing your home resort matters!

What is a Home Resort?

Your home resort with Disney Vacation Club is the property that your points belong to. When it comes time to make the purchasing decision, make sure to look closely into every resort that the club offers. The points you own at your home resort have priority booking privileges, making it easier to make reservations every year before every other DVC owner can. 

While Disney Vacation Club is a points-based system that gives owners flexibility in which resort they vacation at, your home resort is the one that you still own a part of! It’s the one that will be listed on your contracts when it comes time to buy. And on the resale market, your home resort is the one you can travel back to every year.

Does Home Resort Matter for DVC?

The short answer is, maybe. While Disney Vacation Club does use a points-based system, there is a priority given to owners reserving at their home resort. With home resort priority, owners can make reservations 11 months in advance. Members of other resorts can only make a reservation for up to seven months in advance, giving you priority. 

With the latest DVC resale restrictions, your home resort especially matters. Disney Vacation Club enforces new restrictions with resales that block resale owners from transferring points to new resorts within DVC’s network. For example, if you were to buy resale points from the Grand Floridian now, you will not be able to transfer them for a stay at the brand new Riviera Resort. Resale owners that purchased a DVC timeshare before the restrictions took place are still able to make reservations within the network, but any resales after January 2019 follow these restrictions.

Learn More About the Important of DVC Use Year.

Can I Change My DVC Home Resort?

If you’re finding that you would rather have home resort priority at a different DVC resort, you have to buy points for that resort specifically. Unfortunately, you cannot transfer or change your DVC home resort! Which plays a big role when it comes time to choosing the best DVC home resort for you and your family. If you are considering expanding your options, you can add more DVC points to your membership on the resale market for less.

DVC Contract Expiration Dates: What to Know

If you’re thinking long-term—maybe even hoping to pass your contract down to future generations—it’s important to keep contract expiration dates in mind. Many of the earliest DVC contracts, including Old Key West (unless extended), BoardWalk, Boulder Ridge, Beach Club, Hilton Head, and Vero Beach, are set to expire in 2042. Some Old Key West contracts were extended to 2057, so double-check those dates when shopping.

By contrast, newer resorts like Riviera, Copper Creek, the Villas at Disneyland Hotel, and the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort come with contract expiration dates stretching out as far as 2068–2074. So, whether you’re after a slice of island paradise or planning for decades of magical memories, knowing when your membership ends can help you choose the right resort for your family’s future.

Finding the Best DVC Home Resort For You

When making the decision to purchase a DVC resale, your home resort will give you access to 14 other resorts within DVC’s network. So, keep in mind where you will want to be vacationing every year! Disney Vacation Club has resorts across the country, from Hawaii, Hilton Head Island, California and Florida. You’ll also want to take a look at each resort’s point charts, so you can determine how many DVC points you need.

Animal Kingdom Villas

If animals are your thing, you won’t want to miss making this your DVC home resort. Animal Kingdom Villas welcome guests with an open “savanna,” with 30+ species of real wild animals you might find in Africa. Points per night at this resort start at 7 points.

Amenities:

• 2 Swimming Pools
• On-Site Dining
• Free Wi-Fi
• Near the Animal Kingdom park

Aulani

Does vacationing with Mickey on Oahu sound like your ideal family vacation every year? Aulani is Disney’s very own resort in Hawaii, bringing the magic from Orlando across the ocean! Many owners consider it one of the best DVC resorts out there, besides its location away from the actual theme parks. Points per night at this resort start at 16 points.

Amenities:

• 3 Pool Areas
• Free Wi-Fi
• On-Site Dining
• Spa
• Beach Activities for Families

Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary

A huge perk to the Bay Lake Tower resort is the Top of the World Lounge, exclusive to DVC owners. Get stunning views of the nightly fireworks shows while enjoying delicious cocktails and dishes. This resort is also only one transfer away from Epcot and Magic Kingdom on its own monorail. Quite an amenity if you ask us! Points per night at this resort start at 13 points.

Amenities:

• 2 Swimming Pools
• Free Wi-Fi
• On-site dining
• Nearby Magic Kingdom

Beach Club Villas

Take a walk around New England right in Orlando, Florida at the Beach Club Villas. You’ll feel like you’re staying in a cottage on Cape Cod. The pool area, Stormalong Bay, replicates an antique shipwreck, so the kids can climb on the masts like a real pirate. If you need to get away from the activity, there’s also an elevated tanning deck, where you can laze the day away. Points per night at this resort start at 14 points.

Amenities: 

• 3 Swimming Pools
• Free Wi-Fi
• Water Taxi to Parks
• On-site dining
• Near EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
• Shopping

BoardWalk Villas

Perhaps one of the most famous Disney destinations in Orlando, BoardWalk Villas takes inspiration from Atlantic City with antique, old-fashioned charm reminiscent of the 1940s. Sitting waterfront with shops, dining and carnival-themed activities, you’ll find yourself spending just as much time at the resort as the parks. It’s even within walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, so keep that in mind when choosing your DVC home resort! Points per night at this resort start at 9 points.

Amenities:

• Swimming Pools
• Free Wi-Fi
• On-site dining
• Near EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
• Shopping

Boulder Ridge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

For the outdoors-y types of families, Boulder Ridge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is like staying in the mountains of Colorado, except without the snow! Its inspiration comes from America’s own National Parks and the transcontinental railroad. Tucked away behind the pine trails of Bay Lake, this resort offers enough proximity to the parks without being too close to the hustle and bustle. Points per night at this resort start at 13 points.

Amenities:

• 2 Swimming Pools
• Free Wi-Fi
• Water Taxi to the Parks
• On-site dining
• Near Magic Kingdom
• Shopping

Copper Creek at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

For the ultimate outdoor retreat in Central Florida, Copper Creek offers 26 waterfront cabins, with wraparound porches to enjoy the environment. You can even catch glimpses of the firework shows of the parks. Take a dip in one of two incredible pools, spend a day at your favorite Disney park and enjoy the outdoors all in one vacation. Points per night at this resort start at 13 points.

Grand Californian

The one and only DVC resort in California, head to Anaheim’s Walt Disney Land at the Grand Californian. Only steps away from California Adventure Park with its own entrance, the Grand Californian is nothing short of luxurious. Points per night at this resort start at 17 points.

Amenities:

• 3 Swimming Pools
• Free Wi-Fi
• On-site dining
• Close to the Parks
• Shopping

Grand Floridian

This is what everyone thinks of when they hear “Disney Vacation Club.” The Grand Floridian has some of the most elegant amenities and ambiance. It’s own “beach,” fabulous character breakfasts and dining, as well as close proximity to the parks makes the Grand Floridian quite special. Enjoy the spa or take a dip in one of two pools on-site. Points per night at this resort start at 16 points.

Amenities:

• 2 Swimming Pools
• Free Wi-Fi
• On-site dining
• Monorial to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT
• Shopping
• Wedding Chapel

Hilton Head Island

Do you envision your vacations on a hidden island in the Carolinas? Take the kids along at DVC’s Hilton Head Island resort. This location embodies Southern hospitality, all while sitting on the Atlantic Ocean of the Carolinas. Spend your afternoons lazing on the beach while expecting all the services and amenities that make DVC resorts so outstanding. Points per night at this resort start at 6 points.

Amenities:

• Swimming Pools
• 5 Hours from WDW
• Free Wi-Fi
• On-site dining
• Near the beach
• Shopping

Old Key West

A Florida vacation is simply not the same without taking a visit to historic Key West, but if you don’t have the time, make a reservation here instead! Boat rides take guests right to Disney Springs, making you feel like you’re actually on the ocean. When searching for Old Key West points on the resale market, be aware of contracts with differing DVC expiration dates! You’ll most likely come across an Old Key West contract that expires in 2057. This is because owners were given the option to extend their contracts past the original year of 2042. Those may still be floating around out there! Points per night at this resort start at 9 points.

Amenities:

• 4 Swimming Pools
• Free Wi-Fi
• Water Taxi to Disney Springs
• On-site dining
• Near the parks
• Shopping

The Polynesian

The Polynesian Villas & Bungalows are a modern tropical paradise. With the spirit of the South Pacific, this resort is the first ever to offer accommodations that float on the water! Additionally, with the new Island Tower, there is even more options to enjoy. You’ll even get an incredible view of the Magic Kingdom evening fireworks from the resort! The Polynesian also has its own monorail stop to Magic Kingdom and a transfer option to EPCOT. Points per night at this resort start at 14 points.

Amenities:

• 3 Swimming Pools
• Free Wi-Fi
• Monorail to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT
• On-site dining
• Near the parks
• Shopping

Riviera Resort

The 15th Disney Vacation Club resort and most recent project, the Riviera Resort allow guests to travel to Europe without a passport—almost. You’ll feel like you’re in the Tuscan landscapes of Italy and France with its modern decor and aesthetic. Walt Disney himself took inspiration from the European riviera countryside. And that’s what the Riviera is all about! Take the brand new Skyliner Gondola straight to Hollywood Studios. Points per night at this resort start at 10 points.

Amenities:

• Swimming Pools
• Free Wi-Fi
• Skyliner to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
• On-site dining
• Shopping

Saratoga Springs

What’s not to like about Saratoga Springs? 65 acres of property with its own spa, two feature pools and boat ride transportation to the parks makes this a favorite among DVC owners. With unique accommodations and treehouse villas elevated 10 feet off the ground, you’ll enjoy the quiet seclusion here. Points per night at this resort start at 9 points.

Amenities:

• 2 Swimming Pools
• Free Wi-Fi
• Water Taxi to Disney Springs
• On-site dining
• Near the parks
• Shopping

Vero Beach Resort

Orlando locals who are also DVC owners love their getaways to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Instead of visiting the parks, head to one of Florida’s best beaches on the Atlantic’s Treasure Coast. The beach is right at your doorstep, and it carries the same Disney magic you would expect from DVC. Points per night at this resort start at 10 points.

Amenities:

• Swimming Pools
• Free Wi-Fi
• On-site dining
• Near the beach
• 2 Hours From WDW
• Shopping

How DVC Resort Transportation Can Influence Your Choice of DVC Home Resort

When choosing your DVC home resort, it’s worth considering how you’ll get around Disney’s expansive property. Each resort offers a unique mix of transportation options, and your favorite way to travel could help narrow down your top picks.

If you’re hoping to skip the buses as much as possible—maybe you have little ones and lots of stroller cargo—look at resorts with alternate routes to the parks. Resorts like the Grand Floridian, Bay Lake Tower, and the Polynesian make access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT a breeze thanks to the famed Disney Monorail. Just hop on, and you’re whisked away without ever folding a stroller.

Prefer a peaceful ride on the water? Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek at Wilderness Lodge offer scenic boat service directly to Magic Kingdom. Over by EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, BoardWalk and Beach Club Resorts provide relaxing boat rides to either park, giving you a break from the crowds and letting you arrive in style.

For those intrigued by Disney’s newest skyline views, Riviera Resort has direct access to the Disney Skyliner—a gondola system connecting you swiftly to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. This can be a huge time-saver and adds a unique touch to your daily adventures.

No matter your preference, think about which parks you’ll visit most and how easily you want to get there. The right transportation could add an extra dose of magic—and convenience—to every Disney day.

Room Types at DVC Resorts: Matching Your Needs

When choosing your DVC home resort, it’s important to pay close attention to the variety of accommodations each location offers. Not every resort features the same room layouts or sizes, which can make a big difference depending on your group’s needs—or if your party size changes from year to year.

For instance, some resorts have sprawling Three Bedroom Grand Villas perfect for extended families or friends traveling together, while others might only offer studios or one- and two-bedroom villas. If you’re dreaming of extra space, it’s worth knowing that certain properties, like Boulder Ridge and Beach Club, don’t have Grand Villas at all.

On the flip side, if you’re often vacationing as a couple or a duo who loves cozy comfort, there are select resorts—such as Riviera Resort or the new Polynesian Island Tower—that specialize in more intimate options like Tower Studios or Duo Studios built just for two.

Key points to consider:

• Large Parties: Look for resorts that offer Three Bedroom Grand Villas or expansive Two Bedroom Villas.
• Smaller Groups or Couples: Some resorts have compact studios specifically designed for two adults.
• Unique Options: Certain locations feature one-of-a-kind accommodations, such as waterfront cabins or rooms with direct theme park views.

So, as you weigh your options, think about the size and style of your typical travel group. Matching the available room types with your vacation style can make all the difference in comfort and enjoyment for every DVC getaway.

Understanding Price Per Point at Different DVC Home Resorts

One of the most important factors to weigh as you pinpoint your ideal home resort is the variation in price per point across Disney Vacation Club properties. Each DVC resort carries its own price tag per point, which can change based on demand, popularity, and even the time of year—but these fluctuations are especially apparent on the resale market.

For some buyers, finding a resort with a lower price per point makes it possible to maximize your ownership and enjoy more nights or larger accommodations without stretching the wallet. This can be especially appealing if you want to get the most value out of your annual budget.

On the other hand, many Members are less concerned about scoring the lowest price if it means securing their favorite location, especially at high-demand, harder-to-book resorts like Disney’s Beach Club Villas or the Grand Californian. In these cases, you might pay a premium per point, but you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with priority access at the place that matters most to you.

Ultimately, your priorities—whether budget or dream location—will guide your decision in finding the DVC resort that fits both your travel style and your financial comfort zone.

Considering Annual Dues and Transient Taxes

Alongside booking windows and location, it’s smart to keep a close eye on annual dues and potential transient taxes when selecting a DVC home resort. Annual dues are the recurring fees that help cover resort maintenance, amenities, and operational costs. These charges are not one-size-fits-all—some resorts have notably higher dues than others, and these fees tend to rise incrementally over the years.

For example, resorts with extensive amenities or new construction may see higher annual dues than properties with fewer frills or established infrastructure. Over time, these dues can add up to a significant investment, sometimes even surpassing the original price of your contract.

Don’t overlook transient taxes either, especially at certain resorts outside of Walt Disney World in Florida. Locations such as Aulani in Hawaii or the Villas at Disneyland Hotel in California require guests to pay transient occupancy taxes, which are assessed per night and must be settled upon checkout. These taxes are separate from your annual dues and can make a considerable difference in the overall cost of your stay.

When weighing your options, factor in both the current dues and the likelihood of increases in the future, as well as any additional taxes specific to certain destinations. This way, you’ll have a clear understanding of your long-term financial commitment and can choose the home resort that best fits your vacation style and budget.

Understanding DVC Points Charts

When planning your Disney Vacation Club getaway, you’ll come across something called a “points chart” for each resort. Think of the points chart as a guide that tells you how many points you’ll need to book a night at a particular resort, depending on the season and type of accommodation—whether that’s a cozy studio or a spacious villa.

Here’s why this matters: some resorts, especially older ones like Old Key West, BoardWalk Villas, Beach Club Villas, and Boulder Ridge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, have lower points requirements compared to newer properties. This means you can often book more nights or bigger rooms for the same number of points, making your vacation points stretch a bit further. On the flip side, newer or high-demand resorts might require more points per night, especially during peak times.

When selecting your home resort, it’s smart to look at the points charts to see how far your annual allotment will go. For families hoping to maximize their stays, those lower points charts can really add up to extra magic—maybe even another night or two at your favorite spot!

Which DVC home resort do you own at? Do you have a personal favorite? Let us know in the comments.