Buying DVC Resale vs. Direct: Which Is Right for You?

Want to join the 250,000 other members of Disney Vacation Club? We can’t blame you. After all, Disney Vacation Club is one of the best vacation clubs to join! With that said, if you’re looking to become a member, you have some important decisions to make. Most importantly, will you buy DVC points on the resale market or directly from Disney? When it comes to DVC, both options have benefits. Fortunately, we can make the decision a bit easier! Keep reading for our breakdown of the differences between buying DVC resale vs direct from Disney.

Buying DVC Resale

Perhaps one of the most enticing things about purchasing DVC on the resale market is the price point. By purchasing your DVC membership on the resale market, you can save thousands of dollars while still getting the ownership you want. You can spend less money and purchase more points. It’s also worth noting that the Disney resale market is the strongest in the industry. This means that as a buyer, you have a ton of options to choose from! 

Plus, on the resale market, there is no minimum or maximum number of DVC points you can buy, so you can really tailor your ownership to your family’s vacation needs. 

Typical Contract Sizes for First-Time Buyers

Wondering how many points most first-time Disney Vacation Club owners start with? Many families tend to begin with contracts in the 150- to 200-point range. This sweet spot gives new members a great blend of flexibility and value—it’s enough to enjoy a weeklong stay (or even longer!) at popular resorts in a Studio or 1-Bedroom Villa each year.

Of course, your ideal contract size depends on your vacation goals. Whether you’re looking to treat the kids to an annual summer adventure or sneak away for shorter weekend escapes more often, starting with a moderate-sized contract gives you plenty of options without going overboard.

One of the best things about a DVC membership, regardless of where you purchase it from, is the flexibility it offers. After purchasing a deeded real estate interest, Disney Vacation Club members receive vacation points every year. Unlike traditional timeshares, you are never locked into a specific resort, time of year, or length of stay. So whether you want to enjoy some spring break travel or a winter getaway, Disney has you covered.

What Is the Difference in DVC Resale vs. Direct Price Per Point?

As we mentioned earlier, the reason so many people gravitate towards buying a DVC resale is the savings on the initial purchase price. The table below provides a deeper look at how incredible the resale deals were in 2024, based on DVC’s cost per point. With that being said, prices on DVC resales change every month, so make sure to check our Monthly Average DVC Resale Price Per Point to see month-to-month change.

Resort	2024 DVC Resale Average Cost/ Point	Current Direct Price/Point	Price Difference/ Point	Percentage Saving with Resale
Animal Kingdom Villas	$98.45	$210.00	$111.55	53%
Aulani	$95.48	$225.00	$129.52	57%
Bay Lake Tower	$122.75	$275.00	$110.51	55%
Beach Club Villas	$126.53	$275.00	$148.47	54%
BoardWalk	$106.74	$240.00	$133.26	56%
Boulder Ridge	$92.40	$215.00	$122.60	57%
Copper Creek	$129.09	$250.00	$120.91	48%
Disneyland Hotel Villas	$155.00	$230.00	$75.00	33%
Grand Californian	$242.08	$310.00	$67.92	21.91%
Grand Floridian	$152.08	$230.00	$77.92	34%
Hilton Head	$57.57	$165.00	$107.43	65%
Old Key West	$95.75	$205.00	$109.25	53%
Polynesian	$146.43	$250.00	$103.57	41%
Riviera Resort	$116.42	$225.00	$108.58	48%
Saratoga Springs	$90.18	$205.00	$114.82	56%
Vero Beach	$48.21	$150.00	$101.79	68%

Remember that these figures are simply averages across DVC resorts. A resale contract available on our marketplace may be more or less than the price stated in the table above.

Should You Buy at Resorts Away From the Parks?

You might notice that resorts farther from the magic—like those not within easy reach of the theme parks—often come with the deepest discounts on the resale market. While a lower price per point can definitely catch your eye, it’s important to look beyond just the sticker price.

Resorts such as Hilton Head, Vero Beach, and Aulani can be wonderful for certain travelers, but they come with a few big caveats. First, these resorts generally have higher annual maintenance fees than more centrally located options.

If you’re not specifically looking for laid-back beach vibes or a Hawaiian escape every year, you could end up feeling limited by the location and reservation windows. So, unless you and your family have your hearts set on returning to these particular resorts year after year, it might be wise to think twice before chasing the lowest upfront price.

Remember, the strongest value with DVC comes from owning where you most want to stay.

How Will Resort Contract Expirations in 2042 Impact Future Value?

Thinking long-term? It’s important to note that several beloved Disney Vacation Club resorts—like BoardWalk, Beach Club, and Boulder Ridge—have contracts set to expire in 2042. What does this mean for you as a current or prospective member?

When a resort’s contract expires and is not extended, those accommodations may no longer be available for DVC bookings. As a result, availability at these classic locations could completely disappear from the DVC network. This, in turn, means that newer resorts—such as Riviera—may become much more sought-after by default.

Why? With fewer legacy resorts in the booking pool, demand naturally increases at properties still available for DVC stays. The law of supply and demand kicks in: as popular options sunset, the remaining properties often rise in both value and desirability. Even resorts that may not be at the top of your wish list today could become highly prized once the 2042 transitions occur.

So, if your goal is to maximize long-term flexibility and value, it’s worth thinking about how expiring contracts could shift the landscape. By 2050, the DVC portfolio could look very different, with some resorts disappearing and new ones added with unique rules or limitations. Planning ahead can help ensure that your membership delivers the vacations you want, even decades down the line.

Do Disney Vacation Club Benefits Transfer?

Becoming a member of the DVC family comes with a lot of perks. So, a common concern of buyers who are browsing the resale market is in regard to DVC benefits.

Do DVC membership benefits transfer? You’ll be happy to find that DVC resale timeshares still offer great perks, even though not all of the extra benefits transfer.

Pool Hopping

When you stay at a DVC resort, you don’t just get access to their pools. Pool hopping lets you access any of the pools at other DVC resorts. These aren’t just ordinary pools either, many of them are mini waterparks complete with massive water slides, beaches, and more!

Travel the World

You read that right! With your membership, you can vacation around the world with vacation exchange through Interval International. A membership with Interval International allows you to trade your existing DVC points for stays at resorts worldwide. II’s catalog of resorts includes not only DVC properties but also resorts from some of the top brands in the world, including Marriott and Westgate. So you can exchange points to stay at resorts worldwide.

Ditch the Room Key!

By downloading the My Disney Experience App, guests have access to their rooms directly from their phones with the app’s digital key. As a result, you won’t have to double-check your pockets for your room key anymore. In addition, the app can be used to chat with Cast Members and find out when the next bus can take you to the theme parks.

Walt Disney World Annual Pass Options for DVC Members

Another major consideration for Disney fans eyeing DVC membership is the array of Annual Pass options available at Walt Disney World—and how those options stack up, especially for DVC members.

Here’s a quick breakdown of current Walt Disney World Annual Pass tiers and prices for 2025:

• Pixie Dust Pass: The most budget-friendly option, available exclusively to Florida residents.
• Pirate Pass: A step up, also reserved for Florida residents.
• Sorcerer Pass: Available to both Florida residents and eligible Disney Vacation Club members.
• Incredi-Pass: The top-tier pass, open to everyone, including non-Florida residents and non-DVC members.

The real DVC advantage? Access to the Sorcerer Pass. This mid-range pass provides great flexibility for most vacationers and comes at a noticeably lower price than the top-tier Incredi-Pass. For most DVC members, being able to snag the Sorcerer Pass translates to significant savings—often around $470 per person compared to the Incredi-Pass. The main trade-off is that the Sorcerer Pass comes with a few date restrictions, typically blocking out peak holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

So, if unlocking extra trips to your favorite Orlando rides is a must, and you don’t mind missing the busiest weeks of the year, the Sorcerer Pass is an excellent perk tied specifically to direct DVC purchases.

But remember, not every member will need or want an Annual Pass. If park-hopping isn’t on your agenda every year, this particular benefit might not tip the scales for you.

DVC Resale Vs. Direct in 2025

A few benefits don’t transfer to new DVC members on the resale market. Among these are discounts on dining, shopping, and park passes. Also, specific collections of the Member Getaways Program (Adventurer Collection, Concierge Collection, Cruise Collection, or Disney Collection) do not transfer if you don’t purchase an ownership interest directly from DVC.

Disney Vacation Club Direct Benefits

Disney Vacation Club also enacted a few new restrictions in early 2019 that limit buying DVC resale contracts. If you were to purchase DVC points on the resale market now for any of the original 14 resorts, you wouldn’t be able to use your points at any new resorts, like the Riviera. Meanwhile, owners who purchased DVC points on the resale market for any of the newer resorts can only stay at their home resort. The original 14 DVC resorts are:

The Disney Vacation Club also offers numerous perks, discounts, and incidental benefits. These include:

• Access to private lounges in the parks.
• Discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise.
• The ability to purchase exclusive merchandise.
• Moonlight Magic: free park admission on select nights.
• Discount on park admission and Annual Passes.
• The ability to purchase the Sorcerer Pass, usually only available to Florida residents.
• Member exclusive events.

To qualify for these additional perks, you must purchase at least 150 points directly from Disney. However, you can still access these perks when using points purchased on the resale market, so long as at least 150 of your total points are directly purchased.

Incidental Membership Extras—like discounts or exclusive events—can be fun additions to your DVC experience, but they shouldn’t be the cornerstone of your ownership decision. While Disney Vacation Club offers enticing perks such as shopping and dining discounts, special lounges, and member-only events (think Moonlight Magic), these benefits are considered “incidental.” That means they are subject to change or even end altogether without notice. Disney makes it clear: there’s no guarantee that these extras will stick around or remain the same.

It’s also good to note that similar discounts are sometimes available through other avenues, such as Disney Visa cards or Annual Passholder programs. So, while perks like access to members-only lounges in the parks, free refreshments, or exclusive events absolutely add to the experience and create memorable moments, they shouldn’t be factored into your long-term savings calculations.

Ultimately, while these extras are a nice bonus and can enhance your vacations, the real value of a DVC membership comes from the vacation accommodations and the flexibility DVC offers—everything else is just extra magic.

How Future Changes Could Impact Your Decision

When comparing buying DVC direct versus resale, it’s important to keep an eye on how Membership Perks and restrictions might evolve. Disney is always looking for ways to differentiate direct purchases, and it’s not uncommon for new perks—like special discounts or exclusive events—to be rolled out for direct owners as a way to encourage buying from them rather than the resale market.

These perks, such as Annual Pass discounts or early booking windows, add an extra layer of appeal to a direct purchase, especially if you plan on visiting the parks often. However, remember that Disney can—and often does—change these benefits at their discretion. The perks that exist today may not be around forever, and new ones may appear that further separate direct and resale memberships.

Resale restrictions, too, have been tightening over the years. As more resorts open (like the recent Riviera or the upcoming ones), expect Disney to implement additional limitations on where points purchased via resale can be used. This means that while buying resale can offer significant upfront savings, your flexibility to stay at certain newer resorts or fully enjoy every member benefit may be reduced in the future.

Ultimately, the best value comes down to what you value most: If maximizing perks and flexibility is crucial, direct ownership might make sense for you. If saving money and still enjoying the core joys of DVC is your priority, resale may fit the bill—even if some perks are off-limits. Always weigh current offers, watch for potential changes, and consider how long you intend to be a member. This way, you’ll choose the path that suits your Disney adventures for years to come.

Navigating DVC Resale Restrictions

It is common for vacation programs to restrict certain member benefits on resale. However, these incidental benefits shouldn’t keep you from considering DVC resale as a serious option. Many owners will buy directly from Disney first and then add DVC points on the resale market later at a lower price. That way, you can retain all the same DVC member benefits while saving money to get all the adventure. 

You’re still buying into priority access to the Disney Vacation Club network by purchasing resale. If you want to book a trip during peak times, even with a resale membership, you have priority to book up to 11 months in advance. Additionally, despite not saving on dining, you still will be saving on your initial purchase by potentially thousands of dollars. 

Adding Resale Points to Your Membership

As we mentioned earlier, many existing DVC owners purchase points so they can add to their already existing membership. Doing this on the resale market is a great way to save money and avoid a sales pitch for a product you already like.

Buying DVC Resale Vs. Direct Pros and Cons

It’s important to decide what you consider deal-breakers when looking into buying DVC memberships directly from Disney or from a recommended re-seller. We narrowed down our list of DVC resale vs direct pros and cons.

Pros of Buying Disney Vacation Club Resales

The main reason people buy DVC resale is because of the incredible savings! Resale Disney Vacation Club points can be up to 50 percent cheaper than if you purchased them directly from Disney. Another great advantage of buying resale is that you may be able to find a DVC resort that is completely sold out on Disney’s end. If you’ve been dreaming of having a specific DVC home resort, check out what DVC timeshares for sale we have available now! Disney Vacation Club is a great way to guarantee that you will have a stress-free time planning your future vacations.

You’ll never have to worry about what resort you’ll book or if there will be enough room for everyone in your party. DVC resorts offer private, spacious villas and may include kitchens and private balconies. These amenities help make your villa feel like home. Once you’re there, you’ll enjoy more perks, including free parking, shuttle service, pool hopping, and more! If you’re already a DVC member looking to add more points, resale is the best option. You have the benefits of buying directly from Disney, and you get to save on additional point purchases. Overall, it’s a win-win!

Cons of Buying Disney Vacation Club Resales

The biggest con to buying Disney Vacation Club resale is that you don’t have access to all of the DVC benefits offered to members who purchase directly from Disney. These benefits include discounts on tickets, merchandise, and dining. However, if you think of the money you save by buying a resale, those discounts may not seem as important. As we’ve mentioned before, you also won’t be able to visit every DVC resort when you buy points resale. Lastly, you’ll need to plan far in advance to stay somewhere other than your home resort. These properties tend to be pretty popular, so stays at many of them are in high demand!

The Intangible Perks of Buying Direct

Beyond dollars and cents, there’s a certain Disney “pixie dust” that comes with purchasing directly from the Mouse. For some members, the joy of attending exclusive Moonlight Magic events, receiving that coveted “Welcome Home!” letter, or flashing a shiny blue Membership Card for access to lounges makes the experience feel extra special.

There’s also the satisfaction of being an “official” member, with bragging rights that bring a little extra sparkle to every visit. The personal touches—like invites to special previews or behind-the-scenes tours—often create lasting memories that go beyond room nights or point charts. If you love the emotional connection and a sense of belonging to the full Disney Vacation Club family, these little moments can sometimes outweigh the savings found on the resale market.

Key Considerations Before Joining Disney Vacation Club

Before you make your final decision about whether or not to join Disney Vacation Club, it’s important to weigh all your options with both your heart and your head. While visions of magical vacations might dance in your mind, there are practical questions you should ask yourself first to decide if DVC is truly the right fit for you or your family.

1. Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Savings
Purchasing DVC involves a significant initial investment, whether you buy direct from Disney or choose the resale route. Consider whether you’re comfortable with paying a large sum upfront, knowing that—over time—you could save on future vacations. It’s helpful to compare what you’d spend if you simply paid for hotel stays as you go versus locking in rates with DVC. And remember, the money you’d spend on DVC could work for you elsewhere if invested, so think about potential opportunity costs as well.

2. Access to Resorts and Member Benefits
Think about what’s truly important for your vacation experiences. Are you hoping for expansive resort options or dreaming of exclusive member perks like discounts and special event invitations? Buying resale often means significant savings, yet some perks and the newest resorts might only be available when buying direct. Decide what you can and can’t live without before committing.

3. Flexibility and Planning
DVC memberships are best suited for planners and families who love returning to Disney destinations year after year. If you cherish spontaneity in your vacations or anticipate your travel preferences changing, weigh whether DVC’s structure will work for you. Consider your vacation style, family’s needs, and whether you’ll get the full value over the lifetime of the contract.

4. Future Value and Restrictions
It’s also wise to keep an eye on the horizon. Disney occasionally changes the rules around resale and member benefits, so what you see today might not be exactly what you get down the road. Be sure you’re comfortable with the terms now—and read up on how things might shift in the future.

Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your travel goals, financial comfort, and what you value most in a vacation ownership program. Don’t rush—take time to research, run the numbers, and maybe even talk to other DVC owners. That way, when you do decide, you’ll know you made the right call for your own Disney adventures.

Should I Buy DVC Direct or Resale?

Ultimately, the choice between buying DVC points on the resale market or directly from Disney comes down to your personal preferences. If saving money is your priority, then a DVC resale is the way to go. On the other hand, if you really want all the perks of DVC ownership, you may be better off buying direct.

What feels like a perfect fit for some may not work for others. Consider making your own DVC resale vs direct pros and cons list. Don’t forget the importance of your Use Year when you buy direct or on the resale market!

Our Recommendation: Resale or Direct?

After weighing the pros and cons, you’re probably wondering which option is best for most buyers. In our experience, choosing the DVC resale market is often the smartest move—especially for those who want to maximize savings without sacrificing the magic of Disney resort stays. The upfront discounts found through trusted resellers like Fidelity Real Estate typically offer genuine value, which adds up significantly over time.

That being said, some families may have unique reasons for wanting every available benefit tied to direct purchases. Whether it’s a must-have member event, special perks, or just the pure joy of being an “original,” those preferences are absolutely valid. The decision isn’t always black and white, and the right choice depends on your vacation style, budget, and what matters most to your family.

Whichever path you follow, the most important step is making an informed decision that feels right for you. Take the time to consider your priorities, do your homework, and reach out to licensed experts if you need more guidance. Ultimately, both routes can unlock a lifetime of magical vacations—you just have to choose the adventure that best suits your story!

Buy DVC Resales with Fidelity Real Estate

If you’ve decided to buy DVC points on the resale market, you’ve come to the right place! Fidelity Real Estate has an online marketplace with plenty of listings for DVC resorts. Getting started is simple. Just browse our marketplace until you find a listing you like. From there, all you need to do is make an offer. No need to sit through a timeshare meeting; you can handle the entire process from the comfort of your home! Click the link below to browse through DVC resales today!

DVC Resale Listings

You can find DVC resorts near Walt Disney World and Disneyland, as well as on beaches in Florida, Hilton Head, and Hawaii. Below is a list of all the Disney Vacation Club properties!

Click the one that most interests you to start browsing our DVC resale contracts:

Not sure which Disney Vacation Club resort you want to purchase resale points at? Check out our blog, DVC Resorts Ranked: Fidelity’s Top Picks!

Sell DVC Points on the Resale Market

Have you decided timeshare ownership isn’t for you anymore? Then we can help you, too! At Fidelity Real Estate, we’ve been helping resale owners sell their timeshares for over 20 years. In that time, we’ve become the American Resort Development Association’s featured reseller; as such, we follow a strict set of ethics that helps to keep everyone in the industry safe. We’re also the recommended broker of Disney Vacation Club. So, there’s no one better to help you sell your DVC points. Ready to get started? Then fill out the form below. One of our licensed agents will reach out about the next steps. Still have questions? No problem! Feel free to email us at [email protected] or give us a call at 1-800-410-8326. We’re always happy to help!