So you want to stay at a Disney resort, but you’re not a Disney Vacation Club member. If you’re a part of a different vacation club, don’t fret! Disney Vacation Club exchange allows you to swap your timeshare for a stay at seventeen Disney properties! If you’re already a DVC member, you can use your points to unlock even more vacations! Read on to learn more.
Disney Vacation Club Exchange: The Basics
The Disney Vacation Club, or DVC, is Disney’s timeshare program. Owners purchase DVC points that they can use at seventeen Disney resorts. Most DVC resorts are located in Orlando, near Walt Disney World. Two of them are in Anaheim, near Disneyland. The rest are independent resorts in popular vacation spots, like Hawaii and Hilton Head Island.
In terms of volume, the Disney Vacation Club is pretty small, offering fewer than 20 properties in a market where its competitors have dozens, or even hundreds. However, it makes up for the lack of properties with exclusivity. No other timeshare can get as close to the Disney theme parks, and they offer the top-notch theming and amenities the brand is known for. This means that DVC timeshares are highly sought after, both on exchanges and the resale market.
Using a Vacation Exchange
Vacation exchange services allow you to convert your timeshare into vacation points. You can then trade these points for stays at other properties. The cost of vacation points for a reservation depends on factors such as popularity, availability, season, and unit type. This relationship goes both ways. A highly sought-after timeshare will exchange for more vacation points, but will also cost more to book.
If you’re a DVC resale owner or a member of another vacation club, your primary exchange option will be Interval International (II). DVC owners who purchased directly from Disney have an additional option: The Disney Collection, which we’ll go over later.
Interval International
Interval International is one of the two major vacation exchange companies. In addition to working with the Disney Vacation Club, it’s also affiliated with Marriott, Hyatt, and thousands of other brands. You can check whether your resort is part of Interval’s network using their search tool.
Interval International uses a standard point exchange system. DVC members can either deposit their points directly or reserve a stay and exchange that for points. The latter option is best for last-minute exchanges, but you won’t earn as many points. The number of points you’ll earn is dependent on your home resort. The more popular the resort, the more points you’ll earn.
There are several types of exchanges you can make with II. The most basic is the vacation exchange, where you trade your points for a week at another timeshare. If you want to stay for less than a week, you can book a ShortStay exchange, which has a shorter reservation window but gives you more control over the length of your vacation.
You don’t need to use points to book a stay, however. II also offers Getaways, allowing you to pay cash for a timeshare vacation in lieu of points. These are subject to availability, but are often a great value. Like their other offerings, you can book full week Getaways and ShortStays.
Finally, Interval International offers a Hotel Exchange, allowing you to use a combination of points and cash to stay at a variety of hotels and resorts, including ones that aren’t timeshares. You can even use your points to book a cruise!
The Disney Collection
The Disney Collection is Disney’s internal vacation exchange, allowing you to convert DVC points into vacation points you can use at non-DVC Disney properties. This is different from the ability to stay at DVC resorts beyond your home resort, which is a baked-in feature of the club. Instead, the Disney Collection allows you to stay at non-timeshare properties, including various international resorts.
Tokyo Disney in particular is famous for its elaborate resorts, including the whimsical Fantasy Springs Hotel and the larger-than-life Toy Story Hotel. The Hotel MiraCosta at Tokyo DisneySea is the first Disney property to be located inside the park. You can also use Disney Collection points to book trips on the Disney Cruise Line, or tours through Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions.
However, there is a downside to the Disney Collection: the exchange rate of DVC Points to vacation points isn’t very good. You’re losing a lot of value when you make an exchange, especially since only direct purchases from Disney are eligible for conversion. You can purchase up to 24 single-use vacation points each year, or purchase more vacation points as an add-on to your DVC membership.
Buying Disney Vacation Club Exchange Points on the Resale Market
If you’re looking to get into vacation ownership, maximizing your exchange rate should be the least of your concerns. It’s better to find a home resort you like, since that will be the easiest place to book vacations. Buying timeshares on the resale market is much cheaper than buying direct, so that DVC getaway might be more affordable than you think!
However, if you’re looking for a different timeshare but want to leave the option of a DVC vacation open, it’s pretty easy. You’ll want to find a timeshare affiliated with Interval International. Some timeshares, like Hilton Grand Vacations, are affiliated with RCI: a different company that no longer works with Disney.
You’ll also want to consider what your timeshare will exchange for. Fixed weeks during peak season at popular resorts have a lot of trading power. For points, you’ll want a combination of a popular home resort and a decent allotment. If your timeshare isn’t very popular or at an inconvenient time for most people, it might not trade for very much.
You should never buy a timeshare solely to exchange it. Timeshares come with annual fees and other responsibilities, and you should only purchase one if you intend to use it for the rest of your life. Focus on finding one you like, and treat vacation exchanges as a bonus.
FAQs
Buy Disney Vacation Club Points With Fidelity Real Estate
Looking to lock in a lifetime of Disney vacations? Buying on the resale market is the best way to get into vacation ownership. You’ll pay a lot less per point, sometimes 50% or more, while still being able to enjoy the magic of Disney’s signature resorts.
Fidelity Real Estate is one of the most trusted names in the timeshare industry. We’re the preferred reseller for Disney Vacation Club and have over 30 years of experience helping prospective timeshare owners like you. Want to get started? Click the button below to browse our listings!
Sell Your Timeshare With Us
Looking to sell your DVC timeshare? We can help. Fill out the form below, or call us at (407) 216-5187 to get started. You can also email us at [email protected]. Our licensed real estate agents are waiting to help!
