Is Now a Good Time to Buy Disney Vacation Club at Disney World?

If you’ve been eyeing Disney Vacation Club for a while, you’ve probably noticed the buzz around hotel expansions, stricter practices for personal use, and a whole lot of chatter among Disney fans about whether now is the right time to finally join. DVC is a major investment, and for many families, it’s just as emotional as it is financial. After all, we’re talking about locking in years of magical vacations at Disney World (and beyond). So is this the moment to take the leap?

Let’s break down what’s happening right now in the DVC world so you can decide whether this is the best time to buy.

Before we get going any further, you might find yourself asking, “What is Disney Vacation Club?” and how would that have anything to do with me. Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s version of a timeshare program, but with far more flexibility. Instead of purchasing specific weeks, you buy a set number of vacation points that can be used at DVC resorts across Disney World, Disneyland, Disney’s beach resorts, and even select international destinations. These points renew every year, can be banked or borrowed, and allow you to stay in everything from deluxe studios to 3-bedroom grand villas.

For families who love Disney and want the comfort of deluxe-level accommodations without paying rising cash rates year after year, DVC can be a strategic long-term investment.

Direct Prices Are Rising…but So Are The Perks

Disney has steadily raised direct-purchase prices for years, and 2025 is no exception. Newer properties like Disney’s Riviera Resort and the Villas at the Disneyland Hotel already sit at premium price points. Recent expansions at Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort mean more inventory — but likely at higher direct rates.

So why do people still buy direct? Because perks matter. When you buy the minimum direct points required (currently 150, but it has changed in the past), you get access to member lounges like the ones in EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and Disney Springs, Moonlight Magic events, member discounts on dining, tickets, and merchandise, and exclusive member experiences.

If these extras add value to your vacation style (especially if you visit often), buying direct can still be worth it, even with the higher upfront cost. But if perks don’t sway you, resale may be the better play.

The Resale Market Is Surprisingly Buyer-Friendly Right Now

If you’ve watched the DVC resale market over the past few years, you’ve seen prices fluctuate — and recently, trend downward. Inventory is currently higher than usual, which means buyers have more choices and more negotiating power. In some cases, the cost per point on resale contracts is hundreds (yes, hundreds) less than buying direct.

However, buying resale comes with trade-offs. You won’t get the full set of member benefits, such as those who purchased directly from Disney, like the ever-popular Moonlight Magic after hours parties in the parks. Resale contracts for newer resorts, such as Disney’s Riviera Resort, have restrictions on where you can use your points. For example, someone purchasing a DVC contract for interest in Disney’s Riviera Resort will ONLY ever be able to use their resale points for stays at Disney’s Riviera Resort (their “home” resort) and not at any of the other DVC hotels.

Additionally, Disney has the Right of First Refusal (ROFR), which can delay or complicate a purchase if your offer is too low. This means that although you and the original seller of the points have made an agreement, Disney can decide that they actually want to buy those same points back from the seller during your transaction, leaving you empty-handed and forcing you to bid on another seller’s contract for points.

But don’t let that completely scare you off from considering your available options on the resale market! If your goal is to stay at your home resort year after year without paying the premium direct cost, resale continues to be an incredibly strong option.

More DVC Inventory Is Coming — Which Can Be A Good Thing

One big reason many families are asking whether now is a good time to buy is the wave of new and upcoming Disney Vacation Club expansions. The recent boom in hotel expansions to include even more DVC inventory to existing popular properties is what’s driving buyer interest.

Hotel accommodations at Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort debuted with lake views and larger accommodations, Disney dipped into what was previously considered a “moderate” hotel category to revamp The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort to offer a more affordable entry point, and there’s still the excitement surrounding the upcoming Disneyland-forward expansions creating fresh demand in the West Coast market, causing ripple effects across Disney World contracts.

More inventory usually brings more incentives, more availability, and (at least temporarily) more competitive offers as sellers and developers try to attract buyers. If you’ve been waiting for a new resort to call “home” that fits your family size or vacation style, this might be the moment you’ve been holding out for.

Consider Your Family’s Travel Habits

At the end of the day, the best time to buy DVC is when it makes sense for how your family vacations, and there are a few questions to ask yourself. Do you visit Disney at least once every 1–2 years? Do you prefer Deluxe hotels — especially the monorail area or EPCOT resorts? Will locking in today’s rates save you money over the next decade? And are you okay with committing to annual dues?

If you answered “yes” to most of those, then buying DVC now may truly benefit you long-term — especially if you snag a resale contract at a lower price or choose a new resort with incentives.

So…Is Now Actually A Good Time To Buy DVC?

Honestly? For many families, yes — but not for every family. It’s a fantastic time if you’re considering buying a resale contract, you’re excited about one of the newly expanding properties, you value the perks that come only with direct purchases, and you vacation at Disney World consistently and prefer Deluxe hotel stays.

It may not be the right moment if you’re unsure about annual costs or if you expect your travel habits to change.

If you’re still on the fence, we’ve shared TONS of information about Disney Vacation Club ownership, like walking you through the numbers, comparing perks, and helping you decide whether buying now (or waiting) fits your family’s future Disney plans. Be sure to check back in with us soon, right here at AllEars for even more DVC news and updates!

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What would need to be true for you to consider buying DVC right now? Tell us what perks would catch your interest in the comments below!

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