Disney Vacation Club Resales 101


by Shontell Crawford, Owner dvcbyresale.com

If you’ve spent any time researching Disney Vacation Club (DVC), you’ve probably heard people mention buying “resale” instead of purchasing directly from Disney. For many prospective members, that raises an obvious question:

“What exactly is Disney Vacation Club resale, and why do so many buyers choose it?”

The answer is surprisingly simple.

Disney Vacation Club resale allows buyers to purchase an existing DVC membership from a current owner, rather than buying a new membership directly from Disney. In many cases, buyers can save thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars while still enjoying the core benefits of DVC ownership.

Let’s take a closer look at how Disney Vacation Club resale works and why it has become such a popular option for Disney fans.

What Is Disney Vacation Club?

Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s vacation ownership program, or in other words, Disney’s timeshare program.

Instead of paying traditional hotel rates each time they travel, members purchase an ownership interest represented by points. Those points can then be used to reserve accommodations at Disney Vacation Club resorts.

DVC resorts feature accommodations ranging from deluxe studios to multi-bedroom villas, often including amenities such as kitchenettes, full kitchens, washers and dryers, and additional living space.

Many members use their points year after year to create family vacation traditions while reducing the cost of staying in deluxe Disney accommodations.

What Is Disney Vacation Club Resale?

A Disney Vacation Club resale purchase occurs when an existing owner decides to sell their membership to someone else.

Rather than purchasing points directly from Disney, buyers purchase an existing ownership interest through a licensed resale brokerage.

Because DVC ownership is a real estate interest, the transaction includes contracts, title work, escrow, closing documents, and deed recording.

In short, the ownership transfers from one member to another.

Why Do Owners Sell Their DVC Memberships?

One common misconception is that owners only sell because they are unhappy with their membership.

In reality, owners sell for many of the same reasons people sell homes, vacation properties, or other long-term assets.

Some common reasons include:

  • Changes in vacation habits
  • Retirement
  • Relocation
  • Family changes
  • Estate planning
  • Financial priorities

The existence of a healthy resale market is simply a natural part of ownership.

Why Do Buyers Choose DVC Resale?

The biggest reason is value.

Depending on the resort, buyers can often purchase Disney Vacation Club memberships on the resale market for significantly less than current direct prices offered by Disney.

For example, recent resale transactions have produced savings ranging from approximately $18,000 to nearly $40,000 when compared to Disney’s current direct pricing for similar ownership interests.

For many families, those savings make Disney Vacation Club ownership more attainable.

Real-World-Saving Examples

Recent resale transactions have included:

  • A 250-point Saratoga Springs contract that saved approximately $30,000 compared to current direct pricing.
  • A 225-point Bay Lake Tower contract that saved more than $32,000.
  • A 300-point Riviera Resort contract that saved nearly $40,000.
  • A 170-point Aulani contract that saved more than $24,000.

While pricing changes over time, these examples help illustrate why so many buyers begin their DVC ownership journey by exploring the resale market.

Disney Vacation Club Isn’t Just Walt Disney World

Many people associate Disney Vacation Club exclusively with Walt Disney World, but DVC ownership extends beyond Florida.

Members can own interests at Disney Vacation Club resorts in:

  • Florida
  • Hawaii
  • South Carolina
  • California

Resorts such as Aulani in Hawaii, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina, and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel in California provide additional vacation options beyond Walt Disney World.

Is Buying DVC Resale Safe?

Yes.

When handled properly through licensed professionals like DVC by Resale and an independent closing company, buying Disney Vacation Club resale is a well-established process.

Funds are typically held in escrow by a third-party closing company, and the transaction details are clearly outlined in the purchase contract.

The closing company and brokerage verify important information throughout the transaction, helping ensure buyers receive exactly what they agreed to purchase.

What Are the Restrictions on DVC Resale?

One of the most common questions prospective buyers ask is what they give up by purchasing resale.

Disney has implemented certain restrictions on resale ownership over the years, and those restrictions vary depending on the resort being purchased.

In general, resale buyers should focus on the primary reason most people purchase Disney Vacation Club: access to spacious Disney Vacation Club accommodations at a significant savings compared to paying cash for deluxe resort stays.

Many buyers find that the savings achieved through resale far outweigh the value of benefits available only through certain direct purchases.

Because Disney policies can change over time, buyers should always verify current rules and restrictions before making a purchase decision.

How Does the DVC Resale Process Work?

While every transaction is unique, most resale purchases follow a similar process:

  1. Find a contract that fits your needs.
  2. Submit an offer to the seller.
  3. Complete Disney’s Right of First Refusal review, if applicable.
  4. Proceed through closing and deed recording.
  5. Wait for Disney to complete the ownership transfer.

Once Disney finishes processing the transfer, the new owner can begin using their membership

Frequently Asked Questions

What don’t I get when I buy DVC resale?

Disney does not provide resale buyers with all of the perks and membership extras that may be available to eligible owners who purchase directly from Disney.

However, many resale buyers save tens of thousands of dollars on their initial purchase. For many families, those savings are the primary reason they choose the resale market.

How long does the resale process take?

We generally advise buyers to plan for approximately 60 days from accepted offer to closing.

Some transactions close faster, while others take longer depending on factors such as Disney’s Right of First Refusal review and processing timelines.

Can I sell my DVC contract later?

Yes.

Disney Vacation Club Membership is a real estate interest, legally recorded in the county of each resort and has had an active resale market for many years. Owners who decide to sell typically list their membership through a licensed resale brokerage.

How soon can I make reservations after closing?

In many cases, Disney completes the ownership transfer process within two to four weeks after closing, allowing new owners to begin using their membership at that time.

Final Thoughts

Disney Vacation Club resale has allowed countless Disney fans to become DVC owners while saving substantial amounts compared to purchasing directly from Disney.

Like any major purchase, it’s important to understand how the program works, what restrictions apply, and which ownership option best fits your family’s vacation goals.

The most successful Disney Vacation Club owners are usually not the fastest buyers—they’re the most informed buyers.