Answering More of Your DVC Questions

Buying into the Disney Vacation Club is something Elsa would describe as going into the unknown. You’ll have plenty of questions about how the program works. Today, I’ll answer a few more of your DVC questions.

Can DVC Members Still Buy the Disney Dining Plan?

After a four-year absence, the Disney Dining Plan finally returned in January 2024. Understandably, many DVC members don’t remember exactly how it works. Others wonder whether Disney may have changed the dining plan rules.

I’m happy to inform you that DVC members are still eligible to purchase the Disney Dining Plan. You can choose either the Quick-Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan. 

As usual, you must purchase the dining plan for every guest listed on your DVC reservation. So, the process works the same way as it did in 2019 and early 2020. 

Can DVC Members Will Their Ownership Interests?

Of course! Disney thinks family first with all its theme parks and resorts. Obviously, the Disney Vacation Club program operates under the assumption that parents and grandparents will share their vacations with their families. 

Those of you planning to write a will soon – and, by the way, you look amazing for your age! – are in for a treat. While you’re performing a relatively grim task, you can look forward to deeding your DVC contract to your loved ones. 

You’ll find precise instructions on the official DVC website. Here’s the essential piece of information: “Your Disney Vacation Club Membership is a deeded real estate interest and requires the preparation and recordation of a new deed to change how the Membership is titled.” Simply click the link and follow the instructions to will your ownership interest to your loved one. 

Can I Write Off My DVC Dues and/or Loan Interest?

We’re in tax season right now, and I want you to pay the least or get back the most money on your tax returns. So, I thought I’d address a timely question. 

I must emphasize that I am not an accountant and don’t want to cause any problems with your filing. However, I can source a recognizable tax service to answer this question.

Here’s the answer straight from a verified TurboTax post. The exact question is, “Can I deduct the mortgage interest on a timeshare?” TurboTax responds, “You can deduct interest on a timeshare if it is deeded and recorded in public records and it meets all the requirements for deducting mortgage interest.”

Obviously, this subject comes with some nuance. I’d strongly suggest asking an accountant for advice if you have additional questions. The official DVC membership site also offers a brief FAQ. 

Do DVC Points Expire?

Absolutely yes. Don’t worry, though. You can take multiple approaches to guarantee this never happens.

The short explanation is that your DVC member comes with a Use Year. On a set date each year, DVC will refill your account with your annual DVC Point allotment. 

You can use those points to book a room in the applicable timeframe. If you know you won’t visit Disney during your current Use Year, you can bank your DVC Points. In doing so, you’ll reschedule your points to be used the following Use Year. 

However, many members prefer to rent their DVC Points instead. Other potential Disney guests want to use your points to stay at Disney hotels. 

So, a more lucrative approach for you involves renting your DVC Points at DVC Rental Store. This introductory video explains the process.

Since cash is king, you may prefer this process. Either way, your DVC Points will only expire if you allow that to happen. An attentive DVC member can always find ways to use extra DVC Points.

Does Club Membership Include Cruise Bookings?

Yes! In fact, Disney offers an annual cruise exclusively for DVC members! In 2024, Disney Cruise Line will host a seven-night Mediterranean cruise for participating owners.

That’s not a one-time-only option, either. You’ll discover that owners who qualify for Membership Extras may book many cruises. There’s even a specific DVC Points Chart for this option. 

If you don’t qualify for Membership Extras, that’s fine, too. DVC Resale Market offers a Cruise Points Swap program through our sister site, DVC Rental Store. So, you can always use DVC Points to book a Disney cruise if so inclined. 

Does DVC Membership Expire?

In a way, this question dovetails with the earlier conversation about deeds. And the answer is yes, DVC ownership interests eventually expire. 

DVC Resale Market has thoughtfully collated a list of expiration dates for the various properties. You’ll notice that all of them will last for at least another 18 years. So, we’re talking about something so far from now that someone born on New Year’s Day 2024 will be an adult by the time it happens. 

Meanwhile, other dates last into the 2070s. As I often joke, I certainly don’t plan to live that long. Even if you do, you’ll find that every new DVC resort includes an expiration date that much later than 2042.

For example, DVC’s newest property, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, won’t expire until 2074. The DVC property that opened before it, Disney’s Riviera Resort, won’t expire until 2070. So, you can get nearly half a century from a DVC contract if you’re thinking long-term.