Answering Popular Questions about DVC

How familiar are you with the Disney Vacation Club? Admittedly, it can appear somewhat confusing to potential buyers in that the DVC program works differently than conventional timeshare programs. DVC is objectively better across the board, and that’s before we factor in the Disney connection. 

Still, I’d like to clear up some of the confusing aspects. Today, I’m answering some popular questions about DVC. I’ll respond to six of them and will provide more answers later if you enjoy this discussion. 

How Does DVC Work?

That question sounds complex, and I’ll admit it comes with plenty of nuance. However, the answer is fairly simple.

When you buy into the Disney Vacation Club program, you acquire a set number of DVC Points that are renewed annually. The flexibility of DVC empowers you to choose as many or as few DVC Points as you prefer.

You then use those DVC Points to book hotel reservations at Disney’s Deluxe Villas, the most luxurious accommodations at Disney theme parks and a few other tourist destinations like Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Oahu, Hawaii. That’s the crux of the program right there. 

DVC provides a Points Chart for each of its participating properties. You’ll find that the same number of DVC Points entitles you to a longer stay at some DVC resorts than others. 

For instance, a week in a Studio at Disney’s Old Key West Resort costs 71 DVC Points, while the same room type at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort requires 97 DVC Points for a room with a standard view. A better view could cost as much as 137 DVC Points for one week. 

Also, that’s the DVC Points charge for September 1st-30th. In October, the price at Bay Lake Tower increases to 132 DVC Points for a standard room and as much as 176 DVC Points for Theme Park View as opposed to 99 DVC Points at Old Key West.

So, that’s the nuance of the DVC program right there. Your DVC Points provide you with a luxurious hotel stay. However, as is the case with any other hotel room booking in the hospitality industry, the price fluctuates based on factors like a resort’s location and amenities and the time of year when you book. 

Is Disney Vacation Club a Good Investment?

I’ll answer this question by stating something emphatically. Independent of anything I write about the program, I frequently encourage friends and family members who are Disney fans to sign up for DVC. I believe in the program that much. 

I have participated in the program for more than a decade, and a family member is coming up on his 20-year anniversary. Both of our ownership interests have increased tremendously in value over the years.

I’ll add the caveat that always applies in investing: Past performance is not indicative of future results. However, in my experience, the price of resale contracts has exponentially exceeded reasonable investment growth rate expectations. Also, that’s only half the picture.

Let’s say that your DVC contract never increases in value. In ten or 20 years, let’s presume you will sell it for the same amount you’re spending right now. Even in that worst-case scenario, you’ve still come out way ahead. Why is that?

You’ll have gained at least a decade’s worth of Disney vacations in the interim! DVC will have empowered you to stay at resorts that cost several hundred and sometimes even thousands of dollars per night. So, that’s money you keep in your bank account because you never spend it on a single-use hotel stay. 

Yes, the Disney Vacation Club is a good investment. In fact, I consider it one of the best tourist options in the hospitality industry. 

Which DVC Resorts Are Available?

Currently, the Disney Vacation Club includes 16 properties, with the impending arrival of The Villas at Disneyland Hotel (TVaDH). A 17th resort will join the lineup next year when Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground adds a DVC presence. 

Disney is currently constructing an expansion tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. We don’t know yet whether these new rooms will slot into the existing DVC contracts at the Poly or represent an 18th resort.

When you purchase a resale contract at most DVC properties, you can stay at any of these resorts. However, when you buy at Disney’s Riviera Resort or TVaDH, your DVC Points will only guarantee a room at the location where you own your DVC contract. 

Why Should You Buy into the Disney Vacation Club?

That’s a reasonable question. The answer comes down to the fact that you’re a Disney fan who expects to visit the parks a lot. 

The flexibility of the program enables you to choose when and how often you visit. During the times when you’d prefer a more relaxing vacation, DVC offers three destinations away from the parks. One of them – Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas – resides in Hawaii! 

So, you’re guaranteeing yourself a lifetime of vacations at luxurious accommodations. Even better, they’re brimming with Disney style and charm. Frankly, the DVC program should appeal to all Disney fans. 

Where Is the DVC Lounge in EPCOT?

Surprisingly, this is one of the most often asked questions by non-DVC members. The appeal of a private lounge at EPCOT causes some intrigue. 

Photo Courtesy of DisneyTouristBlog.com

Qualifying members of DVC will find the DVC Lounge on the second floor of the Imagination! pavilion. You’ll enter from the first floor after proving your credentials to a Disney cast member. 

You’ll find the location of this place to the left of the entrance to Journey into Imagination with Figment. Walk up the ramp to the merchandise store in the Imagination! pavilion, and you’ll find the check-in desk. 

Where Do I Sell DVC Points?

Here’s the easiest question to answer. You can sell your DVC Points right here! The DVC Resale Market has assembled a guide to the process. You can also scroll down to estimate the value of your current DVC ownership interest. 

Access all DVC resale listings and learn more about buying and selling with DVC Resale Market.