Best Practices for Owners with Large DVC Contracts

In Las Vegas, all the big casinos want to attract whales. The same premise applies to free-to-play gaming apps. Everybody covets the big spenders.

That same logic applies to the Disney Vacation Club as well. Every DVC guide has a handful of whales that they keep on their contacts list because they know the deal. Whales drive economies like this one by buying all the properties. 

Those of you who own several hundred DVC Points are whales. Oh, how the rest of us envy you! At any point, you can pick a DVC property and book a reservation. The only twinge of regret you may feel is when you pay Annual Dues, but let’s be honest. You can afford it. So, let’s have some fun! Here are the best practices for owners of large DVC contracts.

Spread the Wealth 

I know someone who owns almost 1,000 DVC Points at the same resort. This is someone I love and would never criticize, but that’s borderline indefensible to me. 

Each year, they face the same dilemma at the seven-month window that the rest of us do. Sure, they have enough points to book anywhere, but there must be availability first. 

When you plan to purchase hundreds of DVC points, you should choose multiple resorts. By doing so, you open 11-month windows at all these places rather than just one. 

The only exception to this rule applies to members who prefer Bungalows, Cabins, Grand Villas, or Treehouse Villas. If you plan to stay in a Room Type that requires several hundred points per week, that’s a unique scenario. In that one instance, owning many points at a single resort is justified. 

Otherwise, you should spread the love. Snag contracts at several DVC resorts, preferably buying at least 100 points at each one. By adopting this approach, the seven-month window won’t be much of an issue for you. 

You should be able to book where you own without any stress, which is as it should be. After all, you’re investing a lot of your hard-earned money into the DVC program. 

Do Some Reconnaissance 

The lobby of Disney’s Riviera Resort

Whenever you’re visiting Disneyland or Walt Disney World, you should devote some time to the various DVC resorts. Specifically, head to the places where you don’t currently own. At your current pace, there’s a real chance you wind up with DVC contracts at more than half the properties. 

So, you should always pay attention to what you like and don’t like about each one. Ask someone in the hotel lobby or at the DVC desk to show you a room. Then, look around and decide whether it’s for you. 

Even if you like what you see, I’ll encourage you to pay attention as you leave. Notice the transportation options and whether you find them convenient. It’s the DVC equivalent of trying before you buy.

I’ll add that logistics shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. Anyone who can afford so many DVC Points can also snag a Minnie Van as needed. That door-to-door service makes any resort more convenient. 

Embrace the DVC Cruise Lifestyle

Disney Cruise Line (DCL) has experienced a fascinating series of events in the 2020s. First, the entire cruise industry faced an extinction-level event with the pandemic. Right after pinhead analysts like me wondered if it could ever recover, cruises exploded in popularity. 

As proof, DCL has doubled the size of its fleet during the 2020s, including the Disney Adventure. Remarkably, five more vessels will debut by the end of 2031, which tells the whole story. Disney wouldn’t be investing this many resources if people weren’t voting with their wallets. 

While I reiterate that spending your DVC Points on cruises is a poor investment, you should still take this kind of vacation. You have the points to splash around, and it’s pure joy as a tourist experience. 

DCL seeds its cruises with literally hundreds of activities. You can always find something to do, day or night. The character greetings are often more personalized than at the parks, and the food is otherworldly. 

DCL’s Wish-class ships have introduced even more theme park-esque experiences, such as the award-winning Haunted Mansion Parlor. On the newest ship, the Disney Destiny, you can drink at Dr. Strange’s Sanctum or sing a song with Cruella de Vil. You don’t have to pay for any of this, as the experiences are basic amenities during your cruise. 

So, why am I recommending this one if cruise exchange rates aren’t good? Alternatively, you can participate in a different exchange program. Use DVC Rental Store to swap your DVC Points for a Disney cruise. You’ll maximize the value of your points while unlocking a new form of Disney vacation. 

Since you have so many points, you can do this frequently, which will make your cruises even better. The Castaway Club will provide you with better benefits each time you reach a new tier, which should be no problem for you. After just ten sailings, you’ll join the Platinum Member level, which includes a free meal at Palo each cruise. These are the kinds of benefits you’ll find addictive, as is the Disney cruise itself.

Access all available Disney Vacation Club resale listings, or learn more about buying and selling with DVC Resale Market.

If you’d like to make an offer or request a free consultation about buying or adding to your DVC contract, the DVC Resale Market team is here to help!