Can Disney Vacation Club Be Willed?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a Disney Vacation Club member, you may be wondering if you can will your membership to someone else. The short answer is yes, but there are some important things to keep in mind.

What is the Disney Vacation Club?

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a timeshare program that allows members to purchase points that can be used to stay at Disney resorts and other affiliated properties. Members can choose from various membership options that determine the number of points they receive each year.

Can DVC Memberships Be Willed?

Yes, DVC memberships can be willed to another person or entity. This means that even after you pass away, your DVC membership will continue to exist and can be used by your designated recipient.

However, it’s important to note that there are some restrictions on who can inherit a DVC membership. According to the official DVC policy, memberships can only be passed down through direct lineage, which means they can only be inherited by your spouse, children, or grandchildren.

If you don’t have any eligible heirs or if your heirs don’t want the membership, you may be able to designate another person or entity as a beneficiary. However, this process is subject to approval by Disney and may come with additional fees.

How Do You Will Your DVC Membership?

To will your DVC membership, you’ll need to include it in your estate plan just like any other asset. This usually involves creating a will or trust document that specifies who should inherit the membership after you pass away.

It’s important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney who understands how to handle unique assets like DVC memberships. They can help ensure that your wishes are properly documented and that any potential tax implications are taken into account.

What Happens If You Don’t Will Your DVC Membership?

If you don’t will your DVC membership, it will pass to your heirs according to the laws of your state. This could potentially result in the membership being inherited by someone who doesn’t want it or who isn’t eligible to use it.

Additionally, if you have multiple heirs and they can’t agree on how to use the membership, it could lead to conflict and legal battles. By including your DVC membership in your estate plan, you can help avoid these types of issues and ensure that your wishes are respected.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a DVC member, it’s important to create an estate plan that includes your membership. By doing so, you can ensure that it passes to someone who will appreciate and use it, while also avoiding potential conflicts among your heirs.

Remember to work with an experienced estate planning attorney who understands how to handle unique assets like DVC memberships. With proper planning and documentation, you can rest assured that your DVC membership will be properly taken care of after you’re gone.