If you’re planning a Disney vacation, you may have come across the Disney Vacation Club (DVC). The DVC is a timeshare program that allows members to book accommodations at various Disney properties.
One of the unique aspects of the DVC is that members purchase points instead of traditional timeshare weeks. But how much are these points actually worth? Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding DVC Points
Before we dive into the value of DVC points, it’s important to understand how they work. When you purchase a DVC membership, you receive an allotment of points each year. These points can be used to book accommodations at Disney Vacation Club resorts or exchanged for stays at other resorts through a partnership with RCI.
The number of points required for a stay varies depending on factors such as resort location, room size, and time of year. For example, a studio room at Disney’s Beach Club Resort might require 12-16 points per night during low season but could require 30-40 points per night during peak season.
The Value of DVC Points
So how much are DVC points worth? The answer isn’t straightforward because it depends on several factors:
- The cost to purchase DVC points
- The number of years left on your membership
- The annual dues and other fees associated with your membership
- The value you place on the ability to book accommodations at Disney properties
Generally speaking, DVC points tend to be valued between $15 and $20 per point. So if you purchased 100 points for $15 per point, your initial investment would be $1,500. However, keep in mind that this doesn’t include annual dues which can vary greatly depending on your membership level and resort.
Calculating the Cost of a DVC Stay
To determine the value of your DVC points, it’s helpful to calculate the cost of a stay using cash versus points. Let’s say you want to book a 7-night stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas during low season. According to Disney’s website, the cash price for a standard view studio room is $3,279.
Using the DVC point chart, we can see that a standard view studio room during low season requires 95-123 points per night depending on how far in advance you book. Let’s assume you plan ahead and book 11 months before your stay, which means you’ll need 95 points per night. That means a 7-night stay would require 665 points.
If we value DVC points at $15 each, then the cost of that same stay using points would be $9,975 (665 x $15). That might sound like a lot, but it’s actually a savings of over $2,300 compared to the cash price.
The Bottom Line
The value of DVC points ultimately comes down to how much you’re willing to pay for the ability to book accommodations at Disney properties. If you’re someone who visits Disney every year and wants to stay in high-end accommodations, then DVC might be worth it for you. However, if you only visit occasionally or prefer to stay off-property, then purchasing DVC points may not make financial sense.
It’s also important to keep in mind that there are other factors beyond just cost when considering whether or not to join the DVC. For example, some people enjoy the flexibility that comes with being able to bank or borrow their points from year-to-year.
Overall, the value of DVC points is subjective and depends on individual circumstances. It’s important to do your research and weigh all factors before making a decision.