If you are a Disney fan, then you may have heard of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC). It is a timeshare program that allows members to stay at Disney resorts and other affiliated properties.
However, one of the main questions that come to mind when considering joining the DVC is – How much does it cost to join Disney Vacation Club? Let’s take a closer look at the costs involved.
Membership Options
There are two main options for joining the DVC – purchasing a real estate interest in one of the Disney Vacation Club Resorts or buying points from an existing member.
Purchasing a Real Estate Interest
When purchasing a real estate interest in one of the DVC resorts, you are essentially buying a deed for a specific number of points at that particular resort. The price per point can vary depending on the resort and time of year, but it generally ranges from $165 to $220 per point.
For example, if you were to purchase 150 points at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, which has a price-per-point range of $190-$220, you could expect to pay between $28,500 and $33,000 upfront.
It’s important to note that when purchasing a real estate interest, there are additional costs associated with owning property such as annual maintenance fees and property taxes. These fees can range from several hundred dollars to over $2,000 annually depending on the resort and your ownership agreement.
Buying Points from an Existing Member
If you don’t want to commit to purchasing a real estate interest or don’t have enough funds upfront, you can consider buying points from an existing member. This option is generally less expensive than purchasing directly from Disney but may come with some restrictions.
The price per point for resale contracts varies widely depending on various factors such as location, number of points, and contract expiration date. It is possible to find contracts for as low as $100 per point, but the average price per point is around $150-$160.
It’s important to note that buying points from an existing member may come with some restrictions such as not being able to use your points for certain benefits like Disney Cruise Line vacations or Adventures by Disney.
Additional Costs
In addition to the upfront costs of purchasing a real estate interest or buying points, there are additional costs associated with being a DVC member. These costs include annual maintenance fees, property taxes, and the cost of booking a stay using your points.
The annual maintenance fees cover the cost of operating and maintaining the resort properties and amenities. The amount varies depending on the resort and your ownership agreement, but generally ranges from several hundred dollars to over $2,000 annually.
Property taxes are also an additional cost that varies depending on the resort and your ownership agreement.
Finally, when booking a stay using your points, you will need to pay a reservation fee that ranges from $95-$190 depending on the type of reservation you make.
Conclusion
So how much does it cost to join Disney Vacation Club? The answer depends on whether you choose to purchase a real estate interest or buy points from an existing member. Additionally, there are annual maintenance fees, property taxes, and reservation fees that need to be considered.
While joining the DVC can be expensive upfront, it may be worth it for those who plan on visiting Disney resorts frequently or want access to exclusive membership perks. As with any major financial decision, it’s important to carefully consider all costs involved before making a commitment.