Hello Becky, welcome to planDisney!
You’ve come to the right spot to chat about everything related to
Disney Vacation Club! My pal Susan and I are happy to answer any questions about a Disney Vacation Club Membership.
My family became Disney Vacation Club Members in 2012 and have enjoyed our Membership immensely. We've vacationed at numerous Disney resorts at
Walt Disney World Resort,
Disneyland Resort, and even visited the DVC Beach Resorts. While we love the theme parks, we also take pleasure in exploring the unique theming and amenities each resort offers. Every family has its own vacation style, so it's important to consider whether a Membership is the right fit for yours.
When my family invested in a Disney Vacation Club Membership, we met with a DVC Guide who helped us determine the ideal number of
Vacation Points to purchase. He asked us to consider how often we planned to visit Disney destinations, the size of our travel party, and if there was a particular resort we loved. These factors were crucial in determining the right amount of Vacation Points for our needs.
Once you've determined the right number of Vacation Points for your family, the next step is selecting a
Home Resort. The price per Point varies by location and constitutes the primary cost of Membership. Eligible Members can enjoy numerous benefits, such as discounts on dining and merchandise, exclusive Member-only events, discounted special event tickets, and more.
The initial cost can be financed with a deposit (subject to restrictions) or paid in a lump sum. As it is a real estate transaction, there are associated closing costs and fees. Beyond these, the only recurring expense is your Annual Dues, which are based on the number of Points you own at your Home Resort. These dues cover maintenance fees to ensure the resort remains in top condition for both Guests and Members. You have the option to pay the dues monthly or annually.
As an International DVC Member, I find it convenient to purchase Disney Gift Cards and use them to pay for my dues, as there are no currency conversion fees on Gift Cards. In addition, sometimes major retailers sell Disney Gift Cards at a small discount which helps to save some money.
When it comes to booking, you can make a reservation at your Home Resort 11 months before your vacation (for all other resorts, you can book 7 months out) so it’s to your advantage to purchase where you would like to stay.
You can request a free Key to the Magic on the Disney Vacation Club website which will unlock videos featuring some of the DVC resorts and DVC vacation experiences. I would also recommend reaching Disney Vacation Club directly. You’ll be able to connect with a knowledgeable Guide who will be able to answer any and all questions you might have. You can get more information by calling (800) 500-3990,
setting up a virtual meeting, or joining a live webinar through the Disney Vacation Club website. The Guides will support you throughout the entire process, making your journey to becoming a DVC Member smooth and effortless.
I hope this information helps explain a bit more about a Disney Vacation Club Membership. There’s a lot to learn about but it sure is exciting!
Enjoy making magical memories,
Candace