Hi there, Carol! Welcome to planDisney. It's the best day ever whenever I get to chat about all things
Disney Vacation Club, and I'm happy to help you understand the financial considerations of Membership. Let's dive right in like Scrooge McDuck into his pool of treasure!
I often say that joining DVC was one of the best decisions we have made--we've honestly never regretted it. It's allowed us to take amazing vacations to
Walt Disney World Resort and beyond, in accommodations with all the comforts of home. That said, we considered Membership for some time before taking the plunge to ensure it was the right choice for our family. If you're flush with cash like Daddy LaBouff of
The Princess and the Frog fame, maybe money is no object! Regardless, let's break down the cost calculations.
There are some basic things to consider as you start the process. How often do you plan to visit a Disney destination? How large is your
'Ohana that you'll be traveling with? Do you have your heart set on a particular
DVC resort? The answers to these questions will help determine how many
Vacation Points are right for your family's needs. To enjoy
Member Benefits, which include access to exclusive Member-only events, discounts on dining and merchandise, and other perks, you must purchase at least 150 points directly from Disney Vacation Club. However many points you select, you will receive that amount of points annually in your
Use Year (a particular month in which your points become available) for the duration of the Membership deed.
Your initial purchase can be made outright, or financing is available to make Membership a reality for your family. In addition to the cost of purchasing your deed, it's important to note that Members pay
annual dues which are calculated on a cost-per-point basis. These dues go toward maintenance of the resorts to keep them in ship-shape condition--I feel like it's money well spent every time we visit a DVC property! Dues can be paid monthly or in one lump sum for the year. I usually purchase discounted
Disney Gift Cards from our local discount department store and use them for our dues payment. The savings translate to magical souvenirs or a great meal on our next Disney vacation!
Once you settle on how many points you need to vacation your way, I recommend scheduling a
Virtual Meeting or On-Demand Webinar with a DVC Guide. Guides have the most up-to-date information on any current incentives and will work with you to find the perfect DVC "Home" for your family. With
The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort opening this summer, and the new Island Tower at
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows scheduled for a December 2024 opening, it's a great time to join!
Carol, I hope this information is helpful for your Disney Vacation Club fact-finding! Thanks so much for stopping by planDisney--please
reach out anytime if I can help with other questions.
Stay Magical!
Susan