Hi Corina,
Welcome back to planDisney, Corina! Thank you for visiting us today to ask your question. I am really happy to answer this as it is one of my favourite subjects. I am a
Disney Vacation Club Member and have been for several years. Disney Vacation Club is a timeshare program owned and operated by Disney. Becoming a member has completely changed how my family vacations at Disney Destinations in many, many ways.
The way it works, is you
purchase an ownership interest in a Disney Vacation Club resort of your choosing. The ownership interest you purchase is an annual allotment of
Vacation Points, the size of the contract is up to you, and your vacation needs. The Vacation Points can be used to make reservations at Disney Vacation Club resorts.
Currently, Disney Vacation Club is actively selling ownership interests in
Disney's Riviera Resort,
Disney's Polynesian Resort,
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, Aulani, and The
Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. Disney Vacation Club Members are able to book at their home resort (where they have an ownership interest) at 11 months out. At 7 months out, members are able to use their Vacation Points at any of the Disney Vacation Club properties where there is availability, but some exclusions do apply to members who have not purchased an ownership interest directly through Disney.
Disney Vacation Club Villas are a little different to what you may be used to in a hotel room. These Villas come in different sizes including Deluxe Studio featuring a kitchenette with fridge, coffee maker, microwave, kitchen sink etc. Other size rooms include 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom Grand Villa which features a full-size kitchen. We love these Villas, which really do offer all the comforts of home, with plenty of space for the whole family to enjoy!
Now, let's talk membership extras. At the time of writing, members will be eligible for membership extras if they have accumulated a minimum of 150 Vacation Points directly from Disney. There are countless member benefits available, and
I have linked them here. Two benefits I love are discounts at Disney owned and operated merchandise locations at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, they really help fuel my addiction to Disney merchandise! and then there is my favourite benefit which is
Moonlight Magic. This is the name given to special, exclusive, and complimentary events throughout the year at different Disney Parks, held after the Parks close, for Disney Vacation Club Members to enjoy the parks with reduced capacity and lower wait times and special experiences such as exclusive character meet-and-greets!
Corina, this really is just a whistle-stop tour of Disney Vacation Club. I highly recommend
checking out the website which includes so much detail on the product. I also recommend reaching out to a Disney Vacation Club Guide either online or when visiting the Disney Parks. These specialists are able to help you look at your individual vacation needs and personal circumstances.
I hope this helps, and I hope to be able to say Welcome Home soon!
Have a magical day,
Matt