Kids at Riviera; holding hands; brother and sister; mickey balloons; mickey ears
  • On Jan 25, 2026
    Matthew from Northamptonshire Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Regarding a new DVC contract, Can I choose my Use year start time or does the Use year start when I sign my contract? Thank you

    Hi Matthew! Welcome home and welcome back to planDisney! It sounds like you’re wanting adventure in that great wide somewhere and you want it more than you can tell. It might be grand for you to also understand that I want so much more for you than they’ve got planned, so let’s dive into your question on Disney Vacation Club Membership and Use Years!

    If you’re brand new to DVC, you can generally choose the Use Year that best works for you and your family’s travel plans, subject to availability of Vacation Points in that Use Year for the desired Home Resort. I suggest reviewing the banking deadlines for each Use Year so that you have added flexibility in banking your Vacation Points should you need to cancel a reservation. In addition, you’ll want to choose your Use Year wisely, as it cannot be changed after you secure your Membership contract. When it comes to selecting your Home Resort, DVC offers Home Resorts at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the Beach Resorts. In addition to some of the featured DVC resorts such as Disney’s Riviera Resort and the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, DVC may sometimes have limited availability at other DVC Resorts.

    The DVC website offers helpful resources when it comes to deciding which Home Resort, Use Year, and how many Vacation Points you need based on travel patterns, typical party size, and DVC Resort preferences. You can also reach out to a DVC Guide by scheduling a virtual meeting, calling the DVC Sales Center, or visiting one of the many DVC kiosks at the theme parks and Resort hotels.

    If you are a current member looking to add-on an additional contract, DVC typically recommends that you select the same Use Year as your current Membership. This makes things easier for you when it comes to combining your Vacation Points for a reservation. If you choose to select a different Use Year, that is treated as a separate Membership with the requisite minimum purchase requirements and minimum eligibility requirements for Membership Extras.

    Matthew, I hope you found this information helpful and if you want more than this provincial life, please feel free to reach out to me and my fellow panelists here at planDisney!

    Your pal,

    Sean
thumbnail image for Sean

Meet the Panelist: Sean, Pennsylvania

Hey everyone! I’m Sean and I hail from the great Keystone State. I’m a devoted husband and proud girldad to two toddler princesses. When I’m not researching the latest in science and tech, you can find me practicing my “Hola!”, “Ni hao!”, and “Konnichiwa!” at EPCOT’s World Showcase, or running along the many great trails the Disney Resorts have to offer. I’m excited to share my tips and help you get the most out of your Disney vacations! Learn More About Sean

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