travel club disney

Disney’s take on timeshares: Guide to Disney Vacation Club

I'm often asked how our family manages to take several Disney vacations annually without going broke. My answer is always three words: Disney Vacation Club .

If you're an annual (or even more frequent) traveler to Walt Disney World or Disneyland and usually stay on Disney property when you visit, you could be missing a major trick if you haven't taken the time to learn more about Disney Vacation Club.

DVC is Disney's more flexible take on the traditional timeshare. It can deliver significant savings over the life of a membership for guests who regularly stay at Disney's deluxe tier of resorts.

Disney Vacation Club travelers can choose from 16 properties and counting across Walt Disney World, Disneyland and several beach destinations. This gives vacationers who can't get enough Disney but still want some variety when it comes to where and when they visit the flexibility to change up the resort and room types while locking in their long-term vacation spend for decades.

Joining won't make financial sense for everyone, but if making the "House of Mouse" your home away from home sounds like your vacation dreams come true, here's everything you need to know about becoming a DVC member.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

What is Disney Vacation Club?

More flexible than a traditional timeshare, Disney Vacation Club is a points-based program that allows you to purchase an end-dated real estate interest at select Disney resorts . Purchase a certain number of "vacation points" per year at a designated "home resort," and use them annually to book stays at any Disney Vacation Club resort in any room type and for any dates (availability permitting).

Depending on the home resort you choose, you'll find contracts currently available until between 2042 and 2070.

DVC members get access to quite a few perks and discounts that can really add up, depending on how you travel.

Members receive discounts on select dining, merchandise, tickets and tours. They normally even get access to a Walt Disney World annual pass category called the Sorcerer Pass, which is only available to Florida residents and DVC members. However, Sorcerer Pass sales are temporarily paused to manage capacity limits in the parks.

Other perks include use of a member lounge at Epcot where complimentary soft drinks, Wi-Fi and charging stations are available, plus access to special member cruises on Disney Cruise Line and free parking when staying at DVC resorts. Additionally, members can attend a special event called Moonlight Magic , which provides complimentary after-hours access to a Walt Disney World theme park and includes free snacks and soft drinks, unique character sightings and shorter wait times at rides.

How does Disney Vacation Club work?

When you sign a Disney Vacation Club contract and become a DVC member, you are essentially purchasing a yearly allotment of DVC vacation points.

You can choose the number of points that best fits your travel style. With your points, you can reserve accommodations at Disney Vacation Club resorts at Disney parks worldwide and other select destinations like Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii , Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina and Disney's Vero Beach Resort in Florida .

How many points you'll need for each stay depends on which resort you book, how many nights you're reserving, what time of year you visit and what type of room you choose. For example, rooms at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney World currently start at 7 points per night for a standard studio villa room that sleeps up to four guests and go up to 36 points per night for a club-level room with a savanna view.

You can use your points any way you wish, either for one over-the-top vacation or a handful of shorter getaways throughout the year. You also have the option to "bank" vacation points to use the following year or can "borrow" them from the next year to book a stay in the current "use year" — or the time each year when you get your new allocation of vacation points.

In other words, you could purchase a contract for fewer points than your ideal stay requires, but through banking and borrowing from previous or future use years, you could have enough points to book the reservation you want every two or three years.

Through banking and borrowing, it may still be cost-effective to purchase a contract you only plan to use every two or even three years.

Related: What it's really like doing Disney World 3 different ways: Budget, moderate and blow-out luxury

How much does Disney Vacation Club cost?

The cost of your Disney Vacation Club contract depends primarily on how many annual points you purchase when you become a member.

A contract includes between 150 and 1,000 vacation points, which are currently priced at $207 per point for available resorts like the newly remodeled villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa , Disney's Riviera Resort and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

Based on sample pricing of 150 points at $207 per point, plus a $250 document preparation fee, $578.30 in closing costs and a small discount currently available (DVC often runs similar specials for new members), the total one-time membership cost is $31,728.30 for 150 points purchased directly from Disney.

Of course, this all-in pricing only applies if you pay the full amount up front. Disney also offers fixed annual percentage rate financing, but you'll pay significantly more over the life of your contract if you go that route. Using the sample numbers supplied by Disney, you would pay $53,860.80 during the course of a 10-year loan, $22,132.50 more than if you paid the full amount upfront.

You'll also be responsible for annual maintenance fees. At some resorts, like Disney's Vero Beach Resort and Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort, a lower price per point is offset by above-average maintenance fees, which have continued to increase over time.

Buying direct or resale

Buying into Disney Vacation Club is purchasing a real estate interest, and contracts are also available for purchase and resale on the secondary market, with resale purchases yielding substantial savings — sometimes up to 50% — off direct-from-Disney prices. However, buying a resale contract does come with limitations, some of which are potentially significant.

Only members who have purchased at least 150 points directly from Disney (versus resale) are eligible for all of the previously detailed perks.

Additionally, members who purchase a resale contract at any property other than Disney's Riviera Resort, which opened in December of 2019 and is Disney Vacation Club's newest property, cannot use their points to book at Riviera. On the flip side, anyone who purchases a resale contract at Riviera can only use their vacation points to book stays at Riviera.

There are many details and options to consider when deciding if Disney Vacation Club is right for you — and how to purchase your points if you decide to take the plunge. But for some families, like mine, this is the key to unlocking more Disney without always being tied to paying the rack rate at the resorts.

Does Disney Vacation Club save you money?

A Disney Vacation Club membership may save you money, but you have to think long and hard about how likely you are to spend the next 40 or so years visiting Disney resorts with your family.

If you visit Walt Disney World or Disneyland every year or two, stay on Disney property in a deluxe resort and plan to do so for years to come, odds are Disney Vacation Club could make a lot of sense for you.

Additionally, Disney Vacation Club villas may be the right way to go if you enjoy easy access to the parks and the immersion that comes with staying at a Disney property but crave more space and the comforts of home. Studio villas include kitchenettes with wet bars, refrigerators, toasters and microwaves. Larger villas with at least one bedroom offer even more amenities, including full kitchens with dishwashers, as well as washers and dryers.

Even if you typically stay in moderate resorts, it could still be cost effective to purchase a DVC contract. Know, though, that it will take you longer to reach your break-even point.

If you're a budget traveler and typically book the lowest-priced value resorts, a DVC contract might not be right for you. Or, if you only sometimes stay in Disney resorts, then renting may be the better option for you (more on that soon).

Where can I stay with Disney Vacation Club?

Currently, there are 15 Disney Vacation Club resorts, with additional projects announced and under construction.

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort.
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas — Jambo House and Kidani Village.
• Disney's Beach Club Villas.
• Disney's BoardWalk Villas.
• Disney's Old Key West Resort.
• Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
• Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.
• The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
• The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
• Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort.
• Disney's Vero Beach Resort.
• Disney Vacation Club Villas — Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.
• Disney's Riviera Resort.

Three new Disney Vacation Club properties are also at various stages of development.

The first to become available was The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The 200 new DVC resort studios that comprise this property opened in late June of 2022 and are a DVC room type unique to the Grand Floridian.

Disney recently announced plans to develop new Disney Vacation Club villas at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort as well. The new villas are projected to open in late 2024, along with new recreation offerings and dining options.

Disney has not yet shared additional details about on-sale dates and room types, but the company has said that the proposed property "would complement the existing resort and evoke the spirit of the Pacific Islands."

A new tower with theming inspired by characters and stories from classic Walt Disney Animation Studios films is also underway at the Disneyland Hotel .

More Disney Vacation Club villas coming to Disneyland Resort is good news for current and prospective DVC members. With only one DVC property — The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa — currently available at Disneyland, it's nearly impossible for members at any other home resort to secure a room at the seven-month mark, and new contracts are not currently for sale at the resort.

Related: Where to stay at Disneyland: On- vs. off-property hotel comparisons

How to choose a home resort

If you're thinking about taking the plunge but are not sure which home resort to choose, considering the location and your vacation style is usually the best way to start narrowing down your choices.

Monorail loop resorts with easy access to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort , Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are the three Magic Kingdom-area resorts on the monorail loop. If proximity to the Magic Kingdom and a simple walk, boat ride or monorail trip back to your home away from home after fireworks are your No. 1 priorities, then these resorts should top your list.

Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios area resorts

If Epcot is your jam and a simple stroll back to your room after drinking or festival-ing around the World Showcase sounds like a dream, Disney's Beach Club Villas and Disney's BoardWalk Villas can't be beat. Both properties are also a 15- to 20-minute walk or boat ride from Disney's Hollywood Studios, so you can easily visit each park without a ton of effort. Disney's Beach Club Villas boasts the most desirable pool on Disney property, while Disney's BoardWalk Villas is home to a lively mix of nightlife and entertainment.

Just behind these two properties is DVC's newest resort, Disney's Riviera Resort. It's a quick, scenic ride on the Disney Skyliner from both parks. Riviera's upscale European theming, breathtaking views and luxe details make it arguably the most elegant DVC resort.

Convenient access to Disney Springs and golf

For those who are not as concerned about being close to the parks — particularly those with a car — there are two properties worth considering: Disney's Old Key West Resort and Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Both are sprawling, more affordable resorts with spacious, recently renovated rooms and easy access to Disney Springs and Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course .

Related: The Disney Springs hotels: How to get Disney benefits at bargain prices

Immersive escapes

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge sets the bar for Disney resort theming at its most ambitious and immersive. The African-inspired resort, which includes two separate branches of DVC villas — one in its Jambo House and another in the Kidani Village — is filled with stunning African art and artifacts. The property is surrounded by four expansive savannas that are home to more than 30 different species of African wildlife, including giraffes and zebras, that can be seen from the balcony of many villas.

Also topping the list of idyllic retreats that feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks are the Copper Creek Cabins and Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Rustic grandeur is the name of the game in the breathtaking main building, and a stay in one of the 26 waterfront Cascade Cabins on the shores of Bay Lake tops my DVC bucket list.

If Disneyland Resort is your Disney vacation of choice, you only have one DVC resort to choose from right now. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is Disneyland's grand dame resort, with rustic California craftsman-style architecture, a stunning lobby and an unbeatable location with dedicated entrances to both Disney California Adventure Park and the Downtown Disney District.

Beach and island resorts

Many DVC members love the resorts as much as the theme parks, and three DVC resorts bring Disney's signature theming and service to beachfront escapes. Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort and Disney's Vero Beach Resort give members a way to get their Disney fix on the Atlantic coast. Meanwhile, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa on Oahu deserves a spot on every Disney bucket list. Next-level Walt Disney Imagineering helmed by famed imagineer Joe Rohde integrates Hawaiian history and culture, top-notch dining and recreation, and plenty of Disney magic into this highly authentic Hawaiian retreat.

How can I book a Disney Vacation Club stay?

Booking a Disney Vacation Club stay is similar to booking any Disney resort stay, aside from the difference in booking windows. At 8 a.m. Eastern time 11 months before check-in for your home resort or seven months before check-in for other DVC resorts, you can log in to your Disney account and book a DVC stay. DVC has a booking window calculator to help you determine when you can make your reservation.

DVC members can also exchange their points for stays at select resorts worldwide through Interval International , as well as use points for other Disney vacations, including Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser stays, Disney Cruise Line sailings, Adventures By Disney packages and National Geographic Expeditions. However, exchanging your DVC points for any of these options will not get you as much value for your points as you'll receive when you use them at a DVC resort.

A smarter move, if you don't need your points for your own Disney vacation in a particular year, is to rent out your points and use the cash to book an alternative vacation.

Will I be able to upgrade to a bigger room if I am a Disney Vacation Club member?

One of the biggest perks of Disney Vacation Club is having access to multiple room types at some of Disney's best on-site resorts. For example, at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, you can stay in studio rooms that sleep up to four guests or one-, two- or three-bedroom villas that can accommodate up to 12 guests. The latter come with full kitchens and laundry machines.

At Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, you can go all-out and stay in an overwater bungalow that sleeps up to eight guests and has a private plunge pool and Magic Kingdom views. Room sizing and layout options vary by property, but each DVC resort has multiple room types to choose from.

Renting Disney Vacation Club points

Not ready to take the plunge or just want a way to save on occasional Disney trips? A great way to try before you buy is to rent DVC points from an existing DVC member.

If you don't happen to know anyone with points to spare, there are a number of third-party companies that help make the process smooth for everyone involved in the transaction. Reputable sites include DVC Rental Store and David's Vacation Club Rentals .

You may find that occasionally renting DVC points is the perfect way to control costs while enjoying some comforts of home and staying in the "Disney bubble." Or, once you get a taste, you may decide to jump all the way in and explore whether buying some DVC points of your own might just be the best path forward for your family's future Disney trips.

Related: Can you really save hundreds of dollars renting Disney Vacation Club points? We tested it and found out

Bottom line

Joining Disney Vacation Club was a no-brainer for our family. We were visiting Walt Disney World at least once a year and had young kids who needed naps and quiet time. Not to mention, my husband and I wanted to have our own space to lounge in when the kids slept.

We bought our first DVC contract at our favorite resort, Disney's BoardWalk Villas, and based our number of purchased points on staying in a one-bedroom, boardwalk-view villa once a year. As our kids got older and no longer needed naps, meaning we could spend more time outside our room, we decided to change our accommodation to a smaller studio villa with a standard view. By making this switch and visiting at off-peak times, we realized that we could get nearly four times as many nights on Walt Disney World property for the same number of points.

Our DVC points have also been used to stay at The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. The ability to use your points at different times of the year, at different resorts and in different room types makes it so you can adjust your approach to Disney vacations as your family grows and changes.

Additional reporting by Tarah Chieffi.

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

The Guide to Disney Vacation Club

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What is Disney Vacation Club?

How to become a disney vacation club member, disney vacation club resorts, how much does the disney vacation club cost, is disney vacation club worth it, alternatives to joining disney vacation club.

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a type of timeshare program operated by The Walt Disney Co. Through it, owners buy points, called Vacation Points, which can then be redeemed on stays at Disney resorts and for other types of Disney vacations.

Some of the most ardent Disney fans sing DVC's praises because it can be a worthwhile way to save on certain types of Disney vacations — but only some. Given the limitations, high costs and serious commitment required, DVC is not for everyone.

For dedicated Mickey Mouse fans who want to bet on their long-term interest in Disney-related vacations, DVC might make some financial sense. Here’s a deep dive into what DVC offers, how much it costs and what alternative options are available for maximizing dollar spend at Disney.

» Learn more: The best ways to buy Disney tickets

Similar to a timeshare , DVC allows you to buy Vacation Points you can redeem at eligible Disney resort properties.

Timeshares are programs that typically allow customers to purchase fractional ownership of a property, giving them a guaranteed vacation destination each year. Sometimes members are guaranteed certain times of year (e.g., the same week each year or rotating dates). Like Disney, many major hotel companies offer timeshare arms, including Marriott Vacation Club , Hilton Grand Vacation Club and Hyatt Residence Club .

But Disney’s Vacation Club works a little differently than traditional timeshares. You’re not committed to traveling at a specific property or date. Instead, participants receive points, which can be spent across all DVC resorts — and for other types of trips around the world.

To join, you must purchase what’s referred to as “a real estate interest” in one of Disney’s participating Vacation Club resorts, which is referred to as your home resort. Resorts are primarily located in Walt Disney World in Florida (though others are sprinkled throughout the U.S.).

Home resorts are established on your contract when you join DVC. Your home resort comes with a few perks, but you’re not locked into staying at that property or only at that property as a member.

“Real estate interest” basically means you pay money in exchange for an annual allotment of Vacation Points — which aren’t exactly cheap. Expect a one-time cost of at least $30,000 to become a DVC member. Then there are closing costs, which vary based on your transaction but start at more than $600.

The costs aren’t over even after your big upfront expense. You’ll also owe recurring dues, which cost more than $1,000 annually.

You can’t get out of those recurring dues easily. When you become a DVC member, you sign a contract that typically extends 50 years from the construction date of the building you bought into. Given the huge upfront cost and decadeslong commitment, joining DVC is not a decision to be taken lightly.

Choosing a home resort

Home resorts come with perks like the Home Resort Priority Period, which gives you early access to booking stays at the property. You can reserve lodging at your home resort 11 months in advance of your desired check-in date, a full four months before booking windows open for DVC members with other home resorts.

Be thoughtful about which home resort you select because some properties are more in demand than others. Having early access to newer or more desirable resorts could improve your odds of booking a stay there.

Though you might never actually stay at your home resort. It’s not required that members complete any stays at this property; it’s more so used as a system for determining how many Vacation Points you’ll buy annually.

Consider the potential resale value of your home resort Vacation Points as well as the potential likelihood for dues to increase. For example, an older (cheaper) property that has fallen into disrepair might undergo a greater increase in dues costs annually to cover higher maintenance costs.

Note that you cannot change your home resort.

Deciding how many Vacation Points to buy

In some ways, DVC points resemble points earned through a hotel loyalty program or hotel credit card — save for one big difference. With miles and points accrued via airline, hotel or credit card loyalty programs , you theoretically never pay for them (sure, you can buy hotel points, but NerdWallet usually doesn’t recommend that ). Those points are presumably earned through credit card spending you’re doing anyway or as a thank-you for staying in a hotel.

But DVC points aren’t earned — they’re bought. And they can be pretty expensive.

For folks joining in 2023, they must purchase a minimum of 150 points, which cost more than $32,500, given their price of $217 each. Though larger groups, folks who prefer fancier properties or those who want to take longer trips would likely want more points.

Disney estimates that a family of four traveling to Disney theme parks for seven days in the summer would need 300 points ($65,100 at current rates). While 150 points can be sufficient for infrequent or lower-frills travelers, that might not even cover one night at bigger or fancier rooms within more in-demand properties, like during high season at the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in Florida.

You receive a new allotment of points every year, and — while points do expire — you can bank and borrow points from past and future years to avoid losing them.

Using Vacation Points

As is the case with redeeming hotel points through pretty much any hotel points loyalty program , DVC’s nightly point rates vary depending on factors like resort, room type and date.

The smallest rooms on low-demand nights at the lowest-cost properties, such as at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, start at six points per night. An annual allotment of 150 points could get you up to 25 nights at lower-end properties like this.

Fancier properties, such as The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, start at 17 points per night for a deluxe studio in the offseason (though deluxe studios on peak nights cost 37 points per night). A three-bedroom grand villa (which sleeps up to 12) runs as high as 224 points per night.

The Great Hall Lobby at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. (Photo courtesy of Disney)

» Learn more: How to go to Disney World for cheap

Other ways to use DVC points

Beyond DVC resorts, members can book other Disney vacations including Disney Cruise Line, National Geographic Expeditions and Adventures by Disney trips. Points can also be used to book other Disney vacations beyond the DVC resorts, including hotels at international theme parks such as Tokyo Disney Resort.

But these non-DVC redemptions tend to devalue your points, so NerdWallet generally doesn’t recommend using them outside of official DVC resorts.

While you could exchange your DVC points for a National Geographic Expedition Cruise, like this trip to Antarctica, such redemptions are usually a bad deal. (Photo courtesy of Disney)

U.S. Disney Vacation Club resort options

Here is the full list of U.S.-based DVC resorts.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Disney Vacation Club Villas — Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas — Jambo House.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas — Kidani Village.

Disney’s Beach Club Villas.

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas.

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort.

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

Disney’s Riviera Resort.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel.

Here are the DVC resorts at Walt Disney World in Florida where you can redeem DVC points as well as how many points are needed per night to book (sorted by fewest to most minimum Vacation Points needed to book):

And here are the DVC resorts elsewhere in the U.S. where you can redeem points (sorted by fewest to most minimum Vacation Points needed to book):

What are DVC resorts like?

While you can use DVC points to book a classic hotel room at Disney-owned hotels, most members use them to book DVC studios or villas at designated DVC resorts.

Disney Vacation Club villas: DVC villas are more akin to vacation homes. They offer full kitchens and complimentary access to laundry facilities.

Separate bedrooms (villas have as many as three bedrooms) can accommodate larger groups and offer more privacy; the largest villas accommodate up to 12 people.

Deluxe studios: You might save points and book the (typically cheaper) deluxe studios, which still offer a kitchenette but sleep only up to five people.

And many of these studios and villas aren’t just a generic set of four walls.

DVC members at the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge might stay in one of the waterfront Cascade Cabins, which feature a double-sided stone-hearth fireplace and screened-in wraparound porch with built-in hot tub.

The Cascade Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. (Photo courtesy of Disney)

At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, you can sleep 10 feet off the ground in a Treehouse Villa.

And you don’t have to head to the other side of the globe to stay in an overwater bungalow . You can book one at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, where you’ll also get a private back deck and plunge pool. Plus, bungalows overlook Bay Lake, which makes for an incredible spot to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks in the evening.

Especially if you’re buying into a newer DVC resort such as Disney’s Riviera Resort and the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed to a tier higher than most other resorts. Older options with less impressive amenities include Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort, which opened in 1996.

For example, Disney’s Riviera Resort was the 2021 winner of the American Resort Development Association’s ACE Project of Excellence Award, an award within the timeshare industry. It’s hard to overlook touches throughout the grounds, like the two 20-foot-tall mosaic murals depicting scenes from “Peter Pan” and “Tangled” made from more than 1 million hand-cut tiles.

The archway at Disney's Riviera Resort is made with more than 1 million mosaic tiles. (Photo courtesy of Disney)

DVC costs at least $33,000 to join in your first year (though financing options are available). Then there are annual dues of at least $1,000 until your contract is up, which is typically decades from now. Plus, expect annual dues to increase each year.

Costs in your first year

As of 2023, you must purchase a minimum of 150 points to start your membership. Because points cost $217 each, that’s a minimum of $32,550 for just the points.

Disney's minimum buy-in cost is far higher than the national average across all timeshares. According to the American Resort Development Association, which is a trade association representing over 350 companies within the timeshare industry the average price of a timeshare transaction is $23,940 (which looks like a deal compared to $32,550).

Then there are closing costs based on points purchased and resort type that amount to hundreds of dollars. For example, the closing costs for folks purchasing 150 Vacation Points at The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are $851.84 in 2023.

Can you finance your upfront costs?

Disney’s financing options might be worth it for some buyers, but it brings separate costs (and is available only to qualified purchasers).

Financing rates range from 10% annual percentage rate for a 10-year loan up to 18.01% APR. But financing is not a guarantee, and you may not qualify for financing depending on your credit score or financial history.

If you’re offered an interest rate on the high end, you could end up paying more in interest than the initial cost of the loan.

Costs in future years

Members also owe annual dues, which pay for operating costs, administrative expenses, refurbishment expenses and real estate taxes. Dues can be paid in one annual lump sum or monthly installments.

For example, dues for The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are $91.75 per month in 2023 for 150 points (that’s $1,101 for the year).

Note that dues generally increase every year. In 2023, the lowest dues increase was 1.4% (at Disney's Riviera Resort), but the majority of resorts saw increases of more than 5%. A couple of resorts saw dues increases in excess of 8%. In The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa example, members got hit with a 4.64% increase in 2023 dues versus 2022. Expect similar percentage increases in future years.

Disney doesn’t exactly make this fact clear in its marketing pitch, but realize that what might feel like a minor 5% increase can quickly compound year after year — so your dues will likely be far higher years (and decades) from now than what you paid upon joining.

That’s because inflation makes the same operating expenses cost more. Then there may be increased costs for repairs and upgrades, especially at older resorts or those in harsher climates.

Hidden costs

Then there are other potential costs you may or may not face, like late fees, bank fees and transaction fees to book non-DVC properties on points.

A one-bedroom villa within The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. (Photo courtesy of Disney)

A hypothetical breakdown of possible costs

The exact cost of a Disney timeshare varies based on the resort, but here’s a sample breakdown using The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as your home resort.

Let’s assume you’re not financing and you never get hit with extra fees like late fees. We also won’t account for additional costs like tickets or food because presumably all Disney vacationers would pay for those, DVC members or not.

The budget assumes you join in 2023 and remain a member for the next 41 years until the resort’s contract expires (which is in 2064). In this example, you buy 150 points, which is the minimum:

Initial purchase price of 150 Vacation Points ($217 each): $32,550.

Initial closing costs: $852.

Annual dues over the next 41 years (assumes 4.64% annual increase, which was the 2023 dues increase): $128,633.

Grand total: $162,035.

When all is said and done, you’ll have paid more than $160,000 total (or an average of nearly $4,000 per year), for 41 future years of 150 annual DVC points.

Of course, every resort has varied closing costs, dues and dues increases — and each person will desire a different amount of Vacation Points — so run your own calculations to estimate the true cost of joining DVC over your lifetime.

And note that you wouldn’t actually pay that $4,000 estimate equally every year. In actuality, you’d pay the biggest amount in your first year given the down payment. The next year would cost far less because you owe only annual dues. But annual dues costs will likely increase every year.

The program's promise is that members who plan to stay at Disney resorts (or travel to other destinations associated with the program) can save money in the long term. The company estimates that in the majority of cases, it will take 6-14 years' worth of trips before savings begin. But if you remain a member throughout the entire contract, Disney claims your savings can add up to 50%. Your mileage may vary.

The Grand Villa within The Villas at Disney Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. (Photo courtesy of Disney)

Is DVC worth it ? NerdWallet took a deep dive into the actual price of the timeshare-like program, analyzing the pros and cons of DVC and all the costs associated with it.

Some folks who travel to Disney every year and would otherwise pay cash rates for large and luxurious suites or villa-style rooms may benefit from joining. But the reality is that even Disney will tell you not to join if your goal is making a financial investment.

“Ownership interests should not be purchased for resale or rental, as an investment opportunity, or with any expectation of achieving income, capital appreciation, or any other financial return or valuable benefit, including any tax benefit,” according to the fine print at the bottom of the DVC website.

That said, there are other reasons why DVC is worth it that go beyond the bank account. As Disney states in that same fine print, “an ownership interest should only be purchased for personal use and enjoyment.”

And there truly are oodles of other benefits for DVC members, ranging from discounts on food, merchandise and theme park tickets to money-can’t-buy experiences like members-only theme park parties and exclusive swag.

Some people love timeshares because they guarantee time at a resort without the inconvenience of buying a vacation home . Depending on your travel style (and especially if you travel often at that same location), timeshares can save some travelers money. But timeshares come with no shortage of pitfalls — and DVC is not immune to them.

If you want to save money on a Disney vacation without becoming a DVC member, here are some alternatives:

Rent Disney Vacation Club points

DVC members might choose to rent their points out — in turn creating a market for non-DVC renters to stay at DVC properties.

You can often book a DVC rental at a steep discount, particularly if owners are desperate to offload points. Dedicated websites broker such exchanges. While the sites take a cut of the transaction, renters should consider using them because they typically provide protections and guarantees that you wouldn’t necessarily get dealing with someone whom you found on your own, such as through a forum or Craigslist.

Buy in from the DVC resale market

You can often get great deals when you buy into DVC via a third-party reseller, who helps mediate sales from folks trying to ditch their contracts. Many of the same sites that handle DVC rentals also handle resales.

Many DVC memberships can be purchased for discounts higher than 50% when acquired through the DVC resale market.

But there are many limitations with resale, and many of DVC’s best membership benefits don’t apply when you purchase from any place other than directly with Disney. Among the most painful limitations is that DVC’s “Membership Extras” — which are some of the program’s best benefits like lounge access and restaurant discounts — are limited to folks who bought from Disney.

Use credit card rewards and travel loyalty points to book cheap Disney vacations

DVC points aren’t the only types of points that can help you fund a Disney vacation . If you have hotel points and don’t mind staying at a hotel not owned by Disney, plenty of properties affiliated with major hotel loyalty programs allow you to book stays on hotel points.

In Florida, there are more than a dozen hotels you can book on points within walking distance of Disney Springs, the resort’s shopping and dining district (which also has an abundance of Disney-run bus lines that can zip you around property at no cost). There’s also no shortage of points hotels within walking distance of Disneyland .

You can earn points by holding certain hotel–branded credit cards or other general travel rewards credit cards. And the best credit cards for Disney vacations generally aren’t the Disney-branded ones.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Consider holding the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , which comes with a $300 annual travel credit that can offset some costs, as well as tons of other, often-overlooked benefits like travel insurance and a TSA PreCheck fee credit (so you can speed past the long lines of folks fumbling through airport security on your flight home).

(Top photo courtesy of Disney)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-3x Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Disney Park Nerds

The Ultimate Guide to the Disney Vacation Club (Explained)

We are fans of staying on-property whenever possible in every location (and we have stayed “on property” at every Disney theme park resort on the planet) because we believe it extends the magic of your trip by staying inside the Disney bubble.

What is the Disney Vacation Club program? – Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a flexible timeshare program by Disney that allows members to purchase a real estate interest at select Disney resorts using a point-based system.

DVC offers members the opportunity to plan long-term vacations at Disney’s top-tier resorts with more flexibility compared to traditional timeshares.

Members can access various destinations and room types at Disney resorts worldwide, with perks such as discounts on dining, merchandise, and exclusive access.

So, naturally, we have explored the Disney Vacation Club program .

In fact, every 2.73 years – like clockwork – we run the math!

We get to thinking about our next Disney vacation and how amazing it would be to know we could stay in accommodations that, otherwise, we skip due to costs.

( The Ultimate Guide to Disney World Hotels )

Introduction to the Disney Vacation Club

With the Disney Vacation Club program, a member is essentially buying an annual allotment of points that can be used toward a variety of properties including Disney-owned properties, Disney Resort properties, Disney’s Hawaiian Resort – Aulani , Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, Disney Cruise Line and more.

For the purposes of this comparison, we are focusing on Disney DVC properties as these tend to be the best value when using Disney Vacation Club points.

Plus, this post might be 37 pages long, otherwise.

Disney makes pricing out a new Disney Vacation Club purchase pretty straight-forward; in fact, they even have a calculator that will ask you some questions and make recommendations.

Part of making this calculation is personal and depends on how you travel and how you intend to travel in the future.

In our case, we have three kids (triplets actually…I know!!).

When they were very young, we traveled in one room – they were small and could all three easily fit in a queen bed.

By the time they were six or seven, it became clear that we needed two rooms otherwise Daddy Nerd became very cranky waiting for a turn to use the bathroom!

So, how we traveled initially morphed into how we intended to travel in the future.

For new Disney Vacation Club memberships , prices start at $195 per point (excluding any promotions).

Disney Vacation Club Calculator

Using Disney’s handy-dandy calculator for 7 days of travel per year, the tool recommended that we purchase somewhere between 250-275 points.

As for how we intend to travel, we would either need two studios or a 1-bedroom villa (assuming we plan to stay at a DVC property) at a minimum.

Disney has gotten creative with space and there are sometimes two bathrooms in a studio and/or a 1-bedroom, though not always.

After messing around with the points a bit, we settled on 200 points:

This would allow for +/- 6-7 nights in a 1-bedroom villa or more than 11 night in a studio and meets our goal of about one week-long trip per year.

We are going to assume we can squeeze seven nights out of these points.

New Disney DVC property deeds expire about 50 years after the resort is completed.

Current DVC properties have an “expiration date” between 2042 and 2070.

The cost for our 200 points at the Riviera with a deed expiration of 2070 is $36,000 reflecting a $3,600 discount for the current promotion PLUS $1,662 in annual dues.

When our family travels to Disney World , we have traditionally stayed in a Moderate Resort Hotel (though as we discuss , we are big fans of the remodeled Disney Pop Century Resort).

Our Nerd family tends to travel in the off-season and with a decent package, we figure we are paying roughly $220 per night (including tax) at a Moderate Resort like Port Orleans or Caribbean Beach per room.

Sometimes we squeeze into one room, but let’s price it out with two rooms or $440 per night.

If we stay at one of the nicer (in our opinion) Value Resorts like Pop Century, let’s assume $180 per night or $360 for both rooms.

This excludes more heavily discounted promotions.

So is Disney Vacation Club worth it?

Well…as we would “normally” travel, we would spend anywhere between $2,520 and $3,080 per year.

DVC would cost us $1,662 in annual dues plus – and I am being generous here – $720 for 1/50th of the DVC cost for a total of $2,382. BUT WAIT – THERE’S MORE!

In order to get this discount, you must pay for 50 years of vacations up front.

NOTE: Now, we Disney Park Nerds are no financial geniuses, but we understand that paying for something today that we intend to use in 45 years comes at a cost since we can assume $1 today is worth a whole lot less in the future.

For example, if you spent $1 in 1975 (45 years ago), it would take $4.95 to get the same purchasing power in 2020.

Disney DVC points are no stranger to inflation.

The points required for a night do vary – generally they go up and the annual dues vary – again, generally they go up.

Given the assumption that prices will increase, we feel it’s prudent to think to look at the cost of the vacation over a 25-year period (this may even be longer than would make sense given historic price increases).

In this scenario, DVC will cost $1,662 in annual dues and $1,440 for 1/25th of the DVC cost for a total of $3,102.

Yeah, but is Disney Vacation Club still worth it?

This is a very subjective question for a lot of reasons.

Our Nerdy father-in-law would probably never take a vacation without a timeshare.

The idea that it’s “paid for” helps him mentally get through the hurdle of “cost” when traveling.

For him, he now feels he must go on a vacation or he will lose the money he spent.

And this alone makes it “worth it”.

There are a lot of other factors to consider with DVC – including limitations on availability, when/where you can make reservations, inability to secure dates you want, etc.

When you are paying as you go, you have tremendous flexibility but you are missing things like a kitchen or a nicer room int he form of a 1-bedroom villa than your might otherwise book.

For us Nerds, we could never quite get it to pencil out especially with the annual dues.

We know many people who are DVC members and they love it!

In the end, the “worth it” analysis comes down to the intangibles more than the cost.

The cost – the actual cash expenditure – seems to make this a conversation worth having.

Those intangibles become the deal-maker or deal-breaker depending on your personal preferences.

What About Disney Vacation Club Resale?

There is an entire market out there with people selling their DVC timeshares and we don’t have enough room to cover the ins and outs of this.

However, we definitely encourage anyone considering a resale to do their research thoroughly.

There are properties for sale in the +/- $50 per point range though you will want to check when the points are available as members can borrow into future years.

The expiration of the deeds will vary as will the dues per point.

Undoubtedly, there are good values to be had if you decide that DVC is for you and your family.

The Disney Vacation Club Experience without the Commitment

We Disney Park Nerds like a lot of the aspects of DVC, but the lack of flexibility and our ever-evolving travel habits have prevented us from pulling the trigger.

A terrific alternative is renting points.

We have rented points from friends who are DVC members and we’ve had great experiences with David’s Vacation Club Rentals ; a reputable firm that purchases points from DVC members and manages the reservation for the general public.

Renting through David’s has allowed us to experience the fun and variety of a number of properties while not committing to a 50-year membership.

Standard rates are $19 per point, though there are often pre-booked deals that can bring the cost down substantially. Check it out!

No matter what you decide, remember this is not a calculus exercise and there is not right or wrong answer.

Enjoy the journey, enjoy the trip and enjoy the memories. After all, that’s what this is all about!

A Disney Vacation Club Rental – it’s a way to get the experience without the commitment for around $19 per point!

Whether you are looking for an upgraded room at a discounted price or are interested in becoming a DVC member, renting points can be a great option.

As discussed in the Disney Park Nerds’ DVC analysis , we are not sure the money pencils out for purchasing a membership though there are a lot of non-financial factors.

The same, however, cannot be said for renting points.

A Quick Run of the Disney Vacation Club Rental Numbers

When buying DVC points and becoming a member, you are paying for an allotment of points each year and committing to annual maintenance dues.

Regardless of what you pay for the DVC points (it’s not cheap), the maintenance dues are generally in the $10 per point range and can go as high as $14 per point or more.

Given that you can rent points at places like Dave’s DVC Rental – a popular broker who the Nerds have used on multiple occasions – at a standard rate of $19 per point, this is a great starting point to gauge your interest or upgrade on a vacation by vacation case.

There are a couple of notable benefits to renting:

• You can rent just the points you need for the trip vs guessing how you want to travel years in advance
• There are bargains to be had, even at the last minute, when DVC members are trying to use up unexpired points to help offset their maintenance fees
• You are only paying a slight premium on the points, especially considering:
• You are paying $19 (standard)
• The DVC member is likely paying $10-$14+ just in annual maintenance dues on those same points
• You didn’t have to make a $15k or $30k or $50k up-front investment

Buying vs Renting Points

The buying versus renting conundrum comes up constantly in life. We make this decision with our homes, with our cars, and now with DVC.

Two main factors are generally considered with this analysis – cost and flexibility.

In most cases, it is more expensive to rent because you have more flexibility.

Said another way, it is cheaper to buy because you have fewer options.

We don’t find the DVC rental analysis to be the same.

As a general view, we see renting points as financially superior because of the flexibility.

Rent when you want to rent and if you have year where you don’t go to Disney at all, you’ve just saved the money from that year plus you’ve saved on maintenance fees.

Perhaps one year you need a 3-bedroom villa to accommodate a family reunion and the next year, it’s just two of you and you want to stay at the Disney Pop Century…you may have just saved a bundle.

PLUS , you’re not locked into recurring maintenance fees year after year.

The renting Disney Vacation Club is the same Experience

In addition to looking at the numbers, it’s important to note that you will effectively receive the same DVC experience as the “renter’ of points as you might as the “owner” of points.

Like any Walt Disney World resort, once room reservations are secured, advanced dining reservations and Genie+ reservations may be made ahead of time on the same schedule as everyone else.

As you enjoy the property amenities, swim in the pools, dine in the restaurants, you will quickly realize the experience is the same for everyone there.

Generally speaking, folks who are Disney Vacation Club members joined because they wanted access to larger rooms and villas that can accommodate the entire family.

Guess what?

You’ll have the exact same thing!

Want to stay in a studio on the Savannah with a kitchenette?

DVC rental can get your there.

Want to spoil yourself at the Polynesian with a great pool and easy access to the monorail for the short trip the Magic Kingdom?

DVC rental can help.

You think you want to commit to the next 43 years of a Disney World vacation every year but not sure you want to spend the money? DVC rental is a break-even way to find out.

Final thoughts on Disney Vacation Club

Give DVC Rental a Shot!

A DVC rental is a low risk way to experience membership or to secure a 2-bedroom unit with a kitchen at a fraction of the cost of paying cash to Disney.

So, what have you got to lose (well…I guess $19 per point, but it’s worth it!!).

Latest posts

These Are Our Favorite Disney Approved Strollers and Accessories

How to Get from EPCOT to Disney Springs

Art of Animation Bus Schedule (Updated)

Jungle Cruise at Disney World: An Unforgettable Adventure Awaits

12 of the Biggest Rides at Disney World

Easy Directions to Animal Kingdom Lodge

What Disney fans should know about Disney Vacation Club

Jennifer Ferguson never planned to join a timeshare.

“We're not timeshare people, but we're Disney people," she said.

Her family would visit Walt Disney World every year, spending a week or more there.

“We realized that Disney Vacation Club was going to make that easier for us, and we were going to have an enhanced experience by having resorts that had better access to the parks and more amenities,” she said. “That was a big selling point for us.” 

They joined DVC in 2017 and have since added on. Ferguson now helps others navigate membership via YouTube as The Magic in the Music , which isn't sponsored by Disney.

Disney Vacation Club isn’t for everyone, however. Here’s what you should know about DVC and whether it’s worth it.

Is Disney Vacation Club a timeshare?

“Disney Vacation Club is really Disney’s version of vacation ownership,” said Jordan Hartley, sales director for Disney Vacation Club.

DVC is a points-based system; members can use their points on various experiences in and outside of Disney World and Disneyland.

The points renew annually for decades and can be passed down from generation to generation, but each deed expires eventually.

How many years is a DVC membership?

“Our resorts, when they do open, have a deed that goes for 50 years, but you can purchase at other resorts,” Hartley explained. 

Contracts at older resorts can have fewer years and lower prices. 

“But that deed length doesn't change," she said. "It's tied to the resort, not necessarily when you purchase."

What can you do with your DVC points?

Guests can book stays at Disney Vacation Club’s 16 properties in Disney World, Disneyland, Hawaii, Vero Beach, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina.

“You also have the opportunity to use your membership to take other Disney vacations,” said Cesar Avila, senior manager of marketing and sales strategy at Disney Vacation Club. “You can sail with the cruise line. You can go on an Adventures by Disney trip. You can go on an expedition with National Geographic or visit one of our international parks as well.”

Points also can be converted for stays at partner properties outside Disney’s portfolio, worldwide.

'Palace on the sea': Disney Cruise Line unveils Disney Treasure ship

Is DVC a one-time cost?

No. Beyond the initial points purchase, members must pay annual maintenance fees, which vary by location, as with timeshare programs.

“It is a commitment,” Avila said.

Why would anyone buy DVC?

Disney Vacation Club is made for Disney fans who want to keep coming back to Disney, like Kelva Stroud-Cooper, who visits Disneyland every year with her family.

“Being able to go to Disneyland, Disney World, Aulani and have a place to stay and only having to pay for your plane tickets and food … honestly, that's the best part,” Stroud-Cooper said. “And it’s a luxury stay on property.”

How much do you have to pay for Disney Vacation Club?

It depends on which resort you’re buying into, whom you’re buying from and how many points you’re purchasing.

When purchasing directly from Disney, new contracts start at 100 points, but at least 150 points are required for members to access the full slate of benefits, which Disney refers to as Membership Magic.

Ferguson noted existing members can sometimes add on points at lower thresholds.

It’s also possible to buy contracts from existing DVC members through third-party resellers, but those may be subject to limitations and may not be eligible for all benefits.

Stroud-Cooper was on the fence for years before purchasing her first DVC contract through the resale market in 2021.

“I knew at the time that you don't get the perks that you get by buying direct, but you're also saving” − in her case, thousands of dollars, she said. She recently bought a second contact directly from Disney.

'Welcome home': New Villas at Disneyland Hotel opens and we're among the first guests

How much is 1 DVC point worth?

Currently, each point at the new Villas at Disneyland Hotel and the Villas at Grand Floridian Resort and Spa costs $230 when purchasing through Disney. Points at Disney’s Riviera Resort and Aulani, Disney Vacation Club villas in Hawaii, each cost $217 through Disney. Pricing for older properties is available through Disney, pending inventory.

Their worth, however, is fuzzier because the number of points needed for each stay depends on location, trip duration, room type and time of year. 

Historically, both Disney Vacation Club and Disney hotel prices have continued to climb, but previously purchased DVC points retain their value.

“Ask any member who bought into the original Disney Vacation Club resort, Old Key West, and they will tell you that their Disney Vacation Club contract has appreciated over time,” Ferguson said.

What's the benefit of Disney Vacation Club?

Disney Vacation Club members get the same privileges as other Disney hotel guests, like early park admission and at Disney World, free Disney transportation, free parking and Extended Evening Hours in the parks. DVC members may also be eligible for discounts on Disney purchases. 

Then there’s that Membership Magic, which includes exclusive experiences like member lounges and experiences like Moonlight Magic in the parks. 

The lounges are places for members to recharge with beverages, light snacks, comfy chairs and outlets for phones. There’s one in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland and two at Disney World, at EPCOT and Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  Moonlight Magic is a special after-hours event held at Disney theme parks.

“Members and their guests can come and experience shorter than usual wait times. They can get complimentary snacks or special entertainment, things like DJ dance parties and special character interactions,” said Amy Regan, senior manager of marketing strategy for Disney Vacation Club. 

What happens after you pay off Disney Vacation Club?

DVC members still need to pay maintenance fees throughout the duration of their deed(s).

Deeds plural, because many members go on to sign additional contracts in what is sometimes referred to as add-on-itis.

“You get your first contract and then you realize: ‘Hey, it would be great if I had more points. I want to be able to stay in a different room type or more expensive time of year or longer,’ and people just want to add on more,” Ferguson said. “It's a pretty natural progression for DVC members.”

Is it hard to book with DVC?

“One of the biggest factors that can impact your experience at Disney Vacation Club is what kind of a planner you are,” Ferguson said. “If you tend to plan your vacations around a year in advance, really seven months up to 11 or 12 months in advance or more, then you're probably going to have a really good experience with Disney Vacation Club because you're going to get to have a lot of the accommodations that you want to book. But if you are a last-minute planner, if you change your plans a lot, in seven months or less, then you're probably going to be dealing with a lot of frustration.”

That’s why it’s important to pick the right home resort . Members can book stays at their home resort up to 11 months in advance but have to wait until seven months in advance to book at other DVC properties.

Is DVC worth it if you go once a year?

Many DVC members take only one trip a year; others bank or borrow their points to take an even bigger trip every two or three years. 

Stroud-Cooper stretches her points into multiple shorter trips. Since joining DVC with 130 points a couple of years ago, she's already visited Aulani twice, Disneyland and Disney World. 

“We get the smallest studio room. It just has to fit my husband and I and our daughter,” she said. “We do try to budget as much as possible so we can make more trips.”

They also travel off peak, when fewer points are required per night. 

Can I make money renting my DVC?

DVC members may bank a year’s points to use the following year, but they can’t generally carry them over beyond that. Those who won’t use their points before they expire sometimes choose to rent them out through a third-party provider like DVC Rental Store or David’s Vacation Club Rentals .

Ferguson said fellow members often recommend renting out unused points and using the proceeds to pay cash for experiences like Disney cruises instead of converting their points.

“That's a better value,” she said. “I have not rented out points because my points are gold. I don't want to give them away.”

What if you no longer want DVC?

If a new member changes their mind after signing a contract, they have a few days to rescind if purchasing directly through Disney. After that, it’s a binding real estate transaction, but that doesn’t mean they’re stuck for decades.

“Since you own the membership, you can choose to do whatever you want with it,” Avila said. If you choose to sell the membership, that is an option for all the members.”

There are a number of third-party companies who specialize in DVC resales. Disney also repurchases some properties and maintains the right of first refusal .

Who shouldn't buy DVC?

“No. 1, are you a Disney fan? Do you see yourself vacationing in these places?” Stroud-Cooper asked.

You don’t have to be a Disney fan to enjoy DVC properties, but if you’re not a Disney fan or wouldn’t enjoy visiting Disney destinations year after year, save your money.

Sure, you can use points toward partner properties around the world, but if you don’t envision visiting DVC properties at all, you’re better off booking hotels or vacation rentals at those other destinations directly.  

Even if you enjoy visiting Disney regularly, but try to do it cheaply, DVC may not be for you. Many DVC properties are akin to and located within deluxe Disney resorts and priced accordingly. Read: Expensive.

“You do have to have a considerable sum of money to make that initial purchase, and you can finance that," Ferguson said. "I, personally, am not a huge fan of financing that because it cuts into the savings significantly." 

DVC has paid off for many members like her and Stroud-Cooper, but again, it’s not for everybody.

Disney Vacation Club Tips

Disney’s riviera resort.

Our Disney Vacation Club Membership has been an investment in building family memories. As our family has grown through each age and stage, we have deeply appreciated the ability to choose new adventures from a diverse portfolio of Disney Vacation Club Resorts around the country. One of the biggest draws of our Disney Vacation Club experiences is exploring all the enchantment each unique Resort offers. We recently had the opportunity to experience Disney’s Riviera Resort, which quickly became my family’s “must-do” Disney Vacation Club Resort. Here are the top three reasons Disney’s Riviera Resort is our new number-one choice when visiting Walt Disney World Resort.

#1: Access to Transportation and the Theme Parks

Location is key in selecting our Disney Vacation Club Resort. When traveling with children, quick and easy access to as many of the parks as possible is a huge draw. Disney’s Riviera Resort goes beyond just offering convenient transportation by featuring access to the Disney Skyliner. Guests staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort can use the Disney Skyliner for transportation to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Suddenly, the trip to the theme parks becomes an attraction in itself! Our kids, and honestly the adults as well, get excited guessing which characters will be adorning our gondola. The views from above are breathtaking, and we enjoy seeing who can spot iconic landmarks first. The entire ride builds the anticipation of all the excitement that awaits us in the theme parks. Disney Bus Transportation is also available from Disney’s Riviera Resort for locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

#2: Distinguished Dining Options

Sampling new foods is always a favorite feature of our Disney Vacation Club trips. European-inspired cuisine is available for both quick and leisurely meals at multiple locations in Disney’s Riviera Resort. Our preferred quick breakfast stop before heading to the theme parks is Le Petit Café. I highly recommend trying one of the Cold Brew Coffee options with the Honey-almond Whipped Cream on top. A secret spot to enjoy breakfast is just behind La Petit Café. The Voyageur’s Lounge is a library-inspired space decorated with specially selected books and memorabilia from Walt Disney’s time abroad. Make sure to take time to peruse the collection.

Consider Primo Piatto or Bar Riva for other grab-and-go dining choices. Primo Piatto offers mobile ordering and a varied selection of hot and cold options for all three meals. Bar Riva is an inviting open-air space located adjacent to the pool and decorated with blue and white designs and gorgeous murals, invoking the feel of a beachside spot on the Riviera. The menu features an extensive collection of specialty cocktails and beverages. The food is fresh and delicious, with a distinctive Mediterranean flair. I suggest trying the Mushroom Arancini for sensational savory snack.

Finally, the crown jewel of Disney’s Riviera Resort is the exquisite table service restaurant Topolino’s Terrace- Flavors of the Riviera. Breakfast a la Art with Mickey & Friends has become one of the most popular character breakfasts at Walt Disney World Resort. Not only are Mickey and his pals decked out in their most artistic and chic apparel, but the breakfast selection is a veritable palette of flavors. The Sour Cream Waffles alone are worth planning for this breakfast. Finally, I have saved the most exquisite for last, dinner at Topolino’s Terrace. During our meal, we savored the rich Italian and French-inspired flavors and enjoyed the impeccable service. After dinner, don’t miss out on getting a photo on the rooftop patio with a stunning background vista. Pro tip: plan your photo around sunset for a particularly gorgeous backdrop.

#3: Amenities and Activities

Disney’s Riviera Resort is easily one of the most elegant and luxurious Disney Vacation Club Resorts available. We spent much of our stay just viewing the art and architecture. The archways, porticos, and terraces are all transportive to the grandeur of Europe that Walt Disney and his wife, Lillian, fell in love with during their travels. Our daughter’s favorite Disney Princess is Rapunzel, and we were delighted to discover artwork dedicated to the film Tangled throughout the Resort. I will never forget my daughter’s gasp of delight when we first viewed the spectacular Tangled mosaic archway.

Disney’s Riviera Resort also features a range of accommodations for parties of all sizes. One of the more unique options is the Tower Studio. This cozy room is ideal for an adults-only getaway for two and includes a private balcony. The larger Villas are perfect for families and offer additional bedding options, including pull-down beds. These beds are immensely comfortable and save significant space in the room. I found the most striking portion of our room was the bathroom. It was incredibly spacious, with marvelous marble and gorgeous fixtures throughout.

There is also no shortage of entertainment available for the entire family at Disney’s Riviera Resort. The Riviera Pool is a standout with a winding slide and the S’il Vous Play interactive water play area. Additionally, various scavenger hunts are available that encourage further exploration of the Resort, including a search for artwork and a particular chameleon named Pascal. Cast Members also host lawn games, campfires, and Movies Under the Stars. Be sure to also look for arts and crafts activities that may be hosted in the Eventi Room. Whether you want relaxation or recreation, Disney’s Riviera Resort is the perfect destination to make those magical memories.

Meet the Panelist: Tiffany M, Georgia

• Make The Most of Your Disneyland Resort Vacation
• Why DVC Works For My Entire Family
• Aulani, Our Family's Go-to Vacation
• The Most Unique DVC Room My Family Has Ever Stayed In
• My Favorite Extras as a Disney Vacation Club Member
• Why I love The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• A World of Vacation Options
• Our Family's Investment in Memories
• How Disney Vacation Club makes traveling with families better than ever
• Why I love visiting Disney Vacation Club beach resorts
• IMO: The most comfortable rooms at Disney Parks and beyond
• What it's like visiting a re-opened Walt Disney World
• My Family's Top Disney Vacation Club Resorts
• Why Choose Membership?
• What are your family's favorite DVC traditions?
• What is there to do when staying at a DVC resort that is not at WDW or DLR?
• How Can I use my Membership as my Family Changes?
• What's your home resort and where have you used your points?
• When is the best time to use your DVC points?
• What room type is best for my family?
• How to enjoy access to Member Extras.

For media inquiries, please visit wdwnews.com

Panelists have received/will receive a Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort or Disney Cruise Line® vacation for panelist and up to three family members and/or park tickets for their planDisney participation. The views expressed on plandisneypanel.com are those of the panelists, who are independent contractors. These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Disney Destinations, its affiliates, its management, its agents or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Disney Destinations prior to posting.

Stay Connected

• About Disney
• Disney Help
• Advertise With Us
• Disney® Premier Visa® Card
• Help & Guest Services
• Terms of Use
• Legal Notices
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Interest-Based Ads

© Disney, All Rights Reserved

Please choose a language for planDisney.

• English (USA) Español (USA)
• Français (Canada) Português (EUA)

Please Note

Email communication is the only way we can notify you when your question has been answered. If you choose to opt-out of receiving emails, you will need to return to the site to check if your question has been answered.

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer .

Or you can continue browsing without updating.

Your Ticket to the Magic!

Special Event Tickets

Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park

Select Nights through June 27, 2024 A night of delight awaits you at Magic Kingdom park. Enjoy 3 extra hours in the park—after it closes to other Guests!

Disney After Hours at EPCOT

Select Nights through July 18, 2024 Explore a world of possibilities at EPCOT during a limited-capacity event with yummy snacks and lower wait times for select attractions.

Disney After Hours at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Select Nights through August 29, 2024 Adventure awaits you in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at a limited-capacity event with exciting attractions and yummy snacks.

Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon

Select Nights May 25 to August 31, 2024 Splash into fun during a 3-hour party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park—after the park closes to other Guests!

Explore Great Ticket Options

1-Day Water Park Tickets

Discover fun for the whole family, keeping it cool with tickets or passes to a Disney water park.

Park Hopper Option

Enjoy more magic! Add this option to visit more than one theme park per day.

Park Hopper Plus Option

Add a splash of magic to your theme park fun—upgrade your Park Hopper Option to Park Hopper Plus Option!

Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

Explore lands of endless enchantment, where your fantasy becomes a reality.

Take flight above breathtaking landmarks on Soarin’ Around the World.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Journey to the immersive land of Batuu and join an interactive mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Park

Delve into the magic of nature and the awe-inspiring land of Pandora - The World of Avatar.

An Extra Dash of Pixie Dust

Disney Genie+ Service

Take your day to the next level, adding Disney Genie+ service for more convenience, flexibility and special features!

Disney Store

Discover magical Disney Parks merchandise—from accessories and apparel to souvenirs from our seasonal celebrations.

Disney Gift Card

Simple for you. Perfect for them! Over 60 designs available with matching carriers!

Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney

Watch in wonder as the beauty of Disney animation blends with the thrilling spectacle of Cirque du Soleil!

Use CoBrowse to Share Your Screen?

Even as the Disney Cast Member guides you around our site, they will be unable to access or view any files or information on your device or anything you type.

To stop the session, click the X in the screen-sharing window at any time. You can remain on the phone with the Cast Member.

Enter the code provided by the Cast Member and Accept to get started.

Invalid code. Please reenter

Not on the Phone with a Cast Member?

How to rent Disney Vacation Club points and save hundreds of dollars on your vacation

You have a world of choices when it comes to finding the best Disney World hotel for your family.

Those looking to balance Disney World perks and reasonable pricing can turn to Disney's Value and Moderate resort categories. Visitors seeking the ultimate in convenience may enjoy a monorail-linked Deluxe resort, such as Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa , Disney's Contemporary Resort or Disney's Polynesian Village Resort .

For families keen on sticking to a tight budget, there are several non-Disney, off-property hotels, including options where you can redeem hotel points and the new Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando — Disney Springs Area . You can even camp on Disney property , should you still want the magic of Disney at your lodging without breaking the bank.

However, another cost-effective way to book Disney accommodations is through the Disney Vacation Club . From the process of renting points to the benefits you'll receive when you do, here's everything you need to know about using DVC points for your next Disney vacation.

Related: The best Disney World hotels for your next magical stay

What is Disney Vacation Club?

Even if you don't know much about the Disney Vacation Club, perhaps you've at least seen the DVC kiosks sprinkled throughout the parks during previous Walt Disney World vacations. The Disney Vacation Club has existed since the early 1990s and is Mickey's version of a timeshare.

You can purchase a DVC membership that is valid for as long as 50 years for a set number of points. DVC memberships typically involve receiving a set number of points you can use to book DVC properties for yourself — or others — annually for the contract's life.

While there is some flexibility to roll over points to or borrow points from a future year, Disney Vacation Club members generally have to use or lose their points each year.

However, members who don't plan on using all their allotted points can rent them out to other vacationers. Regardless of who ultimately uses the points, the owner will owe dues on them every year, so there's certainly an incentive to make sure they don't go to waste.

Related: How much does a Walt Disney World vacation cost?

How you can save money by renting Disney Vacation Club points

You don't have to own points to come out ahead in the DVC equation. In fact, renting Disney Vacation Club points is like eating filet mignon when you paid for a steak sandwich. While the experience varies based on a few factors, you can generally rent DVC points to stay in a Deluxe Disney resort for roughly the same price as booking a Moderate Disney resort.

When you book a Disney Vacation Club room — usually referred to as a studio or villa — you'll typically enjoy more space and amenities like a kitchen and in-room laundry machines. You'll also get the normal perks of staying at a true Disney resort (such as 30-minute early entry to the parks and purchasing individual Lightning Lanes at 7 a.m., among other benefits) because you are at a true Disney resort.

Plus, many Disney Vacation Club properties — including the monorail resorts at Bay Lake Tower, Polynesian Village and the Grand Floridian — are ideally situated for visiting the parks. If you prioritize Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, consider the DVC rooms at Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Disney's Beach Club Resort . You can even choose Disney's Skyliner -linked Riviera Resort if you're eager to try this mode of resort transportation.

Cash rates for standard rooms at these resorts often hover between $500 and $700 per night. However, renting DVC points can greatly reduce out-of-pocket costs, as bookings are available for 10 to 16 points per night. So, if you rent DVC points for $20 per point, you could use points to reserve a room at one of the above Deluxe Disney resorts for as little as $200 per night.

Booking link: Rent DVC points via TPG's partner, David's Vacation Club Rentals

You can rent Disney Vacation Club points to stay at Disney's beach resorts

In addition to renting Disney Vacation Club points for stays at Disney's theme parks, you can also use DVC points to reserve a room at one of Disney's beach resorts – Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa , Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort and Disney's Vero Beach Resort.

These resorts have the same type of accommodations and level of service you'd expect from a Deluxe Disney resort in a relaxing beach setting. You can enjoy favorite Disney treats like Dole Whip and Mickey waffles and those only-at-Disney experiences like daily crafts and games, character meet-and-greets and awesome pools.

Similar to DVC resorts at Disney World and Disneyland , there are various room types to choose from. Studio villas are smaller and have similar amenities to a standard hotel room. Larger villas with one, two or three bedrooms are more comfortable for larger families and longer stays; each has a full kitchen, a washer and a dryer, a dining area and a living room.

How much can you save by renting Disney Vacation Club points?

We've established the basics around renting Disney Vacation Club points. Now, it's time to consider some real-world examples to see how much money you can save on a three-night stay.

For the below calculations, we used a rate of $23 per point when renting from David's Vacation Club Rentals more than seven months out, as that's when availability is the best. (This is because Disney limits who can book a specific resort with points to those who own points at that resort.) Once you look at dates within seven months of your visit, availability begins to shrink since DVC owners can start using their points at other resorts beyond the one where they own points. Because of this, David's Vacation Club Rentals rates are slightly lower within seven months, averaging around $21 per point.

When considering point rentals from individual owners, we used a benchmark of $20 per rented point. Know, though, that this cost can vary quite a bit.

The following two-night stays were live and bookable as of the time the story was written.

As you can see in our examples, savings vary. However, saving about 40% off paid Disney rates when renting DVC points is very realistic, even when paying the premium rates charged by a large service.

Be on the lookout for existing reservation listings as well, as these can get you additional savings. For example, we've seen reservations for as little as $15 per point in the "Confirmed Reservations for Rent" section under "DVC Guests" on David's Vacation Club Rentals site. If your dates are flexible, you can save even more by booking one of these existing reservations.

How to rent Disney Vacation Club points

Now that you've seen how significant the savings can be, even on a two-night stay, you may wonder how to rent Disney Vacation Club points.

Once you check DVC availability — which you can do via the Disney Vacation Club website or by speaking directly to a DVC representative — and familiarize yourself with the DVC points charts, the process is fairly straightforward. However, it will vary depending on whether you use a professional service like David's Vacation Club Rentals or rent directly from a DVC owner.

Renting Disney Vacation Club points from a service

As mentioned, you can rent DVC points from David's Vacation Club Rentals or another professional service.

To make a DVC rental booking with David's Vacation Club, hit the "Reserve Now" button and fill out your desired travel dates, resort and room type. You can select several resorts you'd consider accepting or only one resort if you are set on staying at a particular property. Use a site showing DVC availability, such as DVC Vacations , before completing this step to ensure space at your preferred resort(s) before getting too far along in the rental booking process.

Once you've submitted the basics, you'll need to pay a $105 deposit that goes toward the price of your rental in the event it is secured. This will initiate the search.

Important note: David's Vacation Club Rentals is based in Canada, so be sure to use a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees .

If the resort and room type you are looking for are available, you will be asked to pay for the rental minus your $105 deposit. If there is no availability, you'll either receive an email with alternate options or a refund of your deposit.

Assuming all goes well and you've secured and fully paid for a rental, you will get a confirmation number to link to your My Disney Experience account. This final step allows you to access all the benefits of staying on Disney property.

David's has been around for a long time, and we've had good experiences with this service. You'll pay a premium by renting through a service instead of booking directly with an individual, but what you'll spend is usually less than if you try to rent a DVC villa directly from Walt Disney World. As an added bonus, you'll be protected by renting via an established brand.

Renting Disney Vacation Club points from an owner

You can also rent points directly from a Disney Vacation Club owner. The price an individual DVC owner will charge is generally less than what you'll get from a larger service, and prices often go down as the expiration date for the points approaches.

If you want to rent via an individual owner, keep the following tips in mind:

• Search for individual DVC owners through a platform like DISboards . This popular Disney message board has a forum for people looking to rent their points . Because DISboards only allows active members or those who pay a fee to list points a limited number of times per year, it's harder for scammers to post points available to rent.
• Join a DVC Facebook group like DVC Disney Vacation Club Points Rental to find more reputable rental options.
• Do your research before renting points. If you've identified a potential person you want to rent points from, Google their name or ask around in a related Facebook group for experiences. See if you can track them down on social media, and don't hesitate to ask them for references from past renters. You can also see if they are truly an owner at one of the Disney World resorts by searching online through the Orange County Comptroller .
• Pay for your DVC rental with a credit card that offers some level of purchase protection .
• Consider buying a travel insurance policy that covers a potential cancellation outside of your control, such as for a medical issue. Some DVC rental sites also offer a paid insurance plan via a partner. No matter how you rent, be aware that these are less flexible reservations than ones made directly with Disney.

Related: Is travel insurance worth it?

Should you rent Disney Vacation Club points?

Every family's decision on where to stay and how to best pay for that lodging will be as unique as their Walt Disney World vacation. If someone tells you that you absolutely should (or shouldn't) rent Disney Vacation Club points, find another source of information. As with many things in life, it all depends on preference and circumstances.

Related: These Disney World discounts can help you save money on your next vacation

We like to start by checking prices and availability directly with Disney. If you find a good enough deal via that route that you're happy with, that may be the best option for you — especially if you put a premium on flexibility. That's because big-name rental sites like David's Vacation Club Rentals do not permit booking changes or issue refunds should your plans change.

Also, spot-check prices and availability at traditional points properties like the Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve resorts . These Marriott-affiliated hotels are on Disney property and walkable from Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. However, they aren't true Disney hotels, so sometimes they have better pricing.

If you decide these options are not best for you, the DVC rental route may be the way to go. Generally, DVC rooms are worth considering if the savings are substantial or make it possible to significantly upgrade your experience.

For example, we recently rented points via David's Vacation Club Rentals and reserved a two-bedroom, three-bathroom suite at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge for $840 (or 40 points at $21 per point). This massive suite, which has a full kitchen and a separate living room, would've cost more than $1,300 had we booked directly with Disney.

Related: How to use points to buy Disney tickets

Bottom line

While you'll need to do your own research to ensure you're comfortable with the process, whether you choose a DVC rental broker or an individual owner, we can assure you that you'll find some of the best lodging at Disney World available through the Disney Vacation Club.

From spreading out above the ground in a Treehouse Villa at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa to catching the Magic Kingdom fireworks from a private hot tub at the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge , some of our families' most coveted Disney memories have come from these Disney Vacation Club resorts.

Related reading:

• The best credit cards for your Disney vacation
• How to save money at Disney so you don't go 'bibbidi-bobbidi-broke'
• Is Disney Genie+ worth it?
• Are Disney World's after-hours parties worth it?

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• Owners Information
• Sample Guest Invoice
• Sample Intermediary Agreement
• Adventures by Disney
• National Geographic Expeditions
• Cost Calculator
• Rental Process
• Cancellation Policy
• Reservation Form
• Payment Form
• Online Check-In
• Confirmed Reservations for Rent
• Last Minute
• DVC Rentals
• When To Book
• Travel Notices
• DVC Resorts
• Virtual Tours/Videos
• Sample Agreement
• Employment Opportunities
• Dining Plans
• Dining Plan Calculator
• Park Tickets
• Travel Insurance
• Grocery Orders
• Stroller Rentals

Rent & Save on a Disney Vacation Club Villa

Book your dvc rental today, defer the dream when the unexpected occurs.

A simple, no fuss cancellation policy that gives you added peace of mind.

Two decades of magic, one platinum cruise.

Join us aboard the Disney Fantasy for our spectacular 20th anniversary at sea and sail the celebration!

Top Value for Your DVC Points!

Attention DVC Owners, we're paying $16.00 per point on non-premium point rentals and $18.00 per point on premium point rentals.

Virtual Room Tours

Check out each DVC resort room type in Virtual 3D.

DVC Cruise Swap Program

Our Cruise Swap program allows you to swap your DVC points for a Disney Cruise or a Royal Caribbean Cruise!

• Reserve Now
• Confirmed Reservations

You can save THOUSANDS of dollars on your Disney vacation using DVC Rentals, and no membership is required!

We have, available to us, inventories of rooms located on Disney property at the Walt Disney World Resort Florida, Disneyland Resort California, Aulani Hawaii, South Carolina and the Florida Atlantic coast, for rent.

You can reserve one of these rooms directly through Disney Central Reservations, or you can experience DVC Rentals to book the very same room through owners of the Disney Vacation Club, at prices that will leave you asking "HOW CAN THAT BE?". Visit our online Cost Calculator today to find out how much you could save on a Deluxe DVC Resort!

These rooms, classified by Disney as " Deluxe Disney Villas ", are all located within the Disney Vacation Club resorts. You DO NOT need to be an owner of the Disney Vacation Club or David's Vacation Club Rentals.

The reservation will be in your name and you will check in at the regular Disney Resort arrival desk.

Your room will be assigned to you by the Disney Resort Cast members on your arrival. You will be treated the same as every Disney Resort Guest and you will have access to all of the same amenities and perks afforded to each and every guest staying at a Disney Resort.

The biggest difference is: There will be no room bill to pay when you check out unless you charge purchases to your room using your Key to the World Card, Room Card or Magic Band (where applicable).

Hear what our guests have to say

Over 19 years of serving you.

DVC Rentals (David's Vacation Club Rentals) is the oldest, largest and most trusted source for rentals of Disney Vacation Club Villas, having served hundreds of thousands of satisfied guests and tens of thousands of Disney Vacation Club owners, since 2005.

Quick Links

• Airfare Deals
• Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR)
• Availability Check
• Cancellations
• Checking Availability
• Cost Per Point
• Daily Housekeeping
• Dining Plan Eligibility
• Dining Plan Details
• Guest Comments
• Last Minute Specials
• Owner Perks
• Online Check-in
• Payment Terms
• Point Charts
• Recommended Attractions
• Reservation Confirmation Number
• Travel Deals
• Travel Insurance Quote

Promotional Partners

Affiliations

This site is not affiliated in any way with the Walt Disney Company or any of it's affiliates or subsidiaries. For official information on Walt Disney World visit disneyworld.disney.go.com .

Website Developed by Capitol Technologies Version 3.0

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products

I Walked 26+ Miles at Disney in These Comfy $20 Sneakers With Zero Pain or Blisters

One shopper said they were like walking on air.

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Ali Faccenda / Amazon

There’s one place I’ve traveled more than anywhere else on the planet — Walt Disney World. I’ve been there well over a hundred times, and I even worked at the Magic Kingdom park in 2016, so if there’s anything I know about traveling like a pro at Disney, it’s that you must have a reliable handbag and comfortable sneakers. 

My latest shoe obsession is the Avia Elevate Athletic Sneakers from Walmart, which cost only — drumroll, please — $20 (yes, you read that right). The sleek, all-white shoes were my go-to on my latest trip to Florida and required zero break-in period. 

Avia Elevate Athletic Sneakers

If there’s one thing you can count on at Disney, there will be a ton of walking. I walked over 26 miles in the Avia sneakers without a single ounce of pain or blister (averaging a little over 12,000 steps a day)  — I was shocked, especially at the affordable $20 price point. They feature a classic lace-up front, memory foam sole, and supportive arch that kept me comfortable during long days at the parks. I also didn’t notice any excessive foot sweat, and mind you, it was a blistering 90 degrees multiple days.

Ali Faccenda

In the past, I’ve often worn sneakers that didn’t have enough support, sacrificing comfort for style (I love a cute park outfit after all), and left me with shin splints and sore feet. Thankfully, this sleek pair of sneakers was stylish and comfortable, and the all-white colorway matched every outfit I packed. Aesthetically, they held up well and stayed looking like new even by the end of my travels. 

Other shoppers had similar sentiments about the reliable footwear , with one shopper saying they felt like walking on air. Another reviewer couldn’t get over the affordability, praising the sneakers for being comfortable and accommodating for anyone with a wide foot. 

Grab your own pair of Avia Elevate Athletic Sneakers for just $20 at Walmart, and keep scrolling for other affordable, shopper-loved styles. 

Avia 5000 Performance Sneakers

Avia air sneaker 2, avia comfort performance sneaker.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

See More T+L Shopping Deals

• Sign In or Create A MyDisney Account
• Change language button 日本語

Explore Destinations

• Locations Dropdown checklist Any Locations
• Destination Type Dropdown checklist Any Destination

Effective January 19, 2019, Disney Vacation Club Members who do not acquire their ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. will not be able to make Vacation Point reservations at some or all non-Home Resorts. Important Information about Membership Extras: Membership Extras, such as vacation options in the Disney and Concierge Collections, certain discounts, offers, and special events are incidental benefits. These incidental benefits are subject to change or termination without notice, may require the payment of a fee and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Disney and Concierge Collection options are not available for ownership interests not purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. after March 21, 2011 and, effective April 4, 2016, Members who have not purchased an ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. will not have access to Membership Extras. Effective June 3, 2021, to obtain a Disney Vacation Club Membership Card, Members must accumulate a total of at least 150 Vacation Points purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. The World Collection is an external exchange program that is not part of the ownership interest and is subject to change.

We Value Your Opinion!

Will you please complete a brief survey about your experience on this website today?

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

R&K Insider

Join our newsletter to get exclusives on where our correspondents travel, what they eat, where they stay. Free to sign up.

A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

Read Next: Things To Do on Socotra

To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

How to Get a Decent Haircut in a Foreign Country

Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Travel Itinerary for One Week in Beijing

If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

How I Planned My Trip to Vietnam

The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

Places to Visit in Barcelona That Aren’t Beaches

First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

20 Travel Tips I’ve Learned From Travelling The World

There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

12 Stunning National Parks and Regional Parks In France

If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

How To Stop Procrastinating When Trip Planning

Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

Two Weeks In Thailand: The Perfect 14-Day Itinerary

I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

You Will Also Like: 3-Day London Itinerary

Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

How to Save Money While Traveling in Europe

The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

JOIN MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

Email Address *

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE

10 Dishes You Must Try When Going To Moscow

15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips Close to Moscow

When Is the Best Time To Visit Russia

24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

My website uses cookies so that I can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to my website and helping me to understand which sections of Mind The Travel you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that I can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, I will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit my website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.