10 Mistakes First-Time DVC Buyers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Buying DVC resale should be exciting, not stressful. Unfortunately, first-time buyers often make costly mistakes that could have been easily avoided. Here are the ten most common errors and how to protect yourself in 2026.

Mistake #1: Not Understanding ROFR

Disney's Right of First Refusal (ROFR) allows them to purchase any resale contract at your agreed price. Many first-time buyers don't realize their offer might not go through, leading to disappointment and wasted time.

How to avoid it: Work with a broker who tracks ROFR patterns. Certain resorts and price points see higher ROFR rates. Currently, Disney exercises ROFR more frequently on contracts priced below market average or at premium resorts like Bay Lake Tower and Polynesian.

Mistake #2: Buying Too Few Points

Underestimating your point needs is incredibly common. That 100-point contract seemed sufficient until you realized a week in a one-bedroom during spring break requires 200+ points.

How to avoid it: Use Disney's point calculator to plan realistic vacations before buying. Consider your preferred room size, travel seasons, and frequency. Most families find 150-200 points minimum provides meaningful flexibility.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Use Year

The use year determines when your points become available and when they expire. Choosing poorly can leave you scrambling to use points or unable to book far enough in advance.

How to avoid it: Match your use year to your travel patterns. If you typically vacation in December, a December use year gives you fresh points right when you need them. February and August use years are most common and offer the most flexibility.

Mistake #4: Forgetting About Maintenance Fees

Some buyers focus solely on purchase price without considering that maintenance fees are forever. A cheaper resort might have higher fees, making it more expensive long-term.

How to avoid it: Calculate total 10-year cost including projected maintenance fee increases. Sometimes a higher purchase price at a lower-fee resort saves money over time.

Mistake #5: Not Researching the Broker

Using an unverified broker can lead to scams, delays, or poor service. Some buyers have lost deposits to fraudulent operators.

How to avoid it: Use established brokers with verified reviews, BBB accreditation, and years of track record. Ask about their closing process, escrow procedures, and what happens if ROFR fails.

Mistake #6: Overlooking Contract Details

Not all resale contracts are equal. Some include banked or borrowed points, others have loaded use years, and some sellers are international (complicating closing).

How to avoid it: Understand exactly what you're buying. How many current-year points are included? Any banked points? Is the seller domestic? Are maintenance fees current? Get everything in writing.

Mistake #7: Expecting Immediate Use

The resale process takes 60-90 days typically. Buyers who expect to book their vacation immediately after signing are often frustrated.

How to avoid it: Plan your first DVC vacation for at least 4-6 months after initiating purchase. This allows time for ROFR, closing, and Disney to add points to your account.

Mistake #8: Buying Riviera Without Understanding Restrictions

Riviera Resort has unique resale restrictions—points cannot be used at other DVC resorts during the 7-month booking window. Many buyers discover this too late.

How to avoid it: If you want Riviera, understand you're buying a "Riviera-only" membership for most purposes. If flexibility matters, choose a different home resort.

Mistake #9: Paying Too Much

Overpaying happens when buyers don't research current market values or get caught in bidding emotion.

How to avoid it: Check recent sold prices on multiple broker sites. DVC resale prices are fairly transparent—you should know within $10-15 per point what a fair price is for any resort.

Mistake #10: Not Considering Resale Value

Life changes, and you may need to sell eventually. Buying at a resort with poor resale demand can make exiting difficult.

How to avoid it: Resorts closer to theme parks (Bay Lake Tower, Beach Club, BoardWalk, Polynesian) historically maintain strong resale value. Older resorts with expiring contracts may be harder to sell.

The Bottom Line

DVC resale is an excellent way to enjoy Disney vacations at a fraction of retail cost—when done right. Take your time, do your research, and work with professionals who can guide you through the process. Avoiding these mistakes sets you up for decades of magical vacations.