The Complete Guide to Buying DVC Resale
Buying Disney Vacation Club points on the resale market can save you 40-60% compared to purchasing directly from Disney. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process, from understanding DVC basics to closing on your contract.
Understanding DVC Resale Benefits
Resale purchases provide access to DVC resort accommodations at significantly reduced costs. While some perks are restricted to direct purchases (like booking at non-DVC Disney hotels), the core benefit of discounted deluxe resort stays remains fully available to resale buyers.
Resale points work identically for booking DVC resort accommodations. You receive the same villas, amenities, and DVC member benefits during your stays.
Choosing Your Home Resort
Your home resort determines where you can book during the 11-month priority window. Consider which resort best matches your typical travel patterns, preferred theme parks, and accommodation needs.
Monorail resorts (Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Bay Lake Tower) offer Magic Kingdom convenience. EPCOT-area resorts (Beach Club, BoardWalk, Riviera) provide walking access to two parks. Value-focused buyers often choose Saratoga Springs or Old Key West.
Determining Point Needs
Calculate how many points you'll need for your typical vacation. Consider resort, room type, travel season, and length of stay. Most families find 150-250 points provides comfortable flexibility for annual trips.
Point charts on the DVC website help estimate requirements. Your broker can also analyze your travel patterns and recommend appropriate point quantities.
Finding the Right Contract
Work with a DVC resale broker to search available contracts matching your criteria. Consider use year (when your points become available), included points, and price per point.
Don't rush the purchase. The right contract at the right price is worth waiting for. Your broker can alert you when matching contracts hit the market.
Making an Offer
Submit offers through your broker. Most successful offers fall within 5-10% of asking price, though this varies by market conditions and specific contract attractiveness.
Your offer should specify price, closing timeline, and any contingencies. Sellers may counter-offer, leading to negotiation before reaching agreement.
Right of First Refusal
After contract acceptance, Disney has 30-45 days to review the transaction under their Right of First Refusal. Disney may purchase the contract at your agreed price, blocking the sale. If they pass, the sale proceeds.
ROFR rates vary by resort and pricing. Your broker can advise on current patterns and help price your offer to maximize passage likelihood.
Closing Process
A specialized title company handles DVC closings. You'll submit payment (typically via wire transfer), sign closing documents, and wait for Disney to process the ownership transfer. The entire process takes 30-60 days after ROFR passage.
Once closed, you're a DVC member with full booking rights at your home resort and access to DVC member benefits and discounts.
