Which DVC Resort Has the Lowest Maintenance Fees in 2026?
Maintenance fees are the ongoing cost of DVC ownership, paid annually regardless of whether you use your points. In 2026, fees range from approximately $7.50 to $10+ per point depending on the resort. Here's the complete breakdown.
2026 Maintenance Fees by Resort
| Resort | Per Point | 150 Pts/Year | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Kingdom Villas | ~$7.50 | ~$1,125 | Lowest |
| Saratoga Springs | ~$7.75 | ~$1,163 | Lowest |
| Old Key West | ~$8.00 | ~$1,200 | Low |
| Bay Lake Tower | ~$8.25 | ~$1,238 | Mid |
| Grand Floridian | ~$8.50 | ~$1,275 | Mid |
| Beach Club Villas | ~$9.00 | ~$1,350 | Higher |
| Aulani | ~$9.50+ | ~$1,425+ | Highest |
*Fees are approximate 2026 estimates. Actual fees change annually. Check current dues before purchasing.
Lowest Fees (Under $8.00/point)
- Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village: ~$7.45/point
- Saratoga Springs Resort: ~$7.65/point
- Old Key West: ~$7.85/point
- Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House: ~$7.90/point
Mid-Range Fees ($8.00-$8.75/point)
- Boulder Ridge Villas: ~$8.15/point
- Copper Creek Villas: ~$8.25/point
- Bay Lake Tower: ~$8.35/point
- Grand Floridian: ~$8.45/point
- Polynesian Villas: ~$8.50/point
- Riviera Resort: ~$8.60/point
Higher Fees ($8.75+/point)
- BoardWalk Villas: ~$8.85/point
- Beach Club Villas: ~$8.95/point
- Hilton Head Island: ~$9.25/point
- Vero Beach Resort: ~$9.45/point
- Aulani: ~$9.85/point
What Affects Maintenance Fees?
Resort Size
Larger resorts like Saratoga Springs spread fixed costs across more units, resulting in lower per-point fees. Smaller boutique resorts like Beach Club have higher per-unit costs.
Location
Hawaii (Aulani) has significantly higher labor and operating costs. Florida resorts benefit from more economical operations.
Amenities
Resorts with extensive amenities—multiple pools, restaurants, activities—cost more to maintain. No-frills resorts save on these expenses.
Age and Condition
Older resorts may have higher maintenance needs, though Disney's ongoing refurbishment program generally keeps all properties well-maintained.
Annual Fee Impact: 150-Point Contract
Here's what you'd pay annually with 150 points:
- Saratoga Springs: ~$1,147/year
- Bay Lake Tower: ~$1,252/year
- Beach Club: ~$1,342/year
- Aulani: ~$1,477/year
The difference between lowest and highest is $330/year—over $3,300 per decade.
Fee Increases Over Time
Maintenance fees typically increase 3-5% annually. A resort with $8.00/point fees today will likely charge $10-11/point in 10 years. Factor this growth into your long-term ownership calculations.
Low Fees vs. Location
The lowest-fee resorts (Saratoga Springs, Animal Kingdom, Old Key West) aren't walkable to theme parks. If location matters more than cost, you'll pay premium fees at Bay Lake Tower, Beach Club, or BoardWalk for that convenience.
Making the Right Choice
If minimizing ongoing costs is your priority, the lower-fee resorts offer excellent value. You can always book at other resorts during the 7-month window—your home resort primarily determines your maintenance fees and 11-month booking priority.
Consider your likely travel patterns. If you'll mostly book at the 7-month window anyway, owning at a low-fee resort and booking elsewhere makes financial sense.
