Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s offering of timeshare vacation ownership. But Disney being Disney, it’s not just any timeshare plan. Although the plan offers unlimited worldwide locations, I believe what makes it special is the emphasis on Disney property resorts. There are eight Walt Disney World properties to choose from, with accommodations ranging from deluxe studios to three-bedroom grand villas. There are also three DVC resort locations that are not adjacent to Disney Parks. Those are Aulani (Hawaii), Hilton Head (South Carolina) and Vero Beach (Florida). Points are the currency of choice when making vacation plans. Based on the number of points you own, you may choose to vacation anytime, any accommodation, for any length of time and at any location you wish. You can also spend your points with Disney Cruise Lines, Adventures by Disney or a stay at a Disneyland resort. If you decide to expand your horizon past Disney, your points can be used to stay at top hotels or resorts worldwide. Of course, every family must evaluate and decide for themselves if DVC membership is right for them, but for our family it has been a slam-dunk.
Disney Vacation Club Frequently Asked Questions (Submitted by Denise Long)
1. Must I be a Disney Vacation Club member to stay at DVC resorts?
Absolutely not! You may reserve these deluxe accommodations through the Walt Disney World Reservation system for a per-night cost. Also, some DVC members who are unable to use their annual point allotment rent them to non-DVC members.
2. What are the accommodations like?
The word that comes to mind is, “deluxe”. From the moment you arrive at your resort, you know you are somewhere special. The resorts are uniquely and meticulously themed and have amazing amenities. The rooms are larger than average hotel rooms. Deluxe studios include a kitchenette with microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker and other necessities. One-, two- and three bedroom villas offer a fully-equipped kitchen and washer/dryer units. No matter what resort you choose, it is a comfortable home-base for your vacation.
3. Are there any perks to DVC membership?
Definitely! DVC members enjoy several benefits. Among them are savings on annual passes, select dining, spa treatments, golf and other recreational activities, select merchandise and theme park tours. Disney members also receive DVC’s quarterly magazine, Disney Files, which offers insider information and sneek peaks into all things Disney. Of course, as you would expect, all member benefits are offered at Disney’s discretion and are subject to change.
4. How many points should I purchase?
There are as many answers to this question as there are families. Prior to purchase, I recommend researching your family’s “typical” vacation to get an idea of how many points you would need for the visit. Then determine how often you would like to vacation, and take it from there. There is a helpful DVC Point Calculator and a DVC Point Chart at www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club to help determine how many points would be appropriate for your family.
5. Must I only use my DVC points at Disney?
Nope! Other than the core DVC resorts, you may use your DVC points at resorts throughout the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. DVC is part of Interval International (a large, worldwide timeshare organization), and your DVC points can be traded for accommodations at many of the Interval Internationals resorts.
6. I’m afraid the salespeople will “hound” me.
Remember… this is Disney. I have always found the sales folks to be friendly, non-invasive and extremely easy to work with. Disney prides themselves on the differences in their sales approach. There’s no high-pressure sales pitch or constant follow-up. They’re there to answer your questions and helping you determine what is right for your family’s needs.
7. Is financing available?
Disney does offer financing plans to qualified applicants. You may also choose to secure outside or independent financing.
8. What if we purchase a DVC membership and decide later that it isn’t for our family after all?
As with any real estate property, you are free to sell your DVC interest. There are companies that specialize in timeshare resales, and specifically the intricacies of DVC resales.