DVC for Large Families: Points Planning

DVC for Large Families: Points Planning

Large families face unique challenges when using Disney Vacation Club, primarily centered on point requirements for accommodations sleeping 8+ guests. Strategic planning helps large families maximize value while ensuring everyone travels together comfortably during Disney vacations.

Villa Sizes for Large Groups

Understanding your accommodation options is the first step to effective planning:

Two-bedroom villas sleep 8-9 guests with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen, and living area with sleeper sofa. Three-bedroom Grand Villas accommodate up to 12 guests with three bedrooms, three-four bathrooms, and extensive living space.

Point Requirements for Large Villas

Large villa point costs vary significantly by resort and season:

Buying Enough Points

Calculate your annual vacation needs in two-bedroom or Grand Villa categories, then add 20% buffer for flexibility and point chart variations. If your target vacation requires 250 points, consider buying 300-point contracts. This buffer prevents annual point shortages and allows occasional splurges on premium views or longer trips without depleting reserves.

Banking and Borrowing Strategies

Large families often alternate between bigger trips using banked points and smaller getaways using current allocations. One year bank most points for a 10-day Grand Villa Christmas vacation, then the following year take a modest 5-night two-bedroom trip during value season. This rotation maximizes flexibility without requiring enormous annual point purchases.

Split Stays and Creative Booking

Some large families book one-bedroom villas plus studios for part of their trip when two-bedrooms are not available, keeping costs down while maintaining proximity. While less convenient than single villas, split accommodations let large families visit during popular periods when big villas book solid at the 11-month window.

Value Season Maximization

Large families get the most value traveling during lower point seasons when two-bedroom and Grand Villa rates drop significantly. A BoardWalk two-bedroom during September might cost 200 points weekly versus 350+ during summer, allowing large families to afford longer trips or save points for future years by avoiding peak seasons.

Home Resort Selection for Large Families

Large families should make resorts with plentiful two-bedroom and Grand Villa inventory their home properties:

The 11-month booking advantage becomes crucial when competing for limited large villa inventory at popular properties.