The Price Difference: Real Numbers
The most significant difference between resale and direct purchase is price. Resale contracts typically sell for 30-50% less than buying direct from Disney, which can mean savings of $50,000 or more on a large contract. For a typical 200-point contract, you could save $20,000-40,000 by purchasing resale.
Cost Comparison: 200-Point Contract
| Resort | Direct Cost | Resale Cost | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Lake Tower | $50,000 | $32,000 | $18,000 |
| Grand Floridian | $54,000 | $34,000 | $20,000 |
| Saratoga Springs | $41,400 | $22,000 | $19,400 |
| Old Key West | $40,000 | $20,000 | $20,000 |
Resale Restrictions (Post-2019)
If you purchase a resale contract after January 19, 2019, you will face some limitations. However, many buyers find these restrictions acceptable given the substantial savings:
Resale Restrictions
- Cannot book at Disney Riviera Resort (or future restricted resorts)
- Cannot exchange points for Disney Cruise Line sailings
- Cannot use points for Adventures by Disney trips
- Limited access to Disney Collection partner hotels
- Cannot combine resale points with direct-purchase points for restricted benefits
Benefits of Buying Direct
Direct purchases from Disney include several exclusive perks that may appeal to certain buyers:
- Full booking privileges at all current and future DVC resorts including Riviera
- Exchange options for Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, and Collection stays
- All member perks and discounts without restrictions
- New member incentives including bonus points and financing options
- Blue Card status for Disney resort discounts
What Both Resale and Direct Buyers Get
Regardless of how you purchase, all DVC members enjoy:
Universal DVC Benefits
- Booking at all 14 original DVC resorts worldwide
- 11-month home resort booking advantage
- 7-month booking window at all resorts
- Point banking and borrowing privileges
- Ability to rent out unused points
- Member-exclusive events and merchandise
- Moonlight Magic events at theme parks
- Annual Passholder discounts (when available)
Making Your Decision: A Framework
The right choice depends entirely on your priorities and vacation style. Consider these scenarios:
| If You... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| Primarily stay at DVC resorts and want maximum savings | Resale |
| Love cruising and want point exchange flexibility | Direct |
| Want to book at Riviera Resort specifically | Direct |
| Are budget-conscious and value-focused | Resale |
| Want Adventures by Disney access | Direct |
| Need financing options from Disney | Direct |
The Hybrid Approach
Many savvy buyers take a hybrid approach: they purchase a small direct contract (typically the minimum 100 points) to unlock all benefits, then add a larger resale contract for most of their points. This strategy provides full access to perks while maximizing savings on the bulk of your ownership.
For example, buying 100 points direct at $207/point ($20,700) plus 150 points resale at $110/point ($16,500) gives you 250 points for $37,200—with full benefits—versus paying $51,750 for 250 direct points.
Whichever path you choose, DVC ownership opens the door to decades of Disney vacations. The key is understanding what matters most to your family and making an informed decision based on real numbers and your actual vacation patterns.