Why Buy DVC Resale?
Purchasing a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) contract on the resale market can save you 30-50% compared to buying direct from Disney. While there are some restrictions on resale contracts purchased after January 2019, the savings can be substantial for savvy buyers who understand the market.
For many families, the resale market represents the smart path to DVC ownership. A 150-point contract at a popular resort like Saratoga Springs might cost $23,000 resale versus $40,000+ direct—that is over $17,000 in savings that could fund years of annual dues or additional vacations.
Understanding the Resale Process
The DVC resale process involves several key steps that typically take 60-90 days from offer to closing:
The DVC Resale Timeline
| Step | Timeframe | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Find Contract | 1-4 weeks | Search listings, compare prices |
| Submit Offer | 1-3 days | Negotiate with seller through broker |
| ROFR Period | 30-45 days | Disney reviews and decides |
| Closing | 2-3 weeks | Title transfer, payment |
| Activation | 1-2 weeks | Disney sets up membership |
What to Look For in a Contract
When evaluating DVC resale contracts, consider these critical factors:
- Home Resort: Which resort provides the best value and availability for your family? Consider location, amenities, and typical point costs.
- Use Year: Does the use year align with when you prefer to vacation? Popular choices are February, August, and December.
- Points: How many points do you need annually? A family of four typically needs 150-200 points for a week-long stay.
- Contract Expiration: How many years remain? Older resorts like Old Key West expire in 2042, while newer ones like Riviera extend to 2070.
- Loaded vs Stripped: Are there current year or banked points included? Loaded contracts offer immediate value.
2019 Resale Restrictions Explained
Contracts purchased resale after January 19, 2019 have important limitations:
What Resale Buyers Cannot Do (Post-2019)
- Book at Riviera Resort (or future "Resale Restricted" resorts)
- Exchange points for Disney Cruise Line
- Use points for Adventures by Disney
- Access Disney Collection partner hotels
What Resale Buyers CAN Still Do
- Book at all 14 original DVC resorts
- Use all DVC member perks (discounts, early access)
- Bank and borrow points normally
- Rent out unused points
- Sell the contract in the future
Resale Price Comparison by Resort
Understanding market values helps you identify good deals:
| Resort | Resale Range | Direct Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Lake Tower | $145-165/pt | $250/pt | 38-42% |
| Beach Club | $140-160/pt | $250/pt | 36-44% |
| Saratoga Springs | $100-120/pt | $207/pt | 42-52% |
| Old Key West | $90-110/pt | $200/pt | 45-55% |
| Animal Kingdom | $95-115/pt | $207/pt | 44-54% |
Tips for a Successful Purchase
Follow these expert recommendations to navigate the resale market successfully:
- Work with a reputable broker - Licensed brokers handle all paperwork and protect both parties
- Research ROFR history - Know what prices are passing at your target resort
- Factor in ALL costs - Include closing costs ($500-1000) and prorated annual dues
- Be patient - The right contract at the right price will come along
- Get title insurance - Protects against any ownership disputes
The DVC resale market offers tremendous value for families committed to Disney vacations. With proper research and patience, you can join the DVC family at a fraction of the direct purchase price while still enjoying decades of magical memories.