Becoming a Disney Vacation Club Member: New Year’s Resolution or New Year’s Revulsion?
With the new year upon us, you may be thinking, “How can I add more vacation time and playtime into my upcoming year?” (We think making time for R&R is an excellent resolution!)
You’ve probably heard the term “DVC” or “Disney Vacation Club” thanks to the kiosk stands in the park or the ads on the TV in your Disney Resort Room. The DVC promises to help you make the most of your vacation time, but there’s a lot to consider before handing over that credit card. Like:
What exactly is the Disney Vacation Club?
Is it in your budget?
Is it worth it?
What are the perks?
Today’s your lucky day because we’re here to answer all of those questions!
Getting the Down Low on the DVC
One of the best ways to gather more information about the Disney Vacation Club is to hit up one of those kiosks. (They can be found in all parks and at the resorts, too!)
Cast members can provide answers to all of your questions. Well, as long as they relate to the DVC, that is! However, you may feel obligated to make a decision about joining the club during that discussion. As a result, Disney guests often (understandably) avoid the kiosks, so they don’t have to sit through a sales pitch. If you have a tough time saying “no,” you might want to stay away, too.
Thankfully, there are plenty of other resources on the internet about Disney Vacation Club, including a number of helpful YouTube videos. Definitely do your research before making a decision!
What is the Disney Vacation Club?
Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s version of a timeshare program. (What the heck is a timeshare?? Here’s an article on that! Long story short, you commit to pay for annual trips to the same resort for a lifetime.)
Disney has a lot of property, and the Disney Parks have a lot of locations. If you purchase a timeshare with DVC, you will be able to stay at the Disney parks in Anaheim, California, and Orlando, Florida. DVC members even get access to Disney resorts in Paris, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.
When you stay onsite with Disney, you get access to better rooms and buildings on the resort property. At WDW, this means access to newly finished villas in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and an entire building just for the DVC at the Contemporary Resort.
With the Disney Vacation Club, there is also a part of the membership called the Disney Collection. Disney Collection allows you to access trips with the Disney Cruise Lines and a wide selection of destinations, both domestic and international. That means you can cruise to Alaska, an island in the Caribbean, or even a city in Europe.
Something brand new for the DVC this year is a collaboration with National Geographic. If you are eligible, you might be able to access the Disney and National Geographic “Signature Land Expeditions.” These are rare and incredible destination experiences guided by a National Geographic expert, which not only makes for a fantastic vacation but also incorporates significant cultural, historical, and educational opportunities.
Ever wanted to travel to the Holy Land, Switzerland, Belgium, Egypt, or Peru? These opportunities and many more are available through different pockets of the Disney Collection via Disney Vacation Club.
Let’s Talk About the Price
Disney Vacation Club is extremely expensive. Like, starting at $32,550 expensive (with further monthly fees for as long as you are a timeshare holder). The cost can vary, though, as some people choose to buy through resale options instead of through Disney.
If you decide to go through Disney, you can talk to a DVC cast member representative and look into options for purchasing your first amount of DVC points. Once you have purchased points, you’ll be able to decide how many points you’d like to allot for one, two, or even more vacations that year. (Points also typically roll over to the next year, so that’s also an option if you so choose.)
What Perks Do You Get as a Disney Vacation Club Member?
One of the best-known perks of the Disney Vacation Club is the exclusive member lounges. The top of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Orlando has a dazzling bar called “Top of The World Lounge,” and it’s themed to be a Disney Villians’ Lair. There’s a stellar menu and fun thematic elements all throughout, and you only get access if you’re part of the DVC.
Another similar lounge is the “Imagination Member Lounge,” located in the Imagination! Pavilion at EPCOT. The space includes futuristic-looking coke machines and incredible views. You can use the complimentary Wi-Fi, give your phone a charge, and enjoy drinks and snacks as part of the lounge’s special benefits.
(Disneyland also has similar lounge experiences, FYI!)
What Else?
As a member, you will have discounts on WDW and Disneyland rooms, dining, shopping, and park tickets.
DVC Members are also given “Complimentary Alternative Pool Use.” Essentially, certain designated pools at other Disney resorts are available for DVC members to use. This can be really fun for kids and families who may want to seek out other exciting waterslides besides the ones at their resort.
Disney Vacation Club members can also enjoy $100 off per person for annual passholder tickets.
There are special events that happen throughout the year at the Disney Parks that only DVC members have access to. Some are held after hours, and some are held at specific locations throughout the resort property.
Is It Worth It?
With all of these perks, joining the DVC can seem like a fantastic opportunity, and when it comes to timeshares, Disney is admittedly the best one out there. However, this Creative Editor would humbly advise that, for the average person, a timeshare is not a good idea. Essentially, you’re investing in property you’ll never get to own.
Something to remember is that beyond the one-time and continual monthly payments, you still have to purchase park tickets, food, and gas (or plane tickets) whenever you want to vacation. And if you decide you want to travel somewhere else, or simply can’t do a vacation that year, you’re still obligated to make those timeshare payments. And if you ever want to get rid of your timeshare, it’s a difficult process, and the resale value is about like that of a used car.
The bottom line: for most travelers, timeshares (Disney or otherwise) are not good investments.1
It’s better to save your money and retain both financial and traveling freedom. But there are exceptions to every rule; for diehard Disney fans who really do engage in constant Disney-related travel, it’s entirely possible that crunching some numbers will reveal the DVC is a money saver for you!
Ultimately, the decision is up to you! Hopefully, we’ve offered some helpful insights into the DVC and its pros and cons. Our biggest piece of advice is to research, research, research. This is one thing you don’t want to impulse buy!
Whether or not you’re a DVC member, we hope you have some AMAZING trips this year!
What’s your New Years’ Resolution for 2023?
Let us know in the comments below!
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