When I first started researching Disney Vacation Club (DVC), the concept of a points chart was one of the most confusing parts. Everyone kept talking about banking points, borrowing points, and how each resort had its own chart.
I had so many questions: What is the Disney Vacation Club points chart? How do I use it? And how do I make sure I’m not wasting points on the wrong stay?
In this post, I’m going to explain the Disney Vacation Club points chart the way I wish someone had explained it to me: simply, strategically, and from real experience.
If you’re a new buyer (or just considering becoming one), this should clear up a lot of the mystery and help you feel more confident moving forward.
See the official Disney Vacation Club points charts here.
Key Points for Understanding the Disney Vacation Club Points Chart
- The charts vary by resort, room type, and time of year. Pay attention to how seasons affect point costs, especially during holidays or peak travel weeks.
- Planning ahead gives you more value. Booking at the 11-month mark (at your home resort) means you can snag high-value rooms before they’re gone.
- Weeknights are usually cheaper than weekends. Stretch your points further by arriving Sunday and leaving Friday whenever possible.
What Is the Disney Vacation Club Points Chart?
Before you get into ownership details or start comparing DVC resorts, it helps to understand how the Disney Vacation Club points chart actually works.
When you buy into DVC, you’re essentially buying an allotment of points that you use like currency to book nights at Disney resorts. Every DVC resort has its own points chart that outlines how many points you’ll need per night based on the time of year, the room type, and the view.
For example, a standard studio at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort might cost 11 points on a weekday in early September, but that same room can cost 22 points or more per night during Christmas week. The same variation applies to other resorts too—Deluxe Studios at the Grand Floridian, for instance, can range from 16 to over 30 points per night depending on the season.
Larger rooms like 1-Bedroom Villas or 2-Bedroom Villas require significantly more points. A 1-Bedroom Villa at Disney’s Riviera Resort might cost as little as 29 points per night in the lowest season but jump to over 60 points during peak times.
If you’re just beginning your research, I recommend starting with a broad overview of how does Disney Vacation Club work.
How to Read a Disney Vacation Club Points Chart
The first time I saw a DVC points chart, it felt overwhelming. But once I understood what to look for, it all clicked. Here’s how I break it down:
Seasonal Travel Periods
DVC divides the year into different travel periods based on demand. These aren’t the traditional seasons but instead follow patterns like:
- Adventure Season (typically late August through September)
- Choice Season (usually January or early December)
- Dream Season (late spring and early fall)
- Magic or Premier Season (holidays and summer months)
Higher-demand periods like Thanksgiving week, Christmas, and spring break require more points. Slower times like mid-September or early January are the most affordable.
Room Types and Views
Each resort offers different types of accommodations:
- Deluxe Studios (typically 4 guests)
- 1-Bedroom Villas (sleeps 5)
- 2-Bedroom Villas (up to 9)
- Grand Villas (up to 12)
You’ll also see view categories: Standard View, Preferred View, Savanna View, Theme Park View, etc. These can affect nightly point costs significantly. For instance, a Savanna View at Animal Kingdom Lodge can add 4-8 points per night over a Standard View.
Nightly Cost
Across the top of the points chart, you’ll find days of the week—Sunday through Saturday. Most of the time, Friday and Saturday nights are the most expensive.
Weeknights are your best bet if you’re trying to conserve points. For example, if a Deluxe Studio costs 12 points per night Monday to Thursday, it might jump to 18 points per night on the weekend.
Scroll down to the Sample DVC Points Chart section to see a detailed, real-world breakdown. It includes resort names, room types, view categories, travel seasons, and separate pricing for weeknights vs. weekends. This makes it easier to compare the cost of different trip styles at a glance.
If you’re wondering how many Disney Vacation Club points you need, these charts are a great starting point for estimating based on your preferred travel style.
Strategic Tips for Using the Points Chart Wisely
After becoming a member, I quickly realized that using the Disney Vacation Club points chart strategically can make or break your annual stay. Here are a few strategies that helped us get the most out of our membership.
Book Early at Your Home Resort
As a DVC member, you can book 11 months in advance at your home resort. Take advantage of this window to lock in high-demand weeks like spring break or the holiday season.
Booking early also gives you a better shot at specific room types or views. If you wait until the 7-month mark to book other resorts, you may be limited in what’s still available.
Travel Midweek
It might sound simple, but avoiding Friday and Saturday nights saves a surprising number of points. We often book Sunday to Friday trips for this reason.
A five-night weekday stay might cost fewer points than just a three-night weekend trip. This is one of the best ways to stretch your annual point allotment.
Consider Lower-Cost Resorts
Not all resorts are priced the same. Old Key West and Saratoga Springs consistently have some of the lowest nightly point costs across the board.
That means if you own points there or choose to stay there, you’re often getting more nights for the same point total compared to high-demand resorts like the Polynesian or Grand Californian.
Also, if you’re still deciding where to buy, compare the cost of Disney Vacation Club points between resorts. The price per point can vary by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Where to Find Official Points Charts
Disney updates its points charts each year, and while the changes are usually small, they can add up over time.
To find the most up-to-date and official information, go directly to the Disney Vacation Club website. You can browse by resort, download PDFs, and compare charts side by side.
Sample DVC Points Chart
| Resort | Room Type | View | Season | Weeknight (Sun–Thu) | Weekend (Fri–Sat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saratoga Springs | Deluxe Studio | Standard | Adventure | 11 | 14 |
| Saratoga Springs | Deluxe Studio | Preferred | Premier | 22 | 27 |
| Riviera Resort | 1-Bedroom Villa | Standard | Adventure | 29 | 36 |
| Riviera Resort | 1-Bedroom Villa | Preferred | Premier | 60 | 74 |
| Grand Floridian | Deluxe Studio | Standard | Dream | 20 | 26 |
| Grand Floridian | 2-Bedroom Villa | Lake View | Premier | 72 | 88 |
| Animal Kingdom Lodge | Deluxe Studio | Standard | Choice | 13 | 17 |
| Animal Kingdom Lodge | Deluxe Studio | Savanna View | Choice | 17 | 22 |
| Animal Kingdom Lodge | 1-Bedroom Villa | Savanna View | Premier | 55 | 68 |
| Polynesian Villas & Bungalows | Deluxe Studio | Standard | Magic | 24 | 30 |
| Polynesian | Bungalow | Lagoon View | Premier | 115 | 139 |
| Old Key West | 1-Bedroom Villa | Standard | Adventure | 21 | 26 |
| Old Key West | 2-Bedroom Villa | Standard | Adventure | 28 | 34 |
| Bay Lake Tower | Studio | Theme Park View | Premier | 28 | 35 |
| Bay Lake Tower | 1-Bedroom Villa | Theme Park View | Premier | 63 | 75 |
| Grand Californian | Studio | Standard | Magic | 23 | 28 |
| Grand Californian | 2-Bedroom Villa | Standard | Premier | 89 | 110 |
