If you're wondering how much is Disney Vacation Club membership, you're not alone. I asked myself the same thing before diving deep into the numbers and comparing all the options.
The truth is, it's not a simple flat rate. Costs can vary significantly depending on how many points you buy, which home resort you choose, and whether you buy directly from Disney or through a resale contract.
After spending years researching DVC and testing the waters by renting points, I’ve gotten a clear picture of what the real costs are—and where the value lies. This article is a personal look at those numbers and what I learned along the way. If you’re considering DVC, I hope this will give you a clear and honest starting point.
Key Points
- Expect to pay $32,000 to $37,000 for a new direct membership with 150 points, plus annual dues.
- Annual dues range from about $8 to $10 per point, depending on the resort.
- Buying resale can save you thousands, but you’ll miss out on some perks.
How Much Is Disney Vacation Club Membership?
Let’s get into the heart of it. When you buy a Disney Vacation Club membership directly through Disney, the minimum entry point is currently 150 points. The cost per point varies based on the resort, and Disney raises prices often, so don’t expect these to remain static for long.
Here are some example prices per point (which can change with little notice):
- Disney's Riviera Resort: $225 per point
- Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas: $217 per point
- Villas at Disneyland Hotel: $230 per point
If you’re purchasing 150 points at Riviera, your total upfront cost would be $33,750, not including closing costs and annual dues.
These points represent your yearly allotment for booking DVC accommodations. More points give you more flexibility and options, especially for larger rooms or peak seasons. But even a 150-point contract can cover a week-long stay in a Deluxe Studio during slower times of the year.
If you’re still learning the basics of how points work and how they’re used to book rooms, I highly recommend reading this breakdown on how Disney Vacation Club works.
You can also see current pricing and all available resorts listed on the official Disney Vacation Club website.
Annual Dues: The Ongoing Cost You Can't Ignore
The upfront cost is just one part of the puzzle. Every DVC member also pays annual dues, which cover things like resort maintenance, housekeeping, and operations. These dues are charged per point and billed once per year.
Here are some examples of dues by resort:
- Riviera Resort: Around $9.00 per point
- Polynesian Villas & Bungalows: About $8.13 per point
- Aulani: Over $10.00 per point
So if you own 150 points at Riviera, you’d pay roughly $1,350 each year in dues. That’s on top of your initial purchase.
It’s worth noting that dues increase over time—usually by a small percentage each year—so you’ll want to factor in long-term costs. I personally ran the numbers out over 20 years, and the dues added up to almost the same amount as my upfront buy-in.
To dig into this further, check out this detailed look at the cost of Disney Vacation Club points and how annual fees vary by resort.
Resale vs. Direct: Where the Real Savings Are (And Aren’t)
Buying resale is one of the first things I looked into when trying to save money on DVC. And honestly, it's a smart move for many people.
Older resorts like Saratoga Springs, BoardWalk Villas, or Old Key West often resell for $100 to $130 per point—a huge discount compared to buying direct from Disney.
That said, there are tradeoffs you need to consider:
- Booking restrictions: You can only book your home resort at 11 months out and other resorts at 7 months, just like direct members. But newer properties like Riviera restrict resale members to only booking that specific resort.
- Perks limitations: Resale buyers aren’t eligible for things like the Member Lounge at EPCOT, Moonlight Magic events, or discounts on merch and dining.
- Vacation options: Resale points can’t be used for Disney Cruises, Adventures by Disney, or non-DVC hotels within the Concierge Collection.
Still, if you’re focused on using your points strictly for DVC resort stays, the savings can outweigh the lack of perks.
Want to explore this option further? Here's a helpful guide on how to buy Disney Vacation Club points through resale.
You can also weigh the full pros and cons by reading is Disney Vacation Club worth it based on how often you travel and what kind of accommodations you prefer.
How to Test the Waters Without Committing Yet
One of the best things I did before seriously considering DVC was renting points. It gave me a chance to stay in Deluxe-level resorts for a fraction of the cost—without any long-term commitment.
You can rent directly from owners or use third-party services to book stays using their DVC points. I stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Bay Lake Tower this way, and both times it felt like getting a luxury resort for moderate prices.
More importantly, it helped me decide what I’d want in a home resort and how many points might be realistic.
If you're curious how to go about this, check out this complete guide on how to rent Disney Vacation Club points. You’ll also find pricing tips and recommendations for trusted rental services in this post about Disney Vacation Club rentals.
Other Costs and Hidden Factors to Know
There are a few other costs and considerations that often get overlooked:
- Financing: If you finance your DVC membership through Disney, the interest rates are usually much higher than a personal loan or HELOC. Crunch the numbers before signing anything.
- No park tickets included: A lot of people assume DVC includes park admission, but it doesn’t. That cost is entirely separate. Here’s more on what DVC includes—and doesn’t.
- Expiration dates: Each DVC contract has an end date. Most newer contracts expire around 2060–2075, while older resorts might expire sooner. Learn more about how long DVC contracts last.
- Discounts and perks: There are real perks to DVC, especially if you buy direct—discounts on dining, merchandise, special events, and more. You can read the full breakdown of Disney Vacation Club perks and see if they matter to you.
You’ll also find more details on DVC discounts and how they might impact your bottom line over the years.
Final Thoughts: Is It the Right Time to Join?
DVC isn’t for everyone. But if you visit Disney regularly and plan to do so for years to come, it can absolutely be a smart investment in future vacations.
That said, it’s a long-term commitment—financially and emotionally. The up-front cost is substantial, and the annual dues never go away. But for many members, the perks, comfort, and long-term savings are worth it.
I still haven’t joined, but I’ve come close several times. What stopped me each time was making sure I wasn’t rushing into something just because I liked the idea of being a member.
If you’re still in the research phase, I highly recommend diving into our complete guide to Disney Vacation Club to explore every angle—points, resorts, perks, and the process to join.
