I’ll be honest—when I first started looking into how to buy Disney Vacation Club points, I was overwhelmed. There are so many terms, charts, contracts, and price points floating around that it’s hard to know where to start, let alone how to avoid overspending. But after going through the process myself, I’ve learned a lot about how Disney Vacation Club works and where the smart savings are hiding.
This guide breaks down everything I wish I knew from the start. Whether you're buying directly from Disney or through resale, you’ll find the strategies I used to get more value out of every point. I’ll also walk you through the types of contracts, what to watch out for, and how to know if it even makes sense for you.
Key Points
- Buying resale can save thousands, but there are trade-offs in perks and booking windows.
- Understand the point charts before committing—not all points have equal value depending on resort and time of year.
- Closing costs, dues, and future resale value should factor into your decision just as much as the initial price per point.
How to Buy Disney Vacation Club Points: Direct vs. Resale
One of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to buy Disney Vacation Club points directly from Disney or through the resale market. I considered both, and each comes with pros and cons.
Buying Directly from Disney
Buying directly from Disney guarantees you all the member perks, access to new resorts, and full booking flexibility.
If you want the full Disney Vacation Club experience and aren’t as concerned about price, this is the most straightforward option.
However, direct points are expensive. At the time I researched, direct prices ranged from about $217 to $239 per point, depending on the resort. For example, newer resorts like Riviera or the Villas at Disneyland Hotel tend to be at the high end, while older resorts (when available) are slightly less.
In addition to the high per-point cost, you usually need to buy a minimum of 100 to 150 points to qualify for the coveted “blue card” membership, which unlocks exclusive events and deeper discounts.
If you're considering this route, I recommend starting with Disney’s official Vacation Club site to review the latest pricing, minimums, and eligibility requirements.
Buying on the Resale Market
I ended up going the resale route, and it saved me a significant amount of money. Sites like DVC Resale Market, The Timeshare Store, and DVC Shop let you browse active listings by resort, point amount, Use Year, and price per point.
On the resale market, I saw prices ranging from $90 to $140 per point, depending on the resort and contract. For example, older resorts like Saratoga Springs often go for $95–$105 per point, while in-demand resorts like Grand Californian can still fetch over $160.
That said, resale purchases come with a few downsides. Disney restricts certain benefits from resale contracts, especially if the resort is not your “home resort.”
For example, if you buy resale points for Grand Floridian, you can book that resort at 11 months out. But you can only book other resorts at the 7-month window, and you don’t qualify for perks like Moonlight Magic events, dining discounts, or using points toward Disney cruises.
That said, I ran the numbers and realized I could go to Disney for over a decade and still come out ahead financially even without those extras. Most of my points go toward deluxe resort stays anyway—not cruises.
If you're unfamiliar with what perks come with DVC ownership, this breakdown of Disney Vacation Club perks is helpful.
Understand the Fine Print Before You Buy
This isn’t a quick one-click purchase. There are contracts, closing costs, and annual dues. If you want to save money long-term, you have to look beyond the initial price per point.
Closing Costs and Annual Dues
Closing costs vary depending on the broker and the title company they use. In my experience, closing costs for resale ranged from $500 to $900, depending on the size of the contract.
Then there are annual dues, which vary widely by resort. For 2025, the annual dues range from about $7.50 to over $11 per point. For example, Saratoga Springs is on the lower end, while resorts like Aulani and Vero Beach are more expensive to maintain.
So even if you score a good deal upfront, a high-dues resort could cost more in the long run. Always check the dues using the Disney Vacation Club points chart and this guide on how much is Disney Vacation Club per year.
Use Year and Expiration
Each contract comes with a Use Year—basically the month your points are refreshed annually. It matters more than you might think. If your vacation habits don’t align with your Use Year, you might have to bank or borrow more often than necessary.
Also, look at the expiration date. Older resorts like Old Key West have contracts that end in 2042 or 2057, depending on whether they were extended. Newer resorts like Riviera go until 2070 or later.
Check this guide to how long does Disney Vacation Club last for more details and why expiration can affect resale value.
Tips to Get the Best Deal
Once you’ve narrowed down your resort and know whether you want to buy resale or direct, here are a few tips that helped me get a great deal.
Compare Cost per Point AND Dues
Some contracts look cheap up front but have higher annual dues. I created a spreadsheet comparing the total lifetime cost of each resort, factoring in purchase price and projected dues over the remaining years.
For example, while Bay Lake Tower might cost more per point than Saratoga Springs, the lower dues and better resale value might make it the better long-term investment. This post on cost of Disney Vacation Club points breaks it down further.
Start Small if You’re Unsure
If you’re not sure if Disney Vacation Club is right for you, consider buying a smaller contract to test it out. Some contracts are as small as 50 points, though they go fast.
Also, if you're just looking to cover a short trip each year, buying fewer points might be enough. Remember, you can always add on later or even rent points in the meantime.
Sometimes it makes more sense to rent Disney Vacation Club points instead of buying if you only go once a year.
Make Sure It Fits Your Travel Style
Disney Vacation Club is a commitment. Before I bought in, I had to ask myself some honest questions:
- Do I really go to Disney at least once every 1-2 years?
- Do I usually stay in deluxe resorts?
- Am I okay with planning trips 7 to 11 months in advance?
- Would I be happier just booking cash stays and staying flexible?
If you're still debating, this article on is Disney Vacation Club worth it might help you decide if it’s a match for your travel habits.
Final Thoughts
Buying into Disney Vacation Club was a big decision, but once I understood the system and knew what I wanted, it became much easier. The key for me was figuring out how to buy Disney Vacation Club points in a way that matched my travel goals and saved money in the long run.
It wasn’t just about price per point—it was about choosing the right resort, understanding the hidden costs, and being honest about how often I’d use the points.
If you’re just getting started with the program, I highly recommend reading through this complete overview of Disney Vacation Club before taking the plunge. It explains the whole ecosystem and links to more in-depth guides about points, perks, and pricing.
