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• Disney Castaway Club / Disney Cruise Line

Castaway Club Levels: Disney Cruise Line Rewards Explained

by Tori Carle · August 24, 2024

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be in the Castaway Club, how you sign up, or what the benefits of being in the club are… today we’re unveiling the magic of Castaway Club Levels on Disney Cruise Line . 

As Grandma Fa says, “Sign me up for the next [cruise]!” (Credit: Disney)

Disney Cruise Line Embarkation

Let’s dive into the wondrous world of Castaway Club levels and discover what makes each tier special.

Silver Castaway Club: The Start of Something Magical

Once you’ve completed your very first Disney cruise, you’re officially a member of the Silver Castaway Club. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Welcome Back Aboard Gift

A special gift awaits you in your stateroom to start your cruise with a sprinkle of pixie dust. Guests can also purchase magically exclusive merchandise for Castaway Club members only in the onboard shops. 

A Lanyard and Tote Bag for Silver Castaway Club Members

Dedicated Check-In for the Castaway Club 

Streamline your embarkation process with a dedicated check-in line at the terminal.

Early Booking

Get a head start on booking your next magical voyage before the general public, one day before general bookings are available. Silver Castaway Club members can also book onboard activities and excursions 90 days before sailing (15 days before first-time guests). 

Gold Castaway Club: Golden Treasures Await

After completing five Disney cruises, you’ll be elevated to the Gold Castaway Club. The golden benefits include all the Silver Tier benefits with some extra magic:

Magical Welcome Back Aboard Gift & Exclusive Merchandise 

You’ll see a golden spark with this welcome back aboard gift. 

Priority Booking and Check-In

Gold Castaway Club Members get to book onboard activities 105 days before sailing. Check-in for your cruise and select a Port Arrival Time 35 days before your cruise. 

Credit: Disney

Skip the lines with a priority check-in line, making your embarkation smoother and quicker at the terminal. 

Castaway Club Onboard Reception

An exclusive event just for Gold, Platinum, and Pearl members on 4+ night sailings, offering delicious treats and a chance to meet Disney Cruise Line officers.

You should find an invitation in your stateroom after boarding (and no registration required)! Keep an eye out for the invitation and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask a member of the Guest Services team at the  Guest Service Desk . 

Magical Discounts! 

Special discounts created just for Gold, Platinum, and Pearl Castaway Club Members on your voyage.

Early Access to New Itineraries

Book your next cruise at least 3 days before the general public. 

Platinum Castaway Club: The Pinnacle of Perks

With ten or more Disney cruises under your belt, you’ll join the ranks of the Platinum Castaway Club level and this is where the magic really starts to heat up!

Platinum Castaway Club Members get to book onboard activities 120 days before sailing. Check-in for your cruise and select a Port Arrival Time 38 days before you cruise. 

Complimentary Dinner at Palo

Savor a delectable dinner at Palo, Disney Cruise Line’s signature adults-only restaurant, on cruises of 4 nights or longer.

Palo on Disney Fantasy

Onboard Reception: Meet the Crew

Crew members join the sail away party for Gold, Platinum, and Pearl Castaway Club members to say hello and welcome aboard! 

Even Earlier Access to New Itineraries

Be among the first to know and book new cruise itineraries and ships. Book your next cruise at least 3 days before the general public. 

Pearl Castaway Club: The Ultimate in Luxury

The newest and most prestigious tier, the Pearl Castaway Club, is reserved for those who have completed 25 or more Disney cruises. The pearl perks are a testament to Disney’s commitment to exceptional service. Enjoy all the perks of the Platinum Castaway Club, with even more magical enhancements.

Priority Boarding and Debarkation

Experience the ultimate convenience with priority boarding and debarkation, making your arrival and departure seamless. Pearl Castaway Club members don’t need to select a Port Arrival Time (PAT) during the online check-in. On their embarkation day, you’ll automatically be placed in the first boarding group for your cruise. You can board at that time, or any time after that!

Castaway Club Member Sail Away Party

Along with Gold and Platinum Castaway Club guests, you’ll be able to enjoy music and beverages at the Castaway Club Sail Away Party. 

Pearl Castaway Club Exclusive Benefits

Receive an exclusive, high-end welcome back aboard gift tailored just for Pearl members. Access unique onboard experiences designed exclusively for Pearl members, ensuring every cruise is extraordinary. 

Palo Restaurant – Disney Wonder

Savor a delectable complimentary dinner at Palo, Disney Cruise Line’s signature adults-only restaurant, on cruises of 4 nights or longer.

Complimentary Unlimited Digital Photo Package

Capture every magical moment of your cruise with unlimited digital photos included.

Earliest Access to New Itineraries

Be among the first to know and book new cruise itineraries and ships. Book your next cruise at least 4 days before the general public. 

So, What are you waiting for?

Set your sights on the line where the sky meets the sea and let your Castaway Club Membership enhance your Disney Cruise Line adventures .

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to Disney Cruise Line, let Tori Carle Emerson , a dedicated Disney travel agent with MickeyTravels help you plan your next voyage.

Tori can help you create the perfect Disney getaway, ensuring your trip is as magical as you’ve always dreamed. Best of all, her services are completely free!

We hope unveiling the magic of Disney’s Castaway Club will make every voyage a cherished memory. Bon Voyage Sailors! 

Photo: Disney

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Disney Vacation Club Disney Cruise Line Points Charts

Disney Vacation Club points charts for Disney Cruise Line vacations. The most updated list can be found on Disney Vacation Club’s Point Chart page . 

Below is a summary from a long time ago when the point charts were not as easy to find.

DVC Points Charts are subject to change at any time without notice.

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You can save THOUSANDS of dollars on your Disney vacation using DVC Rentals, and no membership is required!

We have, available to us, inventories of rooms located on Disney property at the Walt Disney World Resort Florida, Disneyland Resort California, Aulani Hawaii, South Carolina and the Florida Atlantic coast, for rent.

You can reserve one of these rooms directly through Disney Central Reservations, or you can experience DVC Rentals to book the very same room through owners of the Disney Vacation Club, at prices that will leave you asking "HOW CAN THAT BE?". Visit our online Cost Calculator today to find out how much you could save on a Deluxe DVC Resort!

These rooms, classified by Disney as " Deluxe Disney Villas ", are all located within the Disney Vacation Club resorts. You DO NOT need to be an owner of the Disney Vacation Club or David's Vacation Club Rentals.

The reservation will be in your name and you will check in at the regular Disney Resort arrival desk.

Your room will be assigned to you by the Disney Resort Cast members on your arrival. You will be treated the same as every Disney Resort Guest and you will have access to all of the same amenities and perks afforded to each and every guest staying at a Disney Resort.

The biggest difference is: There will be no room bill to pay when you check out unless you charge purchases to your room using your Key to the World Card, Room Card or Magic Band (where applicable).

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Should I Use My Disney Vacation Club Points for a Cruise?

Disney Vacation Club owners have a wide range of options for using their Vacation Club points to book amazing vacations around the US at DVC properties and around the world using RCI’s group of resorts. However, there’s also another interesting option for using DVC points and that’s to book a cruise. Below we’ll explore how to and if you should use your Disney Vacation Club points for a cruise.

How To Book A Cruise With DVC Points

Booking a Disney cruise with your DVC points is actually quite easy. The first step is to transfer your DVC points into Reservation points. To do this owners just need to contact DVC Member Services to request the transfer. One DVC point is equivalent to one Reservation point, so no loss in point value occurs when completing this transfer. Keep in mind that once points are transferred into Reservation points they will expire within one year and they cannot be transferred back into DVC points. 

Members can then head to the DVC member site to search and book the cruise of their choice. Disney offers a wide range of cruises from Mediterranean sailings to Alaska cruises to short trips to the Bahamas. 

How Many Points Does A Cruise Cost

The number of points needed for a cruise depends on the ship, destination, length of the cruise and stateroom type . Currently, cruises generally range from 76 to 279 per person. 

Additionally, each year Disney holds a special DVC Member’s only cruise. This cruise sails to a different destination each year with costs starting at 328 points per person.

Should I Use My DVC Points For A Cruise? 

Let’s look at the numbers of a current cruise option on the DVC Member site.

5-Night Bahamas – Disney Magic – Departing April 2020

If booking using points, according to the DVC cruise point charts it would cost a total of approximately 477 points to book this cruise for a family of 4 (2 adults, 1 teenager, 1 child) in an interior state room.

On the Disney Cruise website the same cruise for the same family of 4 would cost a total of $4,536.44, including taxes and port fees. 

To compare the two options we need to give our DVC points a monetary value. Currently, DVC points can be rented for approximately $19 per point. If we use this monetary value, the cruise example above would cost a total of $9,063, almost twice as much as paying cash for the same cruise on Disney Cruise Line’s website . 

When calculating the cost of paying cash for a cruise versus using points, it does not make financial sense to book a cruise using DVC points and therefore you should not use your Disney Vacation Club points to book a cruise. If you are a DVC owner looking to offset the cost of a cruise with your points, you may want to consider renting your points and using the cash to book a cruise instead. 

For more information on renting your DVC points, contact our helpful agents at DVC Shop Rentals .

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2025 Disney Vacation Club Points Charts

The 2025 Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Points Charts have been released, offering a comprehensive view of the points required for each DVC resort in the coming year!

Understanding the DVC Points System

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a moment to understand the DVC points system for those who may be new to the club or need a refresher.

The Disney Vacation Club operates on a points-based system. Rather than purchasing a fixed week or set of days at a specific resort, members buy a certain number of points. These points can then be used to book accommodations at any DVC resort, subject to availability and season.

Each DVC resort has its own points chart, which varies based on the time of year, day of the week, size of the room, and view. This system provides flexibility, allowing members to tailor their vacations to their specific needs and preferences.

2025 DVC Points Charts Release

We’ve seen some minor adjustments across the board, reflecting the ever-evolving dynamics of seasonality as it relates to the points charts. As always, these changes are designed to ensure fair value and maintain the high standard of accommodation that DVC members have come to expect.

To make it easy for you, we’ve compiled the points charts for each resort. Simply click on the links below to view the 2025 points chart for your preferred DVC resort:

Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, Hawai’i

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel

The Importance of Points Charts

Points charts are crucial tools for DVC members. They outline how many points are required for each night’s stay in the different types of rooms available at each resort. The charts are updated annually to reflect changes in demand and resort offerings.

The charts also provide a snapshot of the various “seasons” throughout the year at DVC resorts. These seasons impact the number of points needed for a stay, with high-demand periods requiring more points.

The 2025 Disney Vacation Club Points Charts were released in advance of the 2023 Disney Vacation Club Condominium Association Annual Meeting on Thursday, December 7th, 2023 at 2:00 pm, EST.

Stay tuned to  DVC Fan  and our  DVC Fan Facebook Group  for more updates and insights on all things Disney Vacation Club!

Also, be sure to head over to DISboards.com where some great analysis and comparison of the point charts is occurring!

Paul Krieger

Amy and I are new Orlando, Florida residents where we live with our dogs Odie the greyhound and Hermès the Spanish galgo. We are DVC owners at Animal Kingdom Lodge, BoardWalk Villas, Grand Californian, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian, Disney World Annual Passholders, and love educating Disney Vacation Club members on how to both use and maximize the value of their DVC points!

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Annual Dues Not Included – Financing above does not include annual dues, which are charged separately. Estimated monthly amount shown is based on the 2020 rate. In the first year of purchase, annual dues and/or monthly dues will be prorated or will differ based on the date of purchase and will increase in the future.

Prices and financing offer(s) are subject to change without prior notice.

** In the first year of purchase annual dues and/or monthly dues will be prorated or will differ based on the date of purchase and will increase in the future.

*** Minimum down payment of 10% is calculated based on the Net Purchase Price (which is the total amount of points purchased times the price-per-point minus the credit). Credit amount cannot be applied to the down payment. Credit expires by the date shown above. Credit cannot be combined with select promotions or discounts. Additional restrictions may apply.

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How to rent Disney Vacation Club points and save hundreds of dollars on your vacation

Editor's Note

You have a world of choices when it comes to finding the best Disney World hotel for your family.

Those looking to balance Disney World perks and reasonable pricing can turn to Disney's Value and Moderate resort categories. Visitors seeking the ultimate in convenience may enjoy a monorail-linked Deluxe resort, such as Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa , Disney's Contemporary Resort or Disney's Polynesian Village Resort .

For families keen on sticking to a tight budget, there are several non-Disney, off-property hotels, including options where you can redeem hotel points and the new Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando — Disney Springs Area . You can even camp on Disney property , should you still want the magic of Disney at your lodging without breaking the bank.

However, another cost-effective way to book Disney accommodations is through the Disney Vacation Club . From the process of renting points to the benefits you'll receive when you do, here's everything you need to know about using DVC points for your next Disney vacation.

Related: The best Disney World hotels for your next magical stay

What is Disney Vacation Club?

Even if you don't know much about the Disney Vacation Club, perhaps you've at least seen the DVC kiosks sprinkled throughout the parks during previous Walt Disney World vacations. The Disney Vacation Club has existed since the early 1990s and is Mickey's version of a timeshare.

You can purchase a DVC membership that is valid for as long as 50 years for a set number of points. DVC memberships typically involve receiving a set number of points you can use to book DVC properties for yourself — or others — annually for the contract's life.

While there is some flexibility to roll over points to or borrow points from a future year, Disney Vacation Club members generally have to use or lose their points each year.

However, members who don't plan on using all their allotted points can rent them out to other vacationers. Regardless of who ultimately uses the points, the owner will owe dues on them every year, so there's certainly an incentive to make sure they don't go to waste.

Related: How much does a Walt Disney World vacation cost?

How you can save money by renting Disney Vacation Club points

You don't have to own points to come out ahead in the DVC equation. In fact, renting Disney Vacation Club points is like eating filet mignon when you paid for a steak sandwich. While the experience varies based on a few factors, you can generally rent DVC points to stay in a Deluxe Disney resort for roughly the same price as booking a Moderate Disney resort.

When you book a Disney Vacation Club room — usually referred to as a studio or villa — you'll typically enjoy more space and amenities like a kitchen and in-room laundry machines. You'll also get the normal perks of staying at a true Disney resort (such as 30-minute early entry to the parks and purchasing individual Lightning Lanes at 7 a.m., among other benefits) because you are at a true Disney resort.

Plus, many Disney Vacation Club properties — including the monorail resorts at Bay Lake Tower, Polynesian Village and the Grand Floridian — are ideally situated for visiting the parks. If you prioritize Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, consider the DVC rooms at Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Disney's Beach Club Resort . You can even choose Disney's Skyliner -linked Riviera Resort if you're eager to try this mode of resort transportation.

Cash rates for standard rooms at these resorts often hover between $500 and $700 per night. However, renting DVC points can greatly reduce out-of-pocket costs, as bookings are available for 10 to 16 points per night. So, if you rent DVC points for $20 per point, you could use points to reserve a room at one of the above Deluxe Disney resorts for as little as $200 per night.

Booking link: Rent DVC points via TPG's partner, David's Vacation Club Rentals

You can rent Disney Vacation Club points to stay at Disney's beach resorts

In addition to renting Disney Vacation Club points for stays at Disney's theme parks, you can also use DVC points to reserve a room at one of Disney's beach resorts – Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa , Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort and Disney's Vero Beach Resort.

These resorts have the same type of accommodations and level of service you'd expect from a Deluxe Disney resort in a relaxing beach setting. You can enjoy favorite Disney treats like Dole Whip and Mickey waffles and those only-at-Disney experiences like daily crafts and games, character meet-and-greets and awesome pools.

Similar to DVC resorts at Disney World and Disneyland , there are various room types to choose from. Studio villas are smaller and have similar amenities to a standard hotel room. Larger villas with one, two or three bedrooms are more comfortable for larger families and longer stays; each has a full kitchen, a washer and a dryer, a dining area and a living room.

How much can you save by renting Disney Vacation Club points?

We've established the basics around renting Disney Vacation Club points. Now, it's time to consider some real-world examples to see how much money you can save on a three-night stay.

For the below calculations, we used a rate of $23 per point when renting from David's Vacation Club Rentals more than seven months out, as that's when availability is the best. (This is because Disney limits who can book a specific resort with points to those who own points at that resort.) Once you look at dates within seven months of your visit, availability begins to shrink since DVC owners can start using their points at other resorts beyond the one where they own points. Because of this, David's Vacation Club Rentals rates are slightly lower within seven months, averaging around $21 per point.

When considering point rentals from individual owners, we used a benchmark of $20 per rented point. Know, though, that this cost can vary quite a bit.

The following two-night stays were live and bookable as of the time the story was written.

As you can see in our examples, savings vary. However, saving about 40% off paid Disney rates when renting DVC points is very realistic, even when paying the premium rates charged by a large service.

Be on the lookout for existing reservation listings as well, as these can get you additional savings. For example, we've seen reservations for as little as $15 per point in the "Confirmed Reservations for Rent" section under "DVC Guests" on David's Vacation Club Rentals site. If your dates are flexible, you can save even more by booking one of these existing reservations.

How to rent Disney Vacation Club points

Now that you've seen how significant the savings can be, even on a two-night stay, you may wonder how to rent Disney Vacation Club points.

Once you check DVC availability — which you can do via the Disney Vacation Club website or by speaking directly to a DVC representative — and familiarize yourself with the DVC points charts, the process is fairly straightforward. However, it will vary depending on whether you use a professional service like David's Vacation Club Rentals or rent directly from a DVC owner.

Renting Disney Vacation Club points from a service

As mentioned, you can rent DVC points from David's Vacation Club Rentals or another professional service.

To make a DVC rental booking with David's Vacation Club, hit the "Reserve Now" button and fill out your desired travel dates, resort and room type. You can select several resorts you'd consider accepting or only one resort if you are set on staying at a particular property. Use a site showing DVC availability, such as DVC Vacations , before completing this step to ensure space at your preferred resort(s) before getting too far along in the rental booking process.

Once you've submitted the basics, you'll need to pay a $105 deposit that goes toward the price of your rental in the event it is secured. This will initiate the search.

Important note: David's Vacation Club Rentals is based in Canada, so be sure to use a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees .

If the resort and room type you are looking for are available, you will be asked to pay for the rental minus your $105 deposit. If there is no availability, you'll either receive an email with alternate options or a refund of your deposit.

Assuming all goes well and you've secured and fully paid for a rental, you will get a confirmation number to link to your My Disney Experience account. This final step allows you to access all the benefits of staying on Disney property.

David's has been around for a long time, and we've had good experiences with this service. You'll pay a premium by renting through a service instead of booking directly with an individual, but what you'll spend is usually less than if you try to rent a DVC villa directly from Walt Disney World. As an added bonus, you'll be protected by renting via an established brand.

Renting Disney Vacation Club points from an owner

You can also rent points directly from a Disney Vacation Club owner. The price an individual DVC owner will charge is generally less than what you'll get from a larger service, and prices often go down as the expiration date for the points approaches.

If you want to rent via an individual owner, keep the following tips in mind:

• Search for individual DVC owners through a platform like DISboards . This popular Disney message board has a forum for people looking to rent their points . Because DISboards only allows active members or those who pay a fee to list points a limited number of times per year, it's harder for scammers to post points available to rent.
• Join a DVC Facebook group like DVC Disney Vacation Club Points Rental to find more reputable rental options.
• Do your research before renting points. If you've identified a potential person you want to rent points from, Google their name or ask around in a related Facebook group for experiences. See if you can track them down on social media, and don't hesitate to ask them for references from past renters. You can also see if they are truly an owner at one of the Disney World resorts by searching online through the Orange County Comptroller .
• Pay for your DVC rental with a credit card that offers some level of purchase protection .
• Consider buying a travel insurance policy that covers a potential cancellation outside of your control, such as for a medical issue. Some DVC rental sites also offer a paid insurance plan via a partner. No matter how you rent, be aware that these are less flexible reservations than ones made directly with Disney.

Related: Is travel insurance worth it?

Should you rent Disney Vacation Club points?

Every family's decision on where to stay and how to best pay for that lodging will be as unique as their Walt Disney World vacation. If someone tells you that you absolutely should (or shouldn't) rent Disney Vacation Club points, find another source of information. As with many things in life, it all depends on preference and circumstances.

Related: These Disney World discounts can help you save money on your next vacation

We like to start by checking prices and availability directly with Disney. If you find a good enough deal via that route that you're happy with, that may be the best option for you — especially if you put a premium on flexibility. That's because big-name rental sites like David's Vacation Club Rentals do not permit booking changes or issue refunds should your plans change.

Also, spot-check prices and availability at traditional points properties like the Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve resorts . These Marriott-affiliated hotels are on Disney property and walkable from Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. However, they aren't true Disney hotels, so sometimes they have better pricing.

If you decide these options are not best for you, the DVC rental route may be the way to go. Generally, DVC rooms are worth considering if the savings are substantial or make it possible to significantly upgrade your experience.

For example, we recently rented points via David's Vacation Club Rentals and reserved a two-bedroom, three-bathroom suite at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge for $840 (or 40 points at $21 per point). This massive suite, which has a full kitchen and a separate living room, would've cost more than $1,300 had we booked directly with Disney.

Related: How to use points to buy Disney tickets

Bottom line

While you'll need to do your own research to ensure you're comfortable with the process, whether you choose a DVC rental broker or an individual owner, we can assure you that you'll find some of the best lodging at Disney World available through the Disney Vacation Club.

From spreading out above the ground in a Treehouse Villa at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa to catching the Magic Kingdom fireworks from a private hot tub at the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge , some of our families' most coveted Disney memories have come from these Disney Vacation Club resorts.

Related reading:

• The best credit cards for your Disney vacation
• How to save money at Disney so you don't go 'bibbidi-bobbidi-broke'
• Is Disney Genie+ worth it?
• Are Disney World's after-hours parties worth it?

• Destinations
• Hotels & All-Inclusives
• Theme Parks

Everything you need to know about Disney Vacation Club – Updated for 2024

What is disney vacation club and how does it work here's everything you need to know about dvc resorts, points, and membership perks..

Walk through any Disney theme park or set sail on a Disney cruise and you’ll likely come across a small booth with a single cast member ready to tell you all there is to know about Disney Vacation Club (DVC). Disney Vacation Club is flexible timeshare program touted by Disney as its best-kept secret, though it’s not really a secret if there are billboards, bus banners, and in-park booths, is it? 

If you’re thinking about diving into the world of DVC or have questions about this popular timeshare program, you’ve come to the right place. Here I’ve outlined everything you need to know about Disney Vacation Club, including how it works, how much is costs, and who does (and does not) benefit from becoming a DVC member.

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1. What is Disney Vacation Club and how does it work?

Disney Vacation Club is a flexible timeshare program where members purchase a certain number of points to use each year at Disney properties and on Disney vacations around the world. While this may seem fairly self-explanatory, a deeper dive proves that DVC is slightly more convoluted than this simple explanation. 

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All Disney Vacation Club timeshares come with a start date and an end date based on the property, and most DVC contracts last for about 50 years. A half century is a commitment for sure, so you need to be certain that you’re willing (or anticipate passing on the experience to children or grandchildren) to do a Disney-associated vacation every year for five decades before locking into a DVC timeshare contract.

With each contract, you purchase a certain number of “vacation points” per year for a designated “home resort.” (I’ll discuss how DVC uses the terms “vacation points” ands “home resorts” in more detail below.) Points are best used at your home resort, but members can use them to stay at any DVC resort, in any room type, and for any dates. Disney Vacation Club has resorts all across the country and beyond. It recently opened its 17th DVC property, the newly reimagined and updated Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort . Other popular DVC resorts include Aulani in Hawaii and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina.

Members can also use points for Disney Cruise Line , Adventures by Disney , National Geographic Expeditions, and thousands of hotels around the globe through the company Interval International. This is unlike a traditional timeshare where you lock into a set number of days and dates per year.

2. Who should buy into Disney Vacation Club? 

The first thing you should really think hard about when considering DVC is whether you’ll really want to commit to 50 years of Disney vacations. To put this in perspective, if you buy into DVC at the age of 30, you’ll be 80 when your contract ends. If a lifetime of Disney vacations sounds like a dream come true (or if you imagine multigenerational vacations down the road), DVC may be the right choice for you.

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3. How much does Disney Vacation Club cost? 

The biggest sticking point for most people when it comes to joining DVC is the cost. The price of a DVC membership varies depending on what type of accommodations you’re interested in, the number of people you vacation with, the number of points you decide on, and your home resort. Sample pricing is available on the Disney Vacation Club website, but for reference, the total cost tends to be in the tens of thousands of dollars plus closing costs and annual fees.

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In other words, the investment is not small. But Disney offers financing options with a monthly payment for a 10-year loan and a 10 percent down payment, which may assist some potential members in taking the DVC plunge. 

Since it’s a big purchase, the best way to navigate it is by talking to a Disney Vacation Club Guide so you can price out a customized membership and decide based on a number that’s specific to you and your family. Just be sure to consider the total cost and not just the monthly rate when you’re deciding if it’s a good fit for you.

4. What is a Disney Vacation Club home resort? 

A home resort is a resort you select as your default property when buying into DVC. There are more than a dozen home resorts across the country, including Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Vero Beach, Florida; Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in Hilton Head, South Carolina; Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa on the island of Oahu; and the recently opened Villas at Disneyland Hotel . Picking a Disney Vacation Club home resort is a big decision. You need to be sure your home resort is one you’ll want to return to again and again.

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Point value varies across each of the DVC properties, and some resorts cost more points to stay at than others.

5. What are the booking windows?

Booking windows for the resorts are a bit convoluted, and for some, that’s a real initial stumbling block in understanding how DVC works. While the general public can book non-DVC hotel rooms at Disney a year or more in advance, DVC home resort bookings are limited to 11 months in advance.

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So, if you want to go to Walt Disney World in December, you can book in January. Non-home resort bookings begin seven months in advance, though popular weeks like Easter and Christmas book up at the 11-month mark. This access to a longer-window advance booking is part of why it’s helpful to choose a home resort you want to visit.

6. Do you always have to stay at your DVC home resort? 

You do not have to stay at your home resort every time. In fact, Disney encourages DVC members to stay at all of its Disney Vacation Club resorts to get a feel for each of them. Those who are more flexible with their dates will find that even the most popular properties like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge often have rooms available with short notice during the off-season. 

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Not staying at your home resort may also help you save points. For instance, if your home resort is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa , where in 2024, studio rooms start at 17 points for a deluxe studio (sleeps up to four people) you may want to look at booking Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House , where value accommodations start at seven points for a deluxe studio (also sleeps up to four).

7. What happens if you don’t use all of your allotted DVC points for the year? 

There may be some years where you can’t use all of your Disney Vacation Club points. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean that you lose them. Disney Vacation Club has a rollover program for points where you can bank points that you aren’t going to use this year and access them the following year. This is a great option for those who want to save up for a large family trip to Disney or want to book an epic vacation with Disney Cruise Line or Adventures by Disney . 

8. Can you borrow Disney Vacation Club points from future years?

Yes, borrowing points with DVC is allowed. You can borrow points from the next year’s allotment of points to extend a vacation, book larger accommodations, or book an entirely new vacation. Borrowing points can be done online when booking a vacation or on the phone with DVC when booking a vacation. 

9. What are the Disney Vacation Club membership perks? 

DVC members receive a number of perks with membership. Like annual pass holders, DVC members get discounts on select dining, merchandise, tickets, and tours. DVC Members may also be eligible for discounts on select Annual Passes, when available.

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Disney Vacation Club members touring EPCOT can enjoy the Member Lounge , which is on the second story of the Imagination pavilion and provides great views of World Nature. Inside the Member Lounge, DVC members and their guests can enjoy complimentary drinks, snacks, and charging stations. 

There’s also the new Disney Vacation Club  Star View Station – a Member Lounge at Disneyland in Anaheim. It’s on the second floor of Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrowland, and has comfortable seating, WiFi and device charging stations, and a kids’ play area.

There are also plenty of special activities for DVC members, including the popular Moonlight Magic after-hours events just for members and their guests. These events take place at all four Walt Disney World theme parks and include complimentary snacks and sodas, along with the ability to get onto popular attractions with a shorter wait and see rare Disney characters. 

10. Do DVC rooms come with special amenities?

No matter which DVC resort you’re staying at, each of the various room levels comes with a standard set of amenities that go beyond the usual hotel room offerings.

Disney Vacation Club studio rooms 

Most studio room across all of the DVC properties sleep four or five guests and have a small kitchenette, a bathroom or two (depending on the property), and a balcony. Studio rooms are great for couples or families who want to spend the majority of their time at the parks. 

Disney Vacation Club one-bedroom villas 

One-bedroom villas are much larger than the studio rooms and come with a closed-off bedroom and additional sleeping areas in the living room with a pullout sofa and chair (sleeping up to five people). These rooms have a full kitchen with a refrigerator, oven, stove, and microwave to make meals. There’s also a washer and dryer for any laundry that needs to be done. The one downside to these rooms is the single bathroom. This room type is a good choice for families traveling with kids and who will be making some meals at the hotel. 

Disney Vacation Club two-bedroom villas 

Those traveling with a large group of extended family will want to consider a two-bedroom villa. The sleeping area consists of two closed-off bedrooms and a living room that has a sleeper sofa. There’s also a large full-sized kitchen and a spacious living room. These rooms also have two bathrooms and a washer and dryer for laundry. 

Disney Vacation Club three-bedroom villas

Three-bedroom villas, also called grand villas, are the most spacious of the DVC rooms and consequently cost the most points. These rooms often sleep up to 12 guests in three different bedrooms and have four bathrooms. There’s a full kitchen and a spacious living room and dining room where a couch and banquet-style table are easily used by families.

These accommodations often have two levels, with one bedroom being on the bottom floor of the villa and the other two bedrooms being on the top floor accessible by an in-villa staircase or doors from the outside on the next floor of the building. 

Other DVC accommodations

Outside of villas and studio rooms, Disney Vacation Club also offers a host of other accommodations. For example, the standalone cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are absolutely stunning, and each comes with a private hot tub overlooking Bay Lake. There are also bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort , which hover over Seven Seas Lagoon and offer unobstructed views of Magic Kingdom. And lastly the fantastic treehouse villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort are just a short boat ride from Disney Springs. 

11. Can you use DVC points on non-DVC rooms and vacations? 

Yes, Disney Vacation Club gives you the flexibility to use DVC points for non-DVC rooms and vacations. If you want to sail away on the Disney Wish , you can use your Disney Vacation Club points for that as well. 

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One thing to note, however, is that point value to dollar value for non-DVC rooms is poor. You’ll be spending more money in points to book these types of non-DVC vacations than just booking them outright with cash. Still, if you have extra DVC points or don’t want to extend your budget to pay for a Disney vacation out of pocket, you may find it useful to use your DVC points on a non-DVC vacation.

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