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Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Posted on May 18, 2023
The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a very popular timeshare program that allows members to enjoy a magical vacation experience at various Disney timeshare resorts. With such a wide variety of resorts, choosing the best DVC resort timeshare for your family can be a complex task.
We will guide you through the process, providing valuable information on different DVC resort options, factors to consider when making your decision, and tips for making the most of your investment.
Disney Vacation Club resorts are located in two main areas: Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. There are also Disney resorts on Oahu in Hawaii, in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Vero Beach, Florida.
Each resort has its own unique features, accommodations, and amenities, which cater to different types of vacation experiences. Some are themed around Disney classics, while others offer a more luxurious and tranquil setting.
Walt Disney World DVC Resorts:
Disneyland DVC Resorts:
Hawaii DVC Resort:
Hilton Head DVC Resort:
Vero Beach DVC Resort:
Location: The specific location of your DVC resort will play a significant role in your vacation experience. Consider how close the resort is to your favorite Disney theme parks, water parks or restaurant and entertainment venues such as Disney's Boardwalk or Disney Springs.
If you plan on visiting a specific park frequently, it might make sense to choose a resort closer to that park. Additionally, consider the ease of transportation to and from the parks, such as being closer to the monorail system.
Resort Theme: Each DVC timeshare resort has a unique theme that adds to the overall vacation experience. Take your family's interests and preferences into account when selecting a resort. If your family enjoys a more laid-back beach vibe, the Beach Club Villas might be a good fit, while Disney's Animal Kingdom villas gets you up close to African wildlife.
Accommodation Size: Timeshares in DVC resorts offer various accommodation options, including Deluxe Studios, One-Bedroom Villas, Two-Bedroom Villas, and even Three-Bedroom Grand Villas. But not every Disney timeshare resort offers all of these options, with others offering more such as overwater bungalows, treetop villas and beach cottages. When choosing a resort, consider the size of your party and the amount of space you'll need for a comfortable stay.
Amenities: Each DVC resort offers amenities that appeal to different vacation styles. Consider the availability of pools, water parks, fitness centers, spas, and recreational activities when making your decision. Additionally, take note of the on-site dining options and whether the resort offers character dining experiences.
Points and Cost: A DVC membership is based on a points system, with points deeded to a specific resort and each resort having its own point chart. The number of points needed for a stay varies depending on the resort, room type, and time of year. When choosing a resort, compare the point charts and always consider the DVC resales for discounted deals - saving buyers thousands of dollars compared to buying directly from Disney.
Prioritize your preferences: Make a list of your top priorities when choosing a DVC resort to purchase points. This will help you narrow down your options and make an informed decision based on what matters most to your family. Factors such as location, theme, accommodation size, and amenities should be at the top of your list.
Visit the resorts: If possible, stay in your preferred DVC resort on a vacation before making a decision. Take a tour and explore the grounds, accommodations, and amenities to get a true sense of the atmosphere and offerings. This firsthand experience can help you determine which resort best aligns with your family's preferences and expectations.
But remember to check the resale market and calculate the savings before succumbing to the resort sales pitch.
Research online: There are numerous online outlets, such as blogs, forums, and social media groups, dedicated to DVC members. Utilize these platforms to gather insights and feedback from other DVC members about their experiences at different resorts. This can help you make an informed decision based on real-life experiences.
Always consider resale opportunities: While buying DVC points directly from Disney offers certain benefits, such as merchandise discounts, buying DVC timeshare resale points can save you thousands of dollars on your initial purchase. Take a look at our Disney timeshares for sale to find a points package at your preferred resort at a discounted price.
Think long-term: When choosing your favorite DVC resort, consider the long-term value of your decision. While your family's preferences may change over time, choosing a resort with a wide range of amenities and accommodation options will ensure you have a versatile vacation destination for years to come. The good news is that Disney timeshare points hold their value very well when you decide to sell your DVC points.
Be open to exploring other DVC resorts: While it's essential to find a home resort that suits your family's preferences, keep in mind that DVC members can also use their points to book accommodation at other Disney timeshare resorts. This flexibility allows you to explore new destinations and experiences while still enjoying the benefits of your DVC membership.
Choosing the best DVC resort timeshare for your family involves careful consideration of various factors beyond just the resort and accommodations on offer. Embarking on a Disney Vacation Club journey is a lifestyle investment in unforgettable memories and experiences for you and your loved ones.
Seasonal Events and Offerings: One aspect of choosing the best DVC resort timeshare that can be easily overlooked is the seasonal events connected to the theme parks such as those around Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. Others are more ongoing experiences like EPCOT's International Food & Wine Festival or Disney California Adventure's Festival of Holidays.
Some, such as the Sea Turtle Night Walk at Disney’s Vero Beach resort, are amazing educational opportunities for the entire family. When choosing a resort, consider the seasonal events and offerings that align with your family's interests and vacation schedule.
Accessibility and Special Needs: If you or a family member have any special needs requirements, it's important to factor this into your decision when selecting a DVC resort. Research each resort's accommodations and amenities to ensure they meet your needs.
Future Expansion and Resort Updates: The Disney Vacation Club continuously evolves, with new construction and updates to existing properties. When choosing a resort, consider any future expansion plans or resort updates that may impact your vacation experience.
For instance, Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is undergoing an extensive addition of DVC timeshare units, while Disney's Riviera Resort is a relatively new addition to the DVC family. Staying informed about future developments will help you make a well-informed decision and potentially increase the appeal of your resort.
Banking and Borrowing Points: The DVC points system allows members to bank and borrow points across current and future use years. When selecting a resort, consider your vacation schedule and the likelihood of needing to bank or borrow points to maximize the value of your membership.
Understanding how to utilize this flexibility effectively will enable you to optimize your vacation experiences while adhering to your preferred resort's point requirements.
Exchange Programs: DVC members also have the choice of exchanging their points for stays at other resorts through exchange programs like Interval International and the World Collection. If you're interested in using your points for more diverse vacation experiences, research the exchange options and their associated costs when choosing a resort.
Resale Restrictions: If you're considering buying a resale DVC membership, it's essential to be aware of any resale restrictions that may apply. For example, resale buyers who purchased points at Disney's Riviera Resort can only use their points at Riviera and are not able to use their points at other DVC resorts.
Other restrictions are relatively minor such as the discounts on merchandise and use of member lounges. Even adding up the discounts offered on theme park tickets won’t compare to the thousands of dollars saved by buying DVC resale points.
Because of the unique nature of the connection between the Disney theme parks and Disney timeshare resorts, more goes into choosing the best DVC resort timeshare than just picking out great accommodation.
If we haven’t answered your questions through the information provided, please send us your questions through our Contact Us page and a licensed agent will respond as soon as possible. Otherwise, you can always call us on 877-624-6889.
Steve manages the public relations and content creation efforts of the company. Previously the Chief Operating Officer for Perspective Magazine, he provided oversight and contributed articles for the five regional vacation ownership trade magazines under the Perspective Magazine banner.
A contributor for industry publications such as Resort Trades and Developments Magazine, Steve Luba has 36 years of experience in various roles in radio and television, sales and marketing, public relations, media and government liaison initiatives.
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