How Much is Disney Vacation Club Membership?
Are you a fan of the Happiest Place on Earth? Do you dream of visiting the Disney parks and resorts with your loved ones? If so, you might be considering purchasing a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) membership. But before making the plunge, you probably have one burning question on your mind: how much does Disney Vacation Club membership cost?
The Short Answer:
The cost of a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) membership varies depending on the type of contract you purchase, the number of points you want, and the location of your resort. On average, a DVC membership can cost between $10,000 to $30,000 for a 50-year contract. However, we’ll delve deeper into the specifics to help you understand the costs involved.
How Much is a Disney Vacation Club Membership?
Before we dive into the costs, let’s understand what a Disney Vacation Club membership is all about. DVC is a timeshare program that allows members to purchase a contract for a certain number of points, which can be used to book Disney resort vacations. The more points you buy, the more vacations you can take, and the more options you have for accommodations, dining, and activities.
Membership Options:
DVC offers three types of membership options:
- Home Resorts: These are the resorts you can use to book your vacations. Disney currently has 12 home resorts across the United States and two in Hawaii and Florida.
- Disney Accommodations: These are the specific villas, studios, and rooms within each home resort.
- Points: These are the currency you use to book your vacations. Each point can be used to book a specific accommodation for a specific number of nights.
Membership Costs:
The cost of a DVC membership depends on the type of contract, the number of points, and the location of your home resort. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- Initial Purchase: You’ll need to pay an initial fee to purchase your contract, which can range from $10,000 to $30,000 for a 50-year contract. This fee includes the entire contract, including maintenance fees.
- Annual Maintenance Fees: These fees cover the costs of maintaining and running the resorts. They range from $3 to $6 per point, depending on the resort and location. For example, if you have 100 points, your annual maintenance fee would be $300 to $600.
- Accrued Maintenance Fees: These fees are paid annually and are based on the number of points you own. They are typically 5-10% of the original purchase price.
Example Costs:
Here’s a breakdown of the costs for a 50-year contract with 100 points (approximately 16,000 Disney Vacation Points):
- Initial Purchase: $20,000
- Annual Maintenance Fees (100 points x $5 per point): $500
- Accrued Maintenance Fees (5% of original purchase price): $1,000
Total 50-year cost: $21,500
How to Save Money:
To make a DVC membership more affordable, consider the following:
- Look for resale contracts: You can purchase a DVC contract from a resale broker, which can be cheaper than buying directly from Disney.
- Choose a lower-cost home resort: Some home resorts are more expensive than others. For example, a contract at the Grand Floridian might be more expensive than one at the Contemporary.
- Buy more points: If you plan to use your DVC membership frequently, it might be more cost-effective to purchase more points to reduce your annual maintenance fees.
Conclusion:
A Disney Vacation Club membership can be a wonderful way to enjoy your Disney vacations in comfort and style. While the initial cost might seem steep, the benefits can be substantial. With careful planning and consideration, you can make a DVC membership a valuable investment in your future Disney vacations. Here’s a summary of the costs involved:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial Purchase | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Annual Maintenance Fees | $3 – $6 per point |
| Accrued Maintenance Fees | 5-10% of original purchase price |
Keep in mind that these costs are approximate and may vary depending on the specifics of your contract. We hope this article has helped you understand the costs involved in a Disney Vacation Club membership. Happy planning!