Disney Vacation Club

Your Home Away
From Home

Disney Vacation Club is Disney's premier points-based vacation ownership program — offering villa-style accommodations at some of the most beautiful resorts on earth, from Walt Disney World to Hawaii's North Shore. Whether you're considering membership or just want a one-time DVC villa stay, Ironcrest guides you through every option.

Spacious villas. Full kitchens. Flagship resort addresses. Magic just outside your door.

Talk to a DVC Specialist Learn About DVC
Points-Based Membership
15+ Worldwide Resorts
Buy or Rent Points
Deluxe Villa Accommodations
The Basics

What Is DVC?

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is Disney's points-based vacation ownership program, launched in 1991 at Disney's Old Key West Resort. Members purchase a set number of annual "points" tied to a specific home resort, then use those points to book stays at any DVC resort worldwide — from a deluxe studio to a multi-bedroom Grand Villa.

The point value of any given accommodation depends on the resort, room type, season, and day of the week. A Studio at a Value season might cost 9 points per night; a Grand Villa at Grand Floridian in peak season could exceed 200 points per night. Managing this system well — knowing when to book, how to bank and borrow points, and how to find availability — is where Ironcrest's expertise becomes genuinely valuable.

How Points Work

Members receive their annual point allocation on their "use year" (a designated month). Points can be banked into the following year or borrowed from the next — giving you significant booking flexibility. Unused banked points expire, so managing your allocation each year is important.

Booking Windows

Members can book their home resort 11 months in advance — and any other DVC resort 7 months out. The 11-month window is crucial for popular resorts like Beach Club Villas (walking distance to EPCOT) and Grand Floridian during peak seasons. Knowing when to book which resort is a strategy we discuss with every client.

Trading and Flexibility

DVC members can also trade into other vacation club networks like RCI, book Disney Collection hotels, Disney Cruise Line, or Adventures by Disney using their points — adding enormous flexibility to the membership beyond Disney resorts.

Luxury resort villa
Why Villas Change Everything

A DVC villa is fundamentally different from a standard hotel room. Even a one-bedroom villa includes a full kitchen, washer/dryer, living room, and often a private balcony or patio. For families, this means:

  • Grocery delivery to your room cuts dining costs dramatically
  • Sleeping areas for parents and children are separate — no midnight tiptoeing
  • Laundry in the room eliminates checked baggage fees
  • Space to breathe and relax between park days
Where You Could Stay

Popular DVC Resorts

With over 15 DVC resorts across Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Hawaii, and beyond, there is a perfect home base for every family's Disney vision.

Beach Club Villas
MOST SOUGHT-AFTER
Walt Disney World

Beach Club Villas

Consistently the most coveted DVC resort — and with good reason. Beach Club Villas is a short walk from EPCOT's International Gateway entrance, making it uniquely positioned for guests who want to pop in and out of the Food & Wine Festival, World Showcase dining, or EPCOT events multiple times in a day. The Stormalong Bay pool complex is regarded as the best resort pool in all of Walt Disney World.

Walking Distance to EPCOT Stormalong Bay Pool Studios to 2-BR Villas
Grand Floridian Resort
FLAGSHIP LUXURY
Walt Disney World

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney's flagship Victorian Grand Resort is home to the Grand Floridian Villas — DVC's most luxurious accommodations on the Disney campus. Located on the Magic Kingdom monorail loop, with direct views of Cinderella Castle and Seven Seas Lagoon. The resort hosts Victoria & Albert's (AAA Five Diamond Award), the Grand Floridian Spa, and elegant poolside dining.

Monorail Access Castle Views Victoria & Albert's
Old Key West Resort
THE ORIGINAL DVC
Walt Disney World

Old Key West Resort

The resort where Disney Vacation Club was born in 1991. Old Key West has a relaxed, sprawling Key West atmosphere — pastel buildings, lush landscaping, and a laid-back resort feel that contrasts beautifully with the bustle of the parks. The largest DVC villas on property are here, making Old Key West a beloved choice for extended families and multi-generational trips.

First DVC Resort Largest Villas Relaxed Atmosphere
Aulani Hawaii
HAWAII
Ko Olina, Oahu

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Aulani is Disney's stunning resort and villa complex on the Ko Olina coast of Oahu, Hawaii — a celebration of Hawaiian culture, art, and the spirit of aloha. With a private lagoon beach, the Rainbow Reef snorkeling experience, multiple pools and waterslides, and the acclaimed Laniwai Spa, Aulani offers a Disney experience unlike anything at the theme park resorts. DVC points are a spectacular way to stay here.

Private Lagoon Beach Hawaiian Culture Laniwai Spa
Luxury villa room
Stay in a DVC Villa Without Owning

Renting DVC Points

You don't need to be a DVC member to stay in a Disney Vacation Club villa. DVC members who have surplus points they won't be able to use are able to rent those points to non-members through reputable rental platforms. This gives you the villa experience at a significant discount compared to cash rates — without the long-term ownership commitment.

The Value Proposition

DVC point rentals typically run $18–$25 per point. A one-bedroom villa at Beach Club that would cost $900/night in cash might be bookable through rented points for $350–$450 per night — a substantial saving, especially over a multi-night stay.

What to Know

DVC rentals are generally non-refundable and do not include full member benefits. Availability, especially at popular resorts during peak times, can be limited — particularly at the 7-month mark. Ironcrest helps identify reputable rental sources and advises on timing and expectations.

How Ironcrest Helps

We walk you through the DVC rental process, help identify appropriate brokers and direct rentals, explain what the booking confirmation should look like, and advise on trip protection. A DVC villa rental with the right guidance is a genuinely wonderful way to experience the resorts.

Becoming a Member

Buying DVC Points

DVC membership is a significant financial decision. Understanding the system, the costs, and the long-term implications is essential before committing — and it's one of the most nuanced conversations we have with our clients.

Direct vs. Resale

DVC points can be purchased directly from Disney (new resort inventory) or through the resale market (points from existing members selling their contracts). Direct purchases are typically $200–$270 per point and include all current member benefits including discounts, exclusive lounges, and certain booking perks. Resale contracts run $80–$160 per point but may not include all the same perks introduced after certain dates.

The right choice depends on your intended use, the specific resort you want as your home, how often you plan to use it, and whether the additional direct benefits justify the price premium for your family.

Full Cost of Ownership

Beyond the purchase price, DVC members pay annual dues — currently averaging $7–$9 per point per year depending on the resort. On a 200-point contract, that's $1,400–$1,800 per year regardless of usage. Contracts run 25–50 years depending on the resort, after which the right-to-use period expires.

For families who visit Disney multiple times per year and prioritize villa-style accommodations, the math often works strongly in their favor over the contract's lifetime. For occasional visitors, renting or booking cash rooms may be more appropriate. We model both scenarios for you.

What to Consider Before Buying

How often will you visit Disney?

DVC makes the most financial sense for families who travel to Disney destinations at least once per year over an extended period. Occasional visitors typically do better booking cash or rental.

Which home resort is right for you?

Your home resort affects your 11-month booking window. If you want Beach Club, you need to own Beach Club to compete for rooms at 11 months — the 7-month window often leaves limited options there.

How many points do you need?

Undersizing is a common mistake. We help you calculate the right point total based on your travel style, preferred accommodation type, and target travel seasons.

Are you financially ready?

DVC is a long-term obligation. Annual dues continue for the life of the contract, and unlike many investments, DVC resale values vary significantly by resort and market conditions.

Talk to Our DVC Specialist

DVC is not the right choice for everyone — and we'll tell you that honestly. Our goal is to help you make the best decision for your family, whether that's buying, renting, or simply booking a standard resort. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just honest guidance.

Get Honest DVC Advice
Ready to Explore Your Options?

Let's Find the Right DVC Strategy for Your Family

Whether you want to rent DVC points for an upcoming trip, explore buying your first contract, or simply understand what a DVC villa stay would look like — your Compass Planner is ready to walk you through it all.

Contact a DVC Specialist Call (812) 621-2414
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Start Your DVC Conversation

Tell us what you're thinking — buying, renting, or just curious — and your Compass Planner will reach out within 24 hours with honest, informed guidance tailored to your family.

No commitment required. Our guidance is honest and entirely free — we're here to help, not to sell you something that doesn't fit.