Managing Disney Vacation Club points is an important part of being a DVC member, and recent updates to the point transfer rules have introduced significant flexibility for members. While these changes aim to offer more flexibility to members, understanding the revised policies is essential for maximizing their benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the new rules, their implications, and what members need to know moving forward.
Overview of the Policy Change
Previously, DVC policies restricted the transfer of banked or borrowed vacation points between members. The updated language, as outlined in the recent Multi-Site Public Offering Statement Insert dated December 2024, now allows for the transfer of all types of points, including allotted, banked, borrowed, reservation, and even holding points. This marks a very user-friendly expansion for what members can transfer, increasing flexibility for managing their points across memberships.
Key Provisions of the New Transfer Rules
While the rules are more flexible, there are some rules and limitations still, which are designed to ensure fairness among members while maintaining consistent policies for transfers dealing with two different home resorts.
Home Resort Priority and Expiration Dates
Transferred points still retain their original characteristics, including their Home Resort booking window and expiration dates. For example, points transferred from a member at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will still have booking priority at Saratoga Springs and expiration terms even after the transfer is complete.
Transfer Limitations
Despite the increased flexibility, there are still limitations members should be aware of:
- One Transfer Per Use Year: Members are restricted to one transfer per Use Year, either as the transferor (giving points) or transferee (receiving points).
- No Compensation for Transfers: Members are prohibited from receiving compensation for engaging in a point transfer, as DVC specifies that transfers cannot be conducted for commercial purposes.
- Point Banking and Borrowing: While transferred points retain their original characteristics, members still have the option to bank or borrow them, further extending their utility. However, these points cannot be “un-banked” or “un-borrowed.”
Requirements for Transfer Participation
For members to engage in a point transfer, both parties must meet specific conditions. Both the transferor and transferee need to be current on their Annual Dues, loan payments (if applicable), and any other outstanding balances, such as fees for exchange programs. Additionally, members must hold valid DVC memberships rather than being pending purchasers.
Practical Tips for Members
For those who are considering a point transfer, planning and open communication are key. Whether you are transferring points to a family member, friend, or fellow DVC member, ensure that both parties are clear about the rules and restrictions. It’s also wise to confirm all transfer details, such as Use Year expiration dates and Home Resort booking priorities, to avoid any misunderstandings.
Additionally, members should keep a close eye on their accounts, and consult Disney Member Services if they have questions about a transfer’s status.
A Word for DVC Members Adding More Points
For DVC members who are looking into adding additional DVC points, the newly-relaxed transfer rules could be another great reason to consider a contract with a different use year than your existing contract. Doing so, would allow an additional transfer for each different Use Year you own, plus all of the following extra perks:
- Additional Point Transfers
As mentioned above, Members are restricted to one transfer per Use Year, either as the transferor (giving points) or transferee (receiving points). Having multiple use years allows for additional transfers. - Added Flexibility
Multiple Use Years can offer added flexibility to travel at different times of the year without the fear of losing points due to cancellations. As an example, a family might use a March Use Year to book their spring vacations and a September Use Year to book their fall vacations. - Extra One-Time Use Points
Every membership is allowed to purchase 24 one-time use points directly from Disney. Owners with multiple Use Years can purchase 24 one-time use points for each of their memberships. - 11-Month Booking Window
Owners with two memberships at the same resort but with different Use Years can combine their points to book stays during the 11-month booking window. - Extra Waitlists
Waitlists are limited to two per membership. Owners receive an additional two waitlists for each membership they own. For more information about waitlists, see How Does the DVC Waitlist Work?
Final Thoughts
The relaxed policies on point transfers within Disney Vacation Club provide new opportunities for members to organize their vacation plans with greater ease. Whether it’s sharing points with a friend or having extra flexibility with banked or borrowed points, these changes demonstrate Disney’s responsiveness to its members’ evolving needs.
By staying informed about the latest updates, DVC members can continue to enjoy the benefits of flexible vacation planning while making sure they’re making the most of their ownership. As always, stay tuned to the DVC Shop Blog for all the latest developments.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
