When it comes to joining the Disney Vacation Club, selecting the right home resort is a crucial decision that can influence your vacation experiences for years to come. Understanding what to consider when choosing a DVC home resort will help you maximize your investment and ensure that your vacation needs are met. This article outlines key factors you should evaluate to make an informed choice.
Evaluating the Cost of Ownership
One of the primary considerations when selecting your DVC home resort is the cost. This includes the initial purchase price, annual maintenance fees, and the contract expiration date.
| Disney Vacation Club Resort | 2023 Annual Dues | 2024 Annual Dues | 2025 Annual Dues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas | $8.81 | $9.08 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas | $9.14 | $9.76 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas purchased before 7/27/2011 | $6.87 | $7.34 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort | $7.43 | $7.59 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| Disney’s Beach Club Villas | $8.17 | $8.63 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| Disney’s BoardWalk Villas | $8.53 | $8.67 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge | $8.51 | $8.68 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge | $7.92 | $8.09 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| The Villas at Disneyland Hotel | $9.06 | $9.53 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort | n/a | $12.15 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel | $8.04 | $8.55 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort | $7.33 | $7.57 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort | $10.73 | $11.31 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| Disney’s Old Key West Resort | $9.36 | $9.87 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows | $7.95 | $8.23 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| Disney’s Riviera Resort | $8.50 | $8.85 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort | $7.86 | $8.14 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| Disney’s Vero Beach Resort | $12.85 | $13.86 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
| Disney’s Vero Beach Resort if purchased before 1/1/1996 | $10.13 | $10.89 | Proposed 2025 DVC annual dues expected in November. |
Some resorts may offer lower initial costs but come with higher maintenance fees, while others might have longer contract durations that could be advantageous for long-term planning.
| Resort | Deed Expiration |
|---|---|
| Animal Kingdom | 2057 |
| Aulani | 2062 |
| Bay Lake Tower | 2060 |
| Beach Club | 2042 |
| Boardwalk | 2042 |
| Boulder Ridge | 2042 |
| Copper Creek | 2068 |
| Disneyland Hotel | 2074 |
| Grand Californian | 2060 |
| Grand Floridian | 2064 |
| Hilton Head | 2042 |
| Old Key West | 2042 or 2057 |
| Polynesian | 2066 |
| Riviera Resort | 2070 |
| Saratoga Springs | 2054 |
| Vero Beach | 2042 |
| * All Deeds Expire on Jan. 31st of respected year | |
Understanding these financial aspects will help you determine the most economical choice for your budget.
Understanding Resale Value
| Resort | Resale Pricing through DVC Shop updated 8/12/24* |
Disney Direct Pricing updated 2/1/24* |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Kingdom | from $99 | $210 |
| Aulani | from $93 | $225 |
| Bay Lake Tower | from $135 | $275 |
| Beach Club | from $135 | $275 |
| Boardwalk | from $119 | $240 |
| Boulder Ridge | from $88 | $215 |
| Cabins at Fort Wilderness | from $170 | $225 |
| Copper Creek | from $135 | $250 |
| Grand Californian | from $180 | $310 |
| Grand Floridian | from $169 | $230 |
| Hilton Head | $65 | $165 |
| Old Key West | from $65 | $205 |
| Polynesian | from $139 | $250 |
| Riviera | from $119 | $225 |
| Saratoga Springs | from $99 | $205 |
| Vero Beach | from $45 | $150 |
| Villas at Disneyland Hotel | from $145 | $239 |
*Prices are based on DVC Shop listings and average sales prices at the time this chart was created. All pricing and availability subject to change.
If you plan to sell your DVC contract in the future, considering the resale value of your home resort is important. Some resorts maintain higher market values due to their popularity or unique offerings. Researching current resale trends can provide insight into how well your chosen resort might hold its value over time.
| Resort | 11 Mo | 7 Mo | 5 Mo | 3 Mo | 1 Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas-Jambo House | 6.8 | 4.6 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 0.5 |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas-Kidani Village | 7.0 | 6.3 | 3.6 | 1.8 | 1.1 |
| Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko olina, Hawaii | 7.0 | 6.3 | 3.1 | 2.0 | 1.7 |
| Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort | 7.0 | 5.4 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 0.6 |
| Disney’s Beach Club Villas | 7.0 | 4.1 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| Disney’s Boardwalk Villas | 6.9 | 4.2 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.4 |
| Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge | 7.0 | 5.3 | 2.6 | 1.6 | 1.0 |
| Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge | 7.0 | 4.3 | 2.2 | 1.3 | 0.8 |
| The Villas at Disneyland Hotel | 6.9 | 5.5 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa | 7.0 | 4.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa | 6.9 | 4.9 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.4 |
| Disney’s Hilton Head Resort | 7.0 | 6.7 | 3.1 | 2.5 | 1.9 |
| Disney’s Old Key West Resort | 7.0 | 6.3 | 4.2 | 2.8 | 1.9 |
| Disney’s Polynesian Resort & Bungalows | 7.0 | 5.8 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 0.7 |
| Disney’s Riviera Resort | 7.0 | 5.1 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.4 |
| Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa | 7.0 | 6.8 | 5.5 | 4.1 | 2.7 |
| Disney’s Vero Beach Resort | 7.0 | 6.9 | 4.3 | 2.8 | 1.8 |
| Average Accommodation | 7.0 | 5.8 | 2.6 | 2.0 | 1.4 |
The ability to secure desired accommodations is another critical factor. Some resorts are more popular during certain times of the year, making it challenging to book specific rooms without home resort priority. Consider whether the home resort privilege is essential for obtaining the room type you want during peak seasons.
Considering Resort Location
The location of your home resort can significantly affect your Disney experience. Proximity to theme parks, transportation options, and overall convenience should be assessed. For instance, resorts near the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT might appeal to those looking for easy park access, while other locations might offer a more tranquil setting away from the park bustle.
Assessing Room Inventory and Future Needs
DVC resorts offer a range of room types, and it’s essential to consider both your current and future accommodation needs. Consider if the resort has the room sizes and configurations that suit your family, especially if you anticipate your group size changing over time. Resorts with a variety of room types can provide more flexibility as your needs evolve.
Wondering which DVC resort has the biggest rooms? Get a video guide for charts that list & rank square footage & bed counts of rooms at each DVC resort here: DVC Room Size Comparison Charts | Which DVC Resort Has The Most Spacious Villas?
Evaluating Point Requirements
Each DVC resort has different point requirements per night, which can impact your ability to stretch your vacation budget. Selecting a home resort with lower point requirements could allow you to extend your stay or save points for additional trips. Comparing point charts across resorts can help identify the best value for your vacation plans. You can find points charts for all of the DVC resorts here: DVC Points Charts.
Conclusion
Choosing the right DVC home resort involves balancing various factors, including cost, resale value, accommodation availability, location, room inventory, and point requirements. By carefully weighing these considerations, you can select a home resort that aligns with your financial goals and vacation preferences, ensuring enjoyable and memorable experiences for years to come.
Whether you’re looking for convenience, value, or specific amenities, taking the time to evaluate these elements will lead to a more satisfying Disney Vacation Club ownership experience.
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.
