Transient occupancy taxes, also known as tourist, hotel, or occupancy taxes, are charges imposed by local governments on short-term stays at accommodations like hotels, bed and breakfasts, and resorts. These taxes are typically used to fund tourism-related projects in the local area. For Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members, these taxes can add an extra cost to their stay depending on the location of the resort.
The Impact on DVC Members
Disney Vacation Club resorts, located in various states, have different transient tax rates. For instance, Florida imposes a 6.5% sales tax and a local transient tax that ranges from 0.5% to 6%, depending on the county. In contrast, Hawaii charges a 10.25% transient accommodation tax along with a 4.166% general excise tax.
Although these taxes aren’t paid by members and renters at most DVC resorts, they are charged when you stay at Aulani or the Villas at Disneyland Hotel, or if you’re an owner at the Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. Let’s take a closer look at these three cases to see how transient occupancy taxes effects your reservations and annual dues.
How Tax Rates Vary Across DVC Resorts
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
The imposition of a Transient Accommodations Tax on stays at the new DVC villas in California was unexpected by many. This tax, levied by the City of Anaheim, is an additional charge to the membership’s initial buy-in cost and the recurring annual dues.
Initially, the tax was estimated to be $2.73 per point for stays in 2023, later adjusted to $2.78. The rate for 2024 remains the same. However, the 2025 points charts reveal a rise to $2.869 per point, a hike of about 3.2%.
To put things into perspective, a stay priced at 23 points per night would attract a tax of $63.94 in 2023 and 2024, which will increase to $65.99 in 2025. This tax is applicable for all nights of the stay and is charged upon arrival.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
At Aulani, the transient accommodations taxes, as they are known in Hawaii, fluctuate based on room type and travel period. They’re calculated on the number of Vacation Points needed for the booking and the annual dues per Vacation Point for the year of the stay.
The tax charges at Aulani can range from a minimum of $9.69 per night for a Hotel Room during the least expensive travel period, up to $111.45 per night for an Ocean View Three Bedroom Grand Villa during peak travel times. Like the Villas at Disneyland Hotel, these taxes are paid upon checkout.
Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa
The transient occupancy taxes at the Grand Californian are handled in a unique way. Instead of being charged per stay, these taxes are incorporated into the annual dues. This subtlety might make them less noticeable compared to those at Aulani or the Disneyland Hotel. In 2023, these taxes amounted to approximately $0.51 per point.
This is likely why, if you’ve ever utilized DVC points from a different home resort to stay at the Grand Californian, you may not have been aware of any transient occupancy taxes. Only DVC members who own points at the Grand Californian are liable for these taxes. This implies that Grand Californian owners effectively pay the transient taxes on their points, regardless of whether they choose to stay at the Grand Californian or elsewhere.
Tips for Navigating Transient Taxes
To navigate these additional costs, DVC members should consider the tax rates when budgeting for their vacation. It’s also worth noting that these taxes are subject to change, so members should stay updated with the latest information.
Piecing Together the Tax Puzzle
In conclusion, while Disney Vacation Club offers an exciting opportunity for members to enjoy memorable vacations, it’s important to be mindful of the additional costs such as transient occupancy taxes. By staying informed and planning ahead, DVC members can ensure a seamless vacation experience. Remember, a well-planned vacation is a well-enjoyed vacation!
Stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog to get all the latest developments from inside the Disney parks and around the Disney Vacation Club resorts!
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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.
