If you’ve started planning a Disney vacation, chances are you’ve come across the idea of renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points. One of the most common questions I get as a Travel Advisor specializing in Disney destinations is: “Does it make sense to rent DVC points instead of booking directly through Disney?”
Here’s my honest, experience-backed perspective, as someone whose family has been part of the Disney Vacation Club since the mid-90s and who has planned more than 700 Disney vacations.
What Is Renting DVC Points?
Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is Disney’s vacation ownership program (similar to a timeshare) that allows members to purchase points and use them to stay at Disney resorts and select other destinations.
Members buy a set number of points at a “home resort,” such as Disney’s Riviera Resort or Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, and receive a new allotment of points each year. These points can be used to book stays in villa-style accommodations ranging from studios to multi-bedroom units with full kitchens and living spaces.
One of the key benefits of Disney Vacation Club is flexibility, as members can use their points at different Disney Vacation Club resorts (availability permitting), bank or borrow points between years, and even use them for select other vacations.
In addition to the initial purchase, members pay annual dues, which cover resort maintenance and operations. Many families choose DVC as a long-term way to vacation at Disney regularly while enjoying more space, upscale accommodations, and added home-like amenities.
Disney Vacation Club Properties:
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
DISNEYLAND RESORT
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
- The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
OTHER LOCATIONS
- Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa – Hawaii
- Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort – South Carolina
- Disney’s Vero Beach Resort – Florida
DVC members can rent their points to non-members, essentially allowing you to stay at these Deluxe resorts, often at a lower price than booking directly through Disney. Over the years, this has grown into a large third-party rental market with companies facilitating these bookings.
How Do You Rent Points?
Step 1: Decide Your Dates, Resort & Room Type
Before anything else, you’ll want to have a solid plan:
- Travel dates (flexibility helps)
- Preferred resort(s)
- Room type (studio, 1-bedroom, etc.)
DVC availability works differently than Disney’s regular booking system. Owners can book:
- 11 months out at their home resort
- 7 months out at other DVC resorts
Because of this, popular resorts like Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows or Disney’s Beach Club Villas can book up quickly especially during peak travel times.
Step 2: Get a Quote
Next, you’ll request a quote through a DVC rental company or directly from an owner. Pricing is based on:
- Number of points required for your stay
- Price per point (set by the owner or company)
The total cost = points needed × price per point
Step 3: Check Availability & Place a Request
Once you’re ready, you’ll submit a reservation request. At this point:
- A DVC member (or company working with one) checks availability
- If your dates and room are available, they’ll move forward with booking
Step 4: Make Payment
Most DVC rentals require full payment upfront at the time of booking. Some companies may offer partial payment options, but this is less common. Payment terms vary depending on who you rent through.
Step 5: Reservation is Booked in Your Name
Once payment is received:
- The DVC owner books the reservation using their points
- The reservation is placed in your name
- You’ll receive a Disney confirmation number
At this point, you can link your reservation in My Disney Experience.
Pros of Renting DVC Points
- Cost Savings on Deluxe Disney Resort: Renting DVC points can significantly reduce the cost of staying at Deluxe resorts compared to Disney’s direct pricing. This is one of the biggest draws for families wanting a more upscale experience without the full price tag.
- Larger Accommodations & More Amenities: DVC villas are designed for longer stays, which means more space and added conveniences:
- Studios with kitchenettes
- 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas
- Full kitchens and living areas
- In-room washer and dryer (in larger units)
- Prime Locations: Many DVC resorts are in unbeatable locations:
- Walking distance to EPCOT or Magic Kingdom
- Easy access to Disney Springs
- Convenient transportation options
Location alone can be a major value-add when comparing options.
Cons of Renting DVC Points
- Very limited flexibility: Depending on the terms and conditions, the rental reservation may be non-refundable and non-changeable. That means that any change, including changing a name of a guest, can be unavailable or result in an additional fee.
- Must book early: Availability can be highly limited, especially for popular resorts and dates, so planning a vacation in under 11 months is not recommended if you’re renting point.
- Full payment upfront: Many DVC point rentals require that you make full payment at time of booking.
- Purchase tickets separately: When you rent DVC Points, you won’t be able to purchase your tickets as part of a vacation package. That means you’ll need to pay in full at time of booking for your tickets and they are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
- No promotions or discounts: Whereas a Disney Vacation package often will go down in price with the announcement of promotions, DVC Rentals will not. can be applied
- Less support if something goes wrong: If something goes wrong or you need guidance it can be difficult, as you’re working through a third-party, not Disney directly or a Travel Advisor like myself.
Is Renting DVC Points Worth It?
Like most things when it comes to vacation planning, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer. Renting DVC Points may be a great option for families who know that their plans are not going to change, have the budget to make payments all at once, and don’t care to have the guidance or support of Disney or a Travel Advisor. However, for most families, booking through a Travel Advisor or Disney is going to be the most flexible, convenient, and least stressful option – and really, that’s what we’re all looking for, isn’t it? – stress free vacations!
Ready to plan your trip to Walt Disney World? Let us help you plan a stress-free vacation. Start planning today!