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Why Do Disney Points Maintain Their Resale Value?

Resale value: it’s the elephant in the room for many considering a timeshare purchase. It’s easy to see ownership’s advantages compared to booking similarly expansive accommodations through Expedia (or, for that matter, Airbnb). But when it comes to resale, many owners rightly worry their timeshare will make like a new car and lose the bulk of its value the minute they sign on the dotted line. So why is Disney Vacation Club (comparatively) different?

Laura Gohl - Jan 28, 2021

Most savvy vacation owners knowingly go into a timeshare purchase under the premise that their true value lies in consumption. With years of vacations, their initial investment is absorbed, not by reselling with any sort or profit in mind. Timeshares rarely (read: almost never) command their purchase price on the resale market.

Disney owners, however, often have the pleasant experience of securing a fairly high price when they decide to sell their points. There’s a host of reasons DVC points continue to capture comparatively high resale prices, like the cost savings of DVC points versus booking directly from Disney resorts. Ultimately, though, there’s just something about Disney. 

Exploring Disney Vacation Club Points

So what gives? How is a single brand able to buck the broader trend of point devaluation? 

In short, Disney’s brand power extends to DVC timeshare resorts. And though DVC’s annual inflation sits higher than most resort brands for both points (5-6%) and maintenance fees (3-6%), its ever-evolving attractions continue to make DVC one of the most dynamic vacation clubs in the industry. While DVC is certainly not unique in offering spacious accommodations in prime resorts, the power of the Disney brand buoys resale value for owners looking to exit their ownership. What that means for you is real liquidity in an oft-stagnant secondary market.

Take a look at a couple of DVC’s resorts: the charmingly picturesque Beach Club Villas, and the tropical oasis of the Polynesian Village Resort. Both feature whimsical design, easy access to Disney theme parks (via monorail, boat, or gondola), and a full suite of amenities, entertainment, and dining experiences.

The power of the Disney brand buoys resale value for owners looking to exit their ownership. What that means for you is real liquidity in an oft-stagnant secondary market.

The average cost per room for Beach Club Villas starts at nearly $600 a night, and around $650 a night for the Polynesian Village Resort. Compared with DVC’s 2021 points charts, you can quickly see why  DVC membership still holds long-term value for guests in love with all things Disney —- especially for families seeking multiple rooms. 

Your resale points, then, are poised to offer great value, too. Currently, buying a timeshare ownership directly from the Disney Vacation Club comes in at an average of $195 a point. If you’re closing the door on your ownership experience and selling your remaining points, however, bear in mind that resale values, even those powered by Minnie and Mickey, will need to be priced competitively in order to sell. 

Buying Resale Vs. Direct

Another reason to set a competitive price? Buying DVC points directly from the Disney Vacation Club comes with substantial benefits for new owners, including extra hours at the parks, dining discounts, and access to Disney cruises and international resorts. These perks are not available to owners who solely buy their points from the resale market — something to bear in mind when pricing your resale listing.

Other travelers, such as Disney annual pass holders, may already receive many of those same benefits from their passholder membership, and may simply be looking for more Disney vacations at an affordable price. Pricing your DVC points to compete with the resale market, not Disney, gives you the best opportunity to catch the eye of these cost-conscious travelers.

Selling Your Disney Vacation Club Points

Now, a gentle reminder that you probably will not make a profit on the sale of your DVC points compared to your original purchase. And considering the member benefits available exclusively to those who buy direct, your listing on the resale market will have to be super price-savvy to catch the eye of a potential buyer. 

So do Disney points keep their value? The answer may depend on your original motivations when you purchased your points. Even with annual inflation, accommodations through DVC can offer major savings over time for those who book at Disney resorts year after year. From this perspective, a stable resale market is an added bonus to years of affordable vacations.

For soon-to-be timeshare owners, the decision to go resale or direct with the Disney Vacation Club may ultimately center on how much vacationing will focus on theme parks and other Disney-centric activities. And when you’re ready to move on, setting your resale at a competitive price can make for a hassle-free exit (not to mention an opportunity for buyers eager to make memories of their own).

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