Why Financing a DVC Membership Now is Smarter Than Renting DVC Points
Buying into DVC with low monthly payments through our preferred lender, Vacation Club Loans, can be an excellent decision for frequent Disney park-goers or those looking to relax and enjoy a wonderful getaway. Depending on your situation and how often you’d like to visit, here are some good reasons why buying now and paying in full later for DVC might be a better option than renting DVC points:
1. Long-Term Savings
- Ownership benefits: When you buy into DVC, you’re locking in your vacation costs at today’s prices, which can be advantageous given how expensive Disney vacations tend to become over time. Annual maintenance fees are the only ongoing costs, which typically rise at a much slower rate than booking a room through traditional methods.
2. Access to Premium Resorts
- Staying at Disney-owned resorts: DVC gives you access to some of the best Disney resorts, such as Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Beach Club Villas, among many others. These are some of the most sought-after locations for Disney fans, offering an upgraded experience, great locations next to the theme parks, and signature dining options compared to traditional “value or moderate resort” rooms.
3. Flexibility with Reservations
- Booking windows: As a DVC owner, you get access to a flexible reservation system. You can book your stays at any DVC resort up to 11 months in advance at your “home resort” and up to 7 months in advance at other resorts. This flexibility is beneficial if you want to visit during peak seasons and the holidays.
4. More Space for Families
- Larger accommodations: DVC properties typically offer larger rooms and suites than standard Disney hotel rooms. These accommodations often include kitchenettes or full kitchens, which is incredibly convenient for families who want to prepare meals or snacks instead of always dining out. For example, rooms at the Beach Club Villas, with a DVC Membership, you can book a DVC deluxe villa that sleeps up to 5 in a studio, or you can rent from Disney, but the rental rooms (hotel side) are smaller with fewer amenities in the villa.
5. Tax Benefits If You Finance Your Purchase
- Through Vacation Club Loans, you’ll receive a 1098 at year’s end, and the interest paid that year can be deducted, which can lower taxable income.
6. Potential for Resale Value
- Investment potential: DVC memberships can be sold on the secondary market if your needs change, so you have the option to recoup part of your initial investment. The resale value tends to hold up well, especially if you purchase popular resorts with long-term contracts.
7. Exclusive Perks
- Owner benefits: DVC members purchasing on the secondary market can access exclusive perks such as early entry, late-night hours, and water park access on check-in day (for 2025).
8. DVC Points Can Be Used Across Multiple Destinations
- More vacation options: While the primary benefit of DVC is access to Disney resorts, you can also use DVC points for vacations outside of Disney parks. Disney’s partnership with other vacation destinations means that points can be banked (given to) Interval International, an exchange company. You can then use the value of the points to book other resorts within the Interval exchange program, like Marriott Vacation Club, Hyatt Vacation Club, Westgate, and more, which offer a wide variety of destination locations worldwide.
9. Ownership of Something Unique
- The Disney experience: Being a part of the Disney Vacation Club means becoming part of a select group of people who have the “keys” to a more premium, customized Disney experience. If you’re a Disney fan and love the magic, it’s an emotional and nostalgic investment as well as a financial one.
10. Building Equity vs. Paying Someone Else
- When you buy, your monthly mortgage payments to Vacation Club Loans contribute to your equity (ownership) in the DVC property.
- When you rent, you’re essentially paying Disney or someone else for the points they have without gaining any ownership.
11. Stable Monthly Payments
- With a fixed-rate mortgage, your principal and interest payments stay the same for the loan term.
- Rent prices tend to increase yearly, making ownership more predictable overall.
- Renters get no tax advantages.
12. No Fees and No Prepayment Penalty If Financed
- We recommend Vacation Club Loans for several reasons.
- $0 loan origination fee
- $0 prepayment penalty
- Guaranteed approval with the No Credit Check option
- 1098 tax savings on mortgage interest
- Terms of up to 10 years
- Finance closing costs with good credit.
13. The Best for Last – The Big Savings Year Over Year
Today, I looked up several rentals and, well, it’s amazing to own right now.
A one-bedroom the new Island Tower Disney’s Polynesian Resort in July 2025 is listed for $3,528 for just two nights ($1,764 per night)
As a DVC owner, this same reservation would be 40 points per night = 80 points in total.
Average cost of 80 points Polynesian at $165 per point $13,200
Financing this contract over 120 months at an average interest rate of 13.9% = $183.74 monthly or $2,204.88 annually plus dues.
A two-bedroom lock off @ Saratoga Springs at the end of April 2025 is listed for $7,176 for six nights ($1,196 per night)
As a DVC owner, this same reservation would be 282 points.
Average cost of 282 points Saratoga Springs at $95 per point $26,790
Financing this contract over 120 months at an average interest rate of 13.9% = $372.91 monthly or $4,474.92 annually plus dues.
Below are the typical selling prices per location…., the average being in the middle of these ranges (data from April 2025).
- Animal Kingdom – $95 to $105 per point.
- Aulani – $95 to $105 per point.
- Bay Lake Tower – $125 to $135 per point.
- Beach Club Villas – $125 to $135 per point.
- Boardwalk Villas – $105 to $115 per point.
- Boulder Ridge – $85 to $95 per point.
- Copper Creek – $130 to $140 per point.
- Grand Californian – $245 to $260 per point.
- Grand Floridian – $155 to $165 per point.
- Hilton Head – $55 to $65 per point.
- Old Key West – 2042: $75 to $85 per point, 2057: $85 to $95 per point.
- Polynesian – $160 to $170 per point.
- Riviera – $120 to $130 per point.
- Saratoga Springs – $90 to $100 per point.
- Vero Beach – $45 to $55 per point.
Final Thoughts:
- If you plan to visit Disney resorts often (especially multiple times per year or for extended stays), the Disney Vacation Club can be a great option, providing long-term value, exclusive perks, and more flexibility. Renting, on the other hand, might be better if you’re only planning a single visit and don’t want the commitment or upfront costs associated with purchasing a membership.
If you have any questions about financing, purchasing, selling, or renting a DVC property, please get in touch with us, and one of our agents will be happy to assist you. You can reach out to sales@dvcstore.com or call 800-550-6493.