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What is the Disney Vacation Club?
What is it?
The concept of vacation clubs or vacation memberships has been popular among frequent travelers for nearly two decades. Vacation clubs enable members to take advantage of annual or biennial prepaid accommodations within a predetermined network of resorts – usually managed by a single company like Disney.
Created in 1991, the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) was yet another of Disney's innovations that revolutionized the vacation and travel industries. Today, the DVC is home to over 100,000 member families.
How does it work?
It's actually surprisingly simple. For families or couples who vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort every year or even every other year, becoming a DVC member represents a real value. In fact, the initial cost of joining the DVC (plus annual dues) pays for itself in savings within just seven to eight family vacations. After that, you're enjoying essentially free vacation accommodations with one of the best travel companies in the world.
Membership in the Disney Vacation Club is set up as a points-based program in which members receive an allotment of "Vacation Points" each year that can be exchanged for time at any of the Walt Disney World Resorts, at any of the Disney timeshares, as well as at more than 500 other affiliated resort destinations throughout the globe.
What do you get?
The perks of joining the Disney Vacation Club are plentiful, but here's a sampling of what you can enjoy:
- Flexible vacation planning. Each of the Walt Disney World Resorts and affiliated resorts is assigned a "Vacation Points" value. For weekends, peak seasons and larger suites – more points are needed. For weekdays, off-seasons, and studio suites – less points are needed.
- Unlike traditional "timesharing," you can stay for as little as one night at any Disney Resort. You can also "bank" or "borrow" points from other years to plan a bigger and better vacation when the occasion calls.
- Discounts on extras including Walt Disney World theme park passes, dining, entertainment, even cruises!
- Access to members-only publications – be the first to know about new Disney attractions and upcoming events.
Our Take / Summary
If you vacation at the Walt Disney World Resorts on an annual or biennial basis, membership in the Disney Vacation Club might be beneficial and even cut back on your vacation expenses.
If you vacation on an inconsistent basis – such as every four or five years – membership may not save you any money and could, in fact, cost more than paying for each vacation separately.
More Information
Please note that while we strive to deliver the most up-to-date information, prices and member benefits may have changed. Check with Disney for the most accurate information regarding membership in the Disney Vacation Club.
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