Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a vacation ownership program offered by Disney that allows members to purchase points that can be used for stays at a variety of Disney-owned properties, including theme park resorts, cruise ships, and hotels in other locations around the world. One question that many potential DVC members face is whether to buy for resale or retail.
Let’s see some of the crucial pros and cons of DVC Resale and DVC Retail options that you should take into consideration because they can help you make a final decision.
Advantages of Buying DVC Resale – PROS
You will enjoy the lower upfront costs
One of the biggest advantages of buying DVC resale is the potential to save a significant amount of money upfront. When you buy DVC resale, you are purchasing a contract that has already been owned by someone else, typically at a price that is lower than the retail price. This can be especially appealing for those who are on a tight budget or who are not sure if they will use their DVC membership frequently.
Flexibility factor
Another advantage of buying DVC resale is the flexibility to choose from a wide range of contract sizes and locations. When you buy retail, you are limited to the contracts and locations that are currently being offered by Disney. With resale, you have the ability to choose from a larger pool of contracts, including some that may not be available retail. This can be particularly useful if you have specific preferences or needs in terms of contract size or location.
There are no waiting lists
Some DVC properties and contracts have waiting lists for new buyers, but when you buy resale, you can typically avoid these waiting lists and purchase a contract right away. This can be particularly appealing if you are eager to start using your DVC membership as soon as possible.
You will have the opportunity to negotiate if you want
When you buy DVC resale, you are dealing directly with the owner of the contract, rather than with Disney. This can give you the opportunity to negotiate the price of the contract and potentially get a better deal.
Disadvantages of Buying DVC Resale – CONS
You will not have the opportunity to access certain perks
When you buy DVC resale, you are not entitled to certain perks that are only available to retail buyers, such as the ability to book reservations up to 11 months in advance and access to certain discounts and promotions. This can be a significant disadvantage for those who value these perks and are willing to pay more for them.
There will be limited ability when it comes to transferring ownership
If you decide to sell your DVC contract, you may have a harder time finding a buyer if you bought resale. This is because retail contracts are often more desirable to buyers, as they come with the aforementioned perks. As a result, you may have to sell your resale contract for a lower price than you paid for it.
You should accept the risk of buying a poor-quality contract
When you buy DVC resale, you are relying on the owner of the contract to provide accurate and complete information about the contract. There is a risk that you may end up with a poor-quality contract that has hidden issues or restrictions that you were not aware of. To minimize this risk, it is important to thoroughly research the contract and the seller before making a purchase.
Advantages of Buying DVC Retail – PROS
You will have the access to all perks and benefits
As mentioned above, one of the main advantages of buying DVC retail is the access to all of the perks that come with being a direct member of the Disney Vacation Club. This includes the ability to book reservations up to 11 months in advance, access to discounts and promotions, and the ability to purchase additional points at a discounted rate.
Also, you can transfer ownership
If you decide to sell your DVC contract in the future, it is typically easier to find a buyer if you bought retail. This is because retail contracts come with all of the perks that make them more desirable to potential buyers. As a result, you may be able to sell your retail contract for a higher price than you paid for it.
You will not have reason to worry
When you buy DVC retail, you are purchasing directly from Disney, which can provide peace of mind that you are getting a high-quality contract with no hidden issues or restrictions. In addition, Disney’s customer service team is available to assist you with any questions or issues you may have.
Disadvantages of Buying DVC Retail – CONS
They are coming with the higher upfront costs
The biggest disadvantage of buying DVC retail is the higher upfront cost. The price of a retail contract is typically significantly higher than the price of a resale contract, which can make it harder for some people to justify the investment. This can be a particular concern for those who are on a tight budget or who are not sure if they will use their DVC membership frequently.
You should expect to see limited contract sizes as well as the locations
When you buy DVC retail, you are limited to the contracts and locations that are currently being offered by Disney. This means that you may not be able to find a contract that fits your specific needs and preferences. This can be frustrating for those who have specific requirements in terms of contract size or location.
What are you going to choose?
Whether you choose to buy DVC resale or retail depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. If you are looking to save money upfront and have the flexibility to choose from a wider range of contracts and locations, then buying DVC resale may be the right option for you. On the other hand, if you value the perks that come with being a direct member of the Disney Vacation Club and are willing to pay more for them, then buying DVC retail may be the better choice. Ultimately, it is important to carefully consider your budget, vacation plans, and priorities before making a decision.