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Written by Louis A. Mongello   
DVC by Resale - Disney Vacation Club

Read our exclsuve interview with Shontell Crawford, the Owner of DVCbyResale.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How do resales exist?
Resales are available from current DVC owners who probably bought directly from Disney and are now choosing to sell. Just like buying or selling a home, they use a Licensed Real Estate Broker to assist in the transaction, the service DVC By Resale provides.

Why do people sell?
The majority of DVC sellers have a financial need when deciding to sell their vacation ownership. Circumstances such as divorce, loss of job, career change or unexpected expenses sometimes force people to sell their assets. As a buyer, while their circumstances are unfortunate, it becomes your opportunity to save money on buying your "piece of the magic".

Why should I buy resale versus directly from Disney?

  1. You can save money! Even with closing costs added, sellers realize they are competing with Disney and you should always save on a resale. If you see one listed "above" your budget, don’t be afraid to make an offer!
  2. You can pay lower maintenance fees on some resales! Saratoga Springs & Old Key West currently have the lowest dues. When comparing 2002 rates: On a 200 point package you would save $110.00 owning Old Key West ($3.22/pt) vs. Beach Club Villas ($3.77/pt). That adds up to $4,400 over 40 years!!!!
  3. You can get properties that are currently "sold out" through Disney. DVC By Resale lists ALL Disney properties, including Old Key West, Boardwalk, Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club Villas and Saratoga Springs in addition to Hilton Head and Vero Beach.
  4. You can buy add-on packages of less than 150 as a first time (or existing) buyer. Disney requires you to buy a minimum of 150 points. If 150 points exceeds your budget, you may be able to find 70 points, for example, on the resale market and become a DVC Member.

Where can I find out how many points I need for my family's vacations?
Each resort has a points chart associated with it and the various size units available. We have examples for your review here on the DVCByResale.com points charts pages.

When I buy from DVC By Resale, will I be treated any differently by Disney or its Cast Members?
Absolutely not. DVC By Resale is owned and operated by a DVC member who has been reselling the DVC since 1997. Not once has any of our clients been treated differently or been singled out for having bought resale. If you want to purchase a sold out resort, like Old Key West, Boardwalk, Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Vero Beach, or the Beach Club Villas you will need to buy through DVC By Resale because Disney no longer offers those resorts to the general public.

Is financing available through resales?
YES! Tammac financial is an independent agency currently offering financing for up to seven years. You may fill out a pre-qualification form here.

Many of our clients will get their own financing through a home equity loan, as interest rates may be better and certain tax advantages may apply. While credit cards may not be used for payment, credit card "checks" are an acceptable means of payment. Please ask your agent for specific details.

When does the lease on a resale expire?
Currently, all Disney ownerships with the exception of Saratoga Springs expire on the same date: January 31, 2042 – REGARDLESS - of when or where it was originally bought. Saratoga Springs expires in 2054.

How much are closing costs?
Closing costs vary by the price of your resale purchase due to recording the documentary stamps on the deed. Since we sell 50 – 2000 points, it is best to call us for a direct quote. Typically, $375 - $525 is what you should expect to pay. We will happily give you an exact figure on any listed resale property.

Can I make an offer?
YES! ABSOLUTELY! DEFINITELY!
We welcome your offers! Some sellers may be firm in their pricing, but you never know until you try. Disney does have the right of first refusal on all contracts, so if your offer is too low and is accepted, you may end up starting the whole process over - so stay reasonable when making offers and chances are you will be an owner in no time!

How do I sell my Disney Vacation Club?
Contact us here We will fax or e-mail you the document to start selling today! Our Broker has been reselling the DVC since 1997 and is an active DVC member herself. We know the "ins and outs" of the program and how to answer any questions buyers may have when interested. You won’t find better service anywhere in our industry!

Are you affiliated with Disney?
DVC By Resale is not affiliated with the Disney Company, or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries in any way. We are a Licensed Real Estate Brokerage located in Orlando, FL representing both buyers and sellers of the Disney Vacation Club on the secondary market.

What are the maintenance fees at each resort?
Annual dues, per point, for 2005 at each resort are as follows:

  • Saratoga Springs - $3.82
  • Old Key West - $3.86
  • Hilton Head - $4.03
  • Beach Club Villas - $4.26
  • Wilderness Lodge - $4.35
  • Boardwalk Villas - $4.41
  • Vero Beach - $4.86

How far ahead can I make reservations?
Disney allows you to make reservations 11 months in advance at your home resort and 7 months in advance at your non-home resorts.

Does my "Home" resort really matter?
Yes. There are two main considerations to keep in mind when choosing your home resort:

  1. Maintenance fees are different at each resort. Some are significantly lower than others. Check out our maintenance and tax chart if you are unsure.
  2. lf you travel during "peak" times, chances are you should make your reservations more than 7 months in advance and you will want to own the resort you prefer to stay in. On the other hand, if you make reservations less than 7 month in advance, or travel during slow seasons, we recommend you by the resale for which you get the best price with low maintenance fees.

If I own points in multiple places, do I get the 11 month advantage at all of them?
Yes. However, reservations can be made only up to the number of points available at that resort for your reservation.

What does the term "Use Year" mean?
The use year refers to the twelve month period starting on the first day of the month of your assigned use year. Each year, Disney will add your annual allotment of points on the first day of your use year. Any previously banked points become available as well. Any borrowed points expire during the use year they were borrowed and should be used prior to your use year anniversary month.

For example: A February "use year" begins February 1 20XX and ends January 31 of the following year. A June use year begins June 1, 20XX and ends May 31 of the following year.

Some people have December use years, which means their points don’t physically get put into their account until December, but everyone gets points each and every year and has one full 12 month period to use those points. (Provided no banking or borrowing has been done.)

Is it important to have a specific use year?

Some people prefer specific use years, because they travel the same time every year. To understand this concept you need to understand the banking rules. If you vacation during the same month EVERY year and plan on doing so for the next 35 years or so, then you might pick a use year right before or during the month you travel, for one reason only: If you need to cancel one year, you are still within your initial 100% banking window that Disney designates as the first 6 months of your use year.

If you travel during various times of the year, like most folks, the use year should not be a consideration for you. We recommend you look for the best resale value at the property you want to own and disregard the use year reference.

Does the use year affect when I can make reservations?

NO. Many people confuse the use year with the 11 month and 7 month reservation window. Remember, reservations can be made 11 months in advance from your travel date. (Which has nothing to do with your use year) If, when you travel, there will be points in your account, you can make that reservation 11 months in advance at your home resort and 7 months in advance at your non-home resort.

How does banking work?
Disney allows you to bank 100% of your annual allocation during the first six months of your use year. If you miss that deadline, you may still bank 50% of your annual allocation within the 7th to 9th months of your use year, if you miss that deadline, you may still bank 25% of your annual allocation during the 10th month of your use year, but if you miss that deadline, you cannot bank any points during the last two months of your use year. Once you bank points, they cannot be "unbanked". If you decide to travel before your next renewal, you will need to borrow from the upcoming use year.

How does borrowing work?
Disney allows you to borrow 100% of your upcoming year’s annual allocation once you are in the previous use year. Once you "borrow" points, you may not "put them back", and they will expire in the current use year if not used.

What does it mean when points are in "reservation status"?
When an owner makes a reservation outside the Disney Vacation Club Resorts (such as a cruise, or a stay at the Polynesian hotel), then cancels that reservation, DVC designates them as "reservation" points. Basically they have designated those points for usage outside the DVC resorts and they can't be "put back". Reservation points can be used for any of the Disney hotels, the Concierge Collection, cruises, etc. The only thing they cannot be used for are staying at the DVC Resorts or the World Passport Collection. Reservation points must be used within the use year they are designated and may not be banked, borrowed or transferred.