When I was deciding whether to buy Disney Vacation Club (DVC), one of the biggest questions I wrestled with was this:
Should I buy direct from Disney… or save money and buy resale?
I went back and forth on this quite a bit.
And honestly, I don’t think there’s a single “right” answer.
It really depends on your goals, your family, and how you plan to use DVC.
But I’ll share why I personally chose to buy direct—and what mattered most to me as a dad.
The Big Trade-Off: Cost vs Flexibility
The biggest difference is simple:
- Resale is cheaper (sometimes significantly)
- Direct is more expensive, but comes with more flexibility
That’s the tension.
If you’re just looking to save money and stay at certain resorts, resale can be a great option.
But for me, flexibility mattered more.
The #1 Reason I Chose Direct
The biggest factor in my decision was this:
👉 Access to newer resorts—especially Riviera and future DVC properties
From what I understood (and this is important to verify for your situation), if you buy resale:
- You may not be able to use your points at certain newer resorts
- Especially at the 7-month booking window
That was a dealbreaker for me.
I didn’t want to feel limited.
I wanted the ability to:
- Try different resorts
- Stay at newer properties
- Keep options open long-term
That flexibility was worth paying more upfront.
What About the Perks?
Another reason people buy direct is for the DVC perks.
Things like:
- Lounges
- Discounts
- Member extras
Now, a lot of experienced owners will tell you:
👉 “Don’t base your decision on perks—they can go away.”
And I think that’s wise.
For me:
- The perks were nice to have
- But not the main reason I bought direct
Why Resale Still Makes Sense for Many People
I want to be fair here.
Resale can be a great choice if:
- You want to save a significant amount of money
- You’re okay with fewer restrictions
- You mainly plan to stay at specific resorts
Some people even do a mix:
- Buy a small direct contract for perks
- Add more points through resale
That’s a smart strategy too.
My Personal Experience So Far
I’ve only had one trip so far—but it’s been incredible.
We stayed at:
- The Polynesian Tower
- The Grand Floridian
Two of the most iconic Disney resorts.
And honestly—it felt pretty amazing.
I had never stayed at a Disney resort before…
and then suddenly I was a DVC owner staying at places like that.
What Made It Special for Me as a Dad
This wasn’t just a financial decision.
It was a family decision.
I have a son and a daughter, and I wanted to create:
- Memories
- Experiences
- Time together
before my daughter grows up and moves into her own life stage.
There’s something really special about:
- Watching fireworks across the water
- Sitting in a hammock at the Polynesian
- Hearing the music playing in the background
- Taking the monorail over to the Grand Floridian
It’s not just a place to stay.
It’s an experience.
One Unexpected Benefit
Something else I’ve really enjoyed:
👉 Being part of the DVC community
Before buying, I noticed:
- Owners were passionate
- People genuinely loved it
Now I understand why.
A Few Honest Considerations
I also want to be real about a few things to keep in mind.
First, one of the biggest benefits of staying at a Disney Vacation Club resort is something I don’t think gets talked about enough:
👉 Transportation
When you stay on Disney property, you get access to:
- Monorails
- Boats
- Skyliner
- Buses
And it’s all included.
That’s a big deal.
I’ve stayed at other timeshares in Orlando (like Marriott), and you simply don’t get that same level of transportation or convenience.
At Disney, you really don’t need a car—and honestly, getting around is part of the fun.
The Main “Downside” to Think About
That said, if there is one thing to be aware of, it’s this:
👉 It’s a commitment—and it can add up
Even if you own DVC:
- Park tickets can be expensive
- Food and dining add up
- Flights (if you’re traveling from far away) can be significant
So while DVC can provide great value over time, it’s important to go in with your eyes open.
For some families, it’s an incredible fit.
For others, it could feel like too much if not planned carefully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re trying to decide between direct vs resale, here’s my honest take:
- There’s no one-size-fits-all answer
- Resale can save you a lot of money
- Direct gives you more flexibility and access
For me, the deciding factors were:
- Access to newer resorts
- Long-term flexibility
- Creating meaningful family experiences
And so far—I’m glad I made that choice.