One question that I get asked frequently is – How much money will I be saving by becoming a Disney Vacation Club member?
Before getting started, I feel I must preface this post with the fact that before DVC, my wife, Amy, and I allowed ourselves to visit Walt Disney World every two to three years and stayed at moderate-level resorts. Based on our previous spending, I have since concluded that I will save nothing in the long run and have instead committed myself to spending thousands of dollars at the Walt Disney World Resort over the next 40 years… you’re welcome Disney stockholders!
But when looking at what we previously were paying for each vacation versus our current costs, it is hard to ignore the benefits and savings that becoming Disney Vacation Club members have offered us!
Although many on the DISboards have previously provided a very detailed approach to determine the value of their own DVC memberships, I’m choosing a more basic and laid-back method. Here, we will quickly look at the cash prices listed by Disney for three trips next year (2023).
Summer Animal Kingdom Lodge Getaway
First is a seven-night stay in June 2023 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village. Due to its size and amenities, Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most popular Disney Vacation Club properties. For this stay, I’ve selected a 2-Bedroom Savanna View Villa, which features three full bathrooms, a full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer, and a balcony. This stay would cost 319 Disney Vacation Club points and holds an approximate cash value of $12,785.60 (including taxes and fees).
July 4th Holiday at BoardWalk
Next, we jump to a busier part of the summer for a quick three-night getaway during the 4th of July holiday. For this trip, I’ve selected a Garden/Pool View Deluxe Studio at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas for 48 vacation points. These accommodations include a queen bed, double-size sleeper sofa, kitchenette, and balcony. This stay would cost approximately $594.33 per night, totaling $2,005.89 after taxes and fees.
Holidays at Bay Lake Tower
Lastly, we jump to the monorail loop during one of the busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World for a holiday getaway at Bay Lake Tower. If we’re at BLT during the holidays, we have to watch the fireworks in a 1-Bedroom Theme Park View Villa. This accommodation sleeps five adults and includes two full bathrooms, a full kitchen, living and dining areas, a washer and dryer, and a balcony. A four-night long weekend here would cost you 206 vacation points, or approximately $6,148.
Totaling over $20,000 in cash value, these three resort stays already validate for me why I purchased Disney Vacation Club. The rack rates of these resorts (even when combined with discounts) are steep for the average consumer, yet DVC makes them attainable. For a similar $20,000 investment, you could already be well on your way to Disney Vacation Club ownership with a DVC resale contract.
There is value in the fact that my wife and I now have the opportunity to visit a place we call home with such frequency and stay in resort accommodations previously thought of in our dreams. Add that to additional DVC discounts on dining, merchandise, and more, and I am satisfied with the price and value being received as a member.
True, I will not necessarily be saving money and instead will spend more while vacationing more. The REAL value of DVC (and what we have really invested in) is the happiness it will bring by guaranteeing us years and years of Disney vacations.
Paul, totally agree! I can now take my family of 12 and stay at the Grand Floridian (our home resort) for a vacation. I could never do this without my DVC membership. And then we use the DVC discounts for items and food. And then this is only one trip with many more to come!
Paul/Amy
I am guessing you factored AD’s into your calculation ? Regardless we bought in 2010. Happy days. Certainly couldn’t afford Deluxe hotel stays at todays prices. What really annoys me is that whilst CMs say Welcome Home and it was sold as a lifetime of memories I can’t get an AP. It’s like going home but the locks have been changed. Can’t get in. Very very sad. Guess I just use it as a base.
Hey Ian – As I mentioned in the article, we did not go into much detail, and this is a very high-level analysis of looking at the rack rate cost of these vacations.
We are brand new resale owners as of Jan 2021. We have 2 small contracts (75 BWV & 100 PVB) that we paid cash for. So far we have already enjoyed 2 amazing stays that we would have never enjoyed without DVC. 9 nights in May, all Studios (3 Jambo standard/3 Jambo Savannah/3 CCV), and then extended a friend’s November trip with 3 nights Kidani Savannah (we stayed in a standard view) and 1 night at CCV for the Christmas party. My friend loved the switch from Pop to AKL, and we got to enjoy their reaction to waking up to Giraffes and Ostriches each morning. All this on a 75 point contract, needless to say we are very happy with our purchase. Next up, hopefully, is our nephew’s first WDW trip in December 2023 at The Polynesian, and we cannot wait to see their reactions.
It’s not really a valid comparison though is it? Would you have paid rack rate? I know I wouldn’t….!
I’m a DVC owner at BLT and happy with the value but these articles which don’t reflect reality aren’t really that helpful 🙁
These are direct comparisons based off pricing the room via the Walt Disney World website. Any promos currently offered are reflected in the pricing.
For most people that’s the reality of how they book their vacation.