General DVC

What Are DVC Membership Extras and Benefits?

Disney Vacation Club

Are you a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member or thinking about becoming one? If so, you’re probably curious about those enticing DVC Membership Extras and Benefits. These perks have long been a complement to DVC memberships, offering a world of exclusive experiences designed to make your Disney vacations even more magical. But what exactly are these benefits, and are they worth it? Let’s explore everything you need to know.


What Are DVC Membership Extras and Benefits?

Understanding what DVC Membership Extras and Benefits are can help you make the most of your membership. These incidental benefits, often referred to as DVC Membership Magic, are special perks offered to direct Disney Vacation Club members. Effective June 3, 2021, these benefits are available to members who have accumulated at least 150 vacation points purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. If your Digital DVC Membership Card shows the affiliation “DVC Y,” you have met the requirements to qualify for these benefits.

Dining Discounts

One of the most popular extras is the discounts on dining across various Disney properties. Whether you’re dining at a fine restaurant or grabbing a quick snack, these discounts can add up. Imagine enjoying a delightful meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table with a little extra savings in your pocket. Most table service restaurants offer a 10% DVC Member Discount to qualifying Members, with the Disneyland Resort also extending this benefit to quick-service restaurants as well.

Food Disney - Hoop Dee Doo

Shopping Perks

Shop till you drop! DVC members enjoy discounts of approximately 10-20% at numerous Disney merchandise locations. From exclusive collectibles to everyday souvenirs, these discounts make shopping at Disney even more enjoyable. Get ready to fill your bags without emptying your wallet.

Member-Exclusive Events

Special events like DVC Moonlight Magic offer members the chance to experience Disney parks in a whole new light. These events often include shorter wait times, exclusive character meet-and-greets, and unique entertainment options. If you love Disney, these events are not to be missed.

Moonlight Magic

Access to Special Walt Disney World Annual Passes

Direct members can access special Walt Disney World Annual Passes. These passes are tailored to offer more flexibility and value, perfect for those who can’t get enough of Disney. Say goodbye to the hassle of purchasing tickets for every visit.

DVC Member Lounges

Relax and recharge at exclusive DVC Member Lounges like the EPCOT Member Lounge or the Disneyland Star View Station Member Lounge. These lounges provide a quiet haven amidst the hustle and bustle of Disney parks, complete with complimentary beverages and charging stations.

Exclusive Character Meet-and-Greet Opportunities

Meeting your favorite Disney characters is a cherished experience, and DVC members often get exclusive opportunities for unique interactions. Previous events include those such as the Halloween “Meet and Treat”. This DVC Membership Extra allows you to capture magical moments with beloved characters without the typical long lines.

Using DVC Points for Disney Cruise Line

Did you know you can use your DVC points to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation? This allows Members to set sail on an unforgettable adventure using your direct points. From Caribbean escapes to Alaskan voyages, the possibilities are endless.

Are DVC Resale Members Eligible?

This is a common question among potential DVC members. If you purchased your DVC membership via resale prior to April 4, 2016, you are entitled to these benefits. However, new resale owners do not receive these DVC Membership Extras. Typically, this is one of the largest considerations when deciding between direct and resale purchases.

Are These Benefits Guaranteed?

While DVC Membership Extras have become a significant selling feature for direct contracts, it’s important to note that these benefits can change or be taken away at any time. For example, complimentary valet parking, once available to all DVC members, is no longer offered. Always keep this in mind when weighing the value of these perks.

Are The Benefits Worth It?

Financially speaking, the benefits might never outweigh the savings associated with purchasing a DVC resale contract. However, the fear of missing out (FOMO) on special events and perks is a real concern for many members. In our experience, approximately 60-70% of members eventually become hybrid members, owning a mix of both direct and resale contracts. This provides the best of both worlds, giving you access to exclusive perks while still enjoying significant savings.

Choosing Between Direct and Resale

Deciding between a direct and a resale contract can be challenging. Direct contracts provide access to all the Membership Extras and Benefits, whereas resale contracts offer significant cost savings but fewer perks. If you’re passionate about experiencing every magical moment Disney offers, a direct contract might be the way to go. However, if budget considerations are at the forefront, a resale contract provides excellent value.


DVC Membership Extras and Benefits offer an array of exciting perks designed to enhance your Disney experience. While they may not always justify the financial investment of a direct contract, the unique experiences and exclusive access they provide are undeniably magical. Whether you choose a direct, resale, or hybrid approach, you’ll be part of a vibrant and enthusiastic community that shares your love for Disney.

Are you a direct or resale member? Do you find the DVC Membership Extras and Benefits worth it? Share your thoughts and experiences with us—we’d love to hear from you!

Paul Krieger

About Author

Paul lives in Orlando, Florida with his wife, Amy, and their three Spanish galgos, Hermès, Cinders, and Emerson. They’re Disney Vacation Club Members at five resorts, Disney World Annual Passholders, and always on the lookout for new ways to enjoy and maximize their DVC points. When he’s not at the parks or planning their next trip, Paul loves cooking (big Alton Brown fan), training for Disney races with Amy, and blasting Billy Joel in the background.

4 Comments

  1. Jason Owens

    July 18, 2024

    While I purchased my DVC from Disney my sister bought resale. I still don’t understand why they get no perks whatsoever. They pay the same dues as ever other member and Disney got paid for the membership.

    • Louis

      July 18, 2024

      Perks do not come from dues. They are paid for by the developer and most likely from their marketing budget.

  2. Louis

    July 18, 2024

    Hybrid member here. We purchased resale first and within a year we purchased the minimum required for perks (75 points at the time) direct. We needed the points fast and honestly fomo had kicked in. These years later I’m not sure it was worth it to us to pay thousands extra for the direct.

  3. Louis

    July 18, 2024

    And to add Scottie from DVC Resale Market was our sales agent back then. Super nice guy.

Comments are closed.

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