While digging through some updated DVC incentive documents this morning, we noticed a pretty big change quietly rolled out: Disney Vacation Club is now offering 10- and 15-year financing options for direct purchases. Previously, the standard was 5- and 10-year loans.
You can even see this new language in the updated DVC Explorer document for Polynesian sales.
So, why would Disney make this change now? Let’s dig into it—because this shift says a lot about where DVC pricing, the economy, and the vacation ownership industry as a whole are headed.
1. Higher DVC Prices Require Longer Terms
Over the past few years, DVC direct prices have skyrocketed. We’re now seeing price points over $230 at newer resorts like Polynesian Tower and Disneyland Hotel.
That means a “typical” 200-point contract could easily cost upwards of $45,000 or more when we factor in direct sales incentives.
Shorter terms (5 or 10 years) meant massive monthly payments, which are out of reach for a lot of buyers. By stretching terms to 15 years, DVC can lower the monthly payments significantly, making that $45K feel a lot more affordable — even if buyers end up paying more interest over time.
2. Staying Competitive with Other Vacation Ownership Brands
If you look at other major players in the vacation ownership world — Marriott, Hilton, Westin — they’ve long offered 15- or even 20-year financing terms.
Disney Vacation Club has always marketed itself as a premium brand, but they also need to stay competitive when new buyers are comparing offers across brands. Longer financing terms are standard now in the industry, and DVC needed to adapt.
3. Most Owners Don’t Keep Loans the Full Term Anyway
The reality is: most DVC owners either refinance, pay off early, or sell their contract well before the end of a 15-year term.
This new loan option helps close more sales by lowering monthly costs—and Disney knows many buyers won’t actually pay the full 15 years.
4. A Hedge Against Economic Uncertainty
With inflation, high interest rates, and tightening household budgets, affordability is becoming even more important.
Offering a 15-year financing option ensures that DVC remains attractive even if economic conditions stay rocky for the next few years.
Bottom Line
Disney’s decision to roll out 15-year DVC financing is all about making direct ownership feel more accessible in today’s economy.
- Lower monthly payments → Easier sales
- More competitive options compared to other timeshare brands
- Better flexibility for new buyers
It’s also worth noting: interest rates for 15-year loans start at 9.99% (with good credit and auto-pay setup). Not “cheap” — but pretty competitive for vacation ownership lending in 2025.
If you’re thinking about buying direct, or just curious how these new terms might affect resale value, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let us know what you think: Would a 15-year financing option make you more likely to buy direct today?
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Sue
April 29, 2025Absolutely not – we wouldn’t want to finance a timeshare at all and certainly not for 15 years. This is one of the reasons why the resale market is so great – you can pay less than half the direct price and avoid financing.
SIMON FISHER
April 29, 2025Paul,
I enjoy reading your posts and listening to the podcast when I have a chance. I understand the decision for anyone to finance a contract is a very personal one. I am neither supporting nor condoning anyone in their decision. I understand that people have to make the decision that is best for their family.
While I understand your points above – the caption “Here’s why it makes sense” really only applies for Disney in my opinion. I will not argue that for Disney, offering a 15 year term makes sense. I do however have concerns with anyone financing the contract for 15 years with the intention of having the loan long term.
If you run the numbers – for someone that finances the $45,000 contract that you suggested for 15 years, their payment would be roughly $483.30 and total interest charges will amount for $41,993 over the duration of the loan. If the term was reduced to 10 years – the payment would be $594.43 and the total interest charges would be $26,331. *Disclaimer – these numbers aren’t exact, just ballpark estimates.* Is the $110 monthly savings worth it? Does it make sense?
DVC is without question a luxury. The best possible scenario for someone to go for the 15 year term would be if they had a plan to pay it off sooner. For example, a family knows they are getting a year end bonus and wants a low monthly payment to carry the cost of the contract, but will make 3 large principal payment over the next 3 years. That could make sense to have some monthly savings.
If a family is taking this contract through the full term, they will pay dearly for it and does it make financial sense vs. just getting a hotel room? Are deluxe accommodations best for this scenario?
Certainly I am not one to judge nor am I criticizing anyone’s decision to finance DVC. I do feel the extended term does significantly impact the value proposition in a negative context due to overall cost.
Also, it is worth noting that I do understand DVC is light years ahead of other timeshare systems. For example, the family that does finance their contract for 15 years under almost all circumstance will be able to get out of it by selling it and be ok for them financially. Other timeshare systems, the family is often stuck or faces some very bad options that could really hurt them.
Hope to bump into you guys at Moonlight Magic coming up.