Disney is one of the world’s most recognized hospitality brands, and the Disney Vacation Club is considered by many to be a leading developer in the timeshare industry. Even in this challenging economy, Disney has continued to look to the future with strong expansion over the past few years. New resorts in Florida, California, and Hawaii have all contributed to the continued growth and prosperity of this incredible vacation ownership system!

Disney Vacation Club ownership is a flexible and easy to use timeshare system based on a DVC point currency. With more than 350,000 proud DVC owners, this is one of the fastest growing interval ownership programs in the world! Disney Vacation Club consistently is awarded top honors in satisfaction ratings among guests, and DVC resorts are all rated Gold Crown by the RCI exchange system for the quality and amenities of the properties.

Ownerships are a deeded interest in real estate, and each interest equates to a specific number of Disney Vacation Club points, which are awarded each year on the first day of the anniversary month. These points are used as your vacation currency to book reservations in any DVC resort. Using points gives an owner the ultimate power of choice. You will be able to choose the villa type, dates of travel, and the duration of your stay. Each reservation will require a certain number of points as defined by the published point charts.

Disney Vacation Development, Inc. has established all Disney Vacation Club resorts on either a ground lease, or as a term-for-years. This means that each ownership has a specific expiration date, at which point the usage rights will revert back to Disney.

The resorts are managed solely by Disney Vacation Club Management Corp, and each resort has its own condominium association and its own annual budget. The associations collect the operating expenses, reserves, and ad valorem taxes each year in the form of annual dues per point. Because of this, the annual fee per point will vary from resort to resort- and will also vary from year to year.

Disney's point charts are published each year. You'll find the latest points charts in the resort directory section of this brochure. While the points required for a specific reservation can be modified slightly, the overall number of points on each chart must remain constant. In other words, if Disney increases the number of points needed to book a specific reservation- they must also decrease the point requirement for another reservation window at the same resort!

Disney's vacation points also provide owners with the opportunity to "bank" and "borrow" points. This flexibility to move points allows owners who only travel to a Disney resort occasionally to pool points for a longer stay, a larger villa type, or perhaps accumulate points to be used for an out of system vacation such as a Disney Cruise Line reservation. Also, owners who don't expect to use all their points for the current use year have the option of saving those extra points by banking them into the next usage year. Banking request must be made within the first eight months of the owner's usage year. Owners also have the ability to "borrow" up to 100% of their next usage year allotment. Points can only be moved once, so after they are banked or borrowed, they cannot later be returned to their original use year for a reservation. Finally, an owner must also be current on all dues and mortgage payments to move points from one use year to another.

Points can be used for reservations throughout the Disney Vacation Club portfolio of resorts and destinations. There are currently ten DVC resorts located in Florida, South Carolina, and California- and an eleventh resort is currently under construction in Hawaii. As more destinations are added to the DVC system, your ownership will also entitle you to make reservations at all future resorts!

Each owner shown on the deed will receive a DVC Member Card. Each card has an expiration date, and at the time of reissue, the account must be current and in good financial standing. These Member Cards provide the owner with additional benefits and privileges. These benefits can change from year to year, but traditionally owners receive discounts on annual passes at both the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California. Owners also receive special discounts on select dining, attractions, and entertainment venues affiliated with Disney. The member's quarterly magazine and website provide updates on new benefits and programs as they are added.

The Disney Vacation Club Resorts:

Disney's Old Key West Resort
1510 North Cove Road, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 827-7700

The very first DVC resort opened to guests in December of 1991. Its legal name is Disney Vacation Club at WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort, a leasehold condominium. Original ownerships are deeded as a ground lease and membership that expire on January 31, 2042. Some owners at this resort have purchased an extension to the original leasehold, and those extended contracts won't expire until January 31, 2057. This resort consists of 531 vacation homes: 274 two bedroom villas, 230 lockout villas, and 27 grand villas.

Disney's Old Key West Resort is themed to create the aura of Key West from the early 1900's. The decor blends classical elegance with the festive atmosphere and flavor of the Florida Keys. Resort amenities include full kitchens and washer/dryers in the spacious villas, a themed restaurant featuring character dining, in-room grocery delivery, exercise facilities, championship golf, direct river access and boat launches at the marina, four swimming pools, sauna, hot tubs, and of course, a full slate of children's activities as only Disney can provide.


Disney's Vero Beach Resort
9250 Island Grove Terrace, Vero Beach, FL 32963
(772) 234-2000

Disney opened its next resort to guests in October of 1995. Its legal name is Disney Vacation Club at Vero Beach, a condominium. Ownerships at this resort are deeded as a term for years that expires on January 31, 2042. This resort consists of 175 vacation homes: 18 two bedroom villas, 36 lockout villas, 115 inns, and 6 grand villas.

This breathtaking Disney destination stretches along a private beach that embodies the best of a Florida vacation. Luxury villas boast all the comforts of home, offering full kitchens, dining areas, and laundry facilities. On site amenities include two full service restaurants, a themed lounge overlooking the water, feature pool areas for adults and children, general store, exercise room, sauna, hot tubs, tennis, and planned activities for every age group. This destination is the ultimate Florida beach getaway, combining the award winning service of Disney resorts with a vacation wonderland of waves and relaxation!

Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
22 Harbourside Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 341-4100

The first DVC resort located outside of Florida opened to guests in March of 1996. Its legal name is Disney Vacation Club at Hilton Head Island Horizontal Property Regime. Ownerships at this resort are deeded as a term for years that expires on January 31, 2042. This resort consists of 102 vacation homes: 76 two bedroom villas, 21 lockout villas, and 5 grand villas.

This luxury resort provides spacious cottage-style villas on the vacation playground of Hilton Head Island. Minutes away, there is a 13,000 square foot private beach house located on 3½-acres of beachfront property that is exclusive to Disney guests. The beach house features a pool, snack bar, and comfortable relaxation center where you can cool down after a hot day on the beach. Other resort amenities include themed pools area for children and adults, a fishing pier, exercise facilities, grocery, and activity programs for all ages. Recreation, dining, and shopping opportunities are also nearby.

Disney's BoardWalk Villas
2101 North Epcot Resort Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32820
(407) 939-5100

Disney's BoardWalk Villas opened to guests in June of 1996 and was the first DVC resort built with a sister hotel onsite, Disney's BoardWalk Inn. Its legal name is Disney Vacation Club at Disney's BoardWalk Villas, a leasehold condominium. Ownerships at this resort are deeded as a ground lease that expires on January 31, 2042. This resort consists of 383 vacation homes: 149 lockout villas, 130 one bedroom villas, 97 studio villas, and 7 grand villas.

This deluxe Disney resort is built on the shore of Crescent Lake, and is themed to create the ambiance of Coney Island in the early 1900's. There is an authentic wooden boardwalk which encircles the lake with restaurants, shopping, a retro dance hall, midway games, and street performers. Guests can rent bicycles or pedicabs (multi-seat pedal vehicles) to cruise around the lake, or simply relax at a cafe by the water and listen to the cycling pianist! Luxury villas provide all the comforts of home with full kitchens, dining areas, and laundry facilities. On site amenities include themed restaurants, an interactive feature pool area for adults and children, general store, exercise facilities, sauna, hot tubs, and planned activities for all ages. Guests at this resort can walk to a private Epcot entrance, and get extended hours at the theme park.

Disney's Villas at the Wilderness Lodge
801 Timberline Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 824-3200

The DVC Villas at Wilderness Lodge opened to guests in November of 2000. Its legal name is The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, a leasehold condominium. Ownerships at this resort are deeded as a ground lease that expires on January 31, 2042. This resort consists of 136 vacation homes: 44 two bedroom villas, 45 lockout villas, 27 one bedroom villas, and 20 studio villas. This deluxe resort is the sister property to Disney's Wilderness Lodge hotel.

This incredible Disney destination is themed to evoke the spirit of an elegant wilderness lodge in the Pacific Northwest and features artificial geysers and hot springs. Amenities include themed pool areas, direct lake access, a marina and lakeside beach area, sauna, exercise room, mercantile, full service spa, planned activities, and all the renowned magic of a classic Disney vacation!

Disney's Beach Club
1900 North Epcot Resort Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 934-8000

What is perhaps Disney's most popular resort opened to guests in July of 2002. Its legal name is Disney's Beach Club Villas, a leasehold condominium. Ownerships at this resort are deeded as a ground lease that expires on January 31, 2042. This resort consists of 208 vacation homes: 78 two bedroom villas, 74 lockout villas, 20 one bedroom villas, and 36 studio villas. This deluxe resort is the sister property to Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.

DVC's Beach Club Villas are located across the lake from the Boardwalk Resort, and are within walking distance to a private entrance for Epcot. This deluxe resort is themed after the seaside cottages of Newport, and offers an incredible vacation experience for all ages. Amenities include Stormalong Bay- a themed sand bottomed pool area with one of the highest resort slides on Disney property, a pristine lakeside beach area, marina, health club, tennis, playgrounds, bike rentals, volleyball, arcade, and children's activities.

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
1960 Broadway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 827-1100

The largest DVC resort opened its doors in May of 2004. Its legal name is Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort, a leasehold condominium. Ownerships at this resort are deeded as a ground lease that expires on January 31, 2054. This resort consists of 888 vacation homes: 360 two bedroom villas, 432 lockout villas, 60 three bedroom treehouse villas, and 36 grand villas.

This deluxe resort is themed after Saratoga Springs, NY in the late 1800's. The resort is located across the lake from Downtown Disney, and offers both riverboat and bus transport for guests. This vast 65-acre lakefront resort has been built in four phases, and the final phase was recently completed- adding the unique Treehouse Villas. These villas are built upon pedestals in a wooded area along the river, creating the magical atmosphere of a luxury tree house experience! Amenities at this resort include a renowned full service spa, direct access to the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, themed pool area and children's pool, exercise room, marina, tennis, sauna, hot tubs, restaurants, grocery, and planned activities.

Disney's Villas at the Animal Kingdom Lodge
291 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 938-3000

Disney's next resort opened its doors in July of 2007 as the sister resort to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Ownerships at this resort are conveyed as a deeded leasehold that expires on January 31, 2057. This resort consists of 458 vacation homes: 140 two bedroom villas, 250 lockout villas, 46 studio villas, and 22 grand villas.

The deluxe resort was designed to embrace the art and culture of Africa, combining traditional architecture and decor with views of exotic animals throughout the surrounding savannah. Guests can see antelope, giraffes, exotic birds, and other African animals in a pristine natural setting. Amenities include themed pool areas for adults and children, nature trails alongside three savannah areas, restaurants and shopping, grocery, fitness center, tennis, hot tubs, and children's activities and child care.

Disney's Bay Lake Towers at the Contemporary Resort
4600 North World Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 824-1000

Disney's most anticipated DVC resort opened its doors in August of 2009. Ownerships at this resort are conveyed as a deeded leasehold that expires on January 31, 2060. This resort consists of 295 vacation homes: 148 two bedroom villas, 133 lockout villas, and 14 grand villas.

The sister property to Disney's Contemporary Resort, this deluxe DVC destination overlooks Bay Lake and features incredible views of the Magic Kingdom! The resort connects to the Contemporary with an elevated walkway, and has direct access to Disney's famous monorail system. The villas feature full kitchens, washer/dryers, and many offer huge bay windows to provide the famous view. Amenities are shared with the Contemporary, and include the themed Bay Cove pool area, the Top of the World lounge, restaurants, grocery, tennis, a fitness center, marina, lakeside beach area, playground, and plenty of planned activities for the children!

Disney's Villas at the Grand Californian
1600 South Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 635-2300

The very first DVC resort in California opened its doors in September of 2009. Ownerships at this resort are conveyed as a deeded leasehold that expires on January 31, 2060. This is Disney's smallest vacation club resort consisting of only 48 vacation homes: 23 two bedroom villas, 23 lockout villas, and 2 grand villas. This resort is the sister property to Disney's Grand Californian hotel.

Designed to complement the Redwood forest theme of the Grand Californian, these villas feature architecture and decor that creates the ambiance of a mid 1900's western mountain lodge- all within walking distance to the Disneyland Resort and theme parks. Amenities include several themed pool areas including the Redwood, Fountain, and Mariposa pools, the world class Mandara Spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, restaurants, grocery, arcade, and children's activities and child care at Pinnochio's Workshop.

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa
92-1185 Ali'inui Drive
Kapolei, Oahu, HI 96707
(808) 674-6200

Disney Vacation Club has expanded into the tropical paradise of Hawaii! The newest DVC destination just opened its doors in 2011 and has given Disney Vacation Club owners access to the romance and adventure of beautiful Hawaii. Ownerships at this resort are conveyed as a deeded leasehold that expires on January 31, 2061. This resort consists of more than 400 vacation homes, a mixture of grand villas, 2 bedroom villas, and lockout villas (which can be split into a 1 bedroom villa and a studio villa).

The designers of Aulani have worked to respect traditional Hawaiian architecture and traditions to create a unique resort experience that blends the magic of Disney with the true history and culture of Hawaii. The resort features an incredible volcano themed pool area, exercise facility, spa, restaurants, snorkel lagoon, stingray pool, gorgeous beach access, and much more. Plus, as always with Disney- the resort will be carefully designed to thrill children of all ages. A planned activity for kids that is creating quite a stir is the Menehune Hunt, a scavenger hunt where children solve clues to try and locate eighty small wooden statues hidden throughout the resort grounds.


What is Disney's Right of First Refusal (ROFR)?

Disney Vacation Development, Inc (DVD) has the first right to purchase any Disney Vacation Club real estate interest that is sold on the secondary market. Basically, what this means is that every resale contract must be submitted to Disney for review prior to closing. If DVC feels the purchase price is below market, they have the right to assume the position of the Buyer in the contract and purchase the ownership from the Seller at the contracted price.

When Disney exercises their right of first refusal, the original Buyer is released from the contract to purchase. The Seller continues on with the closing as before, only now they are deeding the interest back to Disney. The terms of the sale remain the same, except that the closing agent is no longer used- as Disney handles the new deeding process internally.

The purpose of DVC's Right of First Refusal process is to help control and maintain the value of their timeshare properties. All aspects of a sale are considered by DVD including, but not limited to: sales price, number of vacation points, dues reimbursements, and closing cost distribution. While the ROFR process can be frustrating to a buyer, the end result is positive for all owners- as the fact the Disney has a long history of aggressively targeting low pricing helps to maintain a more consistent secondary market for owners.

If you are the buyer, and DVC exercises their right of first refusal and replaces you in the transaction, any funds you have deposited into escrow will be promptly refunded in full, or you can choose to simply make another offer on a similar listing.


Closing Agents for Your Disney Vacation Club Purchase:

Your choice of a title agent can be one of the most important decisions you make during your transaction. You should always ensure that the closing company is fully licensed in the state where the property is located, and has a track record of successful closings for your resort. Your closing agent should also be an independent third party, and not directly affiliated with any other party involved in the transaction. The closing agent's primary job is to ensure that all the conditions of the contract are completed, and that the title is legally transferred to you at closing. Closing costs will consist of deed prep and recording fees, estoppel & ROFR fee, escrow (optional), title search and title insurance (optional). Closing costs will vary by the state where the property is located.


About The Author: Richard Marquette is a Florida real estate broker who has been published in numerous industry periodicals and websites. He has been involved in the timeshare resale and vacation rental industry since 1999. During that period, he has directly supervised brokerages responsible for more than 46,000 transaction sides. Chances are if he doesn't know the answer to your timeshare and travel questions- he will be able to refer you to someone who does! Contact Richard Marquette at http://vacation-times.org.