What is the Benefit of Buying DVC Direct Versus Resale

Buying Disney Vacation Club directly from Disney ensures Members receive all the perks and extras that come with DVC. The amount currently needed to qualify for the blue Membership Card that comes with all the benefits is 150 points purchased directly from Disney. Note that Disney Vacation Club says Membership Extras are ‘incidental benefits subject to availability, change or termination and may require a fee.’ These perks may be exciting but they aren’t guaranteed, even if you purchase direct from Disney. For starters, DVC discounts are a highlight for many. The park ticket discount may have been the most exciting and valuable discount. The former Annual Pass structure has since been dismantled for both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. A new Annual Passholder system has been introduced with far less of a DVC discount benefit. There are also shopping, dining and recreation discounts with DVC. While these discounts aren’t available with resale DVC, many have comparable Disney discounts through their Disney Chase Visa card or Annual Pass. Member exclusive special events are an exciting perk with DVC that isn’t available with resale. These aren’t guaranteed, though, and attending often has other hoops to jump through like landing a spot or having a room reservation at the time of the event. Booking restrictions are the last thing to consider, especially with Disney’s Riviera Resort. Those who purchase resale DVC at Riviera can only book there and if you have any other Home Resort you can’t book Riviera with resale points. Resale DVC points aren’t eligible for booking Adventures by Disney or Disney Cruise Line. The math doesn’t usually make financial sense to book with these with points though. So overall, there is more flexibility with booking when you buy direct. If any of the above perks mentioned are a must for you, at least consider the resale savings before making a final decision.