Cons of Buying DVC Resale
Buying Disney Vacation Club resale offers major savings, but it's important to understand the full picture — including the potential downsides. While thousands of buyers choose resale each year for its value, transparency around the cons of buying DVC resale helps you make a confident and informed decision. At DVC Sales, we believe in being upfront about both the benefits and the limitations.
Limited Access to Certain Member Extras
One of the most talked-about downsides is that resale buyers don’t get access to certain "Membership Extras" Disney offers. These include discounts on dining, park passes, and exclusive events. However, many buyers find the savings from resale more than outweigh the value of these perks — and some never used them even when buying direct.
Restrictions on Booking Certain Resorts
Disney has created policies limiting resale points purchased after certain dates to specific resorts. For example, resale buyers of Riviera contracts can only book at Riviera. However, contracts purchased at older resorts — like Saratoga Springs or Beach Club — still allow booking across many DVC properties. This is why working with a knowledgeable broker matters.
Fewer Financing Options
Disney offers in-house financing for direct buyers, but that option isn’t available on the resale market. That said, many third-party lenders work with DVC resale buyers, and some buyers choose to pay cash to avoid interest costs altogether.
Longer Timeline from Offer to Closing
The resale process involves multiple steps: offer, contract, Disney’s Right of First Refusal review, and closing. This typically takes 6–8 weeks. While it’s not instant, it’s a one-time process that results in a long-term ownership.
No Access to Exclusive Disney Cruises or Adventures
Resale members are not eligible for Disney Vacation Club point exchanges on cruises or Adventures by Disney. However, many buyers never use points this way due to poor conversion value and instead rent out points or pay for cruises separately at lower rates.
Why It Still Makes Sense
While these limitations exist, they don’t change the fact that resale contracts save buyers thousands and still provide full access to the point system, flexible bookings, and stays at Disney’s top resorts. Most buyers are happy to trade a few perks for long-term savings.