When you purchase a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) membership on the resale market, you’ll enjoy significant savings—but it’s important to understand a few limitations that come with buying resale rather than direct from Disney. While resale buyers gain access to the most important benefit—staying at deluxe Disney resorts—some restrictions apply that affect how and where you can use your points.
Resort Booking Limitations
If you purchase a resale contract at one of the original 14 DVC resorts (such as Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk, Old Key West, etc.) and the contract was sold after January 19, 2019, your points can only be used at those 14 resorts. You won’t be able to use them at newer properties like Riviera Resort, Villas at Disneyland Hotel, or the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. Similarly, if you purchase a resale contract at Riviera, those points can only be used at Riviera.
Still want to stay at a newer resort? Many members rent out their points and use the income to book a cash stay wherever they’d like. This strategy often makes financial sense—and resale savings often cover the difference.
No Membership Extras
Disney limits certain perks to members who purchase directly. These Membership Extras include small discounts at select restaurants and stores, invitations to DVC events, and eligibility for the Sorcerer Pass (a discounted annual pass for Florida residents and DVC members).
While these benefits sound appealing, they’re not guaranteed and are subject to change. Most buyers agree that the savings from resale outweigh the value of these perks.
No Access to Certain Collections
Resale points cannot be used for Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, or the Concierge Collection. These experiences are only available to direct purchasers.
That said, most owners—even direct buyers—rarely use points this way. The point requirements are high, and once you calculate annual dues, it’s often cheaper to pay cash for these experiences as a regular guest.