DVC Adds New $500 Contract Administration Fee for Resale Contracts

Disney Vacation Club has announced a new $500 Contract Administration Fee (CAF) that will apply to all DVC resale contracts signed on or after January 1, 2026. While any added cost is never fun to see, this type of fee is actually common across much of the timeshare industry. Here’s what the update means, why it’s happening, and what buyers can do now to avoid the extra expense.

What Is the New DVC Contract Administration Fee?

Beginning January 1, 2026, Disney Vacation Club will charge a $500 fee on any resale purchase (not direct purchases) at the time of contract transfer.

According to Disney, the new fee helps cover the costs of activating a new Member and handling the administrative work and system updates required when a resale contract is transferred to a new owner.

For buyers planning to purchase in early 2026 or later, this will be a standard line item added to your closing costs.

Is This Fee Surprising? Not Really. Most Timeshares Already Do This.

While this is new for Disney Vacation Club, it’s extremely common across the timeshare industry. Many vacation ownership brands routinely charge transfer fees, resort administration fees, club activation fees, and/or document processing fees. These typically range anywhere from $250–$1,000+ depending on the brand, resort, or management company. DVC has historically had lower “developer fees” on the resale side compared to other companies, with just a small $150 estoppel fee charged to the seller. So while this new fee is notable, it aligns DVC more closely with standard industry norms.

What Buyers Need to Know

If you already have a signed contract scheduled to close after January 1st, the new fee does not apply to you. All fully signed and executed contracts submitted to Disney Vacation Club prior to January 1, 2026 will not be charged the Contract Administration Fee.

If you’re thinking about purchasing DVC points on the resale market, the key date is:

✔️ December 31, 2025

Any resale contract fully executed before this date will not be subject to the new fee.

✔️ January 1, 2026 and beyond

All resale contracts signed on or after this date will automatically include the new $500 fee as part of closing.

Because DVC resale closings already include costs such as title, escrow, and deed recording fees, this new charge will simply be another line item buyers should expect.

Should Buyers Act Before the Deadline?

If avoiding the fee is important to you, yes—December is the time to act. Browse current listings or reach out anytime.

Posted By:

Kristen Tutas