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Buying Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points can feel like stepping into a whole new world of possibilities, and questions. If you’re considering a resale contract at Disney’s Riviera Resort, one of the first things you’ll probably wonder is: How long will it take to break even?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but by walking through the key factors, you’ll have a much better sense of what to expect, and whether it’s the right move for your family.
What Does “Break Even” Mean in DVC Terms?
When we talk about “breaking even” with DVC, we mean the point at which the total cost you’ve spent on your membership (including your upfront purchase price and ongoing dues) equals the amount you would have spent if you had paid cash for the same Disney hotel stays over the years.
Once you pass that break-even point, every stay you book is essentially saving you money compared to paying Disney’s cash prices.
Key Numbers You Need to Know
To estimate your break-even timeline, you need to understand:
- Purchase price per point: Riviera resale contracts typically sell around $110–$135 per point (as of mid 2025).
- Annual dues: For Riviera, dues are currently $9.05 per point per year and tend to increase 2–5% annually.
- Cash hotel rates: A Deluxe Studio averages between $700 and $ 1,000 per night, depending on the season.
You’ll also want to consider how often you plan to travel, the size of the accommodations you prefer, and the time of year you typically visit (peak seasons cost more points per night).
Breaking Even on a 150-Point Riviera Resale Contract
For this example, let’s assume:
- You buy 150 points at $120 per point, so your upfront cost is $18,000.
- Closing costs and fees add another $750.
- Your annual dues start at $9.05 per point, totaling $1,357 in the first year.
In the first year, your total investment is $20,107.
Now, let’s say you book a week-long stay every year in a Deluxe Studio. Depending on the season, that week will cost around 150 points (give or take 20-30 points for higher or lower season). Using 2025 rack rates, booking a similar room directly through Disney for cash will cost $4,000–$6,000 or more per trip.
So every time you use your DVC points instead of paying cash, you’re saving at least $4,000.
$20,107 ÷ $4,000 per year = about 5 years to break even.
Of course, you’ll also be paying dues each year (and they’ll likely rise slightly), but even factoring that in, most owners break even in less than 7 years with consistent use.
What Can Speed Up or Slow Down Your Break-Even Timeline?
Faster Break-Even If:
- You travel during peak times when cash prices are at their highest.
- You stay in larger villas (1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom) where cash rates are even steeper.
- Disney room rates continue to climb faster than dues increase (which they historically have).
Slower Break-Even If:
- You only travel every other year.
- You prefer shorter trips or smaller accommodations.
- You don’t always use your points, or you bank/borrow inconsistently.
- You buy direct from Disney with a higher upfront investment.
The Riviera Resale Restrictions
One unique factor with Riviera resale contracts is that if you buy resale, you can only use your points at Riviera, not at other DVC resorts. Disney put this policy in place when Riviera opened in 2019 in an effort to deter buying resale.
If Riviera is your dream home resort, and you plan to return again and again, the restriction isn’t a big deal. But if you value flexibility and the option to hop around to the various resorts, that might affect the value you place on a Riviera resale.
Summary
Most Riviera resale buyers who use their points regularly find they break even within 5–7 years, and after that, it’s a world of Disney magic at a fraction of the cost.
If you’re a Riviera fan and plan to visit Disney World year after year, purchasing a resale contract could be one of the best investments you make in your family’s future vacations.
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