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Insider Tips: Top Three DVC Resorts to Buy in 2024

By Kristen Tutas / March 29, 2024

There are a lot of options when buying into the Disney Vacation Club so where do you start? 

Before deciding on a DVC resort to buy, my best advice continues to be: buy where you want to stay. This way, you can book your preferred accommodations at your desired location without worrying about finding something else outside the priority booking windows.

If you’re someone who doesn’t plan too far in advance, and you enjoy hopping from one resort to another, then you should buy where it makes the most financial sense for you. With DVC, you can own multiple home resorts and mix and match for your needs. Some owners purchase all their points in one place while others choose a primary resort for specific vacations and then add points at another, more affordable resort that can be used for additional trips or nights. 

We have recently updated the price list for DVC direct purchases for 2024 and compared it with the average resale prices of the last 90 days. After analyzing the price differences, along with other factors like contract duration and annual dues we’ve come up with a list of the best DVC resorts to buy this year.

Top DVC Resorts to Buy in 2024:

#3 – Saratoga Springs 

Back on the list again this year! You really can’t go wrong with Saratoga Springs. It’s our most commonly purchased resort for new and existing owners and there’s plenty of inventory available to find your perfect contract. This is also one of the few DVC resorts that can be found on the resale market for under $100 per point.

Although it’s not a new resort, it has undergone a recent refurbishment, giving the rooms a brand-new look. You’ll have ownership for over 30 years, giving you plenty of time to make memories!

Since it’s the largest DVC resort, there are plenty of owners to share costs. This keeps maintenance fees relatively low and steady year after year. For 2024, the dues bill for 200 points annually will cost you $1,628 for the year or $136/month. Trade your points for another resort to really make this a great purchase. We’ve used our Saratoga points to stay at almost all the resorts, including Aulani! Just be flexible with dates and book as early as you can inside the 7-month booking windows.

Direct: $205 per point
Resale: Avg of $100 per point (a savings of 51%!) 

#2 – Bay Lake Tower

I’m keeping this on the list again this year for a few really key reasons:

First, it’s a MAGIC KINGDOM resort, the most sought-after area of Disney World. This gives you the 7-11 month priority booking window at a hotel that is literally steps away from the magic.

Second, Bay Lake Tower has the 2nd lowest dues amongst Walt Disney World Resorts at just $7.59 per point. This makes the yearly costs of ownership very affordable and gives an added bonus: if you can’t vacation one year and want to rent points, your profit margin is much higher with the lower dues!

Third, Disney’s direct price is $275 per point! This shows how popular the resort is, as it is the second highest-priced purchase after the Grand Californian and Beach Club. The good news is you can buy a resale contract right now for 50% less. With an average resale price currently at $138 per point, you’re getting deluxe accommodations within walking distance to Magic Kingdom and a contract life until year 2060 at a huge discount.

Direct: $275 per point
Resale: Avg of $138 per point (a savings of 50%!)

#1 – BoardWalk 

If you’re looking for a “home” near Epcot, my choice is BoardWalk and 2024 may be just the year to buy! With a price tag of $240 per point direct, this is the 5th highest-priced resort, coming in just under Polynesian and Copper Creek priced at $250 per point. You can buy on the resale market for almost half that price and use your Boardwalk points for stays at all the classic DVC resorts.

But what about the 2042 expiration date? Hear me out… even with 18 years left on this contract, you will save money on vacations. Let’s say you buy 150 points resale today for $18,000 ($120/pt). If you spread that cost over the next 18 years you’re spending $1,000 per year. Annual dues will fluctuate each year but using this year’s rate of $1,300 for 150 points at BoardWalk, you’re now at $2,300 for the year.  A one-week stay in September, in a 1-Bedroom Villa during Food and Wine festival would require 149 points. The cash rate for that same stay is around $5,000 to $6,000. With your annual cost of ownership around $2,300 you’re still saving more than 50% on your vacation! 

Direct: $230 per point
Resale: Avg of $120 per point (a savings of 48%!)

The One to Watch: Polynesian

Direct sales for Polynesian points are currently on hold as Disney prepares for the expansion project. Before sales were halted, you could buy points direct for $250 per point. Once the new inventory comes up for sale, there will most likely be a lower rate to start with further incentives for larger point allotments. If direct prices are substantially less than they were, this will impact prices buyers are willing to pay for resale. The new room options will also spur more interest so we could see one of two things happen in the market: resale prices drop because direct points are priced more comparable with benefits included or resale prices increase because of limited inventory and more demand. Keep a close eye on the resale market if you’re thinking of adding more points at Polynesian. Current sale prices are averaging at $145 per point so now may be the time!

Have questions? We love to chat DVC! Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect contract! 

Posted By:

Kristen Tutas