4. DVC doesn’t depreciate the way that most timeshares do

In the wake of the housing market collapse during the early 2000s, the timeshare market fell apart just like the rest of the industry. In fact, people could famously acquire timeshares on the resale market for a penny. While DVC was just as susceptible to market tendencies, its pricing didn’t falter anywhere as much. More important, DVC owners only incurred losses if they actually sold. If they didn’t, well…

An amazing fact about DVC compared to other timeshares is that the value of ownership points has increased over time. People who purchased when the opportunity initially arose in 1991 spent $51 per point. Disney required a minimum buy-in of 230 points, which cost $11,730 at the time. Note that the company sells ownership at Old Key West for $135 per point today. It’s not fair to list that as current value, however, since an owner couldn’t sell for that amount on the resale market.

A quick glance at the current listings on ResalesDVC.com paints a more accurate picture. At the time of publication, Old Key West resales cost approximately $82 a point on average. In other words, the value of this particular hotel resort ownership program has increased $31 per point over the past 25 years, a 62 percent increase in value. That’s not the way timeshares are supposed to work. Consumer Reports even notes that they’re like new automobiles. The instant a person buys one, it depreciates in value, at least theoretically. Because people are so passionate about DVC, however, it doesn’t follow the same rules. While there’s no guarantee that someone who purchases directly through Disney today will have the same success, anyone who bought into the program in the early days has turned a hefty profit.

5. Based on Consumer Report's data, DVC becomes a better deal over time

Image: Disney

As a publication, Consumer Reports is stubbornly cynical by nature. They try to protect consumers from shady business practices. That makes them wary of all things that sound too good to be true. DVC qualifies in this category. So, the magazine is strident in their evaluation of whether the program is worthwhile to potential buyers.

In a shocking twist, the magazine’s conservative calculations reveal that it is. In fact, their conclusion is stunningly one-sided. They use Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for their analysis as well. They note that a person who paid to stay at the hotel on their annual visit to Walt Disney World would spend $152,000 over 30 years. During that same timeframe, DVC members would pay less than half of that amount, approximately $70,000.

Yes, you read that correctly. The most critical consumer watchdog publication in America’s own research reveals that DVC members save more than 50 percent off through annual membership usage. And it’s important to note that Consumer Reports mentions that the value only extends over time. Since a DVC contract lasts 50 years, the potential savings are even more dramatic.

Consumer Reports does offer the usual practical advice about timeshare ownership in their piece. If you see the issue while you’re waiting in line at the checkout counter, it’s worth an impulse buy. If you just want the summary, however, every calculation they make demonstrates that DVC is a wonderful value for annual visitors to Disney theme parks.

6. DVC lets you try before you buy

Image: Disney

As previously discussed, everyone has the ability to try DVC without purchasing an actual ownership interest. All someone has to do is rent points via a reliable online vendor. In doing so, a theme park tourist will stay at one of Disney’s finest resorts while paying a fraction of the rack rate. During the Disney vacation, such visitors will enjoy virtually all the advantages of DVC membership. Then, they can decide whether the program is for them.

Finally, if people do show interest in DVC membership, I strongly suggest research into the resale market. A savvy shopper can save more than half off their initial purchase price if they remain patient and diligent during the purchase process.