Purchasing DVC on the resale market saves you 30% to 50% compared to buying direct from Disney. The trade off is a longer, more involved process with more moving parts. But it's not complicated once you know what to expect. Here's the complete timeline from start to finish, based on hundreds of real transactions.
Step 1: Find the Right Contract (1 to 14 days)
Before you start browsing listings, nail down your requirements:
- Home resort: Where do you want 11 month booking priority? If you always stay at the same resort during peak dates, make that your home resort.
- Point count: How many points do you need annually? Most families do well with 150 to 200 points for a week long trip in a studio. Larger families or those wanting One Bedrooms should look at 200 to 300.
- Use Year: Which month works best for your travel patterns? Points become available on your Use Year date.
- Point status: Are current year points available ("loaded"), already used ("stripped"), or banked? Loaded contracts cost more but give you immediate vacation value.
Resale listings are posted by licensed brokers on sites dedicated to DVC resale. Contracts move fast during busy seasons, so if you see something that matches your criteria, don't hesitate too long.
Step 2: Make an Offer and Sign the Contract (1 to 5 days)
You'll submit an offer through the broker, typically with earnest money (usually $200 to $500). The seller accepts, counters, or declines. Once both parties agree on price and terms, you'll sign a purchase agreement that specifies:
- Purchase price per point and total price
- Which party pays closing costs (often split or buyer pays)
- Current year point allocation and status
- Expected closing timeline
- ROFR contingency language
This is also when you'll want to secure your financing if you're not paying cash. Getting pre approved before you make an offer strengthens your position and speeds up closing later.
Step 3: Disney's Right of First Refusal (25 to 35 days)
This is the step that makes DVC resale unique. After your contract is signed, it gets submitted to Disney for ROFR review. Disney has 30 days to decide whether they want to purchase the contract at your agreed price instead of letting it pass to you.
If Disney exercises ROFR (takes the contract), you get your earnest money back in full and the transaction ends. You'll need to find another contract. If Disney waives ROFR (lets it pass), you proceed to closing.
What affects ROFR decisions? Disney is more likely to take contracts priced significantly below current market value, contracts at popular resorts with limited inventory, and smaller contracts that they can resell direct at a markup. Contracts priced at or near market value pass ROFR the vast majority of the time.
During the ROFR waiting period, there's nothing to do except wait. It's the most anxiety inducing part of the process for most buyers. Just know that roughly 85% to 90% of contracts pass successfully.
Step 4: Closing (10 to 21 days)
Once you pass ROFR, the closing company (title company) takes over. They'll send you a closing package that includes:
- Final settlement statement showing all costs
- Deed transfer documents
- Estoppel letter from Disney confirming the contract details
- Wire instructions or payment details
You'll review and sign the documents (often electronically), then wire your funds. If you're financing, your lender sends the purchase funds directly to the closing company. Total closing costs for the buyer typically run $500 to $1,000 including title search, deed recording, and closing company fees.
Step 5: Transfer to Disney (5 to 14 days)
After closing, the title company records the new deed with Orange County and notifies Disney of the ownership transfer. Disney then processes the membership transfer on their end. This takes about one to two weeks. Once complete, you'll receive your DVC membership number and can log into the member website to start booking.
From offer to active membership, expect 45 to 75 days total. The longest wait is always ROFR. Everything else moves relatively quickly.
Costs Beyond the Purchase Price
Budget for these additional expenses on top of your contract price:
- Closing costs: $500 to $1,000 (title search, deed recording, closing company fees)
- Prorated annual dues: You'll owe dues from your closing date through the end of the current year
- Financing costs: If using a lender, there may be an origination fee or closing fee
- First year dues: Your full annual dues will come due on January 1 of the following year
Tips for a Smooth Purchase
- Get financing squared away before or immediately after making your offer. Delays in funding can complicate closing.
- Respond quickly to closing documents. Every day you sit on paperwork is a day added to your timeline.
- Don't lowball your offer hoping to save money. Prices well below market are more likely to trigger ROFR, costing you a month of waiting for nothing.
- Ask about banked points. If the seller has banked points from a previous year, those transfer with the contract and give you immediate booking power.
Ready to start? Our loan calculator helps you figure out monthly payments for any contract size and price point. The DVC beginners guide covers the fundamentals if you're still deciding which resort and point count work for your family. And our cost comparison guide shows you exactly how much you'll save versus booking hotel rooms year after year.