DVC: Resale vs Direct Purchase
A side-by-side comparison of what you get buying direct from Disney vs. resale. The short version: resale saves a LOT of money and you keep most benefits.
Direct from Disney
$200-$250+/point
Full benefits including dining discounts, Moonlight Magic, and member cruises
Resale
$80-$160/point
Same booking access, same dues, lose some perks (dining, merch, events)
| Feature | Direct | Resale |
|---|---|---|
Purchase Price (per point) Resale saves 40-60% on purchase price | $200-$250+ | $80-$160 |
Annual Dues Dues are identical regardless of how you purchased | Same | Same |
Home Resort Booking (11 months) Both get 11-month booking window at home resort | Yes | Yes |
World Booking (7 months) Both can book any DVC resort at 7 months | Yes | Yes |
Blue Card (Membership Card) Resale buyers now receive the blue membership card | Yes | Yes (after 2019 rule change) |
Member Lounge Access (EPCOT, etc.) Some member lounges restricted for resale after 2019 | Yes | Limited (resort-specific) |
Discount on Dining Direct buyers can purchase Tables in Wonderland | 10-20% (Tables in Wonderland) | No |
Discount on Merchandise Merch discounts are direct-purchase only | 10-20% at select locations | No |
Moonlight Magic Events Exclusive after-hours events for direct buyers only | Yes | No |
Member Cruises Special DVC member cruise sailings are direct-only | Yes | No |
Swap/Transfer to Other DVC Resorts Resale points work at all DVC resorts | All resorts | All resorts |
Banking & Borrowing Points Both have identical banking/borrowing rules | Yes | Yes |
The Bottom Line
For most owners, resale is the better financial decision. You save 40-60% on the purchase price and keep the core benefit: staying at deluxe Disney resorts for a fraction of rack rate. The perks you lose (dining discounts, Moonlight Magic, member cruises) are nice-to-haves, not must-haves.
Consider buying direct if: you visit frequently enough that dining/merch discounts add up, you specifically want Moonlight Magic events, or you want the newest resorts (Riviera has resale restrictions).
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