The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is The Walt Disney Co.’s own sort of timeshare program. But unlike traditional timeshares, where owners commit to one property and sometimes specific dates each year, Disney Vacation Club owners buy points which can be redeemed across any eligible resorts — as well as for other types of trips around the world.

There are plenty of both pros and cons of DVC, but one thing is for certain: DVC is neither simple nor cheap. Upfront costs are at least $32,550 this year, not including one-time closing costs and recurring annual dues (that increase in cost over time).

While the initial costs are high, it’s the ongoing costs that can be challenging. Joining DVC commits you to a contract, which is typically 50 years from the construction date of the building you bought into.

But for people who navigate the system and vacation at Disney often, DVC can turn out to be more valuable than paying cash prices for rooms as you go. Plus, membership entails many additional DVC benefits, ranging from admission to members-only events to the peace of mind that you have magical vacations locked in for years ahead.

How does Disney Vacation Club work?

To join, you purchase a real estate interest at one of nearly 20 DVC resorts, most of which are located at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

The Waikolohe Stream is Aulani's lazy river. (Photo courtesy of Disney)

Properties include European-inspired Disney's Riviera Resort and the Victorian-style villas of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Other eligible properties can be found throughout the country, including Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii.

Disney Vacation Club resorts

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Disney Vacation Club Villas — Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas — Jambo House.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas — Kidani Village.

Disney’s Beach Club Villas.

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas.

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort.

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

Disney’s Riviera Resort.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel.

Your purchased real estate interest is attached to a specific property, also called your home resort. When joining, you also select the number of Vacation Points you receive annually — minimum 150 — which can be spent on accommodations at your home resort or other eligible properties any night of the year (as long as rooms are available).