When purchasing resale DVC, one of the most important decisions you get to make is choosing a home resort. The Disney timeshare is a mostly flexible, point-based system but it does require Members to purchase a contract, also referred to as points, with a certain resort as their ‘home.’ Members have a planning advantage and are able to book at their home resort eleven months out compared to seven months out elsewhere. Note that things are different with Disney’s Riviera Resort resale. With Riviera as your home resort you can use resale points to book at that property only. The perks of each DVC resort differ and the best home resort truly depends on your theme, amenity and location preferences.
If you love Disney but spend most of your time in the parks, you may not have had time to enjoy and explore all of the Disney Vacation Club Resorts. One sure way to discover which property is the best fit for your home resort is to rent points for a stay. It may not be the most convenient to switch hotels in the middle of trip but that would help you experience more than one in a single trip if you’re up for it. The easiest way to test out different home resorts is to visit for a dining reservation. This kind of visit will allow you to enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants, take a peek at the shops and amenities, experience going to and from the resort and see the overall design and decor of the shared spaces. This will, of course, not let you fully experience the rooms but in some cases a Disney Vacation Club Guide can give you a room tour. Either way, it’s a good start and visiting for a meal will certainly give you an idea of what it would be like to have that property as your home resort. Remember it’s best to choose the home resort you’ll be happy to actually stay in.
Let’s go over some quick highlights, transportation options, unique theming and the perks of each DVC resort.
The Perks of Each DVC Resort
Walt Disney World Resort DVC Resorts
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the closest resort to Magic Kingdom and has incredible views of the park’s fireworks. This serene spot has Bay Lake on the other side and beautiful trees and greenery to admire from your balcony. Other highlights include character dining at the adjacent Contemporary building and firework view dining and exquisite cuisine at top floor restaurant California Grill. There is also access to a monorail stop that guests can use to get to Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom Park. This resort has a majestic main lobby and a cozy, comfortable lobby with a fireplace and historic Disney imagery in the Boulder Ridge building. Wilderness Lodge is also located on Bay Lake and offers stunning views of surrounding nature. Stays here can include a stop at the resort’s geyser and character dining with the original Disney princess in Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White.
Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge share all the goodness of Boulder Ridge but in a more modern, rustic styling. Copper Creek is also home to Disney’s only luxe, waterfront cabins. This resort also has one of the best holiday displays with a multistory Christmas tree and seasonal goods stand with warm beverages and sweet treats in the lobby.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas have their own savanna with animal viewing right at the resort. The interior design of this resort is stunning and mature with beautiful, African style and art. Some of Walt Disney World’s best restaurants are here including the Boma Flavors of Africa buffet and Sanaa with savanna views where you might spot a zebra from your table.
Disney’s Beach Club Villas have the best pool at Walt Disney World. Stormalong Bay is an incredible water complex with a small lazy river, a sand bottom pool, winding waterways with waterfalls and fantastic theming with a life size pirate ship. Beach Club has an excellent location with boat, walkway and Skyliner access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas share the same central location as Beach Club between Epcot and Hollywood Studios along with those convenient transportation methods. BoardWalk also has its own shopping, entertainment and dining district right on the water. The classic decor, shimmering chandeliers and vintage Atlantic City vibes make the BoardWalk a chic place to stay.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort is the original DVC resort, has slightly more spacious rooms and a beautiful Florida vibe. Enjoy the larger than life sand castle pool, swaying palm trees and pastel buildings. Boat transport to Disney Springs is available.
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows sits with a front row view of Magic Kingdom fireworks right on the Seven Seas Lagoon. The restaurant ‘Ohana, located in the Polynesian lobby, offers one of the most delicious and fun dining experiences with firework views, family style eats and a live ukulele player. Guests can walk, take a monorail or boat to Magic Kingdom.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is just across the water from Disney World’s massive shopping and dining district, Disney Springs. You’ll love having so many restaurants just a walk or boat ride away. Saratoga Springs has quite a few pools to choose from and is home to an amazing spa with amenities like hot tubs, saunas and heated tile chairs.
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort offer a charming and luxe feel inspired by Mary Poppins. The lobby at this resort is one of the most stunning you’ll find and has live, musical entertainment. Dining at the Grand is nothing short of wonderful. You’ll be delighted with options like Narcoossee’s on the water with firework views, the 1900 Park Fare character buffet and the award winning Victoria and Albert’s fine dining experience.
Disney’s Riviera Resort captures the charm of Walt Disney’s travels to Europe and features top floor character dining. Through its own Disney Skyliner station, guests can travel to Epcot in just minutes or Hollywood Studios with one transfer. Note that there are resale restrictions for this property. Read more: What Do You Not Get By Buying DVC Resale vs Direct?
Disneyland Resort DVC Resorts
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel offer a rustic yet comfortable feel. There’s a lot to love from the resort’s craftsman style lobby with a live piano player to the private resort guest entrance into Disney California Adventure Park. Disneyland Resort is easy to get around and staying at the Grand Californian puts you literally in the middle of the magic.
DVC Beach Resorts
Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa is located in Hawaii on a beautiful, blue ocean lagoon. This hotel’s decor and design is rich with the heritage of the islands. Aulani has an outdoor waterplay complex that’s surrounded by the resort and offers incredible pools, a lazy river, multiple waterslides, lush landscaping and more.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is an ocean front property on the Atlantic coast about two hours south of Walt Disney World Resort. This property sets the scene for relaxing vacations with sandy feet, poolside fun and potentially educational opportunities inspired by sea turtle conservation.
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is located in South Carolina a short tram or bike ride from the Atlantic Ocean. If a quiet, beachy, nature vacation sounds your speed, this property is one to consider. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is within walking distance of local shops and restaurants for relaxed evenings and quaint experiences.
DVC Resale Experts
Choosing a home resort is one of the more fun parts of buying resale DVC. When it comes to contract details or answering any questions you may have about the closing process, having a professional to guide you can make all the difference. DVC Resale Experts can help you make your vacation dreams come true! With decades of experience selling DVC points, the former Disney Vacation Club Guides at DVC Resale Experts come prepared with knowledge and insight. See current DVC resale listings and get in touch today for next steps on buying DVC points.
