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DVC Guide

Best DVC Resort to Buy (2026)
Honest Analysis

Saratoga Springs offers the best value for most resale buyers: a contract to 2054, some of the lowest resale prices at Walt Disney World, mid-range dues ($9.19/point in 2026), and easy availability. For premium location, Bay Lake Tower (monorail to Magic Kingdom) and BoardWalk Villas (walking to EPCOT) offer the best return. Avoid resale-restricted resorts unless you only want to stay at that specific property.

Updated

Best Overall Value: Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs wins on math for resale buyers. Its contract runs to 2054, its resale price (about $106 a point in September 2026) is among the lowest at Walt Disney World, and its dues sit mid-range ($9.19/point in 2026). It is also the largest resort in the system, meaning availability at 7 months is actually achievable. Every WDW DVC resort first sold after it runs longer, from Animal Kingdom Villas (2057) to the Cabins at Fort Wilderness (2075), and Grand Floridian has the lowest WDW dues ($8.31/point), but each costs more to buy. The tradeoff: bus transportation to all parks and a hotel-style feel rather than a luxury resort atmosphere.

Best Location: Bay Lake Tower / BoardWalk Villas / Beach Club

  • Bay Lake Tower: Monorail to Magic Kingdom, Top of the World Lounge access, low dues ($8.74/point)
  • BoardWalk Villas: Walking distance to EPCOT + Hollywood Studios, Skyliner, entertainment district
  • Beach Club Villas: Stormalong Bay pool complex (best pool at WDW), walking to EPCOT, sold out direct
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Resorts to Avoid on Resale

  • Riviera Resort: Resale restriction means resale buyers can ONLY book at Riviera. Significantly limited flexibility.
  • The Cabins at Fort Wilderness: New resort, resale restrictions apply, no resale price history
  • Vero Beach / Hilton Head Island: Low remaining contract years, high dues, limited WDW benefit

Best DVC Resort to Buy (2026): FAQ

What is the best DVC resort to buy on resale?

Saratoga Springs for value (a contract to 2054 at a low resale price), Bay Lake Tower for Magic Kingdom proximity, BoardWalk Villas for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios proximity. Avoid resale-restricted resorts (Riviera and newer).

Should I buy DVC direct or resale?

Resale saves 30–50% upfront. You lose member perks (Moonlight Magic, lounges, merchandise discounts) but retain full booking rights at non-restricted resorts. The savings typically outweigh the perks unless you value exclusive event access heavily.

Which DVC resort has the lowest annual dues?

Grand Floridian Villas has the lowest 2026 dues at Walt Disney World, about $8.31 a point, ahead of Polynesian Villas & Bungalows ($8.33) and Bay Lake Tower ($8.74). Saratoga Springs is mid-range at $9.19.

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