It is a common debate in the DVC world: “Should I save up for two years to pay fully in cash, or should I finance my DVC resale points today?”
At first thought, waiting seems like the responsible “interest free” move. After all, nobody likes paying interest. But for savvy buyers, a DVC loan isn’t just a last resort—it’s a strategic strike against a moving target.
Here is the breakdown of why the “wait and save” approach might actually be your more expensive option.
1. DVC Prices Are A Moving Target
DVC prices aren’t static. While you’re tucking away cash, the price of the points you want is likely marching upward.
· Direct Increases: Disney Vacation Development has confirmed direct price increases as recently as February 2026 for resorts like the Polynesian, Riviera, and Disneyland Hotel.
· Resale Ripple Effect: History shows that when direct prices rise, resale pricing eventually catches up to narrow the gap.
· Historical Hikes: For example, the resale price for Beach Club surged over 12% month-over-month in early 2026 alone. If you were saving for Beach Club, your savings target just jumped A LOT while you were waiting.
2. DVC Financing Is A Way To Freeze Time
· Lock in Value: By financing now, you lock in the 2026 price point. Even with a loan (with rates averaging 13.9% APR for a FICO score of 700), the appreciation of the points and the savings on deluxe hotel stays can outweigh the interest.
· The “Early Payoff” Hack: Our DVC loans have no prepayment penalties. You can finance today to secure the contract you want, then use the “cash” you were planning to save to pay the loan off aggressively in 24 months. You get the points at today’s price and only pay a fraction of the total interest.
3. The “Hidden” Cost of Not Owning DVC
While you save for two years, but you still go to Disney as a renter.
· Out-of-Pocket Expenses: In those two years, you’ll likely spend thousands on standard Disney hotel rooms or renting points from others.
· The Math: If you spend $3,000 a year on accommodations while saving, that is $6,000 gone forever. That “lost” money often far exceeds the total interest you would have paid on a DVC loan over the same period.
4. Beating the “Admin” Game
Disney recently introduced new barriers to entry, such as a $500 resale admin fee that went into effect on January 1, 2026.
· Buyers who “waited” for 2026 were immediately met with an extra $500 cost that those who bought in 2025 avoided.
· Financing today locks in today’s administrative costs and contract prices before the next set of fees or price hikes are announced.
5. Possible Tax Benefits of Financing
In many cases, Vacation Club Loans structures qualifying DVC loans with a recorded mortgage, which may allow borrowers to deduct mortgage interest for tax purposes, similar to other qualifying second-home financing. Tax treatment can vary based on individual circumstances and current tax laws. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or CPA regarding eligibility and deductibility. Vacation Club Loans does issue a 1098-INT at year’s end.
The Verdict on Financing DVC: Don’t Let Your Savings Get “Inflated”
If DVC prices rise by 5% annually and you spend $3,000 a year on deluxe hotels, the “Cost of Waiting” can easily reach $4,000–$5,000 over two years.
A DVC loan allows you to stop the “bleeding” of deluxe hotel costs and start building your vacation legacy at today’s rates. It’s not just about the money—it’s about the two years of memories you don’t have to put on hold.
Friendly Disclaimer to my fellow DVC resale buyers in the future!
Every family’s financial situation and vacation goals are different. This article is intended for informational purposes only and reflects general opinions about current market conditions and financing considerations. Future Disney Vacation Club pricing, availability, resale values, and market trends can change at any time and are impossible to predict with certainty.
Vacation Club Loans is not providing financial, tax, or investment advice. Before making any purchase or financing decision, consumers should carefully consider their personal financial situation and consult with a qualified professional if needed.