The Disney Vacation Club points system can seem complex at first glance, but once you understand the fundamentals, you will appreciate its flexibility and value. This guide breaks down how points charts work and shares strategies for maximizing your vacation value.
How DVC Points Work
When you purchase DVC, you buy a set number of points that replenish annually on your Use Year. These points are your vacation currency, used to book accommodations at DVC resorts based on four key factors:
- Room Size: Studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and Grand Villas
- View Category: Standard, preferred, lake view, theme park view, etc.
- Season: Adventure (lowest), Choice, Dream, Magic (highest)
- Day of Week: Weekdays typically cost fewer points than weekends
Understanding the Seasonal Calendar
DVC divides the year into four seasons that significantly impact point costs. Planning around these seasons is one of the best ways to stretch your points.
DVC Seasons Explained
| Season | Point Cost | Typical Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Adventure | Lowest | January - early February, late August - September |
| Choice | Moderate | Late February - March, October - mid November |
| Dream | Higher | April - May, early June, mid November |
| Magic | Highest | Late June - August, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break |
Sample Points Chart: Saratoga Springs
To illustrate how points work in practice, here is what a studio at Saratoga Springs costs across different seasons:
Studio - Points Per Night
| Season | Weeknight (Sun-Thu) | Weekend (Fri-Sat) |
|---|---|---|
| Adventure | 8 points | 10 points |
| Choice | 10 points | 12 points |
| Dream | 12 points | 16 points |
| Magic | 16 points | 19 points |
Example: 7-Night Stay
Adventure Season (all weeknights): 8 x 7 = 56 points
Magic Season (5 weeknights + 2 weekend): (16 x 5) + (19 x 2) = 118 points
Difference: 62 points saved in Adventure Season!
Booking Windows and Strategy
DVC members have two important booking windows to understand:
- 11-Month Window: Book at your home resort exactly 11 months before check-in
- 7-Month Window: Book at any DVC resort worldwide
Strategic Booking Tips
- For Popular Dates: Book exactly at 11 months for your home resort, especially for holidays and school breaks
- For Flexibility: Wait until 7 months and grab what is available at any resort
- Combine Strategies: Book part of your trip at home resort, add other resorts at 7 months for variety
Maximizing Your Points
Here are proven strategies for getting more vacation from your points:
- Travel in Adventure Season: January and September offer the lowest point costs
- Book Studios: Studios sleep 4-5 guests and cost significantly less than larger rooms
- Stay Weekdays: Sunday through Thursday nights cost fewer points
- Consider Standard Views: Preferred views cost more points but the rooms are often identical
- Use Banking and Borrowing: Roll unused points forward or borrow from next year for bigger trips
How Many Points Do You Need?
The right number of points depends on your vacation style. A typical family of four staying in studios during moderate seasons might need 100-150 points for a week-long annual vacation. Larger families or those preferring larger accommodations should consider 200+ points.
Use our loan calculator to explore financing options for your ideal point count, and start planning your Disney vacations today.