The Best Time To Make Disney Vacation Club Reservations
If your little ones can't get enough of Mickey and Minnie or if you're a proud "Disney adult," you may want to swap your usual hotel for a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property. Disney Vacation Club is a timeshare program that offers members access to Disney resorts and other perks. To book an accommodation through the club, you exchange the points you purchase annually according to your contract for rooms at Disney World, Disneyland, and other destinations. Be aware, however, that timing matters when it comes to making reservations.
DVC can be expensive, from initial contract costs to regular maintenance fees, and if you don't plan carefully, you likely won't get a bargain for your accommodation either. Thankfully, insiders know that there are plenty of ways to do Disney on a budget, and that includes your Disney Vacation Club reservation. According to an Instagram reel posted by @thebudgetmouse, September stays require fewer membership points than other months, making it the perfect time to visit a Disney property. With that said, if you act too late, you might miss your chance at securing a room. Bookings go live 11 months in advance, so as @thebudgetmouse points out, October is the best time to make your reservation for a September trip the following year.
You don't have to be a DVC member to reap the benefits
Joining Disney Vacation Club may not be on your travel to-do list if you're concerned about the costs of buying a timeshare. The good news, however, is that you don't have to be a member to reserve a DVC accommodation. In fact, you can skip the hefty membership costs and maintenance fees by renting points — the same points members use to book rooms.
If you want to book a one-off room at a Disney Vacation Club resort, all you have to do is find a member who is willing to lend you some of their points for a price. Then, they book the accommodation in your name using the points you agreed on. This is easy to arrange if you know someone with a DVC membership, but if you don't have a personal connection, there are also platforms for exchanging points. Two popular options are David's Vacation Club Rentals and DVC Rental Store.
Remember to book 11 months before your intended trip for the greatest number of options at the best prices. If your vacation time is approaching and you weren't able to secure points at a bargain, you can search confirmed reservations (rooms that have already been reserved but that won't be occupied by the original guest) instead. These, too, are available on David's Vacation Club Rentals, DVC Rental Store, and other online platforms, though keep in mind that they can be pricey.