Top 10 DVC Resorts Ranked by Value in 2026
Look, I spent 13 years selling DVC for Disney, and the question I get all the time is “which resort is the best deal?” The honest answer? It depends. But after helping thousands of families navigate resale contracts at Magical Vacation Pros, I can tell you where the smart money’s going right now.
Here’s what I look at when I’m helping clients find value: what you’re paying per point, what those annual dues are going to run you (because trust me, they add up), where the resort actually is, what you get for your points, and how flexible the contract is down the road.
Quick note: These prices reflect what we’re seeing in the market right now in 2025. The resale market moves, so don’t hold me to exact dollar amounts next month.
The Rankings at a Glance
If you just want the TLDR version:
- Saratoga Springs – Best bang for your buck overall ($95-110/point, $9.19 dues)
- Old Key West – Lowest dues in the entire system ($100-115/point, $9.09 dues)
- Animal Kingdom Lodge – Best theming without the premium price tag ($110-130/point)
- BoardWalk Villas – You’re paying for location, but it’s worth it ($125-145/point)
- Beach Club Villas – That pool alone justifies the price for families ($130-150/point)
- Polynesian – Monorail resort at resale prices ($140-165/point)
- Wilderness Lodge – Underrated gem ($115-155/point depending on which side)
- Grand Californian – Only Disneyland option ($150-180/point)
- Riviera – New, modern, but comes with resale restrictions ($145-165/point)
- Aulani – Hawaii for the price of Saratoga Springs ($95-115/point, but watch those $10.49 dues)
Budget buyers should be looking at Saratoga Springs or Old Key West. Location-obsessed families (and I get it) should focus on BoardWalk, Beach Club, or Polynesian even though you’re paying more upfront.
Here’s what most people miss: Don’t just look at the per-point price. Do the math over your whole ownership. Purchase price + (annual dues × years you’ll own it). I’ve seen people chase a “deal” on a cheap contract only to pay way more in dues over 20 years.
1. Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
My Value Score: 9.5/10
What you’ll pay: $95-110 per point
Annual dues: $9.19 per point
Contract runs through: 2054
This one’s consistently at the top of my recommendations for first-time buyers. It’s the biggest DVC resort (1,320 units), which means two things: there’s always inventory available when you want to buy, and you can actually book when you want to travel.
The villas are huge compared to what Disney’s building now—we’re talking 15% larger on average. If you’ve got a big family or just like space to spread out, you’ll appreciate this. Plus those Treehouse Villas are legitimit cool if you can snag one.
Walking distance to Disney Springs means you’ve got dining and entertainment right there without burning a park day. My clients who bought here love that they can grab dinner at Homecomin’ or grab a drink at Jock Lindsey’s without getting on a bus.
Who should buy here: Budget-conscious buyers who want maximum points for their money. Families who’d rather have space than be next to Magic Kingdom. Anyone who likes having options when they book.
Insider tip: The low entry cost plus reasonable dues makes this perfect if you’re the type to bank and borrow points aggressively. You’ve got flexibility.
2. Old Key West Resort
My Value Score: 9.3/10
What you’ll pay: $100-115 per point
Annual dues: $9.09 per point
Contract runs through: 2057 (some extended contracts available)
The original. The OG. And it’s got the lowest annual dues in the entire DVC system at $9.09 per point. When you’re doing the math over 30 years, that matters more than most people realize.
Disney extended these contracts back in 2057, so you’re getting an extra 11 years compared to the original 2042 end date. The villas are massive—over 1,400 square feet for a two-bedroom. You could fit most hotel rooms inside the master bedroom.
Yeah, you’re not walking to any parks. But honestly? After a long park day, the peaceful, laid-back vibe here is exactly what you want. The Key West theming is subtle, the pools are great, and you’re not dealing with convention crowds like you might at some of the Epcot resorts.
Who should buy here: Anyone who cares about keeping costs low long-term. Families who want space. People planning to own for 20-30+ years.
Pro move: Look for stripped contracts—ones where the current year’s points have already been used. You’ll get an even better deal, and you’ve still got 30+ years ahead of you.
3. Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jambo House & Kidani Village)
My Value Score: 9.0/10
What you’ll pay: $110-130 per point
Annual dues: $9.63/point (Jambo), $9.19/point (Kidani)
Contract runs through: 2057 for both
Here’s why I love this one: you get that deluxe resort experience—animals on the savanna, incredible restaurants like Sanaa and Jiko, cultural programming—but you’re paying resale prices that are 40-50% less than buying direct.
Kidani Village is slightly newer (built in 2009) and has lower dues than Jambo House, which makes it the better value play in my opinion. The transportation has gotten way better too. People used to complain about buses here, but Disney’s gotten more efficient with it.
Morning coffee watching giraffes walk by your balcony? That’s what you’re buying into here. It’s one of the most unique resort experiences anywhere on Disney property.
Who should buy here: Families with kids who love animals. Anyone who wants that immersive Disney theming but doesn’t want to pay Polynesian or Grand Floridian prices. People who value the resort experience as much as the parks.
Do the math: Kidani contracts usually cost $5-10 more per point than Jambo, but those lower annual dues mean you might save money over the long haul.
4. BoardWalk Villas
My Value Score: 8.8/10
What you’ll pay: $125-145 per point
Annual dues: $9.56 per point
Contract runs through: 2042
Location, location, location. You can walk to both Epcot (International Gateway entrance) and Hollywood Studios. Or take a boat if you don’t feel like walking. The BoardWalk itself has restaurants, bars, street performers—it’s its own entertainment district.
Yes, you’re paying more per point than Saratoga Springs. But think about what you’re saving in time and hassle over years of vacations. No buses. No waiting. Just walk out your door.
Studios are easier to book here than some other resorts too, which makes it great for couples or shorter trips.
The catch: Contracts end in 2042, so you’ve got about 17-18 years left. When you’re comparing prices, divide by years of ownership to see the real cost.
Who should buy here: Location-obsessed buyers. Adults who want to bar-hop on the BoardWalk at night. People making frequent short trips where saving transportation time matters.
5. Beach Club Villas
My Value Score: 8.7/10
What you’ll pay: $130-150 per point
Annual dues: $9.64 per point
Contract runs through: 2042
Stormalong Bay. That’s the answer. It’s probably the best pool complex at Walt Disney World—three acres with a lazy river, waterslide, sandy bottom pool. Kids will spend entire afternoons there.
You get the same location advantages as BoardWalk (walking to Epcot and Hollywood Studios), but Beach Club skews more family-friendly. The New England coastal theme is more subtle and refined. You can use both Beach Club and Yacht Club amenities too, which means even more dining options.
Who should buy here: Families with kids who will actually use that pool. Buyers who want premium location but don’t want to pay Contemporary or Grand Floridian prices. Anyone who values convenience and theming equally.
Same catch as BoardWalk: Contracts end in 2042, so factor that into your cost analysis.
6. Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
My Value Score: 8.5/10
What you’ll pay: $140-165/point (Studios/Villas), $185-210/point (Bungalows)
Annual dues: $9.91 per point
Contract runs through: 2066
The Polynesian used to be a monorail resort you could only book with cash or points rentals. Now you can own here through DVC, and I think it’s one of the better plays if you’re a Magic Kingdom person.
Monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Boat to Magic Kingdom. You can even walk to Magic Kingdom if you really want to. The island theming is classic Disney, and they’re adding the new Island Tower studios in 2025, which should help with availability.
The bungalows are ridiculous (in a good way but also expensive way). The standard villas give you the Polynesian experience at more reasonable point costs. And with a 2066 end date, you’ve got 40+ years of ownership ahead.
Who should buy here: Magic Kingdom-focused families. Anyone who’s always wanted to stay at the Polynesian. Buyers planning very long-term ownership who don’t mind paying a premium for location.
Keep an eye on: Those new Tower Studios might offer better availability and modern finishes at regular villa pricing. Watch how that inventory moves.
7. Wilderness Lodge (Boulder Ridge & Copper Creek)
Boulder Ridge
My Value Score: 8.3/10
What you’ll pay: $115-135/point (Boulder Ridge), $135-155/point (Copper Creek)
Annual dues: $9.44/point (Boulder Ridge), $9.90/point (Copper Creek)
Contract runs through: 2042 (Boulder Ridge) / 2068 (Copper Creek)
This one’s underrated in my opinion. The Pacific Northwest theming is stunning—that lobby alone is worth experiencing. Geyser Point Bar & Grill is a hidden gem for food. The boat to Magic Kingdom is a unique transportation option that most people don’t think about.
Boulder Ridge is the value play here with lower entry costs. Copper Creek is newer, fancier, and has contracts that run 26 years longer. You’re basically choosing between cheaper now (Boulder Ridge) or longer ownership (Copper Creek).
It’s a smaller resort compared to places like Saratoga Springs, which some people love. More intimate, less sprawling.
Who should buy here: Buyers who appreciate detailed theming. Families who prefer quieter resort atmospheres. Anyone deciding between saving money upfront versus longer contract terms.
8. Grand Californian Villas (Disneyland)
My Value Score: 8.0/10
What you’ll pay: $150-180 per point
Annual dues: $10.25 per point
Contract runs through: 2060
This is the only DVC at Disneyland. If you’re a West Coast person or you prioritize Disneyland trips, this is your option. The private entrance into Disney California Adventure alone is fantastic—you can rope drop the park before the crowds even get through the main gates.
The craftsman-style theming is beautiful, and you’re right next to Downtown Disney for dining and shopping. Your points still work at all DVC properties, so you’re not locked into only California trips.
The reality: You’re paying California real estate premiums. Higher per-point costs, higher annual dues. But for Disneyland fans, the convenience factor justifies it.
Who should buy here: West Coast residents. Disneyland-focused families. Anyone wanting flexibility to split time between California and Florida.
9. Riviera Resort
My Value Score: 7.8/10
What you’ll pay: $145-165 per point
Annual dues: $10.19 per point
Contract runs through: 2070
Disney’s newest DVC resort. Everything’s modern, the European theming is well-done, Topolino’s Terrace (the rooftop restaurant) is excellent, and you’ve got Skyliner access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
The Tower Studios are interesting—they only fit 2 people but require fewer points, which could work great for couples. And with a 2070 end date, you’re getting 45+ years of ownership.
The big issue: Resale restrictions. If you buy Riviera resale, you can only book at resorts built in 2042 or later. That cuts out a lot of properties. For some buyers, that’s fine. For others, it’s a dealbreaker. Just make sure you understand what you’re signing up for.
Who should buy here: Buyers who want modern amenities and don’t mind the resale restrictions. Couples who can use Tower Studios efficiently. Epcot/Hollywood Studios fans.
10. Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas
My Value Score: 7.5/10
What you’ll pay: $95-115 per point
Annual dues: $10.49 per point
Contract runs through: 2062
Here’s the interesting thing about Aulani: you’re paying Saratoga Springs prices to own at one of the best family resorts in Hawaii. The pools are incredible, the cultural activities are well-done, and the beach access is right there.
But—and this is important—booking Hawaii takes a LOT of points. Studios start around 190+ points for a week during busy season. So you need to have a decent point stash, and you need to plan 8-11 months out.
The good news? Your points work everywhere. So you can buy Aulani and still use those points for Walt Disney World trips. You’re getting portfolio diversity.
Who should buy here: Buyers who will actually go to Hawaii every couple of years. Families who want luxury Hawaii experiences without paying cash resort prices. Members who want their DVC portfolio to include something different.
Watch out: Those $10.49 annual dues are the highest in the system. This works best if you’re really going to use Hawaii, not just buying it as a Florida-focused investment.
How to Actually Choose
Look, value isn’t the same for everyone. Here’s how to think through it:
Do the real math. Take the purchase price, then add (annual dues × how many years you think you’ll own it). Sometimes a cheaper resort costs way more over 25 years because of high dues.
Match your vacation style. If you’re Magic Kingdom people, monorail resorts make sense. Epcot fans should look at BoardWalk or Beach Club. If you don’t care about walking to parks, Saratoga Springs or Old Key West save you money.
Think about booking. If you book at your home resort 11 months out every year, availability matters. Saratoga Springs and Old Key West have tons of inventory. Some smaller resorts are harder to book into.
Consider future flexibility. Longer contracts with fewer restrictions give you more options if your life changes and you need to sell.
Ready to Start Looking?
Buying DVC resale typically saves buyers 30-50% compared to buying directly from Disney. But you need to understand contracts, navigate ROFR (Right of First Refusal), and actually know what you’re looking at.
That’s what we do at Magical Vacation Pros. We’ve helped thousands of families find their home resort and get the best value for their investment.
Want to see what’s actually available right now? Browse our current inventory or reach out to our team and we’ll walk you through your options based on how you actually vacation.
About Us: I’m Kenny, and I spent 13 years as a Disney DVC Sales Guide before founding Magical Vacation Pros. We specialize in DVC resale transactions across all properties—free listings for sellers, expert guidance for buyers. We help people navigate the resale market the right way.