IS INTERVAL A GOOD USE OF DVC POINTS?

At DVC Sales, we continuously analyze the features and benefits of being a Disney Vacation Club member. As a DVC member, you get to experience Disney magic for years to come. Plus, there are endless possibilities to visit non-Disney resorts worldwide when you exchange DVC points into the Interval International program. However, is trading your points into this program worth it? We discuss the pros and cons below!

WHAT IS INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL?

Interval International is a travel company allowing members to exchange one timeshare resort for another. Interval is an operator of Marriott Vacations and includes a worldwide network of properties in over 80 countries and 3,200 properties.

INTERVAL FEATURES

There are several things to consider when choosing to use your vacation points for an Interval resort stay. Here are the top advantages and disadvantages of using the program.

PROS

The Interval program gives DVC members access to a whole new world of resorts and timeshares from the Marriot line of hotels, including Hyatt, Westin, Marriot and Sheraton. Members who exchange through the Interval network have the opportunity to explore other non-Disney destinations while using the DVC points. Exchanging your DVC points into the Interval program is beneficial when your points are close to their expiration date. Rather than lose your points entirely, you can deposit the points with Interval, giving you the option to use one of their resorts over the next 2 years. In this case, you can extend the life of your points. The Interval program is available for all DVC members, regardless of whether you purchased your membership directly from Disney or through a DVC resale broker.

CONS

One drawback that makes DVC members hesitant to use Interval is that you must surrender your DVC points and exchange them before seeing Interval’s resort availability. Once you exchange your points, you cannot convert them back if you change your mind. In addition, many Interval resorts simply aren’t the same quality as Disney resorts. Many feel that they exchanged a high-quality item for something of considerably lesser value—kind of like trading a Cadillac for a Chevrolet. When you exchange your points, the $95 standard service fee is something to factor into whether the Interval program is worth it. Also, members find less flexibility with Interval vacations, as most resorts require a week-long minimum stay and check-in and out on Sundays.

SHOULD I EXCHANGE MY DVC POINTS FOR INTERVAL?

Our advice is to rent out unused vacation points using a DVC point rental company, then use the cash to go on any vacation you'd like. For example, it takes 260 vacation points to exchange into a two-bedroom Interval resort during the high season. View the Interval point exchange chart here. Since DVC points are very much in demand from renters outside the DVC network, members can typically rent their DVC points for $13-$16 per point, which means you could earn as much as $4,000+ from renting out your points. Can you stay at another resort for the same or less? Do your research, but the likely answer is yes!

EXPLORE DVC RESALES WITH DVC SALES

We are a team of former Disney Vacation Club cast members. We sold directly for Disney for 25 years. We opened our resale business over five years ago, and now have the opportunity to assist both buyers and sellers of Disney Vacation Club memberships. As DVC resale brokers, buyers can expect to save between 30%-50% off Disney’s retail pricing. Check out our DVC resale listings or visit our website to see if the right DVC membership is waiting for you!