What the New Disney Vacation Club Contract Administration Fee Means for Resale Buyers

Disney Vacation Club has introduced a new $500 Contract Administration Fee that will be charged on all resale resale contracts signed on or after January 1, 2026. This is a flat fee assessed by Disney Vacation Club Management at closing as part of the transfer of ownership.

This fee is not a commission or broker charge — it is an administrative fee required by Disney as part of the contract transfer process.

Why Disney Added This Fee

Disney indicates that this new Contract Administration Fee helps cover the administrative costs of processing resale transfers, onboarding new Members, and handling the increased volume of resale activity. It is now included as a mandatory part of the contract transfer documentation submitted to Disney.

The fee applies to every resale contract, regardless of the resort, point size, or purchase price. It is collected during closing in the same way as other mandatory closing costs.

Important Deadlines to Know

• If your resale contract is signed on or after January 1, 2026, the fee will apply.

Does This Mean Resale Isn’t a Good Value?

No — resale is still one of the most cost-effective ways to become a Disney Vacation Club Member. Even with the new fee, resale prices per point remain significantly lower than direct Disney pricing in many cases. The $500 fee is a one-time flat cost, and on a typical contract it adds only a small amount to the overall investment.

Example: Typical 150-Point Contract

On a 150-point contract, the $500 fee amounts to roughly $3.33 per point. This is a small per-point impact compared to the savings resale buyers typically enjoy over direct purchase pricing.

Example: Smaller 100-Point Contract

On a 100-point contract, the fee translates to $5 per point. Even here, most resale buyers still benefit from substantial savings versus direct pricing.

Because this fee is a flat, upfront administrative cost, it should be evaluated in context with the overall point savings resale offers compared to buying direct.

How It Affects Your Closing Costs

The Contract Administration Fee will generally appear as part of the buyer’s closing costs, *unless otherwise negotiated* between the buyer and seller in the purchase agreement.

Many closing costs that buyers already expect — including title company fees, recording fees, and other standard transfer costs — remain part of the process. The $500 fee is an added line item, not a replacement for existing expenses.  You'll see it clearly labeled on the offer pages here at DVCbyResale.com and if you are a buyer making an offer, you can negotiate any or all of the CAF.

Tips for Buyers

• Negotiate closing costs: The responsibility for paying the fee can be part of your offer negotiation, just like other closing cost items.
• Focus on overall value: Resale still provides significant savings per point, even with this new fee added.

Bottom Line: Resale Still Offers Strong Value

Disney Vacation Club resale continues to be one of the most financially sensible ways to join the club. The new Contract Administration Fee is a modest addition to closing costs, and when compared to the ongoing savings resale buyers enjoy on price-per-point vs. direct purchases, it’s unlikely to erase the advantage of buying on the resale market.

If you’re ready to explore resale contracts, want a personalized savings breakdown, or need help navigating this new fee, contact our team at DVC by Resale today! 1-800-844-4099 with agents available to speak to you during normal office hours, or by appointment at your convenience. info@dvcbyresale.com