DVC Resale Closing: What Buyers Should Expect
Once both parties sign the purchase agreement and your deposit is in, the clock starts on the closing timeline. For most buyers, the full process from contract signing to a recorded deed takes 30 to 45 days. Here's what happens during that time and what you'll need to do at each stage.
The ROFR Phase
The first step after signing is Disney's Right of First Refusal review, known as ROFR. Disney receives a copy of the contract and has up to 30 days to decide whether to purchase the contract themselves at your agreed price. During this phase, you don't need to do anything. The title company submits the contract to Disney and monitors the response.
Disney waives ROFR on the large majority of resale transactions. Waiver letters typically arrive within two to three weeks, though some contracts take the full 30 days. Once Disney waives, the title company begins closing immediately. If Disney exercises ROFR, they purchase the contract at the same price, and your deposit is returned in full.
Confirming the Available Points
Before closing documents are prepared, both the buyer and seller confirm the point balance included in the sale. This covers current year points, any banked points, and upcoming year allocations. The platform walks both parties through this verification. If there's a discrepancy between what was listed and what Disney's records show, the title company works with both sides to resolve it before closing proceeds.
Your Title Agent
A licensed title company handles all document preparation, escrow, and deed recording. Once your file moves into the active closing phase after ROFR clears, the title company will contact you directly with their information and next steps. They are your point of contact for closing documents, wire instructions, and deed status.
You don't need to reach out to the title company proactively during ROFR. They contact you when they're ready. If you have questions in the meantime, the team at DVC Sales can help coordinate.
Signing Your Closing Documents
After ROFR clears, the title company prepares the closing package and sends it to you electronically. The documents include the closing statement showing all debits and credits, the deed transferring ownership to you, and any required Disney transfer forms.
As the buyer, you'll pay the $500 Disney administration fee at closing. This is collected by the title company and submitted to Disney as part of the membership transfer. Any remaining balance on the purchase price, after your deposit, is due at closing by wire transfer. Wire instructions come directly from the title company.
When Your Deed Is Recorded
Once both parties have signed and all funds are received by the title company, the deed is recorded with the county. Recording typically takes one to two weeks after closing documents are finalized. You'll receive a copy of the recorded deed by email, and the original is mailed to you after recording.
When Disney Activates Your Membership
After the deed records, the title company submits the transfer paperwork to Disney. Disney then processes the membership transfer on their end, which takes approximately three to six weeks. During this window, you won't have access to make reservations yet. Disney will send you a welcome package and your member ID once the transfer is complete.
Resale purchases come with some restrictions compared to contracts purchased directly from Disney. The how DVC works guide covers what resale members can and can't do with their membership.
Booking Your First Vacation
Once Disney activates your membership, you can book at your home resort up to 11 months in advance and at any other DVC resort up to 7 months out. Home resort booking priority is one of the most valuable aspects of DVC ownership. Plan ahead, because the best room categories at popular resorts fill up fast at the 11-month window.
Browse the DVC resorts guide to start thinking about where you want to stay first. Annual dues begin from your closing date, so you may also receive a prorated statement shortly after your membership activates. Current dues rates by resort are on the annual dues page.
The Full Buyer Timeline at a Glance
Contract signed and deposit paid. ROFR submitted to Disney, up to 30 days. ROFR waived, title company begins closing. Closing documents signed and funds wired, about one week after ROFR clears. Deed recorded, one to two weeks after closing. Disney activates your membership, three to six weeks after recording. Total from contract signing to active membership: approximately 60 to 90 days for most transactions.
