If you're considering becoming a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member, you've likely come across the term "trading power." This phrase is an important one to understand, as it can greatly impact your ability to book the accommodations you want for your Disney vacations.
What is DVC Trading Power?
DVC trading power is a measure of the value assigned to each DVC resort based on several factors, including demand, availability, and the desirability of the resort's location and amenities. Essentially, trading power is a way to compare the value of one resort against another in terms of their ability to book reservations.
How Does DVC Trading Power Work?
When DVC members want to book a reservation, they can use their points to reserve a stay at any DVC resort. However, the number of points required for a reservation can vary based on the resort and the time of year. This is where trading power comes into play.
Each DVC resort has a different trading power value assigned to it, which is based on various factors such as location, amenities, and demand. Resorts with higher trading power values are generally more popular and have greater demand, making it more difficult to book reservations during peak times. Conversely, resorts with lower trading power values may be easier to book during the same time period.
For example, let's say you have 100 DVC points to use for a vacation during the winter holiday season. A reservation at a resort with a high trading power value, such as Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, may require 15 points per night. However, a reservation at a resort with a lower trading power value, such as Disney's Old Key West Resort, may only require 10 points per night. This means you would be able to book more nights at Old Key West with your 100 points than you would at the Grand Floridian.
It's important to note that trading power is not the only factor that determines availability, as there are other factors that can impact availability, such as the number of rooms available for booking and the time of year.
Factors that Impact Disney Vacation Club Trading Power
Several factors can impact a DVC resort's trading power value, including:
Location - Resorts located in prime locations, such as those near theme parks (like the Villas at Disney's Grand Californian resort) or with scenic views, often have higher trading power values.
Amenities - Resorts with desirable amenities, such as pools, restaurants, and spas, may have higher trading power values.
Demand - Resorts that are highly sought after by DVC members will typically have higher trading power values.
Time of Year - Resorts that are in high demand during peak seasons, such as holidays and school breaks, may have higher trading power values.
Understanding trading power is essential for DVC members to make informed decisions about where to use their points and when to book reservations. By considering trading power values along with other factors, such as availability and personal preferences, you can make the most of your membership and enjoy magical vacations at your favorite Disney resorts for decades to come.
Main photo credit: George Thomas