Best DVC Resorts to Rent Points For in 2026
How Resort Choice Affects Your Rental Cost
Every DVC resort has its own point chart, and the differences are significant. A studio night at Old Key West might cost 8 points during value season, while the same night at the Grand Floridian costs 17 points. At $20 per point, that's the difference between $160 and $340 per night. Same Walt Disney World location, same parks access, very different price tag.
We've broken down the best resorts for DVC point renters in 2026, organized by what matters most: value, location, room quality, and overall experience.
Best Value: Old Key West Resort
Old Key West consistently offers the lowest point costs across all room categories. It's the original DVC resort, and that age works in renters' favor because the point charts reflect its older status.
2026 point costs (per night, studio):
- Adventure Season: 8 points ($160 at $20/point)
- Choice Season: 10 points ($200 at $20/point)
- Dream Season: 14 points ($280 at $20/point)
The resort was recently refurbished, so you're getting updated rooms at legacy pricing. The trade off? It's a bus only resort with no monorail or Skyliner access. But the studios are the largest in the DVC system at 390 square feet, and the grounds are quiet and spacious. If stretching your dollar is the priority, Old Key West is hard to beat.
Best Location (Magic Kingdom): Bay Lake Tower
Bay Lake Tower is physically connected to Disney's Contemporary Resort, which means you can walk to Magic Kingdom in about 10 minutes. You also get monorail access to Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian, and the Polynesian.
2026 point costs (per night, studio):
- Adventure Season: 14 points ($280 at $20/point)
- Choice Season: 17 points ($340 at $20/point)
- Dream Season: 24 points ($480 at $20/point)
Yes, it's pricier than Old Key West. But consider that a standard room at the Contemporary through Disney runs $650 to $900+ per night. Even at peak DVC rental rates, you're saving 40 to 50 percent. The Top of the World Lounge (exclusive to DVC guests) also gives you nighttime fireworks views that are genuinely special.
Best for Families: Animal Kingdom Lodge (Kidani Village)
Kidani Village is the DVC portion of Animal Kingdom Lodge, and it's a standout for families for one reason: the savanna views. Your kids can watch giraffes, zebras, and ostriches from your balcony. That alone is worth something you can't put a price on.
2026 point costs (per night, studio):
- Adventure Season: 9 points ($180 at $20/point)
- Choice Season: 12 points ($240 at $20/point)
- Dream Season: 16 points ($320 at $20/point)
The point costs are moderate, and the one and two bedroom villas are fantastic for families who need space. A two bedroom villa sleeps up to 8 people comfortably, with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and separate living area. Per person cost drops dramatically when you're splitting a larger room among 6 to 8 people.
Best for EPCOT Access: Beach Club Villas
If EPCOT is your park (and let's be honest, the food and wine festival alone makes it worth multiple days), Beach Club Villas puts you within a 5 minute walk of the International Gateway entrance. You're also a short walk or boat ride from Hollywood Studios.
2026 point costs (per night, studio):
- Adventure Season: 12 points ($240 at $20/point)
- Choice Season: 15 points ($300 at $20/point)
- Dream Season: 20 points ($400 at $20/point)
The crown jewel here is Stormalong Bay, the massive pool complex shared with the Yacht Club. It's consistently rated as the best pool on Disney property. Beach Club rooms are on the smaller side compared to other DVC studios, but the location more than compensates.
Best New Resort: Riviera Resort
Disney's Riviera Resort opened in 2019 and it shows. The theming is European elegance, the rooms are beautifully appointed, and it sits on the Skyliner gondola line giving you direct access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios without a bus.
2026 point costs (per night, studio):
- Adventure Season: 11 points ($220 at $20/point)
- Choice Season: 15 points ($300 at $20/point)
- Dream Season: 20 points ($400 at $20/point)
One thing to note about Riviera: it has a unique "tower studio" category that sleeps 2 for just 7 to 11 points per night. If you're a couple without kids, that's a phenomenal deal for a brand new resort. The room is compact (roughly 225 square feet) but well designed with a small kitchenette.
Best Splurge: Grand Floridian Villas
Let's be real: some trips call for something special. An anniversary, a milestone birthday, a "just because we can" trip. The Grand Floridian is Disney's flagship resort, and the DVC villas there are among the nicest rooms on property.
2026 point costs (per night, studio):
- Adventure Season: 15 points ($300 at $20/point)
- Choice Season: 19 points ($380 at $20/point)
- Dream Season: 25 points ($500 at $20/point)
Even at $500 per night for peak season, consider that the Grand Floridian's standard hotel rooms start at $800+ per night. The DVC studios include a kitchenette and sleep 5, which you won't get in a standard hotel room. Monorail access, walking distance to Magic Kingdom, and the resort's Victorian elegance make this a legitimate splurge worth every point.
Quick Comparison Table
| Resort | Value Season (per night) | Peak Season (per night) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Key West | $160 | $280 | Budget travelers, large studios |
| Animal Kingdom (Kidani) | $180 | $320 | Families, unique experience |
| Riviera (Tower Studio) | $140 | $220 | Couples, newest resort |
| Beach Club | $240 | $400 | EPCOT lovers, best pool |
| Bay Lake Tower | $280 | $480 | Magic Kingdom access |
| Grand Floridian | $300 | $500 | Special occasions |
Prices based on $20/point rental rate. Actual rates may vary between $18 and $22 per point.
Tips for Getting the Resort You Want
Availability is the biggest challenge with DVC rentals. Popular resorts during popular times book up fast. A few strategies:
- Book as early as possible. The 7 month booking window is when most resorts open up. Have your dates and preferences ready.
- Be flexible on dates. Shifting your trip by even a few days can open up availability (and save points if you cross from one season to another).
- Consider your second choice. If Beach Club is full, BoardWalk Villas is right next door with the same EPCOT walkability at slightly fewer points.
- Weeknights are easier than weekends. Sunday through Thursday stays have better availability than Friday/Saturday heavy trips.
What's Your Priority?
The "best" resort depends entirely on what you value most. Budget conscious travelers will love Old Key West. Theme park commandos will want Bay Lake Tower or Beach Club for the walkability. Families with young kids might find Animal Kingdom Lodge's savanna views worth every extra point.
Ready to check what's available? Submit your dates and resort preferences and we'll let you know what we can book. You can also use our point calculator to estimate your total cost before you commit.
For the full DVC resort list and current point charts, visit Disney's official DVC destinations page.