If you’re a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member, you likely remember hearing your contract expiration year at closing and thinking, “That’s forever from now.” But as the years pass, that far-off date starts to feel a little more real.
For example, if you bought into Saratoga Springs in 2006 or Old Key West in the 1990s, you’re looking at a contract that expires in 2042. Back then, that sounded like a distant future. But now, many owners are beginning to ask a very real question:
What Happens When a DVC Contract Expires?
Simply put: when your contract expires, your ownership ends. You no longer have access to points, booking rights, or any of the perks tied to your DVC membership. DVC is not a deeded timeshare in perpetuity—it’s a leasehold interest. And once that lease is up, it’s over.
You’ll get a final farewell, but you won’t receive a renewal offer unless Disney extends the resort’s lease again (as it briefly did with Old Key West in a limited offer).
So what can members do?
Option: Buy Into a Newer Resort for More Years
The most common way to extend your time as a DVC member is by purchasing a new contract at a newer resort. These newer resorts come with longer expiration timelines—often into the 2060s or even 2070s.
Whether you buy directly from Disney or through resale, your expiration year is tied to the resort. So, picking a newer resort means more vacation years ahead.
DVC Resort Expiration Dates (As of 2025)
| Resort | Expiration Year |
|---|---|
| Old Key West | 2042 (or 2057*) |
| BoardWalk Villas | 2042 |
| Beach Club Villas | 2042 |
| Boulder Ridge Villas (WL) | 2042 |
| Saratoga Springs | 2054 |
| Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge | 2042 |
| Disney’s Hilton Head Island | 2042 |
| Disney’s Vero Beach Resort | 2042 |
| Animal Kingdom Villas | 2057 |
| Bay Lake Tower at Contemporary | 2060 |
| Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas | 2062 |
| The Villas at Grand Floridian | 2064 |
| Copper Creek Villas & Cabins | 2068 |
| Riviera Resort | 2070 |
| Villas at Disneyland Hotel | 2074 |
| The Cabins at Fort Wilderness (DVC) | 2074 (estimate) |
*Old Key West offered an optional extension for some owners to push to 2057.
Final Thoughts
DVC is a fantastic long-term vacation investment, but it’s not forever. Understanding your expiration date helps you plan for the future—and possibly prepare to add a new contract when the time is right.
Whether you’re nearing the end of your contract or just want to secure more Disney magic for your family down the road, looking at a newer resort might be the best next step.
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