DVC Travel Seasons: When to Go
DVC point costs vary dramatically by season. Understanding the season calendar is the most powerful way to stretch your points further. Here's everything you need to know.
Month-by-Month Overview
This is a general guide — exact season dates vary by resort and change year to year. Months marked with * contain season transitions. Always check the current point chart for your specific resort.
Season Details
Adventure Season
LowestEarly January – mid-February, parts of September
30–40% cheaper than peak
Adventure Season
LowestEarly January – mid-February, parts of September
30–40% cheaper than peak
Adventure Season is the best-kept secret in DVC planning. While the parks are less crowded and the weather is mild (Florida winter averages 60–72°F), point costs plummet. A Deluxe Studio that costs 18 points per night during Dream Season might cost only 11 points during Adventure Season. For a 5-night stay, that's 35 points saved — nearly enough for a bonus long weekend. September is particularly attractive because the parks are decorated for Halloween with lower crowds than October.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •January after MLK weekend and all of February before Presidents' Day are the sweet spot
- •September offers Halloween decorations with Adventure Season pricing — the best of both worlds
- •Weather is pleasant for pool days with fewer crowds at resort pools
Choice Season
Low–ModerateLate April – May, parts of early December
15–25% cheaper than peak
Choice Season
Low–ModerateLate April – May, parts of early December
15–25% cheaper than peak
Choice Season offers a solid middle ground — lower point costs with good weather and fun park events. Late April and May feature the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival with beautiful topiaries and outdoor kitchens. Early December brings holiday decorations and Christmas parties before the peak holiday rush. Crowds are moderate and point costs are meaningfully lower than summer.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Early May is ideal — Flower & Garden Festival, warm weather, and moderate crowds
- •First two weeks of December have holiday magic without Magic Season pricing
- •Weekday stays during Choice Season offer some of the best overall value in the DVC system
Dream Season
HighJune – August, spring break weeks, Thanksgiving week
Standard pricing — most expensive non-holiday period
Dream Season
HighJune – August, spring break weeks, Thanksgiving week
Standard pricing — most expensive non-holiday period
Dream Season encompasses the busiest family travel periods: summer vacation, spring break, and Thanksgiving week. Point costs are significantly higher than Adventure or Choice seasons, reflecting intense demand. However, these periods also feature extended park hours, more entertainment offerings, and the full roster of attractions operating. If you must travel during Dream Season, split stays and weekday-heavy schedules become especially valuable for point savings.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Split stays save the most during Dream Season because the point spread between resorts is larger
- •Late August — after most schools resume — can be slightly cheaper while still technically Dream Season
- •Book at the 11-month window for Dream Season dates, as popular resorts sell out quickly
Magic Season
Very HighHoliday weeks (Christmas, Easter), special event periods
50–100% more expensive than Adventure Season
Magic Season
Very HighHoliday weeks (Christmas, Easter), special event periods
50–100% more expensive than Adventure Season
Magic Season covers the most sought-after travel periods: Christmas week, Easter week, and special event windows. Point costs can be double Adventure Season rates. However, the parks during these holidays are truly spectacular — Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, holiday fireworks, and festive resort decorations make for unforgettable experiences. If you plan to travel during Magic Season, booking at exactly the 11-month window is essential.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Easter week dates shift annually — check the calendar carefully to see if your dates fall in Magic or Dream
- •Christmas week (Dec 19–25) is consistently one of the most expensive weeks of the year
- •Consider arriving a few days before the holiday to get a mix of Choice and Magic Season pricing
Premier Season
HighestDec 25 – Jan 1 (varies by resort)
The absolute peak — maximum point cost
Premier Season
HighestDec 25 – Jan 1 (varies by resort)
The absolute peak — maximum point cost
Premier Season is the pinnacle of DVC pricing, covering the week between Christmas and New Year's at select resorts. Not all resorts designate a Premier Season — some go directly from Magic Season to Adventure Season after New Year's. Where it exists, Premier Season commands the highest per-night point costs in the entire DVC system. A studio that costs 11 points per night in Adventure Season might cost 25+ points per night during Premier Season.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •If you must travel during this window, value resorts like Old Key West offer the 'least expensive' Premier pricing
- •Consider celebrating Christmas early (Dec 20–24) during Magic Season and checking out before Premier begins
- •New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World is spectacular — weigh the point cost against the once-in-a-lifetime experience
Important Things to Know About DVC Seasons
Season Dates Vary by Resort
One of the most commonly overlooked aspects of DVC seasons is that they vary by resort. The same calendar week might be classified as "Choice" at Saratoga Springs but "Dream" at the Polynesian. This is precisely why comparing across resorts — and using tools like MyDVCPlanner — is so important. You might save 30% by staying at a different resort during the same dates, simply because of how the season calendars differ.
Season Transitions Create Savings Opportunities
When a trip spans two seasons (for example, checking in during the last days of Adventure Season and checking out during early Choice Season), each night is priced at its own season rate. This means you can strategically time trips to capture a few Adventure Season nights at the beginning of your stay, reducing your overall point cost compared to a trip that falls entirely in a higher season.
Weekday vs. Weekend Matters Too
Within every season, Friday and Saturday nights cost more than Sunday through Thursday. A 5-night Sunday-to-Thursday stay costs noticeably fewer points than a 5-night Wednesday-to-Monday stay at the same resort and season. Combining Adventure Season timing with all-weekday scheduling produces the absolute lowest point costs in the DVC system.
Season dates and point costs are subject to change. Always verify with the current DVC point chart. MyDVCPlanner is not affiliated with Disney Vacation Club or The Walt Disney Company.