Hilton Grand Vacations vs. Disney Vacation Club: A Comprehensive Comparison

Jetsetter
May 2
13 min read

Program Overviews

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is Disney’s points-based timeshare, managed through Walt Disney World Resort (FL) and Disneyland Resort (CA). Members purchase “Vacation Points” at a chosen Home Resort (e.g. Bay Lake Tower, BoardWalk Villas) which refresh each year for as long as the contract lasts eatsleepdisney.com. These points can be used at any DVC property (WDW, Disneyland, Aulani, etc.), and – uniquely – for other Disney experiences (see below). DVC is known for deluxe villa-style accommodations; even a 2-bedroom villa sleeps up to 9 people and includes full kitchens, living rooms and laundry eatsleepdisney.com. Because it’s Disney-branded, DVC carries strong name recognition and loyal demand: as one guide notes, “DVC resorts are among the most sought-after on the resale market” sellmytimesharenow.com.

Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) is the timeshare division of Hilton Hotels. Like DVC, HGV uses a points-based model: buyers receive an annual allotment of ClubPoints based on their deeded ownership (points per year depend on the resort and number of weeks owned) hiltongrandvacations.com. HGV’s network spans dozens of resorts worldwide – from beach properties in Hawaii and Orlando to urban clubs in New York and Las Vegas hiltongrandvacations.com – letting members “escape to sought-after destinations around the globe” using points as “vacation currency” hiltongrandvacations.com. HGV accommodations range from studios to 3-bedroom suites; many include full kitchens and washer/dryer. (For example, HGV notes that kids “get their own bedroom” in multi-room suites, avoiding rollaway beds.) Because Hilton is a familiar hotel brand, HGV resorts are seen as high-quality, and Hilton’s loyalty partnerships (Honors, RCI, etc.) add value.

How Each Program Works (Points & Booking)

Both DVC and HGV let owners bank or borrow points, giving flexibility. DVC members bank unused points to the next use-year or borrow from the following year’s allotment, allowing customization of stays eatsleepdisney.com. HGV likewise allows point banking/borrowing and even converting points into Hilton Honors hotel points hiltongrandvacations.com.

Booking Windows: Disney Vacation Club members can reserve their Home Resort 11 months before check-in and other DVC resorts up to 7 months ahead (for stays up to 7 nights) disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com. HGV owners have multiple windows: a special “Home Week” window at 12 months out for their exact unit and season, and a general 9-month (≈276 days) window for booking any unit at any HGV resort atimeshare.comatimeshare.com. In practice this means DVC members plan almost a year ahead for popular home properties, while HGV members can book up to 12 months in advance (for home week) and 9 months for other resorts.

Flexibility: Both systems are highly flexible. DVC points can be redeemed at any DVC resort (subject to availability) for varying unit sizes or seasons, with point costs changing by demand. HGV’s ClubPoints work similarly: you can use them at any HGV resort. For example, HGV’s site illustrates using 768 ClubPoints for a 4-night studio in Las Vegas or 7,680 points for an 8-night 1-bedroom in Hawaii hiltongrandvacations.comhiltongrandvacations.com. Crucially, HGV points can also be exchanged outside the timeshare network: members report converting ClubPoints to Hilton Honors points, RCI exchanges, or even cruise bookings hiltongrandvacations.com. DVC points likewise extend beyond resorts (see below).

Using Points Beyond Resort Stays

Disney Vacation Club: DVC Vacation Points may be used for a range of Disney vacations. Members can book Disney Cruise Line voyages (points cover room, dining, activities) eatsleepdisney.com or Adventures by Disney guided tours worldwide eatsleepdisney.com. Eligible members can also use points for Disneyland Resort hotels and international Disney Collection hotels (e.g. Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel in Paris) eatsleepdisney.com. Beyond Disney, DVC has a long-standing partnership with Interval International: members can deposit points into Interval to book thousands of non-Disney resorts globally eatsleepdisney.com. (Note: points-to-Interval can be less cost-effective, and restrictions apply if the contract was bought resale after 2011.)

Hilton Grand Vacations: ClubPoints likewise cover non-timeshare travel. HGV members commonly use points for cruises – the HGV site even highlights a 5-night Mexican Riviera cruise for 10,900 points hiltongrandvacations.com. Points can be converted into airline or hotel travel by transferring to Hilton Honors. HGV has historically partnered with RCI for interval exchange as well. In short, HGV points function as a broad travel currency: “you can convert your points for cruises, RCI exchanges or […] booking within the Hilton portfolio,” according to an HGV member testimonial hiltongrandvacations.com.

Financial Comparison (Cost & Fees)

Program	Sample Purchase Price	Annual Fees (Maintenance Dues)
HGV (Hilton)	Varies widely: from ~$7,800 up to $758,990 (per HGV)hiltongrandvacations.com. (Lower-cost contracts start around $8K, larger point blocks cost much more.)	Flat club dues per contract. For 2025: ~$219/year (U.S. domestic base plan)fidelityrealestate.com (higher for international or inclusive plans). In practice, HGV fees do not scale strongly with points.
DVC (Disney)	High up-front cost: expect at least ~$30,000 to start nerdwallet.com. Disney typically sells 150-point minimum contracts at launch; for example, 100 points at Disneyland’s home resort cost ~$22,550 (2024 pricing)nerdwallet.com.	Charged per point. In 2024, dues ranged roughly $7–$11 per point depending on resort. (E.g. 100 points at Disney’s Grand Californian Villas were ~$8.55/pt; at the Disneyland Hotel ~$79.50/mo for 100 pts = $954/yr nerdwallet.com.) Dues increase annually (often 2–6%).

In summary, HGV ownership can be obtained with relatively low investment (especially if bought resale), and the yearly dues are a modest flat amount. DVC ownership requires a larger commitment up front (reflecting the high per-point price), and owners pay maintenance fees in proportion to their points (e.g. a 100-point contract typically incurs roughly $700–$1,100 per year).

Resale Value Analysis

Timeshares typically lose value on resale, but DVC is an exception. Industry analysis notes that Disney Vacation Club timeshares often retain or even appreciate in value fidelityrealestate.com. Fidelity Real Estate reports that average DVC resale prices have trended upward, and some DVC resorts have sold above their original price on the resale market fidelityrealestate.com. Factors include Disney’s strong brand loyalty and limited supply. A recent industry blog ranks DVC #1 for best resale retention due to “brand loyalty, high-quality accommodations, and popularity of Disney parks ”sellmytimesharenow.com.

In contrast, Hilton Grand Vacations resale values are more modest. Although HGV is a recognized brand (#3 on one list for resale strength sellmytimesharenow.com), HGV contracts generally sell for far less than new price. As one timeshare owner observed, buying HGV on resale is “minimal capital outlay”, but “DVC has maintained its value (or increased)”tugbbs.com. In practice, many HGV timeshares depreciate quickly; selling agents advise viewing them more as use-rights than investments. On the other hand, DVC resale market is very active (“quite liquid” according to owners tugbbs.com) and can recoup a large share of your cost if sold properly.

Summary: DVC tends to hold value much better than HGV. DVC points often sell near (or above) developer prices, while HGV contracts usually drop steeply (even though both have loyal followings and good amenity standards) fidelityrealestate.comtugbbs.com.

Which Is Right for You? Traveler Suitability

Families: DVC is heavily family-oriented. Its resorts are integrated with Disney parks, and villas are very roomy (e.g. 2- and 3-bedroom villas with kitchens that sleep large families)eatsleepdisney.com. DVC membership includes family perks like children’s activities at resorts, and Disney-specific benefits (member lounges, discounts, special park events)eatsleepdisney.com. For Disney-loving families who visit Orlando or California often, DVC can be ideal. HGV is also family-friendly: many HGV resorts offer kids’ clubs, water slides and spacious multi-bedroom suites. For example, HGV notes that kids get their own bedrooms in a 2-BR unit hiltongrandvacations.com, and resorts often have pools, splash pads and playgrounds hiltongrandvacations.com . HGV’s advantage for families is destination diversity – you can choose Disney-area resorts (like Orlando properties), beach resorts (Myrtle Beach, Kauai), or ski locations, etc.

Couples: Young or honeymooning couples might lean toward HGV’s variety and adult-oriented options. Hilton’s portfolio includes urban retreats (Las Vegas Strip, New York City clubs) and resort destinations for a romantic getaway (Hawaii, Mexico, Europe). HGV also allows converting points to flights or hotels, which can suit flexible or spontaneous trips. DVC villas can be romantic (e.g. a Polynesian or Grand Floridian villa), but the focus is still on family travel and theme parks. That said, couples who absolutely love Disney may find DVC worth it for deluxe accommodations.

Older Travelers: Retirees or empty-nesters often prioritize comfort and amenities. Both clubs offer high-quality villas. HGV might appeal to older guests who like concierge-style resorts (golf, cruises, spa amenities at Waldorf/Aulani/Hilton properties) and who may prefer the Hilton Honors program benefits. DVC appeals to those who cherish Disney experiences – many older couples enjoy staying at Disney’s peaceful resorts (e.g. Aulani, Vero Beach) and participating in DVC events. Note that DVC’s maintenance fees can rise significantly over decades, so budgeting is important for long-term owners nerdwallet.com.

Solo Travelers: A solo traveler might find HGV’s flexibility and lower point commitments more convenient. HGV owners can book smaller stays or convert points to hotels or travel packages, which suits independent trips. DVC requires a minimum point purchase (150 points), which is harder for a one-person vacationer to maximize. Also, Disney resorts are very family-centric, so solo visitors may miss the adult ambiance of other hotels.

Amenities and Perks: Both programs offer villa-style comforts (kitchens, living areas, laundry). DVC’s villas come with Disney theming and amenities like character breakfasts, plus the unique extras of Disney membership (lounges in Epcot/Magic Kingdom, exclusive events like Moonlight Magic, discounts on park tickets and dining)eatsleepdisney.com. HGV resorts often feature family-friendly on-site amenities (movie theaters, markets, kid hiltongrandvacations.com) and let members earn Hilton Honors points. If you want theme-park immersion and Disney perks, DVC is better. If you want a wider choice of global destinations and Hilton-brand flexibility (including non-resort travel), HGV may be the better fit.

Overall, Disney Vacation Club is tailored for Disney fans and families planning frequent Disney vacations, with strong resale value and Disney-centric benefits. Hilton Grand Vacations offers broad, flexible travel opportunities across many destinations (including non-family and urban resorts) at a lower entry cost, but with resale values that tend to depreciate and fewer inherent perks beyond standard timeshare use. Your choice depends on whether Disney’s unique offerings or Hilton’s global breadth (and cost considerations) better match your travel style.

Sources: Official program sites and expert guides were used throughout (including Hilton Grand Vacations documentation hiltongrandvacations.comhiltongrandvacations.com and Disney Vacation Club literature eatsleepdisney.comeatsleepdisney.com), as well as analyses from travel and timeshare industry sources hiltongrandvacations.comfidelityrealestate.comfidelityrealestate.comfidelityrealestate.comhiltongrandvacations.com. These include NerdWallet, Fidelity Real Estate, Timeshare Users Group, and timeshare resale specialists.