What does it cost?
There are two cost components to DVC ownership: the initial purchase price and Annual Dues.
The initial purchase price is money paid either directly to Disney or to a current owner selling his / her points (a.k.a. "resale" purchase.) This is a one-time expense, although financing options are available for those wishing to pay the initial purchase in monthly installments.
The other cost component of DVC ownership is Annual Dues. A "member" in the Disney Vacation Club is actually a deeded part-owner of a Disney resort hotel. One of the obligations of being an owner is to help pay the operating costs and upkeep of the resort. It's similar to buying a home--you pay a large sum up-front (or take out a mortgage) to acquire the property, and then you still have to pay utility bills, property taxes, lawn care, replace the roof, etc.
DVC dues cover similar expenses at the resorts--items ranging from the salaries and benefits of front desk and housekeeping cast members to theme park transportation (bus, boat) to property taxes.
Dues vary by resort and are expressed in terms of a set dollar amount per point. For 2012, dues at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort are $4.22 per point. An owner with 200 Bay Lake Tower points would then be responsible for $844 in dues for the year. The dues can be paid in one lump sum or debited to a US checking or savings account each month.
