How to Transfer a Disney Timeshare to Loved Ones After You Pass

Owning a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) timeshare is a cherished investment, allowing families to enjoy magical vacations for years. But what happens to your DVC membership when you pass away? Can it be transferred to your heirs?

Fortunately, Disney Vacation Club allows timeshare ownership to be transferred to beneficiaries, but the process requires careful planning to avoid legal complications. Below, we’ll explain how to ensure a smooth transition of your Disney timeshare to your loved ones.

Understanding Disney Vacation Club Ownership

DVC operates on a deeded real estate interest model, meaning your membership is tied to real property ownership at a Disney resort. Instead of purchasing a set week at a resort, members receive vacation points, which can be used at various DVC locations.

Because DVC ownership is considered real estate, it can be transferred, sold, or inherited. However, the method of transfer depends on how ownership is structured in your estate plan.

Ways to Transfer a Disney Timeshare

1. Transferring Through a Will

A simple way to pass your DVC membership to your heirs is by including it in your last will and testament. This allows you to designate who will inherit your timeshare upon your passing.

However, a major drawback is that assets passed through a will must go through probate, a court-supervised process that can be time-consuming and costly. Probate delays may prevent your heirs from using the timeshare until the process is complete.

2. Using a Trust to Avoid Probate

A revocable living trust is a more efficient way to transfer your DVC membership. By placing your timeshare in a trust, you can designate a successor trustee who will take control of the membership upon your passing, bypassing probate entirely.

Benefits of using a trust include:

• Faster transfer of ownership

• Avoiding court involvement

• Maintaining privacy, as trusts do not become public record

If you already have a trust, our attorneys can help transfer your DVC interest into it while you are still alive.

3. Adding a Joint Owner

Another option is to add a joint owner to your DVC deed. If the timeshare is owned as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, ownership automatically transfers to the surviving co-owner upon your death without going through probate. 

This method works well for spouses or close family members but should be done carefully, as adding a co-owner could have tax and legal consequences. Our attorneys can assist with advice, drafting the paperwork and processing it through Disney DVC.

4. Gifting Your Timeshare During Your Lifetime

If you want to avoid posthumous complications, you can gift your DVC membership while you’re still alive. Disney Vacation Club allows owners to transfer ownership to family members through a formal transfer process.

Gifting a timeshare may have tax implications, so it’s wise to consult an attorney before proceeding. Our attorneys can assist with advice, drafting the paperwork and processing it through Disney DVC.

Key Considerations When Transferring a Disney Timeshare

Annual Dues Responsibility

DVC members must pay annual maintenance dues. When transferring ownership, ensure your beneficiaries understand this ongoing financial obligation. If dues are not paid, Disney may repossess the membership.

Expiration of Ownership

Unlike traditional real estate, DVC contracts have an expiration date (typically 50 years from the resort’s opening). Before transferring a timeshare, confirm how many years remain on the contract so your heirs know what they’re inheriting.

Disney’s Right of First Refusal (ROFR)

Disney Vacation Club has a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) policy, meaning if a timeshare is sold or transferred, Disney has the option to repurchase it first. While this usually doesn’t impact inheritance transfers, it’s important to be aware of this clause.

How an Estate Planning Attorney Can Help

Navigating the legal process of transferring a DVC membership can be complex. Our experienced estate planning attorneys can help you:✔ Draft a will or trust that includes your DVC membership✔ Avoid probate by structuring ownership properly✔ Ensure compliance with Disney’s transfer policies

By planning ahead, you can ensure your Disney timeshare remains a valuable and stress-free family asset.

Final Thoughts

A Disney Vacation Club membership is more than a financial investment—it’s a legacy of magical vacations. By using a trust, adding a co-owner, or gifting your timeshare while you’re alive, you can make the transfer process easier for your loved ones.

If you own a DVC membership and want to explore the best way to transfer ownership, our Florida-based estate planning attorney is here to help. Visit our website at www.TheSotoLawOffice.com or contact us at (321) 972-2279 for professional guidance tailored to your needs.