DVC Transient Occupancy Tax: Everything You Need To Know For TOT

Discover how the new Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) influences your stay at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel. Learn how it's calculated and how it compares to other Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resorts. Starting soon, guests at the Villas at Disneyland Hotel will pay a TOT. If you're new to transient taxes, here's what you need to know before your next Disney adventure.

Transient Occupancy Tax: What It Means

If you plan to stay at the new Villas at Disneyland Hotel, a TOT will be charged during your visit. This fee is based on:

• Number of DVC points used
• Annual dues rate
• Local Anaheim tax rate

The tax is disclosed at check-in and billed during or after your stay. According to the official DVC Point Chart Disclaimer:

“The City of Anaheim charges a nightly transient occupancy tax based on the number of Vacation Points used for a stay at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel. The tax must be paid at check-out and can vary each year depending on the tax rate set by the city.”

What Is a Transient Occupancy Tax?

Local governments impose a transient tax (also known as a hotel occupancy tax) on short-term hotel stays. Many cities, including Anaheim, charge this tax to generate revenue from visitors without raising taxes for residents. Guests at Disneyland and Walt Disney World hotels have been paying this tax for years.

Historically, Aulani was the only DVC property where members had to pay a transient tax out of pocket. Now, the Villas at Disneyland Hotel join that list.

TOT at The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

Members staying at the Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa also pay a transient tax. However, the TOT here is integrated into DVC annual dues, making it seamless for owners.

For 2023, the TOT at Grand Californian is $0.5123 per point, collected by Disney and remitted to the local taxing agency.

TOT at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel: A New Approach

Unlike the Grand Californian, the Villas at Disneyland Hotel require guests to pay TOT separately at checkout. Here's what to expect:

• TOT is a nightly fee based on your DVC point usage
• In 2023, the rate is set at $2.73 per point
• A week in a studio could cost $380–$500 out of pocket in addition to your DVC points
• Anaheim city officials determine the tax rate and may change it annually
• This fee is not included in your DVC annual dues and must be paid at the end of your stay.

Impact of TOT on DVC

Anaheim officials determine the TOT, and Disney has no control over it. It's important to note that the TOT for Aulani has doubled since 2016, so there is a possibility that it may increase in the future.

Taxes at Aulani VS. Disneyland Villas

Hawaii's government decides the tax rates for tourists. This tax is a significant revenue source for Hawaii and is expected to rise. Note that both DVC properties require guests to pay transient taxes out of pocket, unlike other DVC resorts. The new DVC villas at Disneyland Hotel require separate payment of transient tax, while The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa include it in annual dues. The cost for these taxes for Grand Cal members in 2023 is approximately 51 cents per point.

In 2023, the annual dues for Grand Californian will be $8.04 per point, while for VDH, it will cost $9.06 per point. This means VDH members will pay an extra dollar in annual dues per point compared to Grand Californian owners. Disney Vacation Club officials have confirmed that guests staying at the Villas at Disneyland Hotel will need to pay a transient tax, not included in their dues.

How Does This Compare to Aulani?

At Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, the transient accommodations tax is calculated as follows:

Transient Tax = 9.25% x Points Used x 50% of Annual Maintenance Fee

This formula applies to both DVC members and non-members, and all guests must pay the tax.

Cost Comparison: Grand Californian vs. Disneyland Villas

There's a notable difference in how the TOT is handled between the two Disneyland-area DVC properties:

Property TOT Included in Dues?
2023 Dues per Point
2023 TOT Rate
Grand Californian Yes $8.04 $0.5123 per point
Disneyland Villas No $9.06 $2.73 per point (paid at checkout)

As you can see, VDH owners pay $1.00 more per point in annual dues, on top of a separate TOT cost. Learn more about dues and tax breakdowns with the DVC Resale Value Calculator.

What Should DVC Buyers Know?

• TOT is mandatory and non-negotiable
• It's not covered in resale or retail pricing, so budget for it.
• TOT may increase over time, as seen at Aulani, where rates have nearly doubled since 2016

For a better understanding of taxes and fees at your preferred DVC resort, consult with the team at DVC Sales or review their Why DVC Sales page for expert insight.

Conclusion

The Transient Occupancy Tax is an important consideration when staying at the Villas at Disneyland Hotel. It adds a new layer of cost that is calculated differently than at other DVC resorts like Grand Californian or Aulani. Whether you're booking your first stay or investing in DVC points, understanding TOT helps you plan smarter.

For questions or help purchasing a resale contract, visit the Contact Page or view active listings at DVC Resale Listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the DVC Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)?
The Transient Occupancy Tax, or TOT, is a nightly tax charged by certain local governments on DVC stays at resorts outside Florida, like Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and Aulani. For more details on one of these properties, visit Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.

Q2: Why do some DVC resorts charge TOT while others do not?
TOT applies only to resorts located in areas where local laws require it. For instance, Hawaii and California have unique lodging tax rules that impact DVC stays. To understand how location affects ownership, check out what is home resort priority.

Q3: How much should DVC members expect to pay in Transient Occupancy Tax?
Rates vary by resort and location, generally based on the nightly rental value of your villa. It’s best to budget accordingly when planning your trip. For overall cost insights, explore DVC annual dues explained to see how taxes and fees fit into your total DVC expenses.

Q4: Does paying TOT affect my DVC points or membership benefits?
No, TOT is a separate charge and does not impact your points, banking, or borrowing privileges. You’ll continue to enjoy all your benefits as usual. To learn more about maximizing those benefits, visit what are the advantages of being a DVC member.

Q5: Can DVC members avoid paying Transient Occupancy Tax?
Unfortunately, no. Taxes are required by local jurisdictions and apply to all guests, including DVC members using points. However, you can minimize your total costs by planning smartly with DVC on a budget.