The main difference…other than price…is the use of thr direct points at RIV and future resorts,
The other aspect is being eligible for membership Magic, whatever they. At be. Resale locks you out of them.
Right now, that would be ability to buy the Sorcerer AP when they go back on sale, the Epcot Lounge, and food and merchandise discounts, as well as special events that might exist,
Some don’t see any benefit in those, Some do, I love RIV and we want access to future resorts, so for us, direct is the only way, We can also take advantage of the AP and that saves us a lot.
The other advantage of direct is that it is quick and easy…points loaded in a day, you can stretch out payments on. Disney Visa for 0% for at least 6 months.…people have gotten them to bill payments up to 90 days out.
Resale can take longer and one should plan at least 2 to 3 months. If you have an upcoming trip, and buy direct, you would be eligible for a welcome home visit and get special help booking...and the money you would have paid for the trio can be used toward
DVC…we did that when we bought in 2009.
Of course everyone’s situation is different and depending on the points needed...direct requires at least 150 whereas resale contracts can be bought with less points.…the savings may be large enough that the direct benefits or advantages still don’t outweigh the price difference.