We have done some of both and will probably continue to do both--using some points for weekends and sometimes paying cash for weekends. It depends on the time of year and what our other plans are. If it is near the end of my use year and points were banked previously, I might then use them for weekend nights, so as not to lose any. Or if I can get a value studio that uses less anyway.
If our plans are to visit other area attractions, Universal, Seaworld, etc., then I will plan to do that on the weekend, paying cash for offsite hotel and move back to Disney Sun- Thursday. Even though moving is not everyone's cup of tea, it gives us a chance to visit different resorts and allows for variety. For example, one week, you may have the
DDP, but the next week you could choose not to when returning to the resort since your stay is split.
One week, you could have concierge, one week you could have a full kitchen, one week-- have a studio and be on the DDP plan. We have had the DDP many times, but I feel that five weeks of being on the DDP would be a little too much, not to mention an extra 10 pounds.
