Just another reason why buying direct from Disney isn't the best. Disney won't tell you what all your options are and what's really best for you.
While that might be true in some instances, I respectfully disagree. I bought direct a very, very long time ago and found that our guide was forthright. If they had not been, I would not have purchased. I did my own homework and number crunching before signing on the dotted line. It did make great sense for us then, and it still makes fabulous sense for me and my brood.
AshleeH, first…..WELCOME HOME!!!
I have visited your home resort 3 times on my points and am looking at going back in a year. LOVE, LOVE Aulani!! Don't know if you've been there or not but it's fabulous!
As for booking at WDW, if you are wanting popular times, please be flexible with where you are willing to stay. I really do like all the DVC resorts, but for different reasons. Some I definitely like more than others, but they are all very nice. And here is my BIG tip to you: Make SURE you are calling in to MS and/or logging onto the member website the moment inventory is opened at the 7 month window. Book SOMEWHERE if your dates are available. Then wait list for the resort that you really prefer. Start the wait list right then, after you secure what is available. If nothing is available, get on that w/l. Though you can read lots of naysayers about the DVC w/l, I've been a member for over 20 years and have used w/l dozens of times. Literally. And without exaggeration I have gotten my w/l fulfilled more times than not. Caveat: there are no guarantees. I think one reason I often get my w/l is that I start it several months out. Generally right at the 7 month window.
I hope you love your membership as much as I have for all these years!