OK, this is going to be a long post... but here goes nothing...
We stopped to find out what
DVC was on our honeymoon - we stopped at the Kiosk at DTD.
Having been married less than 7 days at that point in time, and both employed full time for less than a year - we were blown away by the pricetag - NO WAY! That's way too expensive!
Then, over the next two years I researched, researched, and....researched. I knew about resales, and I knew what the process entailed. However, we purchased direct - we trusted our guide, and knew that she would be available to answer any and all questions that we might have - so we were willing to pay for that.
When BLT was finished, we knew we wanted to own at a resort that was THAT convenient - and sure enough, having just completed our first full week stay at BLT we LOVE how close it is!
Then, we wanted access to the treehouse villas at 11 months... BUT with resales prices where they were at the time - we found a small contract that was perfect for what we wanted - so we bought resale.
Then, after trying to book HHI several times right at 7 months - we could never get what we wanted, when we wanted. So I started shopping the resale market and couldn't find what we wanted - SO I called DVC to see if they had what we wanted at HHI.
No they didn't and the guide I talked to (ours was out) said in short - you could be on a wait list for a REALLY long time to get what you want - and the price is $85+
Knowing that HHI was going for $50+ on the resale market - and knowing that Disney had just announced the changes to resale contracts...
I decided to continue shopping for resale.
I found what we wanted (actually more points that what we needed) at a price that was below our budget. We paid $41.85 per point - less than HALF of what Disney wanted.... for what we weren't looking for (they didn't have our UY)
We paid less for our HHI points... FAR LESS.... than the original owners paid per point.
We LOVE HHI! WE have been there 4 times now, and can't wait to go back!
We own at 4 home resorts - and each contract decision was made on what was best for us. 2 direct, 2 resale.
We bought BLT at the absolute lowest slump of the recession when they were offering a free 7 night cruise AND $$$ off per point.
If we were to buy points somewhere else it would be at 'the lodge' (Wilderness!) We LOVE LOVE LOVE that resort!
But anyway - to the OP, you made the right decision for your family, and that's all that matters! You have what you want - and that's the best deal out there!
We asked about VWL when we bought as well, BUT at that time, the points weren't that much less than the new resorts - so it just didn't make sense - plus there wasn't a promotion at that time.
Welcome home, and as always - LOVE your membership, use is at much as possible! HAHA