The con is $$$$$$$$$. It’s so expensive!
the pros are you get the direct benefits. Most are worthless or even of negative value (you can use points to book cruises if you want to set your money on fire!) so I’ll point to the few that have value:
- Discount on the Platinum AP for you and up to 7 other household members
- Access to the Gold AP (which has blockout dates) that is otherwise only available to Florida residents.
- Access to moonlight magic parties
- Assorted small discounts around WDW
- Access to the Epcot DVC lounge
- Points purchased direct can be used at Riviera and future properties. Resale points cannot.
None of these benefits are guaranteed to exist, they could all be canceled forever tomorrow, and indeed they currently aren’t selling APs at any price, they’ve canceled all the Moonlight Magics for 2020, and the Epcot DVC lounge is missing half its amenities.
Also note, the AP discount benefit changes every time they increase AP prices. Sometimes it gets better and sometimes it gets worse. You need to buy a LOT of discounted APs to make up the huge difference in direct pricing.
You won’t find many people here advocating a direct purchase