We have 200 direct AUL points. For us the benefits were:
1) Instant loading of points to book a trip
2) DVC-Y 10% discounts on food/merch
3) Bucket of points to use at resale restricted resorts (VDH, future EPCOT resort or associations,
Disneyland Forward DVC)
4) “Little extras” like free popcorn refills, lounges, etc. They seem small… but if we might own this thing for 3+ decades then it would be annoying to never have them.
So…. if we already had DVC-Y then direct never would have been a conversation. But, we’ve already used those points to stay at VDH and attend the Aulani DVC-Y events like Sushi and Sake/ Bubbly and Macarons. My kids LOVE getting the free popcorn. We’ve been up to Star View Station multiple times to put our feet up and grab a drink/snacks….
Won’t be worth it for all…. but I’m definitely happy being #TeamHybrid