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So buying Aulani direct (which seems to be a little cheaper per point?) would get you into Riveria but not within the 11-month booking window — is it tough to get into Riviera if you don’t have that 11-month home resort window?
Yes, any direct points allow you to book all current and future resorts at the 7 month window. SV rooms go fast, especially if you are wanting a studio. It also depends on when you are going to travel.
I just used my SSR points in the last month to book 1 bedroom SV at RIV for January. Today, I tried to get a SV 1 bedroom for the end of January using SSR points and got shut out. Studios were not an option. PV was there and for the most part, getting that view at 7 months is pretty good except during the typical fall time when most things are booked at home resorts quickly.
This is why I didn't have a problem buying resale RIV. I want to be there for all of my trips for at least a few nights. Some trips will be just there if we don't plan to do MK that trip. But, to be honest, if you want to stay at RIV alot, IMO, buy direct and give you the best of both worlds.
IMO, the resale restrictions are overrated and so far, people are buying at a decent price, even with them. Just be sure to do your homework on what would happen if you had to sell unexpectedly and how much you might lose in the process. Decide if that is in a range you are comfortable. We personally have never looked at the resale value as part of the equation, but I know people do.
One thing I would think hard about is buying AUL when the reason is to visit WDW. It is getting harder to get things at 7 months and with the pandemic, things are even harder right now with lots of extra points. If WDW is your goal, choose something there so you can book at least at 11 months and change at 7 if things are open!