Original Message:
A few relevant facts and observations.... (by Mary D.):
Roxanne, You say 154,000 Fairshare Points will no longer get a week with Wyndham. It is true that some of the new resorts may have a higher point value, but your points should still buy a week for the same season/same unit size/same place as when you bought. Just at random, I looked at Kingsgate in Williamsburg. You can afford a Prime week in a 2 bedroom Deluxe there. Tamarack at Wisconsin Dells: ditto. At the brand new Glacier Canyon at the Dells, however, this would cost 210,000 pts.--but that includes free admission to the 7 indoor and outdoor water parks on site. Many years ago, we bought 154,000 pts. at Palm Aire, Ft. Lauderdale-- 154,000 points equaled a 2BR Deluxe in HIGH season. The current chart shows no change at all.
Of course, you are not required to reserve full weeks. You can always choose to reserve fewer days or a smaller unit or a lower season at a higher point location. That is the joy of points! You are not locked in to a certain size or time period.
If you travel Sunday to Friday morning, point costs are much lower than Friday and Saturday nights.
Of course, the earlier you reserve the more likely you are to get the location you want. December is pretty much "gone" in many places. On the other hand, if you are flexible, you may be able to use a point discount within 45 days of check-in. More space will be available in Quiet or Value seasons, naturally.
If you have not examined the new Wyndham website, check it out. Under Reservations you can see what is available for how many points at any time and actually make the reservation if you wish. DO NOT TRY TO DO THIS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT LIKE I TRIED TO DO. YOU CAN ONLY SEE EVERYTHING DURING THE HOURS THE PHONE OFFICE IS OPEN. MD