Aulani for Christmas

[kermit116]

DH and I are considering a trip to Hawaii for next Christmas (2013). As part of the trip, we'd like to do some island hopping, and maybe stay at Aulani for either the beginning of our trip (which would be right around Christmas), or the end of our trip (which would be around New Years).

We are not DVC members, so I'll have to just go through the normal booking process. I considered renting points, but I don't think that's an option for us because due to the nature of our work, we always have the possibility that we'll have to cancel a big trip like this somewhat at the last minute.

So, I'm wondering how far ahead we can/should book our room, how much we'll have to pay for a deposit (percentage?), and how insanely expensive it'll be to stay there either over Christmas or over New Years. I'd kind of prefer Christmas at Aulani over New Years, but we're still up in the air. We'll probably try to spend the rest of our trip renting a condo on another island.

I'm hoping to get some good tips from people who are planning to spend this Christmas at Aulani. Any advice would be great! We've never been, but are excited to see it. Plus, the idea of Christmas at a Disney property makes me feel at home, even though we come from a colder climate and Christmas in Hawaii will be dramatically different from our past traditions.

[Mike7468]

Well I book disney vacations and I just looked and went with Dec. 23-27 and the cost was 2576 for a island garden room and 2393 for a standard room, including tax and the deposit would have to be 598.30. That was just dates off the top of my head to give you an idea, also there are more room types. I'd be glad to help.

[jchong71]

Christmas time will mean any given day may have rain...but storms will typically come and go...but I would think in a 7 day span a couple will be wet.

Because of the Aulani's design, during cooler months (ie Dec.) our family found it too cold to really enjoy some of the pool facilities...especially when in the shadows...meaning it's cold and windy (and I grew up in a relatively cool Northern Cal and lived some years in the snow belt).

Some structures such as the Mihuni(sp?) water play area for kids were deserted half the day...just too cold...and at most a few daring kids.

Also for your decision on whether to stay at the beginning vs end of the trip, you should consider how isolated the Aulani is from the rest of Oahu's attractions. Everything (including most dining options) is 1-2 hrs drive away and there's nothing walking distance to the hotel....it's perfect for the "just stay put and lounge" resort vs the "home base" for nearby attractions type

[HarperAnnesNana]

Originally Posted by Mike7468

Well I book disney vacations and I just looked and went with Dec. 23-27 and the cost was 2576 for a island garden room and 2393 for a standard room, including tax and the deposit would have to be 598.30. That was just dates off the top of my head to give you an idea, also there are more room types. I'd be glad to help.

Mike, What is the cancellation policy for these rooms? We are planning a family trip to Aulani this Christmas. Please email me with specifics. Thanks!

[Fuhnuh]

We have been to Aulani booking through Disney (not DVC) three times. Deposit has been for the first nights room charge which is refundable up until 5 days before check-in date. I have made reservations far in advance for each of these stays and made room changes twice as rooms have opened up with no problems. Although, I have never had to cancel a trip, I love the peace of mind that the flexibility of room only reservation policies at Aulani, DL, and WDW. I love Hawaii at Christmas time. Hope you have a great vacation!

[HarperAnnesNana]

Originally Posted by Fuhnuh

We have been to Aulani booking through Disney (not DVC) three times. Deposit has been for the first nights room charge which is refundable up until 5 days before check-in date. I have made reservations far in advance for each of these stays and made room changes twice as rooms have opened up with no problems. Although, I have never had to cancel a trip, I love the peace of mind that the flexibility of room only reservation policies at Aulani, DL, and WDW. I love Hawaii at Christmas time. Hope you have a great vacation!

Thanks for the info.

[HarperAnnesNana]

Originally Posted by Mike7468

Well I book disney vacations and I just looked and went with Dec. 23-27 and the cost was 2576 for a island garden room and 2393 for a standard room, including tax and the deposit would have to be 598.30. That was just dates off the top of my head to give you an idea, also there are more room types. I'd be glad to help.

Mike, I tried to PM you or email you, but your account is not set up for that to happen. Please email me or PM me thru my account. I am very interested to discuss with you Aulani booking for Christmas 2013. Thanks!