Amazed & delighted with price difference between DVC & booking direct

[GeneralTso]

Color me really surprised and happy!
Just booked a trip for January '17. It's a pre-trip on our way to Maui. We've wanted to stay at Aulani and decided this was the time.

We only need 3 nights. Ocean view was #1 "need" cuz when we're in Hawaii, I need big, expansive ocean view. We aren't just sleep and shower in the room type people. We really enjoy hanging out and enjoying the view.

I priced out getting direct quote (via phone) for ocean view hotel room. Cost is 2,253 total, 751/night.

I connected with DVC Rental Store and quote is 1,488 for a Deluxe Studio, 496/night.
I'm working with the same person who booked our Beach Club villa last year. She is fantastic. We were a large party of 7 and she worked the best deal on villas for us, enough space and beds for all. This time it's just 2 so a studio will work great.

I don't know why I'm so surprised. I thought DVC would be more expensive but turns out it's saving us money! And of course, we will have much bigger and better accommodations.

Just wanted to share for folks pricing this out. Be sure to check renting DVC points and compare.

 

[alohamom]

This is what I found too, plus parking is included so you are saving another 37/night

 

[ihearthawaii]

I didn't think we could swing a week at Aulani this October with the published rates they have on their website. We wanted ocean view studio as well and it would've been $3600 through Disney but we were able to get it for $1800 through DVC rental store -- plus we get free parking which was key because we will have a car the whole time. Even with disney's current 30% off Fall special, we are still saving about $500. The lack of housekeeping /toiletry replacement doesn't bother me, it's worth the savings. First time renters and it's been smooth so far, very excited for our trip!

 

[GooglyBear808]

Sweet deal! How far in advance can you rent DVC points? Tried to rent for our Aulani stay (early May 2016) but was unsuccessful, possibly trying to rent points to soon to arrival.

 

[alohamom]

I rented in late November for late August. I *think* you can rent up to 11 months out but it does cost more than renting at the 7 month out mark.
Check out Davids DVC for info and rentals, we have rented from them twice now with excellent customer service https://www.dvcrequest.com/

 

[GooglyBear808]

I rented in late November for late August. I *think* you can rent up to 11 months out but it does cost more than renting at the 7 month out mark.
Check out Davids DVC for info and rentals, we have rented from them twice now with excellent customer service https://www.dvcrequest.com/

That's who we tried to rent DVC points from. So, if I try to rent 11 months out prior to arrival it cost more per point versus renting points 7 months out?

 

[alohamom]

That's who we tried to rent DVC points from. So, if I try to rent 11 months out prior to arrival it cost more per point versus renting points 7 months out?

Yes, it does cost more but their "cost calculator" on their website reflects the higher prices so you can see the price ahead of time. The cost calculator also prices things seasonally so keep that in mind.Foe me, I knew it was going to be hard to get the studio room I wanted as they tend to fill up fast because they are cheaper/cost fewer points. Many people on these boards and elsewhere were saying they had trouble getting summer studios right at the 7 month mark so I decided to would be worth it to try early. I still saved a substantial amount over buying direct even with the specials they were running at the time.

 

[nkereina]

We had the same experience. We're honeymooning in Hawaii in September and part of our trip includes 6 nights at Aulani. We had our TA book a room for us at rack rate back in November, and it was around $3000 for the Aulani portion alone. Around the 10 month out mark, I connected with an owner on the Rent/Trade board and was able to rent enough points from them for our stay, paying only $1400. Literally half the price! It's my understanding we'll be able to take advantage of DVC free parking as well, which only adds to the savings.

 

[twodogs]

What has prevented us from renting points on any of our trips is the inability to cancel,if needed. I think some companies offer trip insurance but it is pricey and doesn't apply to all situations. So something to consider.

 

[jtba]

What has prevented us from renting points on any of our trips is the inability to cancel,if needed. I think some companies offer trip insurance but it is pricey and doesn't apply to all situations. So something to consider.

that's how we felt too. was very tempted to rent points as well but ended up not doing it, in case we needed to cancel at the last minute.

 

[WDW_Diane]

I booked our Island View studio with David's for June probably back in July or August 2015. I normally go for ocean view on ocean vacation, but this is a "budget" trip.

 

[newdeal]

we bought a DVC contract about a year and a half ago (Saratoga springs home resort) mostly because we wanted to go to Aulani this fall and the savings are unreal. We also go to Disney World a lot so owning made more sense than renting for us but it certainly is a huge savings

 

[WDW_Diane]

We are back, and were so happy with our room view and location! We were in room 1273 and had a view of the lawn where Starlit Hui is performed and of the ocean! This was a garden/island view room category. We were close to the ice machine and elevators, but with a couple of hotel rooms between us, never heard any noise from them. So convenient! We loved the high floor view, which we requested along with a room ending in '73. One night there was a Japanese wedding reception with lively entertainment including three of the characters. Anytime we went out on our lanai, we had that great ocean view. We could also see the lanai across the field where we stayed at the other resort three years ago. Kinda funny.

 

[jasonv1]

I'm there right now and decided to buy in (resale). Found a fair deal on a subsidized contract that went to rofr yesterday. Really like it, and want that 11 month window.

More points than I need based on travel plans but I'll just rent the extras out every 2-3 years.

No way I could afford the cash prices here, ouch.

 

[Vaughan4Disney]

Looking into renting points at Aulani for May 2017. I'm nervous about not having a reservation when we arrive. Traveling with 6 people and celebrating an anniversary. Anyone have issues with renting? Any booking agent you suggest or a member? All help and advice appreciated!!

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

We are back, and were so happy with our room view and location! We were in room 1273 and had a view of the lawn where Starlit Hui is performed and of the ocean! This was a garden/island view room category. We were close to the ice machine and elevators, but with a couple of hotel rooms between us, never heard any noise from them. So convenient! We loved the high floor view, which we requested along with a room ending in '73. One night there was a Japanese wedding reception with lively entertainment including three of the characters. Anytime we went out on our lanai, we had that great ocean view. We could also see the lanai across the field where we stayed at the other resort three years ago. Kinda funny.

It sounds perfect! What did you request? Just high floor and room ending in '73? You said island garden view category? Wow.

 

[WDW_Diane]

It sounds perfect! What did you request? Just high floor and room ending in '73? You said island garden view category? Wow.

Yes, That's it exactly. I requested Ewa Tower high room ending in '73 and I got a winner in the Island Garden View category!

 

[WDW_Diane]

Looking into renting points at Aulani for May 2017. I'm nervous about not having a reservation when we arrive. Traveling with 6 people and celebrating an anniversary. Anyone have issues with renting? Any booking agent you suggest or a member? All help and advice appreciated!!

I have now rented points through David's for three trips, twice at AKL and now once at Aulani. It has been wonderful every time. David's has hundreds of satisfied customers and you can read the reviews on their dvcrequest website. I learned about it through disboards originally.

 

[mum2fourkids]

How far out can you summit a request/booking? We are travelling in October 2017, but won't have exact dates until i can book airfares late 2016.