Another WDW trip or Aulani?

[Figment2001]

I’m thinking about my next vacation...and I can’t decide if I want to return to WDW or visit Aulani for the first time. (first week of June 2020)

Is there availability at Aulani at 7 months?

How did non-Aulani owners feel about their first trip to the resort?

All advice/guidance appreciated

 

[BillPA]

What size unit? Check this link for what the booking has been, scroll down to see Aulani:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/p...-studios-1-bedrooms-june-2018-update.3689931/

 

[WebmasterPete]

I love Aulani and have been several times (not as a member). If you're thinking about going this year however, be aware that the main pool is going under rehab and will be offline most of the summer into the fall. I've been advising people to wait until after construction is complete to go. That being said, it is an amazing resort!

 

[Lizziemom]

We LOVED Aulani and the entire Island of Oahu. We rented a car and spent the mornings exploring the island and the afternoons at the resort. We often had a big lunch while out and about and ate light at the resort at night.

We loved the North Shore, Pearl Harbor, tour of Ioloni Palace, and climbing Diamond Head. We also walked Waikiki Beach and went to the Dole Plantation. (Just OK)

We are going back in 2021 to see and do all the things we didn't do. We love going to Disney World, but this wa a completely different type of vacation that we are so glad we did.

We went the first week of Sept., so 7 month window was easy to get. We wanted a 1 Bedroom for the space, kitchen and laundry. (Even though there were only 2 of us) We were able to pack only carry ons since we could do wash. We wanted a pool view for those times when I like to sit on the balcony and read a book. Didn't feel we needed an ocean view, but didn't want a view of the parking garage.

Hope this helps.
Lizzie

 

[DieHardJoe]

We have been to WDW many times, starting with our honeymoon in 1977!! Since then we have gone dozens of times with our children as well as grandchildren. We have also stayed at the Grand Californian for a week and loved that as well. That being said, we went to Hawaii for 2 weeks in May, 2017 for our anniversary, including the second week at Aulani, and there is something special about being there. I would say that if you have the opportunity, then don't think twice about going. You won't regret it. As for possible availability - Our last day at Aulani was May 27th. We had no problem booking a 1-BR for the week. In fact, we were able to score the cheaper Standard view and were thrilled to be able to save points since we were not planning on being in our room very much. And we were on the highest "Standard" floor (7th, I think?) which actually gave us a nice view of the hillside in the distance. Here's the thing though - I just looked and as of today you could actually book a 1-BR for 5 nights in a Garden view and 6 nights ocean view in later May. But every year the kids are out of school by the last day in May. And many locals will then book stay-cations. So beginning the first day of June, rooms start to fill up. I can't remember how much availability there was when we booked our accommodation at the 7 month window, but following the link posted above, it looks like getting a Studio in June at 7 months will be difficult. But I think you may be able to get a 1-BR. Good luck!

 

[ColinA]

Aulani is a beautiful resort. We have stayed there many times on DVC points since it opened. Booking a studio at 7 months could be difficult. Initially we booked studio. Now we book 1 bedroom and never a problem for the standard or island views.

 

[tidefan]

Aulani!

If you book right at 7 months (especially right at opening), most likely you can find something in one of the views...

 

[bobbiwoz]

We have gone to Aulani three times so far, and I thought it would be “one and done.” It’s just that lovely, and we come from the east coast. We are hoping for one more trip, after a once in a lifetime trip to Australia in 2020.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

For us WDW & Aulani are very different vacations. WDW is the running around, long lines, etc. Aulani is a much more relaxing vacation. We’ve been there twice, Presidents week, did not have any trouble getting reservation (1bedroom). Aulani is very beautiful. If you’ve never been, it’s worth doing at least once. Its Hawaii, it’s Aulani/ Disney so everything is pretty expensive. If you do decide to go & want an ocean view, be as specific as possible with your request. Our first time there we booked ocean view but when we got to the room, it was 95% parking lot view & if you turned your head all the way to the right. There was the ocean. Aulani did consider that ocean view & I really felt they were trying to pull one over on us. I would not of used extra points for an ocean view room & accept that room. We got moved. Learned you need to request unobstructed ocean view room

 

[reisdawg]

I would agree that both are completely different vacations. I love Aulani and have been three times since it opened. Booking is a bit tricky depending on when you want to go, but I was able to get a studio for the 4th of July week a few years ago. The main difference for me now is the driving. At Aulani, we have to rent a car and I end up taking the family to different activities. At WDW I don't touch a car (unless it is an Uber to get around slightly quicker) which is really nice for me considering how much business travel I do. Overall Hawaii is an amazing experience and I would strongly suggest it.