Aulani balconies? 2 studios vs. a 1 bdrm

[jekjones1558]

DSis and I are hoping to book at 7 months. If we even have a choice at that point, I am considering a studio for each of us rather than a 1 bedroom. We won't be cooking and the 2 studios would give each of us a real bed and our own toilet and shower. But our balconies would also be smaller and I am wondering if we might regret that (I am hoping o book OV)? Anyone want to share an opinion? I could do a 2 bedroom but I really hate to burn that many points for just the 2 of us. Sure wish that the Aulani 1 bdrms. had the extra bathroom like BLT and AKV.

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[wdrl]

The size of the Aulani studio balcony certainly didn't damper our enjoyment of the resort. The balconies at Aulani are a very decent size. They compare favorably in size to those you can find at BLT and Kidani Village. Our Aulani studio balcony was much larger than the balcony we had at BWV 5095, which was a one-bedroom that overlooked the quiet pool.

Unfortunately, I've gone through most of the photos on the Aulani Villas and Views thread and I can't find any good photos of a studio balcony. Even my own photos (see http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=46197332&postcount=136) don't give a good perspective of the balcony size.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

The size of the Aulani studio balcony certainly didn't damper our enjoyment of the resort. The balconies at Aulani are a very decent size. They compare favorably in size to those you can find at BLT and Kidani Village. Our Aulani studio balcony was much larger than the balcony we had at BWV 5095, which was a one-bedroom that overlooked the quiet pool.

Unfortunately, I've gone through most of the photos on the Aulani Villas and Views thread and I can't find any good photos of a studio balcony. Even my own photos (see http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=46197332&postcount=136) don't give a good perspective of the balcony size.

Are the studio balconies smaller than what is off the 1BR's? I did not think they were. Here's the only picture I have from the model studio that shows the balcony...

And off the living room of our 1BR:

 

[jekjones1558]

I see. I looked up the floor plans and it appears that the 1 bedrooms have 2 small balconies rather than 1 larger one, so 2 studios would essentially have an equal balcony situation. Maybe 2 studios would be good, if available. DSis and I might be ready for some separate space after sharing a 2 bedroom in Kona.

 

[wdrl]

Are the studio balconies smaller than what is off the 1BR's? I did not think they were. Here's the only picture I have from the model studio that shows the balcony...

No, the Aulani studio balconies are not smaller than off the one-bedrooms; they are the same size.

At Aulani, some villas have angled balconies and some are the traditional non-angled balconies. There has been some discussion on the Aulani Villas and View thread whether one type offers more space than the other. However, I don't think there is a noticeable difference.

One thing I know for sure: Our Aulani studio had more space than the balconies we had with studios at OKW, SSR, BWV, and VWL. And the view was much better, too!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

One thing I know for sure: Our Aulani studio had more space than the balconies we had with studios at OKW, SSR, BWV, and VWL. And the view was much better, too!

Agreed! Especially the last sentence!!!

 

[jel0511]

We had a 2 br lock off last summer. The balconies were basically the same size between the 1 bedroom and studio portion. The 1 br portion was just a double wide one that ran between the living room and bedroom. The studio one is big enough for one person.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

We had a 2 br lock off last summer. The balconies were basically the same size between the 1 bedroom and studio portion. The 1 br portion was just a double wide one that ran between the living room and bedroom. The studio one is big enough for one person.

And your lock-off was in the section of the building that is straight? We were in the angled section and had 2 separate balconies for the 1BR.

 

[jel0511]

And your lock-off was in the section of the building that is straight? We were in the angled section and had 2 separate balconies for the 1BR.

correct

 

[kvichi]

We had a studio and our lanai was plenty big enough for 3 of us. We pulled out one of the inside chairs. Our 3rd person is a small11 year old, but still enough space for all of us to sit and enjoy coffee and hot chocolate in the mornings.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I see. I looked up the floor plans and it appears that the 1 bedrooms have 2 small balconies rather than 1 larger one, so 2 studios would essentially have an equal balcony situation. Maybe 2 studios would be good, if available. DSis and I might be ready for some separate space after sharing a 2 bedroom in Kona.

I don't think it would matter either way, Jean. The two bedroom you are sharing in Kona is like an apartment, and the second bedroom is quite removed from the rest of the condo. I would probably go with the 1 bedroom in the case of Aulani. We found the bathroom situation to be perfect for two separate users. The vanity in the shower/toilet room is used by the person in the living room, and the master bedroom people get the vanity in the tub/closet room. We just really enjoyed the living room area of the Aulani 1 bedroom.

 

[jekjones1558]

I don't think it would matter either way, Jean. The two bedroom you are sharing in Kona is like an apartment, and the second bedroom is quite removed from the rest of the condo. I would probably go with the 1 bedroom in the case of Aulani. We found the bathroom situation to be perfect for two separate users. The vanity in the shower/toilet room is used by the person in the living room, and the master bedroom people get the vanity in the tub/closet room. We just really enjoyed the living room area of the Aulani 1 bedroom.

Okay. It sounds like I will have lots of great options when 7 month window opens. Can't wait. I had resigned myself to never being able to go to Hawaii again. And my DSis has never been to Hawaii, so she is beyond happy!

 

[G'sMaman]

Although having a full kitchen and w/d is a huge benefit, another reason to consider 2 studios is that the bathroom is not very private. The bathroom door between the bedroom and tub/toliet area have louvered doors/windows with open slats. While you can't see anything, sound does travel. In addition, because the bedroom door also has open slats, if one person is an early riser and the other is a light sleeper then you will definitely hear the other person rustling around the kitchen. It was great for us since we could hear my DD (who is 5) if she needed anything in the middle of the night. Regardless of your room choice, Aulani is a wonderful resort and we can't wait to get back.