Aulani Booking Question

[BobbiK]

We joined the DVC on our last cruise, and haven't booked anything yet. We are thinking about going to Aulani in 2017 - how difficult is it to get a reservation if it isn't your home resort? We will probably go during late May or early August due to work schedules......

Thanks!

 

[Girimama33]

It is not difficult really, especially if you plan on upgrading your view (don't have your heart set on standard view)...the likelihood of ocean or pool view being available increases.

 

[Ismo]

That's good to know. We actually would prefer an ocean or pool view, since we only plan on going to Aulani once. I hate the idea of being on a waiting list and worrying about flights.

 

[southerngirl528]

I don't own any interest in Aulani and have booked my 3rd trip for this September along with the Hawaii cruise. Because I was booking a very busy time around the cruise dates, the rooms I wanted 5 + months in advance were not available. I grabbed the one night that would work, though it was not my desired ocean view, and immediately wait listed for what I really wanted. I had 2 wait lists. One for the missing night I needed to match what I already had reserved and a w/l for 2 nights in an ocean view. I did go ahead and book a cash night in case neither w/l came through to complete my rez. The w/l just came through about 2 weeks ago! YIPPEE!!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Standard views around the cruise dates went quickly at 7 months, I grabbed an island view and there were still ocean views available then. I'll probably keep the island view.

 

[JoeA]

I've been three times (just left Monday!) and always got pool view at 7 months (mix of 2 bedroom and/or studio).

 

[Darklord77]

I had no problem getting a 1 bedroom in late May this year. Standard view booked up about 10-12 days prior to my 7 month mark. However, I was easily able to get Island view. Pool view and Ocean view were also wide open in the 1 bedroom category at 7 months.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

This is interesting, as I was also advised that the 'cheaper' rooms are harder to get - but in my experience it was the opposite. I was able to get both a standard studio and a hotel room for our upcoming August trip without difficulty, but only managed to secure an ocean view by moving my dates and 'walking', and each day I did it dead on opening at the window, and a couple of minutes after securing my reservation I'd check availability and it appeared as though I was consistently getting the last ocean view studio for my dates.

It sounds as though my case is unusual though, so I'd probably advise anyone desperate to stay in Aulani to make sure they've got enough points to book the most expensive room, but ultimately to 'grab' what they can get, when their 7 month window opens - for me, any room in Aulani would have been better than no room at Aulani, as it's the main reason for our hawaii trip.