Aulani in Disney Files Once Again - Summer Issue '10

[stopher1]

We just received our summer issue of Disney Files - and once more Aulani is prominently featured. However, (if this has been mentioned already I apologize, but it's the first I've actually seen it), both the article by Jim Lewis and the two page spread on the next pages actually state that the resort is planned "to feature 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club Villas, along with 360 traditional hotel rooms". It "confirms" what we've known pretty much all along, that the new resort will be a DVC destination. I know I've read in various threads that the speculation language has shown up in purchase docs, and of course it's been highlighted on DVCnews and other places, as well as the recent announcement of the new sales center to open later on in Tokyo, but I don't personally recall having actually seen something so detailed show up in actual DVC marketing info before now about the actual resort truly being a DVC property. If you have - that's awesome, I just haven't and wanted to share what I read today. Even this past weekend at the "Sea What's Next" event at Doorway to Dreams in Chicagol-land NOTHING was mentioned about Aulani. The article also states that opening is targeted for Fall 2011. The photo of the resort is an aerial, and shows a sweeping panorama of the area, and it also states that the volcanic outcropping and other thematic elements for the pool area will start showing up by September.

Edited to add:

I've certainly enjoyed researching it in various places online, and have enjoyed the various online updates that others have posted. And of course it was highlighted in a previous issue of the Files when they broke ground. So again - if you already knew this - GREAT! I didn't, at least not in any official capacity from DVC. My guide has been very mum on it, despite what some other members may or may not have experienced. And since this is not a resort my family wants to pursue acquiring points for - I haven't followed all of the threads or posts very closely. Sure we'd like to stay there, but we don't foresee owning there at all.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Ok, I'm a new member (just bought back in March).
What is DISNEY FILES? Something that comes in the mail, or something that we'll get via email?

 

[thepops]

It comes in the mail quarterly.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Well then I can't wait to get mine.

The ability to eventually stay at Aulani was one of the tipping points for our DVC purchase so I can't wait to see the new pics.

They probably didn't bring up Aulani at SEA WHAT'S NEXT. Ask yourself this question, why were they holding SEA WHAT'S NEXT? To get you to either purchase DVC new or to add on points for an existing member. If they played up Aulani, you'ld have people rationalizing - "I'll just wait to add on points when they start selling Aulani."

 

[stopher1]

If they played up Aulani, you'ld have people rationalizing - "I'll just wait to add on points when they start selling Aulani."

True, but very much like BLT was, it kind of has become the elephant in the room. Thanks to this and many other online forums and sites, the info about Aulani has been out there for a long time. And of course it was highlighted in a previous issue of the Files without actually being committed as having a DVC component or as a DVC resort, but rather, just something that Disney is doing out on the horizon as a stand-alone resort. They are always very vague when talking about possible future resorts.

BUT, they also want to be able to continue to keep thinking about adding on from them, not just picking up resales from existing members looking to downsize, or get out altogether. So keeping people intrigued with new stuff for the future is important, which of course is part of why Aulani will have a large DVC component to it. But being a timeshare, there are certain laws they have to abide by for disclosure purposes (dictating when they can and can't say anything in presentations and the like). Perhaps this announcement in print signals they have achieved some milestone under Hawaiian law that will allow sales to begin in the not too distant future.

Personally, while I do want to stay there in the future, I don't see us buying points there at all since going from the midwest to HI regularly is not something we plan to do. So mentioning it at "SWN" wouldn't have been any kind of a deal breaker (or enhancer) for us, perhaps to others though. Now if we still lived on the west coast, then yeah, owning at Aulani might be important to us, but not really living here in the heartland. I was, however, thinking they might make some mention of it, but of course was mistaken.

 

[tjkraz]

Disney has always been very open in stating that DVC villas were in the plans for Aulani. Going back to the first press release from October 2007, DVC was prominently mentioned as being involved in the resort:

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/hawaii--ko-olina-resorts-175/209-dvc-hawaii-press-release

Even the room breakdown (481 villas) was disclosed that far back, albeit not in that specific release.

The fact that current contracts state some form of "DVC Hawaii may not happen" is just the lawyers doing their jobs. Disney certainly has the intent to open 481 DVC villas in Hawaii, but there are an endless number of possibilities which could alter those plans. DVC fell victim to this back in the 90s when the marketed the Vero Beach resort as being about twice the size of what it is today. As a result, DVC is still subsidizing dues for members who bought with the understanding that the resort would be much larger.

Eagle Pines was also canceled after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and resulting decline in tourism. Without such a disclaimer, any buyers who purchased after the Eagle Pines announcement would have justification for saying that Disney made material changes to the DVC product after-the-fact.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Agree with your points stopher1.

I'm not sure I'm ready to get points at Aulani either, but DW might have other thoughts on that.

Our guide (we bought at the Woodfield Mall store back in March / April) DID mention Aulani when we were considering it.

 

[dvc_john]

They were pretty clear at the annual meeting in December that Aulani would be a DVC resort.

 

[stopher1]

Disney has always been very open in stating that DVC villas were in the plans for Aulani. Going back to the first press release from October 2007, DVC was prominently mentioned as being involved in the resort:

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/hawaii--ko-olina-resorts-175/209-dvc-hawaii-press-release

Thanks Tim. I do recall NOW reading that on your site, but that was a long time ago and I've slept since then, so when I saw it today, I was impressed to finally see it in print directly from DVC, not second hand on the web.

Our guide (we bought at the Woodfield Mall store back in March / April) DID mention Aulani when we were considering it.

And that's so fascinating - because my guide has been very, very coy about it, just as she was with BLT. Not giving up anything. The only possibility of staying in HI for her, in my conversations with her have been that there are multiple resorts available in HI to trade out and stay at.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

And that's so fascinating - because my guide has been very, very coy about it, just as she was with BLT. Not giving up anything. The only possibility of staying in HI for her, in my conversations with her have been that there are multiple resorts available in HI to trade out and stay at.

My guide had pix of Aulani (the artist concept sketch from the press release). He started talking about it AFTER I brought it up specifically.

I had done a TON of homework before going in. When he started throwing out staying at the other DVC resorts (including HH, VB, and Cali) I threw out there that Aulani was under construction. My DW perked up at that point because she has always wanted to go to Hawaii. He didn't spend a lot of time on it and didn't divulge anything that wasn't in the press release.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

That's funny they didn't mention it at Chicago. They did at the presentation we went to at BLT in Apr. And my guide was talking to me about it early this year and when they are expecting it to go on sale.

 

[curiouslittleoyster]

That's funny they didn't mention it at Chicago. They did at the presentation we went to at BLT in Apr. And my guide was talking to me about it early this year and when they are expecting it to go on sale.

Our guide has also been talking to us about Aulani quite a bit. In fact, he was trying to see if we should hold off on our VGC points and pick up a contract at Aulani instead since I vacation in Hawaii frequently. He said they will be done by Fall 2011 and will be selling the Aulani points very soon. DH and I will definitely be picking up points there as soon as they are available.

 

[jerseygal]

That RESORT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL/GORGEOUS/AWESOME!

Never been to Hawaii!!!

Can't wait God Willing our Sept/Oct 2013 Trip for our 30th Wedding Anniversary!

Can't believe we'll be "empty nesters then"!!!!

I'm sure I'll have to combine 2 years worth of points! Thats okay!!!! I'm sure the points will be high!

Can't wait to start seeing a lot of pics!

 

[bearpele]

We will be buying since we have been stationed in Hawaii twice during my spouse's military career and consider Hawaii to be a second home.

 

[Deb & Bill]

So out of the entire Disney Files, there are about five to six pages of DVC information. All the rest is generic Disney info. Why not just send this stuff out to everyone who goes to Disney? It's not a DVC member magazine anymore.

 

[ACDSNY]

That RESORT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL/GORGEOUS/AWESOME!

Never been to Hawaii!!!

Can't wait God Willing our Sept/Oct 2013 Trip for our 30th Wedding Anniversary!

Can't believe we'll be "empty nesters then"!!!!

I'm sure I'll have to combine 2 years worth of points! Thats okay!!!! I'm sure the points will be high!

Can't wait to start seeing a lot of pics!

I hope all works out for your 2013 trip, from one 30 yr anniversary empty nester to another!!! The Fall is a great time to go. We spent our 30th anniversary at Kauai last Feb. It was the first long trip for just the two of us in almost 28 years.

 

[jagson]

So if they anticipate a Fall 2011 opening, then when do you think they'll start DVC sales, or start taking reservations? Does anyone think non-resident DVC members have a chance of reserving a 7 month-window stay in the early years of the resort, let alone the first year of business?

 

[lilpooh108]

So if they anticipate a Fall 2011 opening, then when do you think they'll start DVC sales, or start taking reservations? Does anyone think non-resident DVC members have a chance of reserving a 7 month-window stay in the early years of the resort, let alone the first year of business?

Not sure when they'll start sales, but on the website it says that you can contact Disney to start planning weddings as of Fall 2010, which I interpret/guess it means that *cash* reservations may be made around the same time (b/c how can you plan a wedding unless they let you make room ressies?) Just a guess, could be wrong...

 

[jerseygal]

Really hope that a non Hawaii DVC'er can make a 7 month reservation
for September, 2013! Maybe by then, the excitement will "die down"?

Or, it can go the other way! If the resort is as beautiful as it is planned, maybe more members will want to splurge on points???


My guess is it will be high point usage, but I'll combine 2 yrs and should be okay!

Can't wait! Wow, it looks SO AWESOME! I THINK THIS WILL BE DVC'S BEST PROPERTY!

Hope that DVC'ers will have access at 7 mos out!

 

[Deb & Bill]

...Can't wait! Wow, it looks SO AWESOME! I THINK THIS WILL BE DVC'S BEST PROPERTY!

Hope that DVC'ers will have access at 7 mos out!

I think DVC is going to have to make this their best property in order to get the sales. It will be too difficult for most members to get there.