Aulani Owners Thread - ALOHA!

[rparmfamily]

That I'm not sure of. I'm not sure what they include in the $99 per person fee other than the snorkeling. I wasn't sure if it meant beach loungers, stand up paddle boards,etc?

 

[4fosterkids]

We just returned Monday night from a week in Oahu - 4 nights at Aulani and 3 at Turtle Bay. We had an amazing time at the Aulani for the opening. It is absolutely gorgeous and hard to take it all in, in just 5 days. There is so much to see and do all around you, and we found it hard to leave the property to go do other sightseeing activities.

We stayed in the regular hotel rooms and they are really nice. The beds were fantastic. We were on the 2nd floor overlooking the lazy river. The sounds from our room of the waterfalls & hawaiian music were awesome and even though we were fairly low it was not loud from voices or other stuff at all. You must take the elevator to the 16 floor on both sides of the resort...the views are amazing. We were told at check in that the pool views were the most recommended views, which I found interesting. I had only picked that because I thought my kids would enjoy it..
We ate at least 1 meal at each restaurant. The breakfast buffet was fantastic, but we were unable to book the charactor buffet - neither online or at check in with concierge, which was a bummer.
We all loved the pools, lazy river and slides. Really fun for all ages.
We were disappointed in the constant prices of everything extra and it got to be a running joke within our group of travelers that everything was $35 extra.
Parking per day is $35 for self or valet.
There was very little pin trading going on (we are pin traders
I walked every morning at sunrise and it was just gorgeous. There is a fantastic path that goes down to the marina and there are lots of walkers & joggers.
There are lots of things offered for every age, but we seemed to always run out of time and didn't get to try alot of them...LOL kind of like the cruise line.
Try the Pog juice slushie...delicious!
The castmembers were so excited to share their knowledge of Hawaii and the resort and were fantastic. Even though it was opening week and they were tested by new questions & scenarios...they really did great and made our trip magical!
We can't wait to try and go back. There is a Target just down the highway and Kmart too. We stocked up on drinks & food there. Go to the Aloha swapmeet if you need souveniers (jewelry, shirts and anything Aloha!) Fun and fantastic prices

We liked Turtle Bay Resort too...but decided we should have gone their first because it was nowhere close to the Aulani and the kids all wanted to go back when they saw the pool...lol

 

[canadianminniemouse]

Thanks! Are they included in the $99 pp length of stay beach rental thing?

We were told that the Double Chaise Lounge Chairs are not included in the $99 Length-of-Stay Recreation passes. Rainbow Reef (snorkeling) and all other beach rentals are. My 8 year old son and I got those passes and snorkeled a few times and used the double kayak and did stand up paddling a few times. We also got an umbrella by our beach chairs for "free" with the Rec. passes. For us, the passes were worth it. My husband and 4 year old did not get them.

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[mkymsehi]

Reposting my report from another thread.


Aulani Resort Grand Opening first impressions. (August 29, 2011).
by Jeff Da Runner[/URL] on Monday, August 29, 2011 at 10:19pm

We arrived in the mid-afternoon to Aulani. We were greeted with "E Komo Mai Hale." (Welcome Home). Everything looked and smelled new.

Today was the Grand Opening, and we were there just to visit and take it all in. Prior to this, we had visited the Disney Vacation Club model units, and had a perimeter tour while still under construction. Our first of two stays will be this upcoming month.

After taking in the main hall, we walked around the viewing deck with overlooks the outdoor dining/bar area. Further away we could see the lazy river, and volcano mountain. We went back through the lobby, and passed the concierge and front desk areas, and the children's waiting room (TV, and a few fun activities).

There are hidden Mickey's, and hidden menehune's all over the place!

From there we found ourselves at the keiki pool playground. It was created with lots of imagination. My girls wanted to jump in, despite not having our swimsuits with us. Let me just say, the pools and hot tubs are EVERYWHERE you turn. Waterslides, river float, hot tubs, wading pools. And lets not forget the beach cove just a few yards away. I would guess there is an acre and a half or more of water activities. Tons of lounge chairs, and still lots of room left despite it being very crowded.

According to one of the lifeguards, wristbands are issued at check in. And that's how they enforce hotel guests using the pools, vs. day visitors. Towels are available in several locations around the pool.

Then there is a pay to enter saltwater snorkling pool. In one area you can look through the windows and see all the tropical fish, and an occassional swimmer go by. Pretty neat. WARNING: It's pricey either by the day, or length of stay price.

There is also a sting ray attraction that is free. But it seems like they open and close it throughout the day, to give the rays a break. Naturalists are there to give talks about the rays. Kids will love this.

There is bar to one side of the outdoor area, and guess what? Another pool!

Near this bar they have an evening hula show. We caught the very end of the act after dinner, and it was pretty good. It's crowded, so get there early to find lawn seating.

On the other side of the vast pool area, is another bar, and Ama Ama restaurant. We were to dine there so we continued touring knowing we'd come back that way.

We ventured into the keiki's Auntie's Beach House. Think the Oceaner's Club aboard any Disney Cruse ship. Lots of free, fun activities for the kids. There are several rooms within the club, with lots of space for the kids to roam. You just sign them in, and leave them as long as they want to stay. You are issued a pager to get buzzed should they want to come out, or in the event of an emergency. Very cool.

Now for you Adventurer's Club enthusiasts. There are artifacts from the Pleasure Island Adventurer's Club that completely decorate the movie room inside the Auntie's Beach House. So either you have to enroll your child to go see it, or take a complimentary tour.

While walking around, we saw a LONG line for photos with Mickey, Minnie, and Stitch. It was around 6 pm outside, and I knew there was no way we were going to stand in line and still make it to dinner. My girls were fine with standing off to the side, watching everyone else battle for their turn. And of course, there's Photopass opportunities around the resort!

Also for the family to explore, is an interactive scavenger hunt. You get a PDA device (not sure where), and you go hunting around for magical things. Very similar to Mission Kim Possible at EPCOT.

Now, back to dinner. The ambiance was great, as we were seated just before sunset. The food was very tasty, but for the prices, my appetite wanted more food. I had a "French" Maui Onion soup, seafood stew, my wife had the market priced fish, and my keiki had the ravioli and steak off the kids menu. Throw in dessert and a cocktail, and of course the check goes up. I wasn't shocked by the sticker price, having seen the menu online in advance.

There are two other restaurants, one a buffet, and one a quick service take out menu. I think all together there are three bars. There is a shave ice stand, and a small curios store near the volcano.

Following dinner we took a final stroll near the beach cove, and there was Hawaiian music being played by a trio, and a really nice firepit (propane) to sit by.

We hit the gift shop, and left with some pretty cool grand opening day, and DVC member merchandise. Because of the crowd, most Aulani items had signs that said, 2 items per guest. Pins and vinylmation were big sellers. I didn't see anyone leave the store without some package in hand. Pin trading takes place with any Cast Member working the cash register. They have pin books that you can look through. I already see a lot of the merchandise is already up for bid on eBay.

The craziest thing I did see was the re-fillable soda mugs. $32.99 for the length of stay. Uh, seriously? Folks, stop by the COSTCO or market in Kapolei, and pick up your groceries there. It's 10 minutes down the road. Or, pay a little bit more than the market, and shop at the ABC store across the street in the Ko Olina shopping center.

Self parking. Free for four hours if you spend $35 on food, drink, or souvenirs. Completely FREE to DVC club members. Just show your card to the valet desk. They scan your ticket, and you put it into the electronic machine at exit to lift the gate.

Highlights, we me Imagineer Joe Rhode, and Vice President Djuan Rivers. Both took a few minutes to talk to us, and really made us feel welcomed. Both were engaging with my girls, and made the greeting very special. Photos with both of them.

One minor disappointment was there are no DVC members discounts in the stores or on dining. We were told maybe in the future, but no discounts at this time.

We didn't check out the Spa or the teens activity lounge. We left those for next time we are there to explore even further.I hope you enjoyed this review. If there is anything else I can answer for you, just ask.

AlohaMick was with us, and several people asked to take photos with him. They all thought he was a riot. I explained how there are many traveling Mickey gnomes, and they were quite amused.

Footnote:
At this time there are no merchandise or dining discounts in any of the shops or restaurants. I asked several times, and kept getting the same answer "no."

They do have discounts for the spa if you are DVC, Kamaaina (local resident), or any parks annual pass holder. Annual pass holders also get a discount on rooms, so be sure to ask, and don't forget to bring your AP with you to show at check in.

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

Thanks for that great write-up! We're owners, but we weren't able to go this year. The folks who used our points for this year are at Aulani now, and from their emails, I think they are having a FANTASTIC time! Lucky ducks... the reservation I made for them was upgraded from an Island View studio to a Ocean View one-bedroom!

 

[SueTGGR]

Just stopping in to say HI! We bought add on points (adding to SSR, AKV and VGC) while we were on our cruise this last January. It was a nice way to do it, too. We are now booked for August next year and can hardly wait. Please keep posting your experiences here, all of you, owners or not.
One thing our DVC guide mentioned that the Pool View is a great view and maybe still have some ocean view. Anyone hear or see anything different? She is supposed to e-mail us when she gets back from her trip there but I have not heard back. It would save us a few points as we have the ocean view reserved for now.
OK, now I am going back to read ALL the posts.
Later,
Sue

 

[mkymsehi]

I am here at Aulani right now. We had a island view. We were barely in our room, so my 2 cents is save your points. Parts of two wings are still being worked on.

If you plan on sitting in your room, instead of going to the ocean, then book the ocean view.

We live on Oahu, and now have the option to use our SSR points here, rather than banking them.

 

[Podgieree]

Is there a thread somewhere that explains, easily, what in the world is going on with Aulani and how it affects the owners? We bought June 1, closed the 15th or so and have received no paperwork. Our guide just says "things take longer in HI" but I can't help but think it is related to the whole Jim Lewis/ dues mess.

I have edited this as I asked for more information initially when I posted, only to remember (it can take me awhile) that I could Google the requested information on my own. Here is the link that I found in case any of you are still in the dark as I was. http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.c...ation-resort-in-hawaii-faces-possible-losses/ When were at VGC on 8/30/11 I wondered why the salesperson in the lobby said that we could not currently buy at Aulani. He said that he didn't know why. We were curious, but not so much so that we did any research...until now. That's what I get for being on vacation during breaking news. Can't wait to check out the resort soon! Thanks!

 

[SueTGGR]

Not an Aulani owner but just booked our stay at the 7 month window. Oct 12-17 1 BR Ocean View!!!

Can't wait.

Wink13 - Can you post a few pictures of your view when you get back??? Please?? This is what we have booked for next year. I am a beach person and would sleep out on the sand if they would let me. But we are hearing that the other views are just as good.
Thank you and ENJOY!
Sue

 

[Frikitiki]

I put together this photosynth of Maka'ala so you can explore the detail

http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=31063146-95c0-4050-b3b0-344233f8979b

over 200 pictures were used to create it.

 

[Brancaneve]

Things DEFINITELY take longer in Hawaii....we bought on the Members Cruise last year, closed in October and have received nothing - I inquired a couple of months ago and was told everything is slower there, etc. etc. We finally show up on the Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances as having our deed officially recorded May 11, 2011, so hopefully we'll recieve our deed soon!

I am in the same boat as the previous poster. We added on on June 6 and recieved all of our paperwork, then told to dump all the papers and not send anything in. Since then, we have heard nothing unless someone was responding to a message I left. I started a thread about this. Many people that responded think that DVC must be in a lawsuit, and everyone must be tight lipped about this. I think that DVC should at least write a short letter asking for patience. My Dh and I are starting to rethink purchasing our add on.

 

[SueTGGR]

I am in the same boat as the previous poster. We added on on June 6 and recieved all of our paperwork, then told to dump all the papers and not send anything in. Since then, we have heard nothing unless someone was responding to a message I left. I started a thread about this. Many people that responded think that DVC must be in a lawsuit, and everyone must be tight lipped about this. I think that DVC should at least write a short letter asking for patience. My Dh and I are starting to rethink purchasing our add on.

I wonder if DVC is trying to figure out a legal way to up the fees they were under charging for. I am sure an accountant somewhere is getting VERY creative. Has anyone heard if they even resolved their problem other than firing a few of the higher ups? Personally, I would think to hold on to your contract in case you get through on the lower fees. We bought back in January on the Wonder (btw, those asking about the tiles we got one but a few months prior when we asked initially they said they only had a few left. Sometimes I wonder if it is Disney, DVC or the sales people. But that was something we didn't want to miss out on.) and it looks like we went through on April? And that was before the fiasco.
Good Luck!
Sue

 

[AZMermaid]

Yes, we asked our guide again a few weeks ago and he said all was fine, but nothing else. Our account is being debited and he was able to give me my passwords for dvcmember.com. When I logged in, I had a dues owed balance, but I have not gotten a paper bill for them yet. It still worries me since we have no closing documents yet (3 months after closing).

 

[mkymsehi]

I am a Hawaii resident, and DVC owner at SSR. Here's my 2 cents on the situation.

The local news reported that DVC will have to re-work the annual dues/maintenance fees, and it then goes to the State Tax Department for review and approval.

I read "in between the lines" that there will be lots of attorneys involved, meetings and likely public hearings before anything is approved. I'm sure it will be a costly procedure for Disney, and I would guess they will incure some sort of fine or penalty by the state.

Don't expect anything soon.

For those who bought in before the problem was announced in August, DVC will honor the signed contract on the dues, and not the eventual higher rate.

---------
On another note, I just stayed one night from Saturday to Sunday on my points. The hotel transient tax for the one night in a studio came out to $2.97. I was expecting it to be $10 from what I read on the tax department's form, but was surprised it was so low.

 

[SueTGGR]

For anyone who has been...do they have the Founding Member tiles on display? The Pohaku's? DH wants to see them ASAP but will probably have to wait until next Summer.
Night all!

 

[mkymsehi]

For anyone who has been...do they have the Founding Member tiles on display? The Pohaku's? DH wants to see them ASAP but will probably have to wait until next Summer.
Night all!

I checked for a friend on Saturday. DVC Cast Member said the founder's bricks have not yet been installed. Supposed to be down near the beach cove, near the beach rentals, on the hotel side of the public pathway. Not expected to go in until the end of the year.

I would think a better spot to put them would be the walkway coming up to the port corche', or on the lanai overlooking the Waikolohe Valley.

 

[Frikitiki]

I can confirm that they weren't put in on Saturday. Having the location to the left and right of the beach side entrance to the resort give everyone, including the general public the ability to see who chose to make Aulani their home resort early in the process.

This is what the location looks like: http://www.flickr.com/photos/frikitiki/6044323169/in/set-72157627437269616

 

[DisneyFan68]

I am in the same boat as the previous poster. We added on on June 6 and recieved all of our paperwork, then told to dump all the papers and not send anything in. Since then, we have heard nothing unless someone was responding to a message I left. I started a thread about this. Many people that responded think that DVC must be in a lawsuit, and everyone must be tight lipped about this. I think that DVC should at least write a short letter asking for patience. My Dh and I are starting to rethink purchasing our add on.

We are also in the same boat. We did receive a call from our guide about a week or so ago to update us on the status and she said it'll probably be another month or so before we can sign and close. She did say though that we'd be able to get our MF at the lower cost/subsidized so I was pretty excited!!!

 

[SueTGGR]

Those of you in Limbo about your Aulani points, did you hear anything recently? I read an article this week that it has all been cleared with the state of Hawaii and the dues will be $5.73 per point rather than the initial $4.31. Those that bought early will be given a credit for the difference. If you haven't seen it I will try & locate the article and post the link.
Later,
Sue
Edit: Here it is!
Orlando Sentinal Aulani Fees Article

 

[DisneyFan68]

Those of you in Limbo about your Aulani points, did you hear anything recently? I read an article this week that it has all been cleared with the state of Hawaii and the dues will be $5.73 per point rather than the initial $4.31. Those that bought early will be given a credit for the difference. If you haven't seen it I will try & locate the article and post the link.
Later,
Sue
Edit: Here it is!
Orlando Sentinal Aulani Fees Article

We haven't heard from our guide yet but hope to hear from her very soon!!! We assume it's because Disney hasn't figured out how they are going to handle the whole subsidizing of MF yet or at least announced it. I suppose once they do that we'll be hearing from our guide soon after. Has anyone else gotten a call back from their guide to close on Aulani?