Aulani Reservation Question

[oktracy]

Hello Everyone,

I am a new DVC member and I have just made my reservations this summer for Aulani. I was able to secure 5/7 days in two different room categories. All 5 days are consecutive I am wait listed for 7 days- SV and island view. I wanted to know if someone out there had advice for me regarding what to do with the 2 that we don't have reservations for.

1. Should I book a cash reservation at Aulani for the 2 open days and cancel if needed? It kills me to pay cash but I know the kids would prefer Aulani.
2. Book another hotel for the 2 open days perhaps in Waikiki and sight see?
3. Book 2 days at the JW next door for 2 days?

Does anyone have any suggestions. If my wait list does not come through. We will have to check in and out 3 time that week. It will be tough but hey we will be at the Aulani! By the way Aulani is terribly expensive. Anyone know of any way to get a deal? They are not giving out discounts on cash ressies for DVC members.

 

[living20057]

When are you planning to go?

 

[oktracy]

We will be traveling mid August 2012.

 

[oktracy]

We will be traveling mid August 2012.

 

[taaren]

You waitlisted for the two missing days right? It has a good chance of coming through if DVD keeps selling points then they will be declaring more inventory. A 7 day reservation has less chance of coming through.

Waikiki would be cheaper, but I'd vote for the Marriott next door just for the ease of moving. My college friend paid cash for just one night weekend before last at Aulani, and I was scandalized at the price even with our kama'aina discount.

 

[oktracy]

Thanks for your response Taaren. No, I did not wait list for the 2 days. I wait- listed for two, 1 week stays. Now that you mention it, I probably should wait list for the 2 days instead.

I did not want to change rooms 3 times that week but now I am rethinking my plan. We may stay for 2 or 3 days at the Hilton Hawaiian Village before heading to Aulani. I think my 8 year old shopahalic son would enjoy being in Waikiki in the middle of all the action. A pre-arrival stay at HHV is just a back up plan. I wanted more time in Hawaii this year.

I will also check out Marriott rates. If Aulani wasn't $600 per night for a pool/garden view room, I would pay cash for the 2 nights. To be honest, I actually have a tentative reservation for the 2 nights at Aulani but will likely cancel. I am willing to pay for convenience though. I am just having a hard time stomaching the price for a cash reservation given our DVC membership.

 

[living20057]

With the 5 days being consecutive, waiting just for two days could work for you. The back up plan could be a Waikiki hotel, but they will hold the waitlist until July. You could always cancel if it comes through.