Aulani vs. AKV - Bait and Switch??? - UPDATED with resolution!

[Dean]

I am pretty sure DH is not lying because he's the one set on Aulani. It is possible that he misunderstood, but knowing him I doubt that. I would have been willing to go AKV (it's my favorite WDW resort). He really wants Hawaii.

I was pretty sure I knew who to vote for the white and black hat in this situation. If you like AKV, why not go resale then do a HI add on.

 

[MamaDrama]

I think I convinced DH to buy at AKV with less pts and then add on in HI (hopefully when we are there). We don't consider resale a good option for us because we would be using our points more often for DL stays than WDW and would like to have the option of booking the other DL hotels since it's said to be difficult to get VCG at 7 months.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I think I convinced DH to buy at AKV with less pts and then add on in HI (hopefully when we are there). We don't consider resale a good option for us because we would be using our points more often for DL stays than WDW and would like to have the option of booking the other DL hotels since it's said to be difficult to get VCG at 7 months.

 

[Dean]

I think I convinced DH to buy at AKV with less pts and then add on in HI (hopefully when we are there). We don't consider resale a good option for us because we would be using our points more often for DL stays than WDW and would like to have the option of booking the other DL hotels since it's said to be difficult to get VCG at 7 months.

Since the cash exchanges like DCL and the DC are not a good value, I don't think it's a good financial move to buy with the intent of using them. It sounds like your best option is to buy VCG points and then do an add on for HI, at least based on your stated plans and intent.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Since the cash exchanges like DCL and the DC are not a good value, I don't think it's a good financial move to buy with the intent of using them. It sounds like your best option is to buy VCG points and then do an add on for HI, at least based on your stated plans and intent.

Thanks, Dean, I got lost. i didn't understand, why buy at AKV, if you wanted to stay in Cali or Aulani

 

[MamaDrama]

Would we have to go resale then to get VCG? That would be a good choice but I thought it was sold out.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Would we have to go resale then to get VCG? That would be a good choice but I thought it was sold out.

You can click on the timeshare banner, at the top of this page. There are resales for VcG. Normally, resales are a bit cheaper.

 

[AllyBri]

I am pretty sure DH is not lying because he's the one set on Aulani. It is possible that he misunderstood, but knowing him I doubt that. I would have been willing to go AKV (it's my favorite WDW resort). He really wants Hawaii.

I don't believe that DH is lying either and I'll tell you why.
Once you returned to the room (saying it happened as the guide said) the guide would have to let you know what was said when you left the room. DVC-Disney wants both parties to be on the same page, because they don't want any mixups as happened in your case.

I would report this guide to DVC. You're probably not the first.

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

you have 10 days! just call and you will need to fax a statement to Quality Assurance. within the 10 days.

 

[Dean]

Thanks, Dean, I got lost. i didn't understand, why buy at AKV, if you wanted to stay in Cali or Aulani

I think they didn't think it was possible to buy there because it's "sold out" and that's their WDW preference. The truth is that AKV will be the cheapest option by far but it will create risk and uncertainty, much like buying HH or VB to go to WDW. Come to think of it, compared to buying retail, taking the risk on HH points isn't that bad a choice compared to buying AKV in this situations, VB and the dues is another matter. Another option for them, one that's likely even better for many, is to look at non DVC options for HI such as Wyndham, Westin or Marriott.

Would we have to go resale then to get VCG? That would be a good choice but I thought it was sold out.

I'd go resale but the difference (savings) will be less than many other resorts since it's newer. Even if it's "sold out" there will be a wait list and as we've discussed in another thread these last few days, sold out does not necessarily mean sold out. I would not buy AKV retail in your situation given that is seems most of your trips will be to HI or CA, both harder to get into than AKV in all likelihood. I don't know how often you're looking at traveling or how many points you are thinking but multiple home resorts is often a good idea such as the buy CA and add HI noted above. There are so many variables that it's really hard to know what's best for you, esp when HI is in the mix and given your location. My impression is you're looking at small but periodic trips to CA and bigger slightly less periodic trips for HI. If you end up looking at resale, contact several brokers and get on their lists as well if they don't have a contract now that fits your needs.

There is one more variable for HI, that is the fixed week option. If you're looking at full week increments and want a higher demand time like mid summer, Xmas, Easter, President's week, spring break, etc OR you're set on a better view; you might want to consider it. As I understand it, you can lock in your week starting on a Sunday and lock in a view for 10% extra and you can take points on any years you're not using it.

 

[Dean]

you have 10 days! just call and you will need to fax a statement to Quality Assurance. within the 10 days.

I got the impression they hadn't actually signed to purchase.

 

[MamaDrama]

We have not signed to purchase. We have given them our initial deposit and received the big paperwork packet via fed ex. It was upon opening the fedex box and seeing everything written for AKV that we found the problem. There is a form in the package that is for canceling the sale. Our Guide never did call us back yesterday and said in her message to us that she would not be in today or tomorrow so we are waiting till at least Tuesday to speak to her. So now we take these couple of days to do more research and be truly sure of what's best for us! Thank you all so much for the info!! We had no idea of the fixed week option till it was mentioned here.

 

[Dean]

We have not signed to purchase. We have given them our initial deposit and received the big paperwork packet via fed ex. It was upon opening the fedex box and seeing everything written for AKV that we found the problem. There is a form in the package that is for canceling the sale. Our Guide never did call us back yesterday and said in her message to us that she would not be in today or tomorrow so we are waiting till at least Tuesday to speak to her. So now we take these couple of days to do more research and be truly sure of what's best for us! Thank you all so much for the info!! We had no idea of the fixed week option till it was mentioned here.

It's good that you'll be more informed no matter what you decide to do.. It sounds like you signed a contract to purchase, if you didn't, there was no reason for a deposit or to cancel. I'm not sure the cancelation period for CA but for FL it's 10 days. I'd call today and speak to a supervisor rather than waiting. IF they were intentional on the problems, they may intentionally drag you out until you can't cancel, at least not without losing your deposit. I find it difficult to figure how this could have been an honest mistake based on the info you've given to us.

The fixed week is a great option for some, a wasted expense for others. But if one wanted say Xmas or NY routinely or even mid summer and the view mattered, it'd be worthwhile for someone who could afford it. A 2 BR OF can be upwards of $90K for a week but it guarantees your reservation. Also, you might be able to buy if you have a relative or friend who lives in another state.

 

[MamaDrama]

It's good that you'll be more informed no matter what you decide to do.. It sounds like you signed a contract to purchase, if you didn't, there was no reason for a deposit or to cancel. I'm not sure the cancelation period for CA but for FL it's 10 days. I'd call today and speak to a supervisor rather than waiting. IF they were intentional on the problems, they may intentionally drag you out until you can't cancel, at least not without losing your deposit. I find it difficult to figure how this could have been an honest mistake based on the info you've given to us.

Ok, I just checked the paperwork and it says "If you decide to cancel your purchase you must notify the developer in writing of your intent to cancel within seven calendar days of receipt of the public report or the date you signed the purchase contract, whichever date is later" Is the public report the info in the giant packet we got via fed ex? If yes, we have 7 days from this past Thursday. f it's the date we gave the deposit, it was last Sunday which is 8 days ago???!!! Are we screwed? I am calling now!

 

[MamaDrama]

But the purchase contract (which we have not signed) says we can cancel 10 days after signing the contact. We have not signed the purchase contract as it is sitting in front of me!

What we gave them was a $500 escrow initial deposit. No actual contracts were signed last weekend.

I just spoke to QA and they are like "you can cancel, you have not signed your contract but we should be able to just switch the paperwork for the resort you want" so I say that our Guide said we can't purchase Aulani and she said she would have a sales manager call me back. I am waiting.

 

[Dean]

Ok, I just checked the paperwork and it says "If you decide to cancel your purchase you must notify the developer in writing of your intent to cancel within seven calendar days of receipt of the public report or the date you signed the purchase contract, whichever date is later" Is the public report the info in the giant packet we got via fed ex? If yes, we have 7 days from this past Thursday. f it's the date we gave the deposit, it was last Sunday which is 8 days ago???!!! Are we screwed? I am calling now!

Go ahead and call but it should be from when you received the box assuming they didn't give you the required legal package on the day you signed originally which it sounds like they didn't. IF you didn't sign a contract at all, then you have no obligation. At least you're figuring out where you stand and will be far closer to what works best for you and your family. Good luck and let us know what happens.

 

[bethy]

As a current AKV and VCG owner whose travel patterns are very similar to yours, here are my thoughts:

- first off, I would not want to interact with that guide ever again - and I esp would not wait around till Thurs to talk to her

- We bought AKV points before we truly understood how DVC really worked and we regret it - we've been able to use those points so far at VGC and Aulani so far but I hate that there is no guarantee of that. We just don't go to WDW often enough to own there. And there are soooo many rooms there - it's pretty much always possible to book a room there - so why own at WDW at our case? We wish all of our points were at VGC. We are staying at Aulani in Dec and will then decide if we want points there. Probably not - we'd rather buy more VGC points instead. Aulani is huge and it's expensive to travel there for many people and so I think it will be always fairly easy to book at 7 months - except maybe at Christmas.

- We won't buy resale either for the reasons you described. However, keep in mind that they could change things at any time to where you won't be able to use points at the DLR hotels. Or at least they might start charging a fee to do so like they do at WDW. However, with that said it would be SUPER painful to pay retail for AKV right now since I believe you can maybe get it for $70-ish per point (or less?).

- If I were you I'd get myself on the wait list to buy VGC points directly from Disney - they don't advertise this but it is something they do. It might take a couple of months but they should be able to sell you points for the use year and amount you desire.

- In my case, in a perfect world I would have all my points with VGC and take my chances elsewhere with Aulani and WDW. Or I'd get a combo of Aulani and VGC - direct from Disney.

 

[Ms.Mouse]

I got a message back from my guide saying that when I left the room to get my son she discussed with my DH that they are not selling Aulani and they agreed to AKV. DH says nothing of the sort was ever discussed!!!! I am REALLY pissed right now!

Sounds like a problem with the guide...I, myself, would demand a new guide! I love my guide and I never had a problem with him at all...In fact, when I first bought points, he started me off a little conservatively and then I called him and added more points! I wouldn't bother with this guide again!

 

[kikiq]

I'm sorry that what should be an exciting anticipation is turning out to be so stressful. I was the one that mentioned that there were NO Aulani sales until DVC and the State of Hawaii settle some paperwork. Our guide was really clear that she could only take orders that weekend in order to take advantage of the incentives. Go ahead and cancel the contract. I too echo all the PPs who say don't wait for your guide. Call QA and a supervisor tomorrow am!

 

[alice99]

Did you look at the original paperwork you signed, when you gave the 500$ deposit? Does that say AKV?? .... or was there no paperwork signed at that time?? I can't remember my transaction when I purchased.

I'm just curious to see exactly when the bait and switch occurred.

This is a very interesting thread to me, I am curious to see how it turns out.

I wouldn't worry though, you will easily be able to cancel. Then you can wait for the Aulani points to become available to buy. Once the issues are settled between DVC and Hawaii, you can get exactly what you want.