Aulani week before Christmas

[heymickey!]

We are thinking about booking a one-bedroom, any view, at Aulani Dec.15-22 (the week before Christmas). Does anyone have experience with what the crowds will be that week and also if booking DVC at the 7 month window is a possibility? Thanks!

 

[iheartcoasters]

Normally this is our preferred time to go. The crowds are a bit lower but still works within our winter break schedule for school. I would say you have a good shot that the beginning of that time window will be slower. Christmas falls on a Monday in 2023 so there is a full week of kids most likely being out for winter break this year prior to the Christmas holiday. It could be busy both weeks. If I had to choose which of those two weeks at the end of the year, that's the week I'd choose.

 

[pelequeen]

Just got back from dec 17-23. Seemed like typical crowds. We had bad weather two days so everyone was out and about on the sunny days. Longest lines on the first sunny day after the rain, but nothing unbearable. Get your pool wristbands the night before and you won’t have to wait in a long line!

But, on rainy days, we had shortest lines for character meets—possibly bc they relocated meets to the ballroom and the only way to know that was to call the Toon line extension (Ie, not updated on app).

You Will definitely have to hunt for chairs if that’s what you’re hoping for. Beach was less busy. I highly recommend just using the cubbies to store stuff so that leaves you freedom to move from pool to pool or slide.

Recommend going to dinner on the earlier end to avoid crowds, esp at places across from the resort. Had no trouble being seated quickly before 5.

I’m still having post vacation depression. Ready to go back again!

 

[pelequeen]

Also we booked at 11m window. I would assume that’s gonna be a popular time so 7m might be too late. Maybe there may be more one bedrooms.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

As far as 1BRs in that time period go, historically Standard View 1BRs are missing multiple days shortly after the 11 month window opens. Island Gardens sticks around longer, but the week will have holes before the 7 month window opens. Poolside and Ocean View can happen, but demand is very high (yes, even for 1BRs - Aulani skews a little versus many DVC properties because the value of the kitchen is so high in Hawaii and in Ko'Olina when considering food costs and proximity), and it becomes a matter of speed at 8am when the window opens.

 

[Sydnerella]

As far as 1BRs in that time period go, historically Standard View 1BRs are missing multiple days shortly after the 11 month window opens. Island Gardens sticks around longer, but the week will have holes before the 7 month window opens. Poolside and Ocean View can happen, but demand is very high (yes, even for 1BRs - Aulani skews a little versus many DVC properties because the value of the kitchen is so high in Hawaii and in Ko'Olina when considering food costs and proximity), and it becomes a matter of speed at 8am when the window opens.

When exactly does the booking window open for DVC? Is it exactly 7 months from the date of arrival? So 7×30 days? Or just the beginning of the month that they wish to book?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

When exactly does the booking window open for DVC? Is it exactly 7 months from the date of arrival? So 7×30 days? Or just the beginning of the month that they wish to book?

Exactly 7 months. So a booking to begin 7 December could be booked 7 May.