Buying Resale After Direct

[keaster]

We bought AKL direct in 2011, but are now considering adding on at Aulani via resale.

I understand that our resale points would not be able to be used for Disney collection, but that is a non-issue for us we never intended to use them that way.

I'm wondering about the new restrictions in terms of no access to dining or shopping discounts, no access to member events, etc. Since we already bought direct, I'm assuming we would still be able to get the discounts and access? Or say if I used my resale Aulani points instead of my direct AKL points to stay at Poly, will they tell me I can't get the discount in store?

Thanks! Just want to clarify before investigating further.

 

[disneynutz]

You bought direct so you are a special included person. Is it difficult to use WDW resort points to book Aulani? How are the dues and what about the extra tax. Any concern about storm damage and the extra seaside wear on the resort?

Bill

 

[keaster]

You bought direct so you are a special included person. Is it difficult to use WDW resort points to book Aulani? How are the dues and what about the extra tax. Any concern about storm damage and the extra seaside wear on the resort?

Bill

We have used our AKL points to stay at Aulani, and we've had no difficulty booking at 7 months...however, we have not been booking at peak times. We are thinking there may be times when we want to go over a holiday like Christmas when the 11 month window will be the priority.

The Hawaiian transient room tax isn't that expensive. For example this past March break the tax for 7 nights in a pool view 2-bedroom the tax was $141.12.

I haven't heard of much storm issues on Oahu. As for dues for 2017 they are $7.03/point but I'm hoping one with subsidized dues becomes available they are $5.29/point.

 

[icydog]

I saw a really great Aulani Points package with banked points, completely stacked for three years, and the right use year and the right price.

I thought about the high maintenance fees at Aulani compared to Orlando based Disney Vacation Club resorts. Since I live on the East Coast my trips to Hawaii would be few and far between. AND, Since I believe you should buy where you want to go I decided not to buy the contract. But the OP may live in CA or HI and my considerations would not mean a lot to her.

 

[keaster]

I saw a really great Aulani Points package with banked points, completely stacked for three years, and the right use year and the right price.

I thought about the high maintenance fees at Aulani compared to Orlando based Disney Vacation Club resorts. Since I live on the East Coast my trips to Hawaii would be few and far between. AND, Since I believe you should buy where you want to go I decided not to buy the contract. But the OP may live in CA or HI and my considerations would not mean a lot to her.

Actually we live in Ontario, Canada so definitely closer to east coast than west! We have fallen in love with Hawaii, even though it's a hike to get there!

 

[icydog]

Ok here I go. I love HI too but Aulani is certainly not my favorite resort. Marriott Ko Olina right down the street has much bigger and nicer rooms. There are several very nice restaurants on site and the grounds are open and beautiful. I stayed at Aulani and couldn't wait to get back to Ko Olina.

I'd wait to try another resort or two before plunking down the money on an Aulani contract. Look at how much that resort's points have depreciated in value. That should tell you something. It takes many, many Aulani points to stay in, even, a non-view villa. Rent your DVC points out one year for cash. Then use that cash to rent from a Marriott Owner. If you like direction on this give me a holler. I'd be glad to show you the way!

 

[Littlelulu01]

I just purchased a small subsidized contract at Aulani. The difficult rooms to get there are standard-especially the three bedroom and hotel rooms.

The transient accommodation tax is not part of the mf's. That's a good thing because Hawaii has been increasing this tax pretty regularly. There's no way out of the transient accommodation tax. If you want to stay at any resort or vacation rental on the island it's going to be assessed. The more expensive or more points the stay the higher the tax. At least with Dvc you avoid the $37/night parking fee and 4% general excise taxes.

It's a beautiful resort and while I will predominantly still stay elsewhere, the Aulani subsidized will get husband and I a very inexpensive standard hotel stay for extra trips or to extend a trip to break up long winters.