Difference between RCI Hawaii & Aulani

[Smile]

Difference between RCI Hawaii Resorts thru DVC vs Aulani

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Thinking of buying Aulani, but was wondering why buy if there are other Hawaii resorts thru RCI I can trade with my existing points?

I know where is a $95 fee for RCI, but end up with more annual dues if I do another add-on. DVC has been switching the points where it is less likely to save on weekday trips....
Does any of these Hawaii resorts have an on-site lagoon like Aulani?
After a few trips, I would think we want to do more. With WDW resorts we can change resorts and go to the parks each time we go...Here - it's one resorts.

The sales rep says they don't offer Magical Express for Aulani? No plans for on-site car rental. This site will compete with the many other timeshares there who cost less but lifetime membership.

Why buy in? I really wanted too, but now I'm on the fence.

Here is a link of what Aulani has to offer --
http://www.dvcexplorer.com/QM/

Any comments back really appreciated.
Confused.
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[JimMIA]

RCI has a total of 86 resorts in Hawaii, but I'm sure only a small number of those are obtainable with a DVC exchange.

If you only think you would want to go a few times, or every 3-5 years, I think I'd look into renting a timeshare through TUG, Redweek, eBay, or RCI themselves if you're an RCI member.

 

[Dean]

Difference between RCI Hawaii Resorts thru DVC vs Aulani

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Thinking of buying Aulani, but was wondering why buy if there are other Hawaii resorts thru RCI I can trade with my existing points?

I know where is a $95 fee for RCI, but end up with more annual dues if I do another add-on. DVC has been switching the points where it is less likely to save on weekday trips....
Does any of these Hawaii resorts have an on-site lagoon like Aulani?
After a few trips, I would think we want to do more. With WDW resorts we can change resorts and go to the parks each time we go...Here - it's one resorts.

The sales rep says they don't offer Magical Express for Aulani? No plans for on-site car rental. This site will compete with the many other timeshares there who cost less but lifetime membership.

Why buy in? I really wanted too, but now I'm on the fence.

Here is a link of what Aulani has to offer --
http://www.dvcexplorer.com/QM/

Any comments back really appreciated.
Confused.
__________________

It is a personal decision but depends on what you want out of it. Do you want to go to HI more every year, if so, how long, unit size, what island? Trying to use DVC for frequent HI options is likely not a good choice, certainly not for the RCI exchange options. You may want to wait and see how available HI is through DVC directly.

 

[Brian Noble]

If you can plan far enough in advance, I'm guessing that many of the HGVCs are a better bang for buck than Aulani will be, because of the fixed crossover grid. But, you have to plan *in advance*---as in, more than a year. HGVC bulk-banks very very early.

It's also an open question whether or not the HI RCI alternatives will still be available to DVC members after Aulani opens.

 

[downontheBW]

Brian, what to you mean by fixed crossover grid? I've seen many units available at HGVC HI through RCI and hope to snag one in a year or two (with a different ts deposit).

As others have said, it depends on what you want. If you want to go to a resort on a lagoon with the facilities Aulani will have, I don't know of an equal in HI through RCI. Maybe one of the HGVCs on the Big Island but I don't know for sure as I haven't stayed there. HGVC in Waikiki was really nice but many people prefer being in a quieter area when in Hawaii; we love Waikiki so a trade into HGVC there would be great - although its tough getting a pool chair .

If DVC ever switches from RCI back to II, then you'll have a different set of resorts to choose from. Then Marriotts may be an option but probably hard to get.

The sound advice is, "Buy where you want to stay". We love Hawaii and have been there 5 times but switch off on islands. Each has its own identity and I wouldn't want to be tied down to just one.

 

[Dean]

If DVC ever switches from RCI back to II, then you'll have a different set of resorts to choose from. Then Marriotts may be an option but probably hard to get.

I don't think that's what Brian means. I suspect he's saying that DVC may institute a regional block like they do in Orlando thus removing the RCI options on Oahu from the trade list. I doubt they will given the specifics but I could certainly see it happening.

 

[Brian Noble]

Brian, what to you mean by fixed crossover grid? I've seen many units available at HGVC HI through RCI and hope to snag one in a year or two (with a different ts deposit).

To exchange into RCI a DVC member turns in a fixed number of points based only on size and season---but not destination demand. If I remember correctly the points required to exchange into a red season two bedroom is less than Aulani requires, and some of those HGVC properties are truly lovely.

 

[downontheBW]

Oh, okay. I think I see what you mean Brian; so a trade into HGVC could be a good deal even when trading DVC. Thanks for the clarification.

Dean, I hadn't thought of the regional block - thanks for pointing that out. Glad I'm searching RCI with a different deposit than DVC.

 

[Brian Noble]

Well, it's still not the *best* deal (using an inexpensive trader would be better), but you'd use less points on an exchange than with a stay at Aulani. Naturally, you're also subject to the usual caveats about availability etc.

One strategy might be to put in an exchange request a year or two in advance, and if nothing comes through try to book at the 7 month mark.