Direct me, advise me, re: Aulani

[scarlet_ibis]

Hi everyone! I think mostly I may need direction to another forum, but maybe you have some advice as well.

We're not DVC members (but have enjoyed several stays with my parents who are owners), but I'm looking at possible trips for next year with Hawaii being one of the destinations I'm interested in.

(1) Is there a place on Disboards where there's general discussion of Aulani, particularly as it relates to cash-paying guests?

(2) Is there a better strategy than playing cash? Pricing it out now, it's $474 per night (IF I put in my DS's age as 2... in fact, his 3rd birthday is 2 weeks before our arrival date, however if I list his age as 3, it jumps to $1,555 per night!!! NO WAY! His sleeping needs will not change THAT much in two weeks! For $13k plus airfare and car rental, and food, forget it. I'll go somewhere else.). I know there's no historical data for Aulani, but is there a AAA discount? Would it be much more economical to rent points from a member?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Can you rent from an Aulani owner?

 

[scarlet_ibis]

Can you rent from an Aulani owner?

I don't know... That would be on the rental board, right? I haven't scoped that out to see if anybody has theirs up or how much that might run me. Do I have to rent from an Aulani owner, or could I rent from ANY DVC owner, as long as the points are still valid and available the week we want to go?

 

[DenLo]

Here's what the AAA website says about Aulani discounts.

http://www.disneywebcontent.com/dcc/7999/9f88d4a71bcbf210VgnVCM100000d864a8c0RCRD/

AAA Disney Magic Moments® Savings
You can save 10% off the non-discounted room portion on packages at the Aulani Resort, that includes at least one package component, based on availability. No discount will be available during Holiday Season (Dec 17-31)

Not much of a discount.

As to your three year old. Won't he be eligible to stay at Aunties Beach House at age three if potty trained? That might be why the cost goes up.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I don't know... That would be on the rental board, right? I haven't scoped that out to see if anybody has theirs up or how much that might run me. Do I have to rent from an Aulani owner, or could I rent from ANY DVC owner, as long as the points are still valid and available the week we want to go?

Only Aulani owners can book 11 months ahead. All others have to wait until 7 months ahead, and that could be more difficult to get your dates. When are you planning to travel?