Disney Hawaii (Ko Olina) Photo Update 4/7/09

[Anal Annie]

Where are the ships going to come in at?

Although many people are HOPING that DCL will tie the Wonder into the new DVC resort once it's home ported in LA they have not said that they're doing Hawaiian cruises. I would suspect if they DID (that would be great) they'd probably have to tender in there. I'm sure they could establish a small dock somewhere for that. OR they could stop in Honolulu and transport people to Ko'Olina by bus. There are a couple of options IF they go there.

 

[alldiz]

thanks so much for taking the time to post those pics

That beach looks georgeous.....Are there a few hotels sharing the beach?
thanks
Kerri

 

[snackyx]

Re: Disney Cruise ships. The big ships dock in Honolulu, and IF Disney deceided to use Hawaii as a port I suspect they would also use the exisiting piers in the city and transposrt to Ko Olina, about 20 miles.

The only other hotel in the Ko Olina area is the J.W. Marriott Ihilani, which is right next door to the DVC project. Marriott's Ko Olina is the Marriott Vacation Club (timeshare) project at the other end of the Ko Olina beach. In between there are currently two buildings which are privately owned condos. There still are two large undeveloped lots in this area that will most likely be developed once Disney is up and running--the Disney name will attract alot of visitors who otherwise would never venture to this side of the island and will, most likely, attract increased interest to the Ko Olina area.

 

[denegate]

I agree with some about the area, definetely not ideal. When I'm in Hawaii the last thing I'm thinking about is where's the closest Walmart or Safeway.

 

[jade1]

Never been there but this looks like it will be great when completed. Wont add on but hope to try to get in sometime.

I see some mountains down the coast. Was kind of hoping it had some in the background, but cant have everything. I'm sure the level area is why the beach is so nice.

 

[snackyx]

I agree with some about the area, definetely not ideal. When I'm in Hawaii the last thing I'm thinking about is where's the closest Walmart or Safeway.

If you find something better on this island for a resort send Disney an e-mail. Are you suggesting the other option on Oahu: Waikiki? That more resembles Chicago than a tropical resort.

Unless you are going to Maui, the other islands and VERY quiet, perhaps too quiet for a DVC resort.

Re: Safeway: it's close to the last thing I think about when in Hawaii, but if you are staying is a two bedroom condo, you will most likely want one nearby. It will, at some point, cross your mind.

First on my mind when in Hawaii: where do I get the best Mai Tai.

 

[RLRDA]

OP, thanks for posting the pictures! It's nice to see that work has started and is moving along.

Has there been any mention (officially) of how many DVC units the resort will have? I thought I read that part of the resort would be a hotel and part would be DVC? The artist renderings (that I can remember) looked like a couple of high rise buildings so I'm guessing that it will have a lot of villas.

 

[snackyx]

Last I heard it was about 400+ hotel rooms and 400+ DVC units...about 50-50.

 

[RLRDA]

Last I heard it was about 400+ hotel rooms and 400+ DVC units...about 50-50.

Just for comparison - do you know how many DVC units SSR has?

 

[tkitty]

The artists renditon is beautiful! I already asked DD if she'll take me. (She's the time share owner)
Scroll down a bit...
http://http://www.mouseplanet.com/8618/Disney_breaks_ground_in_Hawaii

 

[tbay]

thanks for the awesome pictures you have posted
we have also stayed at ko-olina and love it there
looking forward to seeing the disney resort finished

 

[disneymom8589]

This is so exciting! We can't wait!!

 

[mello]

This really gives us something to look forward to. We can't wait to go back to Hawaii! I see DH coming down with a possible case of Addonitis, if the point charts and cost are in the ballpark... and who would I be to argue?

 

[arthur06]

This really gives us something to look forward to. We can't wait to go back to Hawaii! I see DH coming down with a possible case of Addonitis, if the point charts and cost are in the ballpark... and who would I be to argue?

Isn't Disney pretty much left to sell Hawaii at whatever the current price is for other DVC properties that are being sold? Once you have assigned a value to your points, other then inflation, how could you really change them?

A lot, will also have to do with MF's. This could easily be in the above $8.00 per point on MF's as well. Considering that Vero is currently over
$6.00 and we are looking at 2-3 years until it opens. The $7.00 to $8.00 price is not unrealistic.

Now, that being said... a week in a one bedroom Ocean View could easily fetch 400-600 points per week.

 

[Anal Annie]

Now, that being said... a week in a one bedroom Ocean View could easily fetch 400-600 points per week.

Sounds like the Grand Wailea prices! If they put out point charts that are THAT high we will continue to book alternatives thru Costco or something. (Especially since Oahu is not our most fav. island!!) I know I can get a satisfactory room in Waikiki for $250ish / night if I want to go to Oahu... Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to try the new DVC resort there - but not for points that are THAT high. That is not very "family friendly". We'll pass if that's the case!!!

 

[Cliffside]

Thanks for the pictures. When is this resort supposed to open. I went to Hawaii for my honeymoon. At that time we said we would return for our 5th anniversary. That did not happen. We were married in 96 and have not been back since. Now hopefully we will be able to get there.

 

[Golden Rose]

I can't imagine point costs will be quite as high as 600 a week for a one bedroom, but I guess I could be wrong. We're currently planning to buy Hawaii points, but we wouldn't if we needed that many. Seriously, there are other HI timeshares to be had for much less money, and if DVC gets too out of line with them, then they won't be a viable option for many people.

We are a family that likes to vacation in Hawaii, although since DS was born, we haven't gone because we didn't want to take a toddler on the flight. (We also had family who lived in Hawaii for years, although the VOG has now driven them back to the mainland.) We are likely to buy a timeshare in HI in the next few years, although it is probably at least 3 or 4 years away. DVC Hawaii will get our money if we think it is a reasonable deal. It doesn't have to be a great deal, just not terrible, because I like the ability to use our points at WDW if we don't want to go even every three years. That is actually the biggest draw that DVC Hawaii has for us over other reputable timeshares in the islands, but it isn't a big enough draw to overcome a ridiculously high point requirement to stay there, particularly if combined with high annual dues. Hawaii has enough magic of its own that the Disney touch would be nice, but it isn't neccessary to our way of thinking.

I'm not particularly put off by it being on Oahu. I think all the major islands have something to offer. (Ok, I wasn't impressed by Molokai, but that was years ago, it might be better now.) Oahu is certainly the easiest for us to get to from Houston. (I consider non-stops a huge plus, particularly when traveling with small children.) I do hope Ko'Olina will still feel less touristy than Wakiki, even when all the resorts are complete and full.

 

[DiznyMagic]

that will be our 20th anniversary! you just gave me an idea

 

[kerickson]

Now, that being said... a week in a one bedroom Ocean View could easily fetch 400-600 points per week.

My guess is the point charts will be that high. They will probably only have Magic and Premier Seasons and VGC points for a 1BR are 390-463. 600 might be high, but I think Christmas week will be at least 500.

Sounds like the Grand Wailea prices! If they put out point charts that are THAT high we will continue to book alternatives thru Costco or something. (Especially since Oahu is not our most fav. island!!) I know I can get a satisfactory room in Waikiki for $250ish / night if I want to go to Oahu... Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to try the new DVC resort there - but not for points that are THAT high. That is not very "family friendly". We'll pass if that's the case!!!

That logic didn't stop them at VGC. Highest DVC point chart and you can book offsite hotels within walking distance for $100/night. Still a better deal than paying GCH cash rates, even with AP discounts. Last I heard GCH was still about 90-95% occupancy rates.
I think points will depend on where they set their cash rates. Disney will have a Hawaii experience unique to Disney (even without a themepark), so they will probably be able to set their rates pretty high... Hopefully I'll be able to use my SSR/VGC points there at least once as I don't plan on adding on.

 

[Anal Annie]

My guess is the point charts will be that high. They will probably only have Magic and Premier Seasons and VGC points for a 1BR are 390-463. 600 might be high, but I think Christmas week will be at least 500.



That logic didn't stop them at VGC. Highest DVC point chart and you can book offsite hotels within walking distance for $100/night. Still a better deal than paying GCH cash rates, even with AP discounts. Last I heard GCH was still about 90-95% occupancy rates.
I think points will depend on where they set their cash rates. Disney will have a Hawaii experience unique to Disney (even without a themepark), so they will probably be able to set their rates pretty high... Hopefully I'll be able to use my SSR/VGC points there at least once as I don't plan on adding on.

I think the VGC charts are outrageous too and would rather not blow my points on it. I haven't compared them, but I'm sure our points would probably go further to "trade" for Paradise Pier. We would really just need a bed for the night. I definitely have a limit as to what's worth it. We have been very happy with the Outrigger chain on the Hawaiian islands...I'm not above going back to the Outrigger Waikiki for $200 / night or something if we want to go to Oahu for a couple of nights. We are "points challenged" so might consider a night or two at Ko'Olina during the week...but will have to give it serious consideration once they release the point charts. It's just my own hangup I guess but I have limits. We also would never use points for a 1 bedroom...so hopefully we could "afford" a studio. It will be interesting for sure!!