DVC benefits when you don't use points

[rickdeni]

I will not have enough points for Aulani in July so I called and made reservations for 6 nights in a 2 bedroom villa which is very expensive. There is a daily charge to park at Aulani but DVC members do not have to pay this.
Will I have to pay to park or will my membership card entitle me to DVC benefits?

 

[Cinderpamela]

Yes as a DVC Member you should be entitled to DVC benefits.....From Disney's Aulani website:

PARKING
Disney Vacation Club Members enjoy complimentary parking for up to 2 vehicles

http://resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort/about-aulani/guest-services/

Since you are staying on a cash reservation I would be sure to have it noted that you are DVC members.

As an aside... just wondering ... was there a reason you did not choose to rent or transfer points from another member? I know July can be hard to get at the 7 month mark, so perhaps a cash reservation was the only way to go, but I was just wondering.

 

[Chuck S]

The answer, actually, is no. You will NOT receive free parking for a cash reservation. From the DVC Member Website under Aulani Amenities:

"Convenient self-parking is available at no daily charge for up to 2 vehicles for Disney Vacation Club Members during your points reservation stay."

That would also be consistent with stays at the California villas.

 

[rickdeni]

Thanks for the info. I guess 6 nights parking is small in comparison to the overall picture. The reason I took a cash reservation is that it is very important that I secured Aulani as the grandchildren requested it and it is our 50th Anniversary.

 

[Cinderpamela]

Thanks for the info. I guess 6 nights parking is small in comparison to the overall picture. The reason I took a cash reservation is that it is very important that I secured Aulani as the grandchildren requested it and it is our 50th Anniversary.

That makes sense, I figured that was the reason. Sounds like its going to be a great trip! Congrats on 50 years!

As an aside I would still be sure to mention your DVC membership at the front desk.... it cant hurt to try especially since the main website does not specify even though the Member website does. Plus, you get some discounts on other things at the resort with your DVC membership card so be sure to print out the Portable Perks from the DVC site.

 

[rickdeni]

Thanks!!!

 

[Chuck S]

Yes, you should be able to get whatever discounts they offer, other than parking. Parking is covered in dues of the Aulani owners (and by extension, when non-home resort points are used), so if your aren't staying on points, you aren't using the dues for parking.

Other discounts, like dining and shopping, and so forth, are not dues funded and are granted as a courtesy by the participating merchant.