Future of Aulani

[MouseOfCards]

Looking at the future, with Four Seasons on one side and Atlantis (said to be the most expensive resort ever built) on the other, what does this mean for Aulani?

The obvious negative is that too much competition confined to one area will force Aulani business and DVC sales and values to decline. (Maybe it will be good for DVCers since it will make bookings easier?)

The opposite viewpoint is that with more visitors coming to the area, everyone will want to stop by Aulani just to take a look, and perhaps will be blown away by what they see and decide to purchase DVC there, if still available, which will push up DVC sales and values. And people staying at Aulani will most likely choose to visit Atlantis (I heard Atlantis sells day passes for their pools at other locations), and like it, but Atlantis will probably be hotel only, no timeshare option, and their rooms will be just as expensive as Aulani, if not more.

My understanding is that Four Seasons will also include timeshares, but I would consider them an upscale version of the nearby Marriott, so don't expect them to really hinder Aulani DVC sales.

Anyone have thoughts on this? And can someone provide information on percentage of Aulani DVC that has been sold, and how much profit Disney is making on the resort?

 

[Supplanter]

A lot of that info isn't released. I was just at aulani and they wouldnt say what percentage was sold etc...
Aulani is what it is, great for families. The real benefits are auntys beach house and the family friendly activities and entertainment. Other resorts will out do their pools, food, etc.... And it's hawaii, there is plenty to do on hikes, at the beach, in the city, etc... For anyone looking for something besides family activities.
However, aulani will always have an appeal to people with young kids who trust Disney to put on some great fun and facilitate a fun get away.

 

[Ohana2011]

Having been to properties held by all three, I don't think Aulani will hurt as much as ppl think. Initially - perhaps. Each Corp. offers something very different in experiences. Atlantis will likely offer day passes for purchase as they do in the Bahamas. For me, I would stay at Aulani, spend a day at the Atlantis, and have a meal at the Four Seasons. My main meals and stay would be Aulani though. Think of it... In Orlando we have the Four Seasons on Disney property and Universal nearby... And Disney is doing very well. Of course, time will tell - but IMO Disney will do well.

 

[DenLo]

They have announced before that the other property next door will be developed by the Atlantis owners but fell apart as they couldn't have gambling. I understand that a Chinese company recently acquired the Atlantis brand and once again they want gambling. Compared to the other Atlantis properties that track of land is very small. And I am not sure that the Hawaiians will vote for gambling and whether Atlantis will see it is profitable with the casinos is another factor. So I'll believe it when they break ground.

The Four Seasons is also a much smaller hotel with a different set of clients--ones that luxury is a must with price not really a factor. They were still doing lots of construction outside while we were there in February. The entire pool area was pulled and they hadn't even dug a hole for the new one, just moving lots of earth around. The area behind the building is much smaller than Aulani so the pools will have to be pretty small in comparison. But I have seen some really creative and guest friendly pools in small areas at hotels in Hawaii. I think that the addition of the restaurants at this hotel will be a plus for Aulani. It will make people understand that Aulani is not as overpriced as people post.

Aulani has been embraced by the locals and I think that factor will make a big difference with it's success. Add it its appeal to families and it is a win-win situation. Aulani's real problem right now is that the Japanese economy is keeping them from investing again in Hawaii timeshares. DVC knows that the large number of DVC members that live east of the Mississippi have no interesting in traveling west as they have shown that time and time again so there was never any great expectation for those old members to purchase Aulani. Aulani is all about getting new members to join.

 

[MouseOfCards]

A lot of that info isn't released. I was just at aulani and they wouldnt say what percentage was sold etc...
Aulani is what it is, great for families. The real benefits are auntys beach house and the family friendly activities and entertainment. Other resorts will out do their pools, food, etc.... And it's hawaii, there is plenty to do on hikes, at the beach, in the city, etc... For anyone looking for something besides family activities.
However, aulani will always have an appeal to people with young kids who trust Disney to put on some great fun and facilitate a fun get away.

Hmmm, so DVC sales are a closely guarded secret? You're right in that it is very family oriented and family friendly, with the mouse-stamp to boot.

 

[MouseOfCards]

Having been to properties held by all three, I don't think Aulani will hurt as much as ppl think. Initially - perhaps. Each Corp. offers something very different in experiences. Atlantis will likely offer day passes for purchase as they do in the Bahamas. For me, I would stay at Aulani, spend a day at the Atlantis, and have a meal at the Four Seasons. My main meals and stay would be Aulani though. Think of it... In Orlando we have the Four Seasons on Disney property and Universal nearby... And Disney is doing very well. Of course, time will tell - but IMO Disney will do well.

You may be very right about Disney doing well. If anyone can access Atlantis facilities, but only guests can use Aulani's, then I would imagine that many travelers would choose to stay at Aulani and be able to use the amenities at both resorts. Also, that's a great idea about having meals at the Four Seasons!

 

[MouseOfCards]

They have announced before that the other property next door will be developed by the Atlantis owners but fell apart as they couldn't have gambling. I understand that a Chinese company recently acquired the Atlantis brand and once again they want gambling. Compared to the other Atlantis properties that track of land is very small. And I am not sure that the Hawaiians will vote for gambling and whether Atlantis will see it is profitable with the casinos is another factor. So I'll believe it when they break ground.

The Four Seasons is also a much smaller hotel with a different set of clients--ones that luxury is a must with price not really a factor. They were still doing lots of construction outside while we were there in February. The entire pool area was pulled and they hadn't even dug a hole for the new one, just moving lots of earth around. The area behind the building is much smaller than Aulani so the pools will have to be pretty small in comparison. But I have seen some really creative and guest friendly pools in small areas at hotels in Hawaii. I think that the addition of the restaurants at this hotel will be a plus for Aulani. It will make people understand that Aulani is not as overpriced as people post.

Aulani has been embraced by the locals and I think that factor will make a big difference with it's success. Add it its appeal to families and it is a win-win situation. Aulani's real problem right now is that the Japanese economy is keeping them from investing again in Hawaii timeshares. DVC knows that the large number of DVC members that live east of the Mississippi have no interesting in traveling west as they have shown that time and time again so there was never any great expectation for those old members to purchase Aulani. Aulani is all about getting new members to join.

Wow, that's a great updated view of the Four Seasons seen from Aulani. Thanks! The beach is starting to look very different from when we visited a few years ago. Aulani room rates are much higher than Marriott's, but you do get more for the money. Do you expect the Four Season's room rates to be comparable to Aulani?

So, Atlantis still wants gambling, after being turned down before, and now that resort may never get built? I had not heard of that news.

Also, that's an interesting point regarding DVC owners on the east having no interest in purchasing Aulani. Is there any demographic information on DVC buyers, including how many west coast buyers vs. east coast?

 

[southerngirl528]

My understanding is that Four Seasons will also include timeshares, but I would consider them an upscale version of the nearby Marriott, so don't expect them to really hinder Aulani DVC sales.

I have not read or heard that the Four Seasons Ko Olina will have timeshares. That may be, but news to me. I think the presence of the Four Seasons next door can spell nothing but good for Aulani personally.

Compared to the other Atlantis properties that track of land is very small. And I am not sure that the Hawaiians will vote for gambling and whether Atlantis will see it is profitable with the casinos is another factor. So I'll believe it when they break ground.

DenLo, I've too been following a lot of the business blurbs on this and like you, I have read bits that refute the Atlantis announcements. I read that the parent company of Atlantis is not in that great financial shape at the moment to build a $2 Billion resort. I've also read that Ko Olina development "leaked" this whole Atlantis thing to stir up some add'l interest in the area. I don't know that any of the above is true, but I agree that Hawaii is NOT going to make an exception for gambling at an Atlantis resort, particularly when that same resort will have a captive dolphin program reportedly. Most Hawaiians love their land and sea and its creatures and aren't proponents of such programs.

It will make people understand that Aulani is not as overpriced as people post.

Had to laugh at this, DenLo! So true! And truthfully if folks would simply take a little TA or Expedia (or whatever travel site) stroll through any high-end beachfront Hawaii resorts' rates, they would be of a different mindset.

Though no doubt Aulani's sales are not where they had planned/hoped due to the catastrophic events in Japan, who was a large part of the target market, I don't see Aulani as doing anything but just fine. Once they actually visit, it seems more folks than not, including myself, want to return. I've already used my DVC points a few times now to stay at Aulani, and both DH and I LOVE it. And we go with NO KIDS! We are currently planning our next trip back to Aulani.

 

[Supplanter]

Hmmm, so DVC sales are a closely guarded secret? You're right in that it is very family oriented and family friendly, with the mouse-stamp to boot.

I don't know how closely guarded they are or if they report on them at some point, but I was taking the dvc tour in aulani a couple weeks ago and the guy tried using the once it sells you'll never have a chance to buy it line so I asked what percentage was sold. He said they don't release that info so I asked some other questions about how full it is etc... And he said none of that information is available either.

I think the problem with the food being overpriced in aulani is that the food is also pretty mediocre. Food at Disneyland tastes great so even if I'm paying $20 a plate, at least it is really good.
We got free meals at the ulu and the food was pretty boring, I can't imagine paying for it. We even tried a couple other places- off the hook and ama ama. Off the hook was alright, ama ama was good. Neither was the wow this is amazing you can get at Disneyland tho and 25 a plate for alright or 40 a plate for really good just isn't going to get anyone excited

 

[MouseOfCards]

I don't know how closely guarded they are or if they report on them at some point, but I was taking the dvc tour in aulani a couple weeks ago and the guy tried using the once it sells you'll never have a chance to buy it line so I asked what percentage was sold. He said they don't release that info so I asked some other questions about how full it is etc... And he said none of that information is available either.

I think the problem with the food being overpriced in aulani is that the food is also pretty mediocre. Food at Disneyland tastes great so even if I'm paying $20 a plate, at least it is really good.
We got free meals at the ulu and the food was pretty boring, I can't imagine paying for it. We even tried a couple other places- off the hook and ama ama. Off the hook was alright, ama ama was good. Neither was the wow this is amazing you can get at Disneyland tho and 25 a plate for alright or 40 a plate for really good just isn't going to get anyone excited

You're right about the food, both points! Restaurants at the Four Seasons could attract quite a lot of business.

 

[southerngirl528]

Neither was the wow this is amazing you can get at Disneyland tho and 25 a plate for alright or 40 a plate for really good just isn't going to get anyone excited

Comparing Hawaii's prices to mainland prices is not equivocal. Everything not grown on Hawaii must be imported from thousands of miles away making Hawaii a very pricey place to live/work/eat/play. We prefer AMA AMA for breakfast & lunch. We've never eaten at Makahiki. We do enjoy Roy's and a couple of items on Monkeypox Kitchen's menu.

You're right about the food, both points! Restaurants at the Four Seasons could attract quite a lot of business.

You can bet your bottom dollar the Four Seasons won't have any $20/plate entrees. Pupu's perhaps. I do think that a lot of us will be trying out the Four Seasons' restaurants once they finally open.

 

[Supplanter]

Comparing Hawaii's prices to mainland prices is not equivocal. Everything not grown on Hawaii must be imported from thousands of miles away making Hawaii a very pricey place to live/work/eat/play. We prefer AMA AMA for breakfast & lunch. We've never eaten at Makahiki. We do enjoy Roy's and a couple of items on Monkeypox Kitchen's menu.



You can bet your bottom dollar the Four Seasons won't have any $20/plate entrees. Pupu's perhaps. I do think that a lot of us will be trying out the Four Seasons' restaurants once they finally open.

It's not the cost that gets me so much as the horrible selection and bland flavors. If I'm gonna pay 15 to 20 dollars for food at off the hook why can't it at least be a killer chunk of mahi mahi or tuna or any other of the plethora of amazing seafood. Why is everything the same bland turkey wrap/ chicken fingers, etc... stuff all over? Why not a good seafood burrito? Or partner with the awesome seafood food trucks all over north shore, our the farm to table places up in kahuku, shoot, just head to Costco and resell all the delicious stuff they have for sale the the fresh made/ local section

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Why is everything the same bland turkey wrap/ chicken fingers, etc... stuff all over?

I just read someone over on Restaurants who claims that such things are all 10-year-olds eat, so it may be a response to that sort of thinking.

 

[southerngirl528]

Supplanter, I've had really good pupu's at Olelo Lounge. I've had a couple of things I liked at Off the Hook. I love poke, which MUST be fresh, fresh. They have some very good poke at Aulani. I have not had anything from Ulu Cafe though I walked through at breakfast and saw a few things that looked pretty decent. AMA AMA has a gorgeous fresh fruit and yogurt plate at breakfast. The good stuff is there, trust me.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I thought the food was much better the first time we visited. Then on our trip a year ago the menus had been dumbed down a bit and the theme parks food had moved in to the Ulu Cafe. It really was difficult finding enough variety if you didn't want the special of the day.

 

[Supplanter]

Supplanter, I've had really good pupu's at Olelo Lounge. I've had a couple of things I liked at Off the Hook. I love poke, which MUST be fresh, fresh. They have some very good poke at Aulani. I have not had anything from Ulu Cafe though I walked through at breakfast and saw a few things that looked pretty decent. AMA AMA has a gorgeous fresh fruit and yogurt plate at breakfast. The good stuff is there, trust me.

Hmmm... I'd have loved some good poke. I actually got some at Costco that was pretty good, but I didn't see anything around aulani that got me excited. We stayed up in haleiwa for a few more days at the end of our trip and I was so happy to get some good food. I just wish they'd bring more of the island food into the resort. More fresh fish, more fruits, more local stuff, seems like its only ama ama that even tries

 

[iadizfans]

I don't know how closely guarded they are or if they report on them at some point, but I was taking the dvc tour in aulani a couple weeks ago and the guy tried using the once it sells you'll never have a chance to buy it line so I asked what percentage was sold. He said they don't release that info so I asked some other questions about how full it is etc... And he said none of that information is available either.

I think the problem with the food being overpriced in aulani is that the food is also pretty mediocre. Food at Disneyland tastes great so even if I'm paying $20 a plate, at least it is really good.
We got free meals at the ulu and the food was pretty boring, I can't imagine paying for it. We even tried a couple other places- off the hook and ama ama. Off the hook was alright, ama ama was good. Neither was the wow this is amazing you can get at Disneyland tho and 25 a plate for alright or 40 a plate for really good just isn't going to get anyone excited

Hilarious that the DVC sales guy tried to hit you with the "gotta buy before they are all gone" line. There's re-sale inventory on every property.