Good idea to buy cheaper resort to use at Aulani?

[lablady]

We are not currently DVC owners, but we love to visit Aulani. The price to book a hotel room there, or even rent points, is getting higher and higher! I seem to remember hearing on the podcast that Aulani is pretty easy to get at 7 months, so would you suggest buying at a cheaper resort (resale)? We prefer traveling in January-February (we live in Alaska) and really enjoy a one bedroom. Any suggestions?

 

[DisneyKLN]

We have used our SSR points for two different stays at Aulani. Both were in April. Based on what I've seen, it has been pretty easy to book at 7 months. However, we've booked a 1 bedroom ocean view both times. These are probably the easiest to get at 7 months.

 

[mjlash22]

Really depends on how many points you have/what type of room you are looking at getting at the 7 month window. If your points are in the range of a standard view studio, 7 months is very limited. Ocean view studio, more open at 7 months, but much higher point cost. If you have the points for a 1 or 2 bedroom, you're probably alright.

 

[eMoneyBug]

We are not currently DVC owners, but we love to visit Aulani. The price to book a hotel room there, or even rent points, is getting higher and higher! I seem to remember hearing on the podcast that Aulani is pretty easy to get at 7 months, so would you suggest buying at a cheaper resort (resale)? We prefer traveling in January-February (we live in Alaska) and really enjoy a one bedroom. Any suggestions?

We are currently buying a resale Aulani Contract because I like the value proposition of a 2062 expiration date and the price per point on larger contracts is very competitive with some of the DVC on the lower range (How many DVC Resorts could a buyer get in today's prices ~$85? Also, on the rental market it can command $1 more so even though the Maint Fee is $1.45 higher than Saratoga Springs, it felt worth it to me to have Aulani be my 2nd DVC. SSR 2012 resale owner already.

 

[emchen]

We are not currently DVC owners, but we love to visit Aulani. The price to book a hotel room there, or even rent points, is getting higher and higher! I seem to remember hearing on the podcast that Aulani is pretty easy to get at 7 months, so would you suggest buying at a cheaper resort (resale)? We prefer traveling in January-February (we live in Alaska) and really enjoy a one bedroom. Any suggestions?

I agree with other previous posters, generally speaking, it is pretty easy to get at 7 months...with caveats. This is the main caveat:

Really depends on how many points you have/what type of room you are looking at getting at the 7 month window.

I would add, the time of year you prefer to travel is very important as well. I've read that June is probably the busiest, but winter months are easy. Of course, @skier_pete's "Availability Chart" should be referenced to help you make your decision regarding the feasibility of your strategy. Based on what I know, there is a good chance of success as long as you are flexible.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

And you cannot assume cheap views at 7 months. Standard will be gone or have holes. It is a tiny category.

 

[Philsfan77]

Semi-confused...Aulani is already one of the cheapest DVC properties on the resale market. I'd probably just buy there (currently a 160 point contract available for $92 on a few sites - recently reduced as well - so you could pry go lower). Other than Hilton Head or Vero (2042 expirations) Aulani is about the cheapest DVC you can get. Given that Hilton head is about a $1 more in maintenance fees, and vero is $2 more...your initial savings will go quickly over the life of the contract if those trends continue. You also get an additional 20 years of ownership buying Aulani over those other 2 resorts.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

It seems like aulani points are a good deal.

 

[evr25160]

I would just go ahead and buy Aulani. you can purchase more points at a lower price and you wouldn't have to worry about the 7 month mark at all a lot of the resale places have some really good listings so I would check those out.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I have been to Aulani three times, and hope to go in February 2021. Because I do not own there, I have to book at seven months, and I HATE that! If I knew that Aulani is where I most likely would be using my points, that’s where I would buy.

 

[stuartsong]

Which cheaper resort are you referring to? I think Aulani is probably the cheapest you going to get on resale for the length of the contract.

 

[Great3]

I think OP must be referring to cheaper MF dues, not initial cost outlay. I don't think it's worth it if Aulani is where you really want to stay, because Hawaii is very expensive to not get the exact dates you want always.

And if you are patience enough, and not in a hurry to buy, you can find Aulani subsidized dues contract that make it's the cheapest in MF dues currently of all the DVC resorts. It took me about 8 months to acquire two different subsidized dues contract, but I got them. To me, that's the best deal all around, as it give me Aulani home resort advantage, and probably can book SSR at the 7 months mark for the few times I want to go to WDW.

Great3

 

[Sandisw]

I’d just buy Aulani. You’d be happy in the long run. DVC is a lot of magical years and IMO, spend to get what you want.

If thIs was WDW, then buying elsewhere based on price can be an option because you at least have a place to book at 11 months.

If you go to book at 7 months, and can’t get what you want, it will be frustrating. While right now things are pretty easy, things could change down the road

Good luck!

 

[emchen]

Semi-confused...Aulani is already one of the cheapest DVC properties on the resale market. I'd probably just buy there (currently a 160 point contract available for $92 on a few sites - recently reduced as well - so you could pry go lower). Other than Hilton Head or Vero (2042 expirations) Aulani is about the cheapest DVC you can get. Given that Hilton head is about a $1 more in maintenance fees, and vero is $2 more...your initial savings will go quickly over the life of the contract if those trends continue. You also get an additional 20 years of ownership buying Aulani over those other 2 resorts.

Which cheaper resort are you referring to? I think Aulani is probably the cheapest you going to get on resale for the length of the contract.

Probably based on, "Best Economical Resort to Buy" list.

 

[a742246]

You may want to look for a Aulani subsidized contract. Every so often they come up on resale but for a higher price.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/re-subsidized-contracts.3500088/