Good or bad idea, regarding Aulani

[becauseimnew]

We plan to go to Aulani Thanksgiving 2022. We will probably need around 180 points for a standard 2-bedroom villa. Cash price is about $5,400 (no discounts). I could buy a small 60 point Aulani contract for $1,500 more. Would it be a good idea to buy a small contract even though we don't know when we'll go back to Aulani? We would also buy a small 50 point AKV contract to go with that Aulani contract.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

WHat would you hope to do with that Aulani contract after the trip?

What will you do if borrowing is still at 50%, as it is now?

Remember, you will also pay 3 years of dues on those points for that trip, and dues will be an issue each year after.

 

[cruisehopeful]

It doesn't sound like something that you should do unless you plan on visiting often.

 

[ldo]

depending on what closing costs are, I'd do it, as long as you're fine to use those points at 7 months at WDW. You could likely sell the contract in a year or two for almost nothing (or have it taken by DVC under ROFR) and still be even (or ahead) financially. I'd rather buy 60 points than just be out $4K for a rental (netting out annual fees).
But, that 50 points at AKV is going to cost more per point than a larger AKV contract. Also, I'd wait to see what borrowing is going to be next year 1st. However, you can buy up to 24 1X use points, so that would cover that, but must be taken into consideration when tallying your total cost to own vs. cash reservation.

 

[becauseimnew]

Thanks!!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

However, you can buy up to 24 1X use points, so that would cover that

Will be an issue at 7 months for Thanksgiving at Aulani. OP is after a Standard View, and they are never available at 7 months for major holidays. Standard requires home resort booking and home resort points.

 

[becauseimnew]

depending on what closing costs are, I'd do it, as long as you're fine to use those points at 7 months at WDW. You could likely sell the contract in a year or two for almost nothing (or have it taken by DVC under ROFR) and still be even (or ahead) financially. I'd rather buy 60 points than just be out $4K for a rental (netting out annual fees).
But, that 50 points at AKV is going to cost more per point than a larger AKV contract. Also, I'd wait to see what borrowing is going to be next year 1st. However, you can buy up to 24 1X use points, so that would cover that, but must be taken into consideration when tallying your total cost to own vs. cash reservation.

The contract I'm looking at is loaded with 2020 points, so we would like to use those at WDW.

 

[ldo]

I forgot that 1x use was at 7 months. That won’t help you for 11 months out

 

[Dean]

I'd buy the location you'd use long term ? WDW then I'd either rent privately or secure a cash reservation trying to get in at 7 months. IMO, buying for a one time trip is not a reasonable option, esp with the dues there.

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

I don't know if the same holds true at Aulani, but when people are considering how many points to buy @ WDW I always recommend buying the amount of points you need for your average vacation based on the mid to highest room category available. OP, you need 180 points and are planning to buy a 60 point contract. What happens if when you go to book the standard view is sold out? You won't have enough points for the next category up for the entire span of you your planned vacation.

If the OP wasn't going over a major holiday I might risk the standard view being available. But honestly buying just enough points coupled with the unknown of Covid I just think buying in this case carries too much risk.

 

[Leahc117]

I would be tempted to buy a contract. If the points are enough for your trip you can use them and still have something to use for future WDW trips. I am sure there is a highly analytical way to look at the math but for me it would feel good to have something you can use again instead of just saying good bye to $5400.

 

[RoseGold]

I wouldn't buy a timeshare outside of FL, just my preference.

There are plenty of very nice non-Disney Hawaii resorts I would also be considering.

 

[ldo]

DVC Aulani points can be used at 7 months at other DVC resorts without extra fees like RCI, II, or trade fees. IMHO, that's a significant benefit over other HAwaii resorts. But, I'd try to get a subsidized contract.
OP original reason to buy DVC-A was for a Thanksgiving trip, for which they likely need 11 month booking window. I'd rather apply the $ towards a small DVC contract vs paying extra for rental from another DVC owner or a cash booking with Disney. Plus, if one owns the points, they can cancel and rent out the points to recoup money vs. a final sale rental from an owner or just cash out the door to Disney.