How Many Nights Suggested at Aulani?

[jcolvin5]

Experienced WDW family looking for advice from those that have experience with DL and Aulani trips. I am working on a schedule that would encompass DL/DCA and Aulani for a total of 14 nights (10-24 Oct 2026). It will be our first trip to each location. Having said that, we are very familiar with other Hawaiian islands and the SoCal area in general. Meaning, we are focusing our attention on O'ahu while at Aulani and the Anaheim area only.

The DL/DCA portion will be our family of 4 (daughters 11 and 9 at that time). Aulani will include my wife's parents. We will not be renting a car, unless needed for day trips while at Aulani.

Potential Itinerary
10-12 Oct :Stay at VDH 1BR (cash purchase)
Concerned about the holiday weekend, so keeping this leg of the stay short. Maybe park hop for a day just to get eyes on the ground and get a feel for the parks?

12-20 Oct: Aulani (use points)
Would love a GV OV, but may need to settle for 2BR OV and a Studio OV to make the points work. Will have to secure at 7 months since we do not own at Aulani.
Would love to explore worthy areas of O'ahu.

20-24 Oct: Stay at GCH 1BR (cash purchase)
Would use this time to really enjoy the parks. Definitely attend Oogie Boogie Bash.

I've watched many videos/read many opinions of what's available at each location. Length of stay is really what I'm having the most difficulty with. We would like add DL/DCA and Aulani trips in the future, so I don't expect this will be a one and done.

Any feedback and/or conversation is welcomed and appreciated!

 

[VGCgroupie]

I think this is a good plan, getting to DLR is easier than Aulani so I wouldn't dedicate more time to DLR. The only thing to keep in mind is October OBB dates can be hard to get to be sure to be ready when tickets go on sale.

In order to explore Oahu you will need a car. Personally I wouldn't explore Waikiki it's just not family friendly imo. The north shore I have heard is very nice I havent been yet. Kualoa Ranch is a must do. You can rent a car at Aulani if you wont need it the whole time.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Experienced WDW family looking for advice from those that have experience with DL and Aulani trips. I am working on a schedule that would encompass DL/DCA and Aulani for a total of 14 nights (10-24 Oct 2026). It will be our first trip to each location. Having said that, we are very familiar with other Hawaiian islands and the SoCal area in general. Meaning, we are focusing our attention on O'ahu while at Aulani and the Anaheim area only.

The DL/DCA portion will be our family of 4 (daughters 11 and 9 at that time). Aulani will include my wife's parents. We will not be renting a car, unless needed for day trips while at Aulani.

Potential Itinerary
10-12 Oct :Stay at VDH 1BR (cash purchase)
Concerned about the holiday weekend, so keeping this leg of the stay short. Maybe park hop for a day just to get eyes on the ground and get a feel for the parks?

12-20 Oct: Aulani (use points)
Would love a GV OV, but may need to settle for 2BR OV and a Studio OV to make the points work. Will have to secure at 7 months since we do not own at Aulani.
Would love to explore worthy areas of O'ahu.

20-24 Oct: Stay at GCH 1BR (cash purchase)
Would use this time to really enjoy the parks. Definitely attend Oogie Boogie Bash.

I've watched many videos/read many opinions of what's available at each location. Length of stay is really what I'm having the most difficulty with. We would like add DL/DCA and Aulani trips in the future, so I don't expect this will be a one and done.

Any feedback and/or conversation is welcomed and appreciated!

My feedback is that it looks like a fantastic trip! Good luck with the GV availability, it will spoil you!