Just bought Aulani!!

[jmatias]

Well, Disney has already told us when they think they are going to be busiest, based upon the points chart that has been published.

Premiere Season (most points) is last two weeks in April, first week in May, Thanksgiving week and Christmas week.

Magic Season (second highest point total) is essentially the end of June, all of July, and all of August. If travel to Oahu was dead in that time of year, then it wouldn't be Magic Season.

Disney is predicting the slow season will essentially be January, February, and all of September (when we'll be going).

This looks about right to me. Even for the Hawaii Marriotts, you are able to trade easier in Jan. Feb. and Sept. and low supply during holidays and especially summer.

The April dates may shift depending on Easter and the 1st week of May coincides with the big Japanese holiday period called Golden Week....always first week of May.

Not sure if we will buy into Aulani yet since we live here and can hopefully go last minute with our current DVC points. Wondering if they will have any "Local" incentives.

Aloha,
Jen

 

[wdrl]

Turns out DVC IS allowing these Guaranteed-week owners to opt out and use the applicable number of points for other DVC destinations and trades. So buyers truly are paying a 10% premium just for the ability to avoid those annual booking calls.

Can you clarify what you mean by "opt out?" As I mentioned in a prior post, the Fixed Week owners can opt out of the weekly program and convert their ownership interest from weeks to points. They then become just like all of the rest of us DVC Points owners. BUT, as I understand it that this is a one-time conversion. Once the Fixed week owner opts out, they cannot go back and use their ownership interest as a fixed week in succeeding years.

It would not surprise me if fixed week owners have the right to exchange their week for stays through the RCI exchange program. But this is not the same as coming into the DVC with points from one resort to another.

If DVD permits fixed week conversions as a single, life time event, then it would have negligible impact on availability at Aulani for members with points. If half the Fixed Week buyers end up converting to points after 5 years, it would bring a lot more members (and points) into the DVC Points Vacation Plan. But these Converted members would also bring to the DVC Points inventory all of the villas that were allocated to their Fixed Weeks.

My wife also brought up an interesting question. If DVD permits Fixed Week owners to convert to points as late as 31 days before their scheduled fixed week, how will DVD be able to rent out their unused week on such little notice?

I don't know about you, but I'm having fun trying to understand all of this

 

[dzorn]

More info:

Turns out DVC IS allowing these Guaranteed-week owners to opt out and use the applicable number of points for other DVC destinations and trades. So buyers truly are paying a 10% premium just for the ability to avoid those annual booking calls.

Also, DVC is saying that they will sell UP TO 35% but NO MORE than 35% of the points for any given day as Guaranteed week contracts. So demand may dictate the maximum 35% in sales for popular weeks, while other weeks they will sell far less in Guaranteed contracts. That leaves more rooms available to traditional points members.

There will always be a minimum of 65% of villas (all types) available to points members, but it could be more than that for certain dates.

Well it seems UY should be tied to week#, but if they are giving them the option to convert to point up to 31 days out they could still bank them so they must not be.

Is it just me or does that seem like we could end up with more breakage inventory. I doubt many plan a last minute trip to hawaii to use the rooms up.

Denise in MI

 

[tjkraz]

Can you clarify what you mean by "opt out?" As I mentioned in a prior post, the Fixed Week owners can opt out of the weekly program and convert their ownership interest from weeks to points. They then become just like all of the rest of us DVC Points owners. BUT, as I understand it that this is a one-time conversion. Once the Fixed week owner opts out, they cannot go back and use their ownership interest as a fixed week in succeeding years.

There is no one-time conversion option. Guaranteed-weeks owners actually have the ability to "opt-out" (DVC's words) every year. Kinda defeats the purpose of paying that 10% premium, but the option is available.

Well it seems UY should be tied to week#, but if they are giving them the option to convert to point up to 31 days out they could still bank them so they must not be.

Is it just me or does that seem like we could end up with more breakage inventory. I doubt many plan a last minute trip to hawaii to use the rooms up.

Denise in MI

I agree. I was somewhat surprised to see that these Guaranteed-weeks owners could opt out right up to 31 days prior to arrival.

However, if you think about it, we points owners actually have the same right. If I have a room reserved for the night of 8/1/10, I can call today (32 days out) and cancel with no penalty. DVC still has only 31 days to rent the room that I canceled on relatively short notice--just like with a short notice Guaranteed weeks cancellation.

I really don't see any difference, other than the somewhat remote nature of Aulani which may make short notice reservations rarer. But that's part-and-parcel of building a Hawaii facility.

 

[Mr_Potts]

More info:

Turns out DVC IS allowing these Guaranteed-week owners to opt out and use the applicable number of points for other DVC destinations and trades. So buyers truly are paying a 10% premium just for the ability to avoid those annual booking calls.

Also, DVC is saying that they will sell UP TO 35% but NO MORE than 35% of the points for any given day as Guaranteed week contracts. So demand may dictate the maximum 35% in sales for popular weeks, while other weeks they will sell far less in Guaranteed contracts. That leaves more rooms available to traditional points members.

There will always be a minimum of 65% of villas (all types) available to points members, but it could be more than that for certain dates.

I am a little confused by the second paragraph. If 35% of the popular weeks are sold, and less than 35% of the less popular weeks sell as guaranteed contracts, then isn't there going to be a problem down the road if DVC sells the unsold fixed weeks as traditional points contracts. You run into the situation of a 35% reduction in the most popular weeks being available with more than 65% of owners clamoring for those weeks. But maybe I am misunderstanding you. I guess my questions is if 35% of villas are being sold as fixed week will 100% of that 35% be sold in that way or will the less popular weeks be released for traditional sales?

 

[tjkraz]

I am a little confused by the second paragraph. If 35% of the popular weeks are sold, and less than 35% of the less popular weeks sell as guaranteed contracts, then isn't there going to be a problem down the road if DVC sells the unsold fixed weeks as traditional points contracts. You run into the situation of a 35% reduction in the most popular weeks being available with more than 65% of owners clamoring for those weeks.

Unless I am misinterpreting their intent, I would agree with that.

The information I have read states that DVC will sell NO MORE than 35% guaranteed for any given day (and that NO LESS than 65% will be available to points members.) But there is nothing which suggests that DVC feels an obligation to sell 35% of all weeks.

So yes, you could have only 65% availability for certain peak demand times with a disproportionate number of members attempting to reserve those dates. Perhaps that justifies the 10% premium price.

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

So, okay... all this Aulani talk got us motivated. I just got off the phone with our guide. The deposit has been paid and the paperwork is being prepared. We won't be founding members, but that's okay. We simply didn't need that many points. It seemed silly to spring for more when we are positive we will only be traveling to Aulani every three years at most (even though having our names on a nifty plaque would be fun!). Assuming my dialing fingers are up to speed at 11 months out, we WILL be there for our 30th anniversary... and that was our true goal in purchasing! =)

 

[Mr_Potts]

Congratulation, LouisianaDisneyFan! I am pretty close to adding on myself!

Tim, thanks for your clarification. I would call my guide but am afraid of sudden onset addonitis. Just when I thought I understood DVC like the back of my hand they throw in something new. Maybe soon we will see something in print from DVC about how the fixed week system will be fair to all and worth the premium! Isn't the D23 meeting tonight?

 

[Sammie]

Have to agree with TJ, on this one. I see the 35% as being something that did not even factor into the use of the average DVC member.

This resort just happens to have two buying options.

1. 35% of the resort is fixed week.
2. 65% is not.

Buy what best fits your personal needs and do not worry about the other.

I feel sure this change was due to the market they are trying to appeal to.

The only thing I think we can expect from this point on is, in future off WDW site DVC resorts this might be the norm.

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

Congratulation, LouisianaDisneyFan! I am pretty close to adding on myself!

Tim, thanks for your clarification. I would call my guide but am afraid of sudden onset addonitis. Just when I thought I understood DVC like the back of my hand they throw in something new. Maybe soon we will see something in print from DVC about how the fixed week system will be fair to all and worth the premium! Isn't the D23 meeting tonight?

Thanks! It was so hard not to just say "Okay, make it 160!!!!" when talking with our guide. She was certainly not high on pressure... I'm just typically low on impulse control!

I've seen D23 mentioned here often... are there a lot of DVC folks in D23? (I confess total ignorance on the entire D23 topic).

 

[Longhairbear]

Thanks! It was so hard not to just say "Okay, make it 160!!!!" when talking with our guide. She was certainly not high on pressure... I'm just typically low on impulse control!

I've seen D23 mentioned here often... are there a lot of DVC folks in D23? (I confess total ignorance on the entire D23 topic).

We are D23 members, but not going to tonight's event, it's at the same time our reservations for World Of Color at DCA dinner/show package. However we are booked for the Aulani DVC presentation tomorrow afternoon at the Disneyland Hotel for DVC members. It's 2 hours long.

 

[wdrl]

There is no one-time conversion option. Guaranteed-weeks owners actually have the ability to "opt-out" (DVC's words) every year. Kinda defeats the purpose of paying that 10% premium, but the option is available.

Thanks for the quick response. The more I read about the Fixed Week option, the more I realize it can be the right option for some buyers. I can see how someone could justify the 10% premium to secure a Fixed Week during Christmas, even if they plan on going to Aulani only once every 4 or 5 years. They are guaranteed their accommodation at Christmas whenever they want it, and can use their converted points to book other DVC resorts, or even other Aulani villas during different seasons, in those years they don't want to go to Hawaii.

Switching subjects: tjkraz, given your contacts with DVC, can you get a copy of Aulani's Master Declaration of Condominium? I am curious as to how the Fixed Week option is actually defined and explained in the official documents.

By the way, I noticed that on April 22, 2010, Disney Vacation Devmt filed two Declarations with the State of Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances, the equivalent of the Orange County Comptroller. These may be declaring Aulani Units for the DVC membership, but I would have to purchase these records from the HBC if I wanted to read them.

 

[DenLo]

So, okay... all this Aulani talk got us motivated. I just got off the phone with our guide. The deposit has been paid and the paperwork is being prepared. We won't be founding members, but that's okay. We simply didn't need that many points. It seemed silly to spring for more when we are positive we will only be traveling to Aulani every three years at most (even though having our names on a nifty plaque would be fun!). Assuming my dialing fingers are up to speed at 11 months out, we WILL be there for our 30th anniversary... and that was our true goal in purchasing! =)

Congratulations and what will power especially when you know you can spend your anniversary in Hawaii. So how many points did you buy? When I look at the point charts it looks like 75 points would get you a standard villa for a week every few years. But you can always go for less days (and less points) and move on to another island. Aloha!

Are you going to put the cute butterfly in your signature or wait until after your anniversary (which is in your signature)?

 

[Mr_Potts]

Thanks! It was so hard not to just say "Okay, make it 160!!!!" when talking with our guide. She was certainly not high on pressure... I'm just typically low on impulse control!

I've seen D23 mentioned here often... are there a lot of DVC folks in D23? (I confess total ignorance on the entire D23 topic).

I know what you mean about impulse control. It sounds like you were very sensible about the number of points, and assuming you only bought 50 or so you are getting a trip every third year for the next fifty for a little more than the cost of one vacation's stay at a hotel. Strangely, I am going to Kauai on Saturday and it's all because of Aulani. When the Hawaii DVC was announced I became really interested in the islands. Then I just couldn't wait until 2011 and booked an exchange for this summer through RCI. This is my first trip there so I hope to get a sense of how often I will want or be able to return there so I can decide whether to add on.

As for D23, I bet there are a lot of DVC members who are also members of D23. In fact, one of the reasons I added on at the Grand Cal is to have a villa there when attending some of the really great D23 events, like the Destination D, which will be held in December. The D23 Aloha Aulani Reception tonight is the first co-branded event I've seen though. Hopefully someone who is attending will post here. I think they are going to have an exhibit put together by D23 of Disney's history with Hawaii over the years in the films, parks, etc. The magazine is great to learn about new attractions like World of Color, as well as historical things like the genealogy of the Disney family as traced by Dave Smith, which is featured in the current issue.

Enjoy your Aulani home!

 

[SoCalDCLfan]

So, okay... all this Aulani talk got us motivated. I just got off the phone with our guide. The deposit has been paid and the paperwork is being prepared. We won't be founding members, but that's okay. We simply didn't need that many points. It seemed silly to spring for more when we are positive we will only be traveling to Aulani every three years at most (even though having our names on a nifty plaque would be fun!). Assuming my dialing fingers are up to speed at 11 months out, we WILL be there for our 30th anniversary... and that was our true goal in purchasing! =)

Congratulations!!!!

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

So, okay... all this Aulani talk got us motivated. I just got off the phone with our guide. The deposit has been paid and the paperwork is being prepared. We won't be founding members, but that's okay. We simply didn't need that many points. It seemed silly to spring for more when we are positive we will only be traveling to Aulani every three years at most (even though having our names on a nifty plaque would be fun!). Assuming my dialing fingers are up to speed at 11 months out, we WILL be there for our 30th anniversary... and that was our true goal in purchasing! =)

Congrats!

Have a wonderful time.

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

Thanks, Keith and SoCal!

Congratulations and what will power especially when you know you can spend your anniversary in Hawaii. So how many points did you buy? When I look at the point charts it looks like 75 points would get you a standard villa for a week every few years. But you can always go for less days (and less points) and move on to another island. Aloha!

Are you going to put the cute butterfly in your signature or wait until after your anniversary (which is in your signature)?

We purchased just 50, which is perfect for us. We do plan on island hopping during our trips.... staying four days at Aulani and then adding three more at a 2nd location for each trip. I love to snorkel and have a great underwater photography setup, so I know we will be exploring a lot of the surrounding areas. Aulani will give us a home base for each trip from which we can explore to see what other options are out there.

As for the signature, I made the anniversary sign in my signature the other night by recreating and animating characters from Hawaiian Holiday, so I'll probably do something similar to add Aulani to my main DVC Wishes icon in my signature... maybe putting Mickey on one side of the DVC box and Minnie on the other. =)

I think they are going to have an exhibit put together by D23 of Disney's history with Hawaii over the years in the films, parks, etc. The magazine is great to learn about new attractions like World of Color, as well as historical things like the genealogy of the Disney family as traced by Dave Smith, which is featured in the current issue.

Enjoy your Aulani home!

I've been looking at the Disney history myself already! I've already acquired one of the original 8mm tapes of Hawaiian Holiday and also the original pins and a set of the newer ones too. I just picked up the WDCC Mickey & Minnie figures online and plan on using them when designing our anniversary cake (probably similar to how I added the Lenox piece onto our 25th anniversary cake).

I also need to get organized on the family history end of things for our Hawaii trip. Hubby's uncle was an Arizona survivor, but was lost later in the Solomon Sea. We've got all the letters he wrote home to his mom about the attack, his medals, his original sailor's cap that has "Arizona" on it, some pillows that the sailors sent home to relatives for Christmas just a week before the attack (monogrammed with a message to their moms and the Arizona on it... pretty cool actually), and some other memorabilia that we would like to donate to the Arizona museum while we are there.

FYI if anyone is interested... Tommy's bio on the USS Arizona website

 

[hakepb]

Have to agree with TJ, on this one. I see the 35% as being something that did not even factor into the use of the average DVC member.

This resort just happens to have two buying options.

1. 35% of the resort is fixed week.
2. 65% is not.

Buy what best fits your personal needs and do not worry about the other.

I feel sure this change was due to the market they are trying to appeal to.

The only thing I think we can expect from this point on is, in future off WDW site DVC resorts this might be the norm.

I was thinking that was the case until TJ posted the clarification
While yes, 65% of the resort will be points only, it sounds like the remaining 35% is mixed use (points and fixed week) there will be some points owners beyond the 65% that essentially will not have the theoretical option of booking certain weeks that were bought by fixed week owners. (In practice it might be OK, but it could be a potential nightmare.)
I bought my percentage of an SSR unit and have an equal chance as any other SSR owner of booking any week.
Those Aulani points owners beyond the 65% will be buying their percentage of a unit with many blackout dates (black out dates that only open up if that fixed week owner "opts out" and uses their share in the normal DVC system)

 

[murphy t]

LouisianaDisneyFan,
(Don't know why the "quote" feature didn't work)
"I also need to get organized on the family history end of things for our Hawaii trip. Hubby's uncle was an Arizona survivor, but was lost later in the Solomon Sea. We've got all the letters he wrote home to his mom about the attack, his medals, his original sailor's cap that has "Arizona" on it, some pillows that the sailors sent home to relatives for Christmas just a week before the attack (monogrammed with a message to their moms and the Arizona on it... pretty cool actually), and some other memorabilia that we would like to donate to the Arizona museum while we are there

FYI if anyone is interested... Tommy's bio on the USS Arizona website[/QUOTE]

Just jumping in to say that is so generous of you to do. We have been to the Arizona Memorial four times and each time was as moving as the first. Looking forward to reading Tommy's bio and perhaps seeing his things one day.
Murphy

 

[silmarg]

I estimate that Aulani will bring about 11,600,000 points into the DVC system.

At $100/pt that would be $1.1 BILLION of revenue!

So what do u think it cost to buy the property and build the resort?

I bet there is 50% margin in this DVC resort.