Need help! Advice please!?

[flinkerfrosch]

Hi

I'm really torn right now and could use some help.

As of now, my family and I are going to Hawaii Nov 17th-Dec 7th. We're staying 9 nights in Maui first and then flying over to Aulani and staying 11 nights.

My boys ages 10 and 8 (at time of vacation) are heavily into hockey (I live outside of Toronto Canada)

I'm just learning now that they will miss more games then I had anticipated when I originally booked.

So, I'm considering moving my trip, and have 2 options...

Option 1- Go Sept 29th-Oct 19th. My husband isn't a huge fan of these dates because he wants to go when the weather here where we live will be colder. End of Sept into Oct is usually still pretty warm here, so he prefers going in Nov....BUT I like the fact that Hawaii will have less rain and probably be a bit warmer temp wise and Ocean wise in Sept/Oct (I think)

Option 2- Move my Nov dates up 1 week (I can only move them up one week, no more) so we would go Nov 10th-30th.
I would also change Maui to 10 nights and Aulani to 10 nights vs 9 nights in Maui and 11 at Aulani. This change is due to the fact that I would have to book Ocean view for 6 nights and then move to Standard view for 4 nights (I'm renting DVC Points) Right now my reservation is Standard View all 11 nights.
The boys still miss some hockey, but not as much by moving up one week. The kicker...it's going to cost me appx $500 US more to move my dates to these ones, but...it would mean we would have ocean view at Aulani for the first 6 nights and standard view the last 4 nights (I'm renting DVC Points) Not sure if having Ocean View is really worth that much more??

Or...I just suck it up and keep things as is!! I'm all over the map, and always try to work around my boys and their hockey. This is driving me crazy lol

I could use some advice please, and even some insight as to anyone that has been during these times and what they liked or didn't like?

Thanks a bunch!!!

 

[LisaDKG]

I can only comment on your question about an Ocean View to Standard View because that is what we just had in March when we went. I LOVE an Ocean View and pay a crazy amount of US$ (we're from Calgary) for a guaranteed Ocean Front room when we stay for a few days on Waikiki at the Outrigger. For THAT hotel and beach, I wouldn't ever NOT pay for that view. When we moved over to Aulani, we had an OV for 5 nights and Island View for 2 nights and I wish I hadn't used so many points for that many nights in the OV.
That being said, it was our 3rd time to Aulani and other than looking down on the pool every afternoon to see if there was a lineup for the slide, or the evening I set up my tripod to take sunset pictures, we didn't use our balcony a lot. It really comes down to how you think you'll spend your time. Part of going to Hawaii is being in awe over the views but there are lots of ways and opportunities to get your fill throughout your stay. I'm really glad we've experienced the OV rooms but I'll probably save some points and book Pool/Garden View next time.
While we haven't been in November, we HAVE been in October and the weather was incredible - of course in Calgary we are used to snow on the ground for Halloween. From what I've heard the temperature throughout the year in Hawaii doesn't really change that much and it is often the case that even if there's rain on the East coast or in Waikiki, it will be dry at Ko'Olina where Aulani is. HTH!

 

[Soccerluvinmama]

I get it. My kiddo plays year round soccer, and missing games is a big thing. However, for y'all, this is probably a once in a lifetime trip. I say, keep the dates. The boys may be disappointed, at first, about missing games. They will quickly get over it though when they are there and having fun. When you have kids in sports, there is no perfect time for vacation.

 

[alohamom]

I think I would stay away from the Sept option as Hawaii schools have a fall break that is during your travel time. I have read on these boards about how crazy Aulani can be during that break. Something to keep in mind anyway, maybe it wouldn't be an issue for you.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Thank you for all your tips and info!!

I decided to move it up one week, leaving Nov 10th which solved 'some of our I ssues' but works better for all of us in the end...
I also booked Oceanview for 11 nights at Aulani because I wanted to try it one time. I also upgraded to a 1 bedroom at our Maui resort, and we're now staying 10 nights instead of 9, so it all seems to be working out well
This will probably be a 'once in a lifetime trip' so I figured I would go big, and not stress over hockey lol
I do hope to return to Hawaii again down the road because I know I will love it, but most likely wouldn't be for 3 weeks.

Now, any tips on what to request for an Oceanview Studio?


Thank you

 

[alohamom]

I think you made a wise choice. I know the weather will still be excellent-glad you worked it out.

 

[LisaDKG]

For an OV I've always requested Ewa Tower, Facing the Waikolohe Valley (or The Pool!), high floor.

 

[alldiz]

I hope u have a great trip it sounds amazing!!!
Just curious are your kids homeschooled? I always took my DD out of school for a week for Wdw but 3 would have been a real challenge.

And FWIW the $500 worth it if it makes your life easier.
Kerri

 

[nkereina]

Have you checked on DVC availability? My only concern with your November dates is that it coincides with American Thanksgiving which I would suspect is a busy time at Aulani. Availability may end up dictating your dates if you aren't booked already.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Have you checked on DVC availability? My only concern with your November dates is that it coincides with American Thanksgiving which I would suspect is a busy time at Aulani. Availability may end up dictating your dates if you aren't booked already.

Yes, I've booked Nov 10th-21st. Not sure how busy this time of year is just before Thanksgiving, but I guess I'm going to find out lol..

I'm going to Maui after, from the 21st-Dec 1st, so maybe it will be a tad more busy at this resort seeing its smack dab over Thanksgiving??

Orignally, we were doing Maui 1st and Aulani 2nd, but the hubby wanted Maui 2nd because our Aulani time will be more busy, and Maui more relaxing...

Thanks for your help!!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I hope u have a great trip it sounds amazing!!!
Just curious are your kids homeschooled? I always took my DD out of school for a week for Wdw but 3 would have been a real challenge.

And FWIW the $500 worth it if it makes your life easier.
Kerri

Thank you!! And yes, $500 is most definitely worth it if it makes things easier

As for my boys, nope, not homeschooled. We've been going away every Oct or Nov since they were in Kindergarten for 2-3 weeks, so they know our routine lol..

We take homework, and my boys have never had an issue catching up when they return back to school. Once my son is in grade 6 (he's in Grade 4 now) I won't book 3 weeks anymore. Probably 10 days or something..and we also have March Break, so I will have to work around that. My other boy is in Grade 2 right now.

I've heard it's a lot harder for some people In certain states to take their kids out of school. That's not the case here where I live. I just have to call in to a number that the boys will be away, and that's it. I also let the teacher know about a month in advance.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

For an OV I've always requested Ewa Tower, Facing the Waikolohe Valley (or The Pool!), high floor.

Thank you!!

What's the Waikolohe Valley?? I actually really love the pics I've seen of Oceanview where they have the pool and Ocean in their view. It looks so gorgeous!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Would someone that owns and rents DVC Points be able to answer this question?

I am staying in a studio- Oceanview. Do I ask the person I rented points off of to make a request for my room location/floor etc or can I do that myself?
I've rented points many many times for my stays at WDW, and I made my own request when I did the online check in. Is their online check in with Aulani? Kinda the same thing as WDW?

Thanks!!

 

[LisaDKG]

Sorry, I should have been more specific, but at Aulani they call the whole pool area the Waikolo'he Valley and on one call to Member Services that's how they put it too - maybe because technically, just asking to overlook 'the pool' could end up giving you a view of the adult pool which is not what you'd want. A room that has an Ewa Tower AND Waikolo'he Valley view will give you that combined and amazing ocean and pool vista. Great for seeing the sunsets as you face south-ish west.

As an owner, I've always made my requests to Member Services whether at WDW or Aulani and never used online check-in - but when I do check in in person at whichever resort, I always check to see if my requests through MS are noted on my reservation and they always confirm they are. If you are in easy contact with whomever you are renting from, I would say it wouldn't hurt to ask them to request with MS on your behalf - not 100% sure you aren't able to do this yourself but I think I have read that only owners can. However, if you have always had success when you make your requests during online check-in then I would assume this would be true for Aulani's check-in as well.

Your super long trip will be amazing! - and yes enjoy those 'during school' vacation - I loved our non-primetime holidays but now because both my kids are in high school it's hard for them to even miss a day. Hello spring break and Christmas!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Sorry, I should have been more specific, but at Aulani they call the whole pool area the Waikolo'he Valley and on one call to Member Services that's how they put it too - maybe because technically, just asking to overlook 'the pool' could end up giving you a view of the adult pool which is not what you'd want. A room that has an Ewa Tower AND Waikolo'he Valley view will give you that combined and amazing ocean and pool vista. Great for seeing the sunsets as you face south-ish west.

As an owner, I've always made my requests to Member Services whether at WDW or Aulani and never used online check-in - but when I do check in in person at whichever resort, I always check to see if my requests through MS are noted on my reservation and they always confirm they are. If you are in easy contact with whomever you are renting from, I would say it wouldn't hurt to ask them to request with MS on your behalf - not 100% sure you aren't able to do this yourself but I think I have read that only owners can. However, if you have always had success when you make your requests during online check-in then I would assume this would be true for Aulani's check-in as well.

Your super long trip will be amazing! - and yes enjoy those 'during school' vacation - I loved our non-primetime holidays but now because both my kids are in high school it's hard for them to even miss a day. Hello spring break and Christmas!

Awesome info- thank you LisaDKG

I'm going to request exactly what you said because that's exactly what I would love to have!! I know it's just a 'request' but never hurts to ask!!

I'm also going to contact the person I'm renting points off of and ask him to request above with MS.

Yes, I'm going to enjoy these 'off season' vacations now while I can!! March Break and Christmas can get very expensive