Need help on DVC Direct/Resale with Aulani.

[DonMacGregor]

I agree. I just meant that the Riviera restriction is more of a real "something to consider" than the piddly blue card benefits. I still reach the same conclusion that you do.

I think DLT might change the metric some. With 200+ studio rooms, it may be somewhat more possible to book than VGC, and if it becomes THE game (maybe not first choice, but ONLY choice), in town for Disneyland, then a booking restriction there could have some meaning. Just a thought.

 

[RoseGold]

Have you been to Aulani?

Never been to Aulani. I've also never been to SSR and own a signifiant amount.

I know this is an unpopular opinion here, but if I were to go to Hawaii, it wouldn't be Aulani. The competition is killing the game. Like in Orlando, Disney is not even competing at the luxury level. I'd go to one of those nice resorts, or maybe rent a different timeshare. I wouldn't buy any timeshare in Hawaii, and that has nothing to do with Disney. I'd rent my points out and book something cash over staying in Aulani.

I'm not even sure I would pick Hawaii if I committed to flying that far. I could probably stay in an actual Polynesian bungalow for the cost of Aulani.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Never been to Aulani. I've also never been to SSR and own a signifiant amount.

I know this is an unpopular opinion here, but if I were to go to Hawaii, it wouldn't be Aulani. The competition is killing the game. Like in Orlando, Disney is not even competing at the luxury level. I'd go to one of those nice resorts, or maybe rent a different timeshare. I wouldn't buy any timeshare in Hawaii, and that has nothing to do with Disney. I'd rent my points out and book something cash over staying in Aulani.

I'm not even sure I would pick Hawaii if I committed to flying that far. I could probably stay in an actual Polynesian bungalow for the cost of Aulani.

"I've never been to Aulani but I know it sucks and isn't even competing at the luxury level. Also it's not Authentic Hawaii."

Most of the "other nice resorts" that you're talking about on Oahu are in Waikiki, and Waikiki is dense urban-beach environment that is about as far as you can get from "Authentic Hawaii."

I've stayed at every Disney resort in the United States and the rank-order of them in terms of "quality of resort experience" is very clear. Aulani is in a class of its own. Miles and miles better service and amenities than anything you've experienced at a Disney property if your only experience is Walt Disney World. Then I'd group Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Grand Californian together. Then the Disneyland Hotel. Then everything else. And there are huge gaps between each group.

I completely agree with all of the economic and logistical challenges of owning a timeshare on Hawaii. I would never buy there myself. But you're mistaken on your perception of Aulani. They took painstaking effort (and expense) to incorporate Hawaiian culture into the entire resort, and pass that culture on to their guests. Aulani is *not* "the Poly only plopped 5,000 miles west."

 

[DonMacGregor]

"I've never been to Aulani but I know it sucks and isn't even competing at the luxury level. Also it's not Authentic Hawaii."

Most of the "other nice resorts" that you're talking about on Oahu are in Waikiki, and Waikiki is dense urban-beach environment that is about as far as you can get from "Authentic Hawaii."

Having grown up in So Cal, Hawaii was our go-to vacation destination (like Florida and The Gulf Coast were for East Coasters and Midwesterners). Been to every island except Moloka'i, and on Oahu probably 20 times.

I agree that Waikiki is a madhouse and not remotely close to "authentic Hawai'i". There are some VERY nice resorts, in particular the Moana Surfrider and the Royal Hawaiian, but the mass of humanity is overwhelming. I'm much more of a North Shore, Haleiwa kind of guy.

While I've been to Aulani, but never stayed there, I have been to the Ko Olina area both before they built Aulani and after. That whole Waianae side of the island does nothing for me. It's the leeward side and is bone dry, missing most of the moisture the Trades bring to the rest of the island (a phenomenon you can find on other islands as well). Dry and brown isn't my cup of tea. Also, once you get over to that side of the island, It's not super easy to get up to the North Shore or over to the windward side and all the beautiful rain forests, beaches, etc.

Having said all that, I will say Aulani is absolutely beautiful and I wouldn't hesitate to at least give it a go, especially with some SSR SAP points. There are no other resorts on Oahu (and few elsewhere in the Islands) that blow Aulani out of the water or "killing the game" versus Aulani.

 

[Lorana]

Never been to Aulani. I've also never been to SSR and own a signifiant amount.

I know this is an unpopular opinion here, but if I were to go to Hawaii, it wouldn't be Aulani. The competition is killing the game. Like in Orlando, Disney is not even competing at the luxury level. I'd go to one of those nice resorts, or maybe rent a different timeshare. I wouldn't buy any timeshare in Hawaii, and that has nothing to do with Disney. I'd rent my points out and book something cash over staying in Aulani.

I'm not even sure I would pick Hawaii if I committed to flying that far. I could probably stay in an actual Polynesian bungalow for the cost of Aulani.

"I've never been to Aulani but I know it sucks and isn't even competing at the luxury level. Also it's not Authentic Hawaii."

Most of the "other nice resorts" that you're talking about on Oahu are in Waikiki, and Waikiki is dense urban-beach environment that is about as far as you can get from "Authentic Hawaii."

I've stayed at every Disney resort in the United States and the rank-order of them in terms of "quality of resort experience" is very clear. Aulani is in a class of its own. Miles and miles better service and amenities than anything you've experienced at a Disney property if your only experience is Walt Disney World. Then I'd group Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Grand Californian together. Then the Disneyland Hotel. Then everything else. And there are huge gaps between each group.

I completely agree with all of the economic and logistical challenges of owning a timeshare on Hawaii. I would never buy there myself. But you're mistaken on your perception of Aulani. They took painstaking effort (and expense) to incorporate Hawaiian culture into the entire resort, and pass that culture on to their guests. Aulani is *not* "the Poly only plopped 5,000 miles west."

We traveled to Hawaii in 2019 and visited the Big Island, Oahu, Maui and Lahaina. I’ve also been to Hawaii twice before (Maui and Oahu). I’ve stayed at several different resorts on the islands, in a variety of accommodations, including both hotels and condos. And including Wailea in Maui and other higher end resorts. Aulani is gorgeous, and I was very impressed with the depth of authentic Hawaii culture incorporated into the theming and in the variety of displays, artwork and craftwork throughout the resort - Aulani in fact has the largest collection of indigenous Hawaiian art & craft in the islands.

My ONLY disappointment with Aulani - except for the cost of dining! - is that it’s on Oahu. Oahu is my least favorite Hawaiian island, and I wish it had been built on a different island. But Disney did do a top notch job on the resort.

(the other thing they should fix is the naming of their view categories. Many of those “ocean view” rooms are not, in fact, ocean views. So maybe that’s my other disappointment. I paid the extra points for ocean view, and the only way I could see the ocean was to lean out over my balcony and crane my head to the right. ).

 

[RoseGold]

I've never been to Aulani but I know it sucks and isn't even competing at the luxury level. Also it's not Authentic Hawaii

If you're looking for whatever "Authentic Hawaii" is, I'm not sure any giant hotel is going to do it for you.

And yea, there's lots of competition. I know these boards don't like to talk about it, but Disney isn't even competing with the Four Seasons level experience. If I were spending $900/night, I wouldn't stay at Disney in Orlando either, I'd go to the actual luxury category hotels, like the Waldorf. The chart at Aulani was an eye-opener to me.

I'm sure Aulani is nice, it wouldn't be my pick, as a hotel or as a timeshare. As a timeshare, I find it even less desirable than as a hotel. It has millions of unsold points, so my opinion isn't uncommon.

When I was poking around in other timeshare systems, I found it interesting that Hyatt's Hawaii property was so expensive and difficult to book into, and its contracts so expensive. So, maybe an overpriced Hawaii property is just part of the timeshare trope.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

That whole Waianae side of the island does nothing for me. It's the leeward side and is bone dry, missing most of the moisture the Trades bring to the rest of the island (a phenomenon you can find on other islands as well). Dry and brown isn't my cup of tea. Also, once you get over to that side of the island, It's not super easy to get up to the North Shore or over to the windward side and all the beautiful rain forests, beaches, etc.

That's a pretty common complaint, but I don't get it personally. Oahu isn't that big. Whether I were staying in Ko Olina, Waikiki, or up in Haleiwa, the stuff I'd want to actually do an experience is all over the island, and nothing is particularly far from anything else. Maybe I've just been lucky, but I've never hit any of the awful traffic that everyone talks about. Aulani to Diamond Head is like 30 minutes, Aulani to the North Shore is like 30 minutes. Aulani to Kualoa is like 45 minutes.

 

[DonMacGregor]

If you're looking for whatever "Authentic Hawaii" is, I'm not sure any giant hotel is going to do it for you.

And yea, there's lots of competition. I know these boards don't like to talk about it, but Disney isn't even competing with the Four Seasons level experience. If I were spending $900/night, I wouldn't stay at Disney in Orlando either, I'd go to the actual luxury category hotels, like the Waldorf. The chart at Aulani was an eye-opener to me.

I'm sure Aulani is nice, it wouldn't be my pick, as a hotel or as a timeshare. As a timeshare, I find it even less desirable than as a hotel. It has millions of unsold points, so my opinion isn't uncommon.

When I was poking around in other timeshare systems, I found it interesting that Hyatt's Hawaii property was so expensive and difficult to book into, and its contracts so expensive. So, maybe an overpriced Hawaii property is just part of the timeshare trope.

You do know CaptainAmerica was paraphrasing you, hence the quotes around that sentence.

 

[Jimmy Geppetto]

I have to agree with most regarding Aulani. I certainly wouldn't be buying there direct. If I was going to buy, it would be resale but at a very discounted price compared to direct. Based on what I see today, I wouldnt pay more than $100 pp (without sub dues). Keep in mind that when you visit Aulani you will also have to pay the TAT tax which I believe is close to 9.25% of the point value used to book the reservation. No way to avoid this tax whereas with other DVC properties you pay zilch, nadda, nothing when you check out. There is also the HARPTA tax when/if you ever decide to sell.

Beautiful place to visit... but wouldn't want to own there.

 

[RoseGold]

You do know CaptainAmerica was paraphrasing you, hence the quotes around that sentence.

Well, if I were going for authenticity in my vacations, I wouldn't be hanging out on Disney boards, LOL.

 

[DonMacGregor]

That's a pretty common complaint, but I don't get it personally. Oahu isn't that big. Whether I were staying in Ko Olina, Waikiki, or up in Haleiwa, the stuff I'd want to actually do an experience is all over the island, and nothing is particularly far from anything else. Maybe I've just been lucky, but I've never hit any of the awful traffic that everyone talks about. Aulani to Diamond Head is like 30 minutes, Aulani to the North Shore is like 30 minutes. Aulani to Kualoa is like 45 minutes.

Because you have to go back down all the way on H1 through Pearl City to get to H2 to head north and that can often be worse than the 5 into downtown LA. To be honest, I will actually tell some families on a budget to actually stay in Waikiki for access to accommodations, reasonably priced food, Target, Walmart etc., but plan on leaving town and heading out into the "country" as its referred to locally to do day-long trips to the North Shore, Kaneohe, Kualoa, Kailua, etc.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Because you have to go back down all the way on H1 through Pearl City to get to H2 to head north and that can often be worse than the 5 into downtown LA.

Wow, yeah I guess I've just been lucky. We've done that route back and forth a number of times and the only traffic we hit was during a particularly heavy rainstorm.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Wow, yeah I guess I've just been lucky. We've done that route back and forth a number of times and the only traffic we hit was during a particularly heavy rainstorm.

Honolulu Traffic

The gist is that Honolulu lost its top worst traffic ranking, but not because it eased up. The locals didn't notice any difference. The article says it's improving (or really its ranking) based only on how they measure it, "Before all you west side and Windward commuters call for my head: No, traffic on the island did not improve. Outside of the COVID-19 conditions it’s been just as awful as ever. Full stop. "

 

[eMoneyBug]

Resale all the way!

 

[DonMacGregor]

I also don't get the whole "authentic Hawaiian" thing. Real Hawaiian life isn't much different than anywhere else in the states. The people do the same things mainlanders do. They watch football, have BBQ's, fix cars, listen to music, have parties (not luaus), you name it. No one is running around in grass skirts, or twirling flaming torches or calling their kids to dinner by blowing into a conch shell.

Their food is unique and the closeness of family (especially extended family) is something you won't see anywhere else, as are many of the subtle cultural treasures they possess, but those aren't things you are more likely to experience the more money you spend on your vacation

I think people want to romanticize and confuse "historical" Hawaii for "authentic" Hawaii. If you want to experience the rich traditions of Hawaii, it doesn't matter how much you pay for your hotel room, or how much you spend on that luau with the free hula lesson. An "authentic" southwest vacation doesn't mean a trip to a Dude Ranch.

Real "authentic" Hawaii is found out in "da country", exploring the off-the-beaten-path places. Taking a proper nature hike in the rain forest with a real conservator. Grabbing a plate lunch off a food truck at the side of the road (always "two scoops rice"). Spending time at a local flea market (and not the big one at Aloha Stadium) and "talk story" with the kamaʻāina and experiencing the traditional arts and crafts made by the aunties. Visiting museums, like the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, and places of cultural and historic importance, like Pali Lookout if you're on Oahu. THAT is where the authentic (and the most beautiful) Hawaii is found.

I think Aulani stands out not because it captures "authentic" Hawaii better than other resorts, but because it doesn't turn Hawaiian culture into a caricature or some romanticized haole interpretation of Hawaii like many other resorts.

But then, I'm just "hanging out" on a Disney board, so what do I know?

 

[Paul Stupin]

I'd never buy a timeshare in Hawaii. The state law has changed over time in ways that do not favor owners IMO, and I don't want to deal with Hawaii probate. (well, I'll be dead, but you know what I mean.)

Hawaii is broke, and DVC has a bad track record with waterfront dues. That combination is not exciting to me. Tax changes in Hawaii become your dues.

If you want to go to DL, get a a VGC contract and use it! It's expensive as hell, but still cheaper than booking Grand Californian cash, and the only way to get into the DVC rooms. Trying to book VGC without VGC points is setting yourself up to fail.

I think the DL tower and points are going to make RIV look like amateur hour. I'd be buying VGC resale now. Maybe your crystal ball is different than mine.

If your goal is to travel to Hawaii, you don't need Disney at all. There are better/cheaper/newer properties out there that are actually focused on Hawaii.

We live on the West Coast, absolutely love Aulani, and it’s one of our home resorts. Frankly, I think worrying about Hawaii probate and tax law changes that haven’t yet happened is a bit ridiculous, especially if you plan on holding the points for, potentially, decades.
Aulani, by the way, is generally regarded as the most authentically Hawaiian resort on the island, in terms of the myriad ways it incorporates Hawaiian culture, so I’m not sure what you mean by saying it’s not focused on Hawaii. And it’s also one of the newest resorts in Oahu.

 

[RoseGold]

Aulani, by the way, is generally regarded as the most authentically Hawaiian resort on the island, in terms of the myriad ways it incorporates Hawaiian culture, so I’m not sure what you mean by saying it’s not focused on Hawaii.

I don't care about Aulani's decor, I'm saying DVC as a business isn't focused on Hawaii.

DVC could announce Aulani being sold tomorrow, and it wouldn't surprise me. DVC did not want to be holding the bag on millions of points and dealing with a difficult local government for the last two years. At the rate of sales, it might never sell out. That was not the plan.

 

[Paul Stupin]

I don't care about Aulani's decor, I'm saying DVC as a business isn't focused on Hawaii.

DVC could announce Aulani being sold tomorrow, and it wouldn't surprise me. DVC did not want to be holding the bag on millions of points and dealing with a difficult local government for the last two years. At the rate of sales, it might never sell out. That was not the plan.

I think its focused as much on Hawaii as any other major chain of hotels or timeshares that operate there. And certainly they're a major employer, and a generator of tourist dollars, so I don't really understand what you're saying. How else would Disney focus on Hawaii? What exactly do you expect?
Also, I don't much care how many millions of points they have to sell. And, truly, I don't think they'll ever sell the facility, but if they did, I think they'd offer existing owners a way out should we want it. Might even be a good deal! But in the meantime, unless you're a DVC executive, I'm not sure why anyone needs to focus on the business aspect of Aulani when they don't have to, and can instead enjoy a top flight resort with great theming and amenities, in a beautiful, quiet location.

 

[RoseGold]

I'm not sure why anyone needs to focus on the business aspect of Aulani when they don't have to, and can instead enjoy a top flight resort with great theming and amenities, in a beautiful, quiet location.

You don't if you're just staying at a nice hotel, and you can stay for cash (or rent points or use WDW points) and leave. When you're talking about a five figure timeshare commitment, then these kinds of things matter to me.

 

[Paul Stupin]

You don't if you're just staying at a nice hotel, and you can stay for cash (or rent points or use WDW points) and leave. When you're talking about a five figure timeshare commitment, then these kinds of things matter to me.

What matters more to me is the quality, maintenance, and upkeep of the resort. So long as Disney continues to keep the place beautiful, and the resale price remains in a higher range than where I bought, am happy to own there!