Need help on DVC Direct/Resale with Aulani.

[beckylee53]

If I live in Hawaii, does buying Aulani direct make sense? We're looking at purchasing 250 points. I'm new to this game and haven't looked into buying resale. Where is the best place to look for resales? What are the restrictions people are talking about at RIV?

 

[Jimmy Geppetto]

If I live in Hawaii, does buying Aulani direct make sense? We're looking at purchasing 250 points. I'm new to this game and haven't looked into buying resale. Where is the best place to look for resales? What are the restrictions people are talking about at RIV?

The good news about being from Hawaii is that you will not have to pay HARPTA if you ever decide to sell your Aulani contract.
As for buying direct versus resale, people have differing opinions. It depends what your personal preferences are. Currently, if you buy Aulani direct from DVC you can use those points to stay at all other DVC properties including RIV and any other future properties being built (ie. DLT). If you bought resale you would only be able to able to use your points at the 13 properties that existed before RIV and not at RIV or future properties (assuming the restrictions on RIV stay in effect for newer properties which many of us assume it will).
Buying direct gets you “blue card” benefits if you value those.
Right now for a 250 point contract I think you can get Aulani direct for about $165pp. Whereas resale seems to be going for $100 - $113 pp. You may want to check the ROFR discussion board as that gives you an idea of what people are paying for AUL in the resale market.

 

[DonMacGregor]

If I live in Hawaii, does buying Aulani direct make sense? We're looking at purchasing 250 points. I'm new to this game and haven't looked into buying resale. Where is the best place to look for resales? What are the restrictions people are talking about at RIV?

I think direct might make the most sense for you. I'm assuming that after Aulani, your other primary destination will be DLR, which means booking at VGC and DLT. With a resale contract you'll be able to book at VGC (if you can find any open dates), but will be locked out of DLT. VGC does have some limited availability if you work it and are super flexible, but it's hit and miss and may not ever align with your vacation windows. Even if your preference is to book at WDW resorts (being in Hawaii, we'll assume you have no desire to stay at HHI or VBR), I'm guessing you'll be taking the short trip to So Cal as well.

For me, it would boil down to the closest DVC non-home resorts to you are at DLR. You have 50 villas at VGC (the smallest DVC resort), and the 350 villas coming online at DLT. So, as a direct owner you'll have booking access to all 400 villas, whereas as a resale buyer, you will only have access to 50 or 12% of the available rooms.

I'm also assuming you've done the math, but do you really need to go for 250 points up front? What were your calculations to settle on that point count?

 

[Drewski77]

I think a lot of people are over dramatising buying a resale contract. You don't need that much patience and I found it exciting not stressful. I've bought 4 and had 1 taken, I'd do it all again in a heartbeat

It has always been a bit odd that some don’t have the patience for the savings with resale…yet the whole idea of DVC itself is to have patience to eventually save on future vacations.

Meaning, you could pay more by booking cash rooms with Disney and have a lot more flexibility and ease of cancelling trips, not planning 7-11 months in advance, etc.

By comparison, the one time additional wait of resale to save a lot on a purchase is far less of a hassle to me.

No judgment on this, just has always been a bit odd to me.

 

[Drewski77]

If I live in Hawaii, does buying Aulani direct make sense? We're looking at purchasing 250 points. I'm new to this game and haven't looked into buying resale. Where is the best place to look for resales? What are the restrictions people are talking about at RIV?

We live on the West Coast and bought SSR resale to use at Aulani which has worked great.

We like the lower dues of SSR, which the difference should only increase over time.

And we think over time a DVC property near WDW will hold its value better than one on its own in Hawaii.

One other thing: We also own at the Grand Californian which you really need in order to have a realistic chance to stay there.

I think people overestimate their ability to book future resorts by owning direct. Just because you buy direct doesn’t mean you’ll have much chance to book at 7 months at Riviera or other future resorts.

Plus, with what you save by buying resale you could always rent points or pay cash (by renting your points if you want) for a room at a future resort, or with the savings by buying resale…that is actually a more guaranteed way to stay at future resorts.

However, no matter what route you go I think you’ll really enjoy DVC. We are super happy DVC owners with many great memories already, and many more to come!

 

[DonMacGregor]

We live on the West Coast and bought SSR resale to use at Aulani which has worked great.

I think we're a bit spoiled though. 5 hours in either direction and we're at any DVC resort. I also own at SSR, but direct and agree with everything you said, with the exception of future availability at DLT. If DLR is beckylee53's primary destination (Florida is the dreaded 10-hour flight for her, just in the opposite direction), then having the ability to book at DLT becomes of paramount importance. Otherwise, every non-Aulani trip for her needs to be at WDW, or her non-home points use is nonexistent.

 

[Drewski77]

I think we're a bit spoiled though. 5 hours in either direction and we're at any DVC resort. I also own at SSR, but direct and agree with everything you said, with the exception of future availability at DLT. If DLR is beckylee53's primary destination (Florida is the dreaded 10-hour flight for her, just in the opposite direction), then having the ability to book at DLT becomes of paramount importance. Otherwise, every non-Aulani trip for her needs to be at WDW, or her non-home points use is nonexistent.

I agree on the spoiled part! I also agree on your point about DLR being the primary destination, so maybe the best thing is a direct contract at DLT and another option for Aulani such as renting points or a cheaper SSR resale contract.

I just think the DLT could be difficult to book if you don’t own there.

 

[DonMacGregor]

I just think the DLT could be difficult to book if you don’t own there.

100%. Without direct difficult becomes impossible. It's a Faustian Bargain...LOL

 

[Drewski77]

100%. Without direct difficult becomes impossible. It's a Faustian Bargain...LOL

For sure, and I suppose the other 100% guarantee is a person will pay much more for direct than resale…with still no guarantee of booking DLT or other future resorts.

 

[RoseGold]

If I live in Hawaii, does buying Aulani direct make sense? We're looking at purchasing 250 points. I'm new to this game and haven't looked into buying resale. Where is the best place to look for resales? What are the restrictions people are talking about at RIV?

250 points is a big commitment. I'd rent points first to make sure you like the resort and the DVC system. Depending on when you travel, I think there's also a good argument to be made for buying a resale FL WDW property (OKW/SSR) and using those points at Aulani. I don't view FL resale contracts as much of a commitment or risk, based on their history. JMO

There are many other timeshare systems in Hawaii. I would be researching the heck out of those before spending 30K. I'd be on Redbook trying to rent in other timeshare systems, I'd know it all.

I can't think of any reason to buy Aulani direct. I guess you could theoretically book at DL Tower. If it books like VGC, that's not much of a benefit for five figures of money. If you plan to use the points at DL, you should buy DL. West Coast DVC is constrained by Anaheim in CA and by failure in Hawaii. I wouldn't be paying five figures for maybe being able to book at a future property.

It's also worth thinking about other strategies. There are room categories at Aulani that are generally wide open, even with last minute availability. That's unheard of in WDW. It is possible from time to time to rent distressed points that have to be used in the next month or two, use it or lose it situations. This happens because of how strict DVC rules are. If you're a last minute planner -- and in DVC speak that means couple months notice -- that might work way better than owning mathematically. There's even a few of those postings up right now on these boards.

 

[RoseGold]

Integrating two timeshare systems sounds like a nightmare, especially when DVC can’t get one system to work. And let’s not forget the additional booking advantages of direct points. If a sale shut out Aulani owners from booking any other DVC resort, they’d have to get compensated in some way

That isn't what the documentation says. Any of the resorts can leave the BVTC at any time. There's things they can't do, like not take Aulani points at VGF, or not take VGF resale at Aulani, but the resorts could sell and leave the whole system.

 

[MagicalMommaOf2]

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.

HI! I was wondering if i could ask your opinion, with the new DLT opening in 2023 would you look into buying VGC resale and adding on a contract for the towers? We are exclusive DL people, eventually WDW every couple of years but right now with a 3 year old and a 1 year old we aren't looking to travel far.

of course you arent obligated to reply, just hoped you might have some insight! thanks!!

 

[limace]

That’s what I would do-own VGC resale now. Now, if you’d prefer DLT then I’d just wait.

 

[Paul Stupin]

250 points is a big commitment. I'd rent points first to make sure you like the resort and the DVC system. Depending on when you travel, I think there's also a good argument to be made for buying a resale FL WDW property (OKW/SSR) and using those points at Aulani. I don't view FL resale contracts as much of a commitment or risk, based on their history. JMO

There are many other timeshare systems in Hawaii. I would be researching the heck out of those before spending 30K. I'd be on Redbook trying to rent in other timeshare systems, I'd know it all.

I can't think of any reason to buy Aulani direct. I guess you could theoretically book at DL Tower. If it books like VGC, that's not much of a benefit for five figures of money. If you plan to use the points at DL, you should buy DL. West Coast DVC is constrained by Anaheim in CA and by failure in Hawaii. I wouldn't be paying five figures for maybe being able to book at a future property.

It's also worth thinking about other strategies. There are room categories at Aulani that are generally wide open, even with last minute availability. That's unheard of in WDW. It is possible from time to time to rent distressed points that have to be used in the next month or two, use it or lose it situations. This happens because of how strict DVC rules are. If you're a last minute planner -- and in DVC speak that means couple months notice -- that might work way better than owning mathematically. There's even a few of those postings up right now on these boards.

I actually think, if one lived in Hawaii, that buying direct is definitely an option to consider. You get the 11 month advantage for holidays, which means something if you live there and want to enjoy time there at Christmas. You also have the option to book at the upcoming Disneyland Tower. It will be considerably larger than VGC and potentially easier to book at 7 months for the occasional stay.

I do not think it’s a great idea to propose buying VGC. It’s too expensive, no, that’s an understatement, let’s say monumentally expensive, and any use of the points at Aulani, the resort at which the OP expressed interest, is a massive waste of money. And to buy points at a resort 2500 miles away to visit occasionally does not seem like a wise strategy.

I guess the poster could buy SAP points at SSR, a resort 6000 miles away, but I’d rather buy resale or direct Aulani, so I’m not shut out of holiday (especially Christmas) visits at the DVC resort in my own backyard.

And aren’t the tax law issues which have not yet happened, which we know are of great concern to you, less problematic for Hawaii residents?

 

[RoseGold]

I actually think, if one lived in Hawaii, that buying direct is definitely an option to consider. You get the 11 month advantage for holidays, which means something if you live there and want to enjoy time there at Christmas.

You'd get the 11 month advantage with resale also. That is important at Aulani for some booking categories (like the hotel room category) and peak times.

Resale and direct also pay the same dues. Difference is the five figures to the mouse and booking RIV+ resorts, and I guess fringe Blue Card benefits, which aren't worth much right now on the West Coast. I don't see how those things are worth five figures, assuming DL Tower's 7 month availability is as tight as VGC.

 

[Drewski77]

I actually think, if one lived in Hawaii, that buying direct is definitely an option to consider. You get the 11 month advantage for holidays, which means something if you live there and want to enjoy time there at Christmas. You also have the option to book at the upcoming Disneyland Tower. It will be considerably larger than VGC and potentially easier to book at 7 months for the occasional stay.

I do not think it’s a great idea to propose buying VGC. It’s too expensive, no, that’s an understatement, let’s say monumentally expensive, and any use of the points at Aulani, the resort at which the OP expressed interest, is a massive waste of money. And to buy points at a resort 2500 miles away to visit occasionally does not seem like a wise strategy.

I guess the poster could buy SAP points at SSR, a resort 6000 miles away, but I’d rather buy resale or direct Aulani, so I’m not shut out of holiday (especially Christmas) visits at the DVC resort in my own backyard.

And aren’t the tax law issues which have not yet happened, which we know are of great concern to you, less problematic for Hawaii residents?

But did the OP say Christmas was a priority? If so, then yes, direct is a must.

If not, then living closer is actually an argument to buy resale elsewhere (cheaper) as you have even more flexibility (living closer) at the 7 month and less mark.

 

[RoseGold]

But did the OP say Christmas was a priority? If so, then yes, direct is a must.

Why? A resale Aulani contract has the same booking privileges as direct (assuming the website works).

 

[Drewski77]

Why? A resale Aulani contract has the same booking privileges as direct (assuming the website works).

Good point, I should’ve said that unless the 11 month priority is needed then I don’t see a reason to buy an Aulani contract, direct or resale.

I use an SSR contract to stay at Aulani each year, by design.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Again, it boils down to where the OP plans to vacation. If the plan is to visit Aulani and Anaheim primarily, then buying a resale contract at VGC is a colossal waste of money. One, getting rooms at VGC is always a challenge, even at 11 months. No matter how you parse it, you're fighting over 50 rooms. Total. Two, you won’t have any access (zero, nada, zilch) to ANY of the 350 new rooms at DLT. You’ll have access to 12% of all DLR DVC rooms. Three, using VGC as SAP at ANY resort is just throwing away cash. If you buy points at VGC prices, you'd better use them at VGC and VGC only. Otherwise, just go ahead and light your cash on fire.

If the plan is to travel to Orlando most of the time, well then that's a different story. BUT, let's not forget the very first paragraph of the OP:

I've been going back and forth on DVC for years. We are in California so we visit DL often, usually renting points for GCH when available or staying off property. We just went to Aulani this year and loved it...Mainly for Hawaii itself, but Aulani was our home base and we loved our stay.

Aulani direct gives you access to all existing AND new resorts (including DLT), 11 month booking window for holiday or other busy periods at Aulani (and there are some), and SAP points that won’t break the bank. $201 direct at Aulani versus, what, $275-$280 for VGC resale?

 

[Drewski77]

Again, it boils down to where the OP plans to vacation. If the plan is to visit Aulani and Anaheim primarily, then buying a resale contract at VGC is a colossal waste of money. One, getting rooms at VGC is always a challenge, even at 11 months. No matter how you parse it, you're fighting over 50 rooms. Total. Two, you won’t have any access (zero, nada, zilch) to ANY of the 350 new rooms at DLT. You’ll have access to 12% of all DLR DVC rooms. Three, using VGC as SAP at ANY resort is just throwing away cash. If you buy points at VGC prices, you'd better use them at VGC and VGC only. Otherwise, just go ahead and light your cash on fire.

If the plan is to travel to Orlando most of the time, well then that's a different story. BUT, let's not forget the very first paragraph of the OP:



Aulani direct gives you access to all existing AND new resorts (including DLT), 11 month booking window for holiday or other busy periods at Aulani (and there are some), and SAP points that won’t break the bank. $201 direct at Aulani versus, what, $275-$280 for VGC resale?

I wouldn’t buy VGC to stay at Aulani, not sure who proposed that. But, I would (and have) bought VGC to stay there.

If I was going to buy an Aulani contract I’d save my money and buy resale as I believe the opportunity to book DLT at the 7 month or less mark will be extremely difficult.

A person could take the savings of buying resale AND rent out resale Aulani points and simply book a cash room at the Disneyland Hotel

This is a far more guaranteed way to stay at the Disneyland Hotel (and cheaper) than hoping a 7 month or less reservation will happen.