Need help on DVC Direct/Resale with Aulani.

[Paul Stupin]

Again, my point about the irony is specifically related to avoiding the longer resale timeline, when DVC itself is all about being patient to save on future vacations.

You are arguing about something I’m not saying, which is paying much more for direct to gain the chance (no guarantee) of booking certain resorts at 7 months or shorter.

Not something I would do, and not ironic in my view, as this is a completely different thing than simply avoiding the huge savings of resale because the process takes longer and is more of a hassle.

Think of it this way:

Avoiding DVC all together and just paying cash for rooms is far simpler, flexible, less time consuming, and far less of a financial commitment upfront and annually…yet all us DVC owners do this (A) to primarily save on future vacations.

And when I save 30% or more on my resale purchases (B) I am dealing with some extra time and hassle to…save on future vacations. Same as the main reason for buying into DVC.

So yes, when the same person will do “A” but then not “B,” because of the wait being too long and/or the hassle of it, this is indeed ironic to me.

How bout we just agree to disagree? A seven month booking option at a beautiful new resort, whether it’s Riviera, DLT (in my own backyard), or an as yet new resort is for me significant, as a way to maximize the long term value of a portion of my DVC points. The vast majority are resale.

 

[Drewski77]

How bout we just agree to disagree? A seven month booking option at a beautiful new resort, whether it’s Riviera, DLT (in my own backyard), or an as yet new resort is for me significant, as a way to maximize the long term value of a portion of my DVC points. The vast majority are resale.

We don’t even need to “agree to disagree” as I totally get why you’d buy direct to stay at other resorts, it’s a big benefit to you.

And I have no judgment towards anyone who buys direct for any reason that they do.

My only thing was finding it curious that some avoid the huge savings of resale solely because of the extra time and hassle.

It’s awesome you are really enjoying DVC and all that it offers, we are as well…and I’m sure that is something we can 100% agree on!

 

[Sandisw]

Again, my point about the irony is specifically related to avoiding the longer resale timeline, when DVC itself is all about being patient to save on future vacations.

You are arguing about something I’m not saying, which is paying much more for direct to gain the chance (no guarantee) of booking certain resorts at 7 months or shorter.

Not something I would do, and not ironic in my view, as this is a completely different thing than simply avoiding the huge savings of resale because the process takes longer and is more of a hassle.

Think of it this way:

Avoiding DVC all together and just paying cash for rooms is far simpler, flexible, less time consuming, and far less of a financial commitment upfront and annually…yet all us DVC owners do this (A) to primarily save on future vacations.

And when I save 30% or more on my resale purchases (B) I am dealing with some extra time and hassle to…save on future vacations. Same as the main reason for buying into DVC.

So yes, when the same person will do “A” but then not “B,” because of the wait being too long and/or the hassle of it, this is indeed ironic to me.

I still think that most who say they don’t want to wait it out have other reasons like I mentioned above.

I understand what you are saying but in reality I bet very few if any chose direct over resale with the reason being solely the time.

 

[Drewski77]

I still think that most who say they don’t want to wait it out have other reasons like I mentioned above.

I understand what you are saying but in reality I bet very few if any chose direct over resale with the reason being solely the time.

And again, I was only referring to those (perhaps very few) who lament the time and hassle of resale being their primary reason for choosing direct.

I also am not judging anyone who chooses to purchase direct over resale for any reason, I’m glad there are multiple ways for people to buy DVC and enjoy it.

 

[Imkarlawithak2005]

I’m sure you are referring to my earlier comment about the time and hassle of resale. I don’t find booking 11 or 7 months out to be a time consuming. To me, planning a vacation is fun. Title, deposits, ROFR, closing doesn’t sound fun to me.

I appreciate those who don’t judge people for purchasing direct, but the tone on the boards are very negative to direct sale.

 

[Drewski77]

I’m sure you are referring to my earlier comment about the time and hassle of resale. I don’t find booking 11 or 7 months out to be a time consuming. To me, planning a vacation is fun. Title, deposits, ROFR, closing doesn’t sound fun to me.

I appreciate those who don’t judge people for purchasing direct, but the tone on the boards are very negative to direct sale.

I can see negativity sometimes on both sides, but in the end no matter how a person purchases DVC the result is hopefully years and years of amazing vacations for all DVC owners.

And that is really the most important thing.

 

[limace]

Well, the tone on any boards about any timeshare systems are pretty negative about direct sales because it’s typically a horrible idea. Disney a little less horrible, perhaps, but I think most folks here are invested in the idea that if anyone comes in here wanting to buy, they realllllly understand the pros and cons all around, especially about buying direct. Folks who really research and still buy direct-go for it, it’s your money-but those who haven’t researched and just have heard the line from Disney probably benefit from some of this negativity towards direct sales.

 

[Drewski77]

Well, the tone on any boards about any timeshare systems are pretty negative about direct sales because it’s typically a horrible idea. Disney a little less horrible, perhaps, but I think most folks here are invested in the idea that if anyone comes in here wanting to buy, they realllllly understand the pros and cons all around, especially about buying direct. Folks who really research and still buy direct-go for it, it’s your money-but those who haven’t researched and just have heard the line from Disney probably benefit from some of this negativity towards direct sales.

Good points, and I’m definitely happy with the 30%+ I recently saved on an SSR resale contract.

 

[scoobdoo]

I appreciate those who don’t judge people for purchasing direct, but the tone on the boards are very negative to direct sale.

I agree completely with you about the tone here in regards to direct. It's very disconcerting actually. Direct gives you access not only to RIV but all future resorts. To me, direct is future proofing a significant investment.

 

[Paul Stupin]

I agree completely with you about the tone here in regards to direct. It's very disconcerting actually. Direct gives you access not only to RIV but all future resorts. To me, direct is future proofing a significant investment.

Agree as well. Not only is it disconcerting, but there’s also a strong tone of condescension and often sarcasm, which seems so counter to the general good cheer and support which characterizes these boards. Defending a direct point purchase, and a blue card, almost seems impossible, so I gave up doing it. And why should I be made to feel that I have to defend this anyway?

But I regard it as future proofing a significant outlay of money as well. And as time progresses resale purchasers, who’ve been so relentlessly dismissive of any direct point purchases, will get shut out of more and more significant DVC properties. That’s why I have a mix of mostly resale points, but some direct points too.

 

[corgi_monster]

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?

As a fellow Hawaii resident and DVC owner, I wouldn’t buy Aulani. The only reason I could see buying at Aulani is if you MUST have a standard view grand villa or if you have very little flexibility. And at 250 points I’m guessing you’re not looking to book hotel rooms.

I own at AKL because we plan our WDW trips at 11-15 months out and that’s where we want to stay. I’ve never had a problem snagging a room at Aulani, even at the last minute. We’ve used all our 2020 banked points to visit Aulani every other month and usually visit during long weekends and school breaks. (We’re here right now for Fall Break and rooms were available until a couple days ago.)”

But if I were to buy Aulani, I’d buy resell and use the savings to buy DLT direct.

 

[Paul Stupin]

As a fellow Hawaii resident and DVC owner, I wouldn’t buy Aulani. The only reason I could see buying at Aulani is if you MUST have a standard view grand villa or if you have very little flexibility. And at 250 points I’m guessing you’re not looking to book hotel rooms.

I own at AKL because we plan our WDW trips at 11-15 months out and that’s where we want to stay. I’ve never had a problem snagging a room at Aulani, even at the last minute. We’ve used all our 2020 banked points to visit Aulani every other month and usually visit during long weekends and school breaks. (We’re here right now for Fall Break and rooms were available until a couple days ago.)”

But if I were to buy Aulani, I’d buy resell and use the savings to buy DLT direct.

But isn’t AKL even easier to book than Aulani at the last minute?

 

[corgi_monster]

But isn’t AKL even easier to book than Aulani at the last minute?

Not for 10-12 day continuous stretches and not during school breaks/holidays, which is the only time we can travel. And definitely not for value and concierge rooms. You need to walk those for weeks (if not months) just to have a shot.

In all fairness, I am biased against buying at Aulani because of my history in commercial development. I’ve worked on a number of big Waikiki hotel renovations (Outrigger, Sheraton, Royal Hawaiian, etc) and the future of any beach hotel here in Hawaii is not pretty after the 20, 25 year mark. Huge, costly renovations (including structural work due to the salt air corroding rebar $$$) every 3-10 years.

Aulani is a beautiful resort and I REALLY love staying here, but I would never want to own here. Not even a subsidized contract at $70/point. But that’s easy to say when I can see Diamond Head out my bedroom window and i can drive to a beach in 5 minutes. I can fully understand why the beauty of Aulani is worth every penny to someone who only experiences the islands for a week or two every year.

 

[gskywalker]

I am happy with my non subsidized $70 pp AUL contract. I even got tempted last week to grab another one that is available for under market price again because our family doesn't have enough points but I keep just thinking why?? With everything that has been cut I may as well just use the points we have in our 2 contracts and then stay offsite.

 

[gskywalker]

Not for 10-12 day continuous stretches and not during school breaks/holidays, which is the only time we can travel. And definitely not for value and concierge rooms. You need to walk those for weeks (if not months) just to have a shot.

In all fairness, I am biased against buying at Aulani because of my history in commercial development. I’ve worked on a number of big Waikiki hotel renovations (Outrigger, Sheraton, Royal Hawaiian, etc) and the future of any beach hotel here in Hawaii is not pretty after the 20, 25 year mark. Huge, costly renovations (including structural work due to the salt air corroding rebar $$$) every 3-10 years.

Aulani is a beautiful resort and I REALLY love staying here, but I would never want to own here. Not even a subsidized contract at $70/point. But that’s easy to say when I can see Diamond Head out my bedroom window and i can drive to a beach in 5 minutes. I can fully understand why the beauty of Aulani is worth every penny to someone who only experiences the islands for a week or two every year.

With that said I am sure you know what you are talking about so if there comes a time the dues are too much I will sell and probably do fine with $70 pp as a break even point.

 

[Paul Stupin]

Not for 10-12 day continuous stretches and not during school breaks/holidays, which is the only time we can travel. And definitely not for value and concierge rooms. You need to walk those for weeks (if not months) just to have a shot.

In all fairness, I am biased against buying at Aulani because of my history in commercial development. I’ve worked on a number of big Waikiki hotel renovations (Outrigger, Sheraton, Royal Hawaiian, etc) and the future of any beach hotel here in Hawaii is not pretty after the 20, 25 year mark. Huge, costly renovations (including structural work due to the salt air corroding rebar $$$) every 3-10 years.

Aulani is a beautiful resort and I REALLY love staying here, but I would never want to own here. Not even a subsidized contract at $70/point. But that’s easy to say when I can see Diamond Head out my bedroom window and i can drive to a beach in 5 minutes. I can fully understand why the beauty of Aulani is worth every penny to someone who only experiences the islands for a week or two every year.

Makes total sense! We go twice a year, once on direct points for a couple weeks (we like to book in advance as well), and once on some of our other dvc resale points for a couple weeks as well. It‘s our favorite DVC resort, with both a design and location we love. We’ve even talked about buying in Kaka’ako.

 

[Paul Stupin]

With that said I am sure you know what you are talking about so if there comes a time the dues are too much I will sell and probably do fine with $70 pp as a break even point.

You got an amazing deal with those points! Even the contracts I bought last year in the low 90s are looking like good deals now.

 

[corgi_monster]

With that said I am sure you know what you are talking about so if there comes a time the dues are too much I will sell and probably do fine with $70 pp as a break even point.

Even if the dues are astronomical, you’ll still come out ahead if you’re using your points in Hawaii. The Sheraton, Royal Hawaiian, Outrigger, etc. face the same problems and future expenses Aulani does. As Aulani dues increase, so will room rates at the other 4* beachfront properties.

Again, I don’t think Aulani is a horrible choice. It’s just a poor choice for me (and most Hawaii residents, like the person I was replying to, who visit WDW or DL frequently) because I live here and can book Aulani at the last minute.

 

[gskywalker]

Even if the dues are astronomical, you’ll still come out ahead if you’re using your points in Hawaii. The Sheraton, Royal Hawaiian, Outrigger, etc. face the same problems and future expenses Aulani does. As Aulani dues increase, so will room rates at the other 4* beachfront properties.

Again, I don’t think Aulani is a horrible choice. It’s just a poor choice for me (and most Hawaii residents, like the person I was replying to, who visit WDW or DL frequently) because I live here and can book Aulani at the last minute.

Most of the time we will use our points at Disney World. We were supposed to go this past New Years to Aulani but didn't want to leave our kids behind and then get stuck in a place we can't drive home from. We aren't concerned about where we own because it would be very rare that we book more than 7 months ahead anywhere. The one place we probably will is for the once or twice in our life we go to Aulani. We are a family of 6, so we are mostly after 2 bedrooms which makes it easier at the 7 month mark and later.

You got an amazing deal with those points! Even the contracts I bought last year in the low 90s are looking like good deals now.

Yup a little bit of luck and a bit of targetting someone who seemingly couldn't get an offer on the contract. There is a larger contract out there right now that I am pretty sure I can get for sub $100(plan would be $90) that was tempting me a bit but as I said above, I thought why spend all this money with all the cuts when I could stay offsite for significantly cheaper.

 

[Paul Stupin]

Most of the time we will use our points at Disney World. We were supposed to go this past New Years to Aulani but didn't want to leave our kids behind and then get stuck in a place we can't drive home from. We aren't concerned about where we own because it would be very rare that we book more than 7 months ahead anywhere. The one place we probably will is for the once or twice in our life we go to Aulani. We are a family of 6, so we are mostly after 2 bedrooms which makes it easier at the 7 month mark and later.



Yup a little bit of luck and a bit of targetting someone who seemingly couldn't get an offer on the contract. There is a larger contract out there right now that I am pretty sure I can get for sub $100(plan would be $90) that was tempting me a bit but as I said above, I thought why spend all this money with all the cuts when I could stay offsite for significantly cheaper.

For what it’s worth, for us, the Aulani experience even now is first rate. You could flip a $90 Aulani contract and make money, or use it for a year and then sell.