Riviera vs. Aulani vs. Disneyland Hotel: WWYD

[vacay77]

I think I know the answer to this but was curious to get other thoughts. My family’s home resort is VGC. We live on the west coast and we visit Disneyland once a year. Because of that, I don’t want to use our VGC points to book other DVC properties.

We go to WDW probably once every three years and the same with Hawaii (although my wish is that it would be once a year, which could be possible). My favorite resort is the Aulani. It’s my version of paradise and it’s the reason why my family considered DVC in the first place. Anyway, I’ve been debating whether we should add on, either Riviera or Aulani, or just wait until the Disneyland Tower opens up (or maybe not even buy at all!). I want to buy where we can use our points at WDW and the Aulani. The Disneyland Tower would be nice but tbh, I’d prefer to stay at VGC.

If Riviera and Aulani aren’t my home resorts, would there be availability to book them 7 months in advance if my family ends up buying at Disneyland Tower? Also direct vs. resale isn’t too important to me since we are already direct members BUT I would like to stay at Riviera at some point because I’ve heard great things about it. Just wanted to see if there are other things I should be considering. I do think direct is the way to go so that I’m not restricted from booking at Riviera (or Disneyland Hotel at some point). I wouldn’t even consider buying at all but cash stays are getting more expensive and I’ve become accustomed to 1 BR. But, if we do end up adding on, it would have to be a resort that I could use for both WDW and Aulani.

 

[Shivanair]

We own at VGC and Aulani.
We go to DL several times a year (5 visits in 2021, 7 in 2019 as an example).
Since we don't have enough VGC points to cover all our visits, we also do cash stays at DLH and GC; as a result I plan on adding on as soon as DLT becomes available.
We go to Oahu every 2-3 years so I bought enough points for 1 bdrm every 2 years (I assumed that the 50% borrowing limit will stay in place so that at worse I have more points then I need).

Our Aulani points are direct whereas the VGC is resale. After purchasing VGC contracts the plan was to wait until DLT becomes available and then buy direct points, but addonitis hit and we bought the Aulani points direct.

I don't regret any of our decisions, but if I took a step back and re-evaluated I would have bought Aulani resale while waiting for DLT for direct points. Aulani resale is on average~$40 a point cheaper than direct unless you're buying a lot of points direct. Once DLT is available then I'd sell my Aulani resale contracts (if any life situations change and we don't want the extra maintance) and buy a bigger DLT contract or keep Aulani and buy a smaller DLT contract.

If you're not in a rush, why not rent some points for Riviera and then let that stay help choose between Aulani and Riviera points?

With respect to booking Aulani at 7 months; if you have enough points (which you would if you're banking and borrowing for a trip every 2-3 years) then you're not competing for the value rooms that get sold out before the 7 months mark. Of course this will vary depending on the time of the year.

 

[limace]

If you just want to try RIV once, I agree above. Search out a subsidized AUL contract.

 

[havoc315]

I think I know the answer to this but was curious to get other thoughts. My family’s home resort is VGC. We live on the west coast and we visit Disneyland once a year. Because of that, I don’t want to use our VGC points to book other DVC properties.

We go to WDW probably once every three years and the same with Hawaii (although my wish is that it would be once a year, which could be possible). My favorite resort is the Aulani. It’s my version of paradise and it’s the reason why my family considered DVC in the first place. Anyway, I’ve been debating whether we should add on, either Riviera or Aulani, or just wait until the Disneyland Tower opens up (or maybe not even buy at all!). I want to buy where we can use our points at WDW and the Aulani. The Disneyland Tower would be nice but tbh, I’d prefer to stay at VGC.

If Riviera and Aulani aren’t my home resorts, would there be availability to book them 7 months in advance if my family ends up buying at Disneyland Tower? Also direct vs. resale isn’t too important to me since we are already direct members BUT I would like to stay at Riviera at some point because I’ve heard great things about it. Just wanted to see if there are other things I should be considering. I do think direct is the way to go so that I’m not restricted from booking at Riviera (or Disneyland Hotel at some point). I wouldn’t even consider buying at all but cash stays are getting more expensive and I’ve become accustomed to 1 BR. But, if we do end up adding on, it would have to be a resort that I could use for both WDW and Aulani.

Aulani --- You can get it at 7 months BUT you may be limited to the higher point rooms -- ocean view rooms, 1 bedrooms, etc. You aren't getting a standard studio at 7 months most of the year. During peak periods, you really may be limited to just a few high priced categories.
Riviera -- Maybe a bit tighter at 7 months than Aulani for much of the year. There are very few standard rooms, most are preferred view. At 7 months, during slower seasons, you might get a standard 1 bedroom or a preferred studio at 7 months. During peak periods, you may be limited to preferred 1 bedrooms at 7 months.

If you really would consistently visit WDW every 3 years or so, could make sense to buy into a WDW resort, and Riviera is a great option. But if it turns into more like once every 3-4 years... You may be better off adding the DL Tower points, and just using them at WDW and Aulani at 7 months.

 

[Sandisw]

It depends on when you will travel and room size in terms of RIV..

RIV SV are tough, even for owners, especially during fall and into the holidays.

1 bedroom SV last longer. But if you only want to stay at RIV occasionally then having to spend a few extra for PV won’t be that big of a deal.

 

[vacay77]

We own at VGC and Aulani.
We go to DL several times a year (5 visits in 2021, 7 in 2019 as an example).
Since we don't have enough VGC points to cover all our visits, we also do cash stays at DLH and GC; as a result I plan on adding on as soon as DLT becomes available.
We go to Oahu every 2-3 years so I bought enough points for 1 bdrm every 2 years (I assumed that the 50% borrowing limit will stay in place so that at worse I have more points then I need).

Our Aulani points are direct whereas the VGC is resale. After purchasing VGC contracts the plan was to wait until DLT becomes available and then buy direct points, but addonitis hit and we bought the Aulani points direct.

I don't regret any of our decisions, but if I took a step back and re-evaluated I would have bought Aulani resale while waiting for DLT for direct points. Aulani resale is on average~$40 a point cheaper than direct unless you're buying a lot of points direct. Once DLT is available then I'd sell my Aulani resale contracts (if any life situations change and we don't want the extra maintance) and buy a bigger DLT contract or keep Aulani and buy a smaller DLT contract.

If you're not in a rush, why not rent some points for Riviera and then let that stay help choose between Aulani and Riviera points?

With respect to booking Aulani at 7 months; if you have enough points (which you would if you're banking and borrowing for a trip every 2-3 years) then you're not competing for the value rooms that get sold out before the 7 months mark. Of course this will vary depending on the time of the year.

Thank you - I thought about renting points for Riviera but I had a bad experience last time I tried that. You’ve raised great points that I will think about.

 

[vacay77]

Aulani --- You can get it at 7 months BUT you may be limited to the higher point rooms -- ocean view rooms, 1 bedrooms, etc. You aren't getting a standard studio at 7 months most of the year. During peak periods, you really may be limited to just a few high priced categories.
Riviera -- Maybe a bit tighter at 7 months than Aulani for much of the year. There are very few standard rooms, most are preferred view. At 7 months, during slower seasons, you might get a standard 1 bedroom or a preferred studio at 7 months. During peak periods, you may be limited to preferred 1 bedrooms at 7 months.

If you really would consistently visit WDW every 3 years or so, could make sense to buy into a WDW resort, and Riviera is a great option. But if it turns into more like once every 3-4 years... You may be better off adding the DL Tower points, and just using them at WDW and Aulani at 7 months.

This is why I’m having a tough time making a decision

 

[vacay77]

It depends on when you will travel and room size in terms of RIV..

RIV SV are tough, even for owners, especially during fall and into the holidays.

1 bedroom SV last longer. But if you only want to stay at RIV occasionally then having to spend a few extra for PV won’t be that big of a deal.

I’d prefer the 1 bedroom so that might work out.

 

[Sandisw]

I’d prefer the 1 bedroom so that might work out.

Then, outside of high demand times, getting a 1 bedroom there occasionally is doable, I have been able to get one the past few years January through April at 7 months using my SSR points. I do own so booked it using RIV points to start, but then have been able to switch out the few days I needed using my other points since nights were still there!

 

[Royal Consort]

We go to WDW probably once every three years and the same with Hawaii (although my wish is that it would be once a year, which could be possible). My favorite resort is the Aulani. It’s my version of paradise and it’s the reason why my family considered DVC in the first place. Anyway, I’ve been debating whether we should add on, either Riviera or Aulani, or just wait until the Disneyland Tower opens up (or maybe not even buy at all!). I want to buy where we can use our points at WDW and the Aulani. The Disneyland Tower would be nice but tbh, I’d prefer to stay at VGC.

1. You need to decide what is going to be the higher priority: WDW or Aulani. Your comments sound like you're far more passionate about Aulani than WDW, is that the case?

2. Aulani is usually available at 7 months within the ocean view categories. Are you happy to book an ocean view requiring more points at 7 months? The real reason to own at Aulani is to access the lower point rooms. If thats not an issue for you then consider WDW.

3. I sense that you've pretty much disregarded Disneyland tower to purchase and I think that's wise. With VGC points you're much better off having a contract at WDW giving you the 11 month advantage. I own VGC and added on resale instead of waiting for the new tower direct. Buying enough points at Riviera to stay every three years or alternate with a stay at Aulani booked at 7 months seems to work. As others have said, getting into Riviera at times can be challenging so ownership there for standard rooms in particular is vital.

If Riviera and Aulani aren’t my home resorts, would there be availability to book them 7 months in advance if my family ends up buying at Disneyland Tower? Also direct vs. resale isn’t too important to me since we are already direct members BUT I would like to stay at Riviera at some point because I’ve heard great things about it. Just wanted to see if there are other things I should be considering. I do think direct is the way to go so that I’m not restricted from booking at Riviera (or Disneyland Hotel at some point). I wouldn’t even consider buying at all but cash stays are getting more expensive and I’ve become accustomed to 1 BR. But, if we do end up adding on, it would have to be a resort that I could use for both WDW and Aulani.

The problem with buying Aulani is that you are not guaranteed to book WDW in the 7 month window. If you go during the fall there may be the possibility of having no availability at all. I would be buying Riviera direct and use these points at Aulani. The other solution would be buy a resale Aulani and a small direct Riviera.

I am a Riviera and VGC owner and use my Riviera points to book Aul and Riviera. We have a week at Aulani in May followed by a week at Riviera. Works well for us.

 

[Wedgeout]

If RIV is your go to resort at WDW, I’d get some points there to help in getting sought after accommodations. Then combine points to make just 7 month reservations at Aulani. Might even hold off a decision until after VGF goes live again for members direct. Then you will have even more options before switching back to the DLT wait.

 

[vacay77]

I am a Riviera and VGC owner and use my Riviera points to book Aul and Riviera. We have a week at Aulani in May followed by a week at Riviera. Works well for us.

This is definitely good to know. It sounds like Riviera may be the way to go. I don't have a burning desire to purchase points for the Disneyland Tower, mostly because my family's home resort is VGC. I wouldn't mind purchasing more resale points for VGC but the resale prices had really skyrocketed the last time I checked.

 

[vacay77]

If RIV is your go to resort at WDW, I’d get some points there to help in getting sought after accommodations. Then combine points to make just 7 month reservations at Aulani. Might even hold off a decision until after VGF goes live again for members direct. Then you will have even more options before switching back to the DLT wait.

Do you know when they will start selling VGF2? I feel like it's taking forever, lol.

 

[Sandisw]

Do you know when they will start selling VGF2? I feel like it's taking forever, lol.

There has been no announcement yet, but we are all hoping in the next month or two!

 

[Jimmy Geppetto]

There has been no announcement yet, but we are all hoping in the next month or two!

Month or two? Try week or two! The suspense is killing me. Hurry up Disney and take my money.

 

[Sandisw]

Month or two? Try week or two! The suspense is killing me. Hurry up Disney and take my money.

I am trying to temper my own expectations!!! Hahaha

 

[RoseGold]

If you're going every three years, I don't see why you need to lock into a timeshare. All of these properties are bookable with cash or renting points. Renting Aulani points isn't hard at all. You can even book Aulani last minute and use distressed points, depending on how you travel. Aulani is very seasonal, and we have no idea when you are going. For visiting Aulani every three years, my pick would be renting points.

The cheaper RIV categories are already tight, and that's only half sold.

The Disneyland Tower would be nice but tbh, I’d prefer to stay at VGC.

If this is how you feel, I'd just stick to VGC. I think DL Tower pricing and charts will be bananas. It's all DVC will be able to build for decades.

VGC is a rock solid "investment" because of how special and small it is. You change your mind, you sell. No big deal. Aulani is the opposite. It will never sell out at this rate, DVC keeps discounting it. When you go to sell, you're competing in a giant pool and with Disney. And you'd be owning property in Hawaii. I wouldn't do this without legal advice.

 

[Paul Stupin]

If you're going every three years, I don't see why you need to lock into a timeshare. All of these properties are bookable with cash or renting points. Renting Aulani points isn't hard at all. You can even book Aulani last minute and use distressed points, depending on how you travel. Aulani is very seasonal, and we have no idea when you are going. For visiting Aulani every three years, my pick would be renting points.

The cheaper RIV categories are already tight, and that's only half sold.



If this is how you feel, I'd just stick to VGC. I think DL Tower pricing and charts will be bananas. It's all DVC will be able to build for decades.

VGC is a rock solid "investment" because of how special and small it is. You change your mind, you sell. No big deal. Aulani is the opposite. It will never sell out at this rate, DVC keeps discounting it. When you go to sell, you're competing in a giant pool and with Disney. And you'd be owning property in Hawaii. I wouldn't do this without legal advice.

I don‘t think I’d refer to any DVC property as a “solid rock investment.” It’s a timeshare, not a government bond. I do agree that VGC is both special and small, but it’s also monumentally expensive, and it’s pool of potential buyers is bound to shrink when DLT commences sales. It’s going to turn into even more of a niche product.

And DLT sure isn’t going to be cheap, but it's not going to be priced so stratospherically that no one will want to purchase a contract. Disney can always raise the minimum buy in to make more money while keeping the price per point accessible. Just look at the current thinking on VGF2.

And I have no idea re DLT’s potential point charts, but many thought the same regarding VGF2, and they were wrong. Of course they’ll be higher at DLT, but they’re sure to be lower than VGC. I would certainly think twice before buying VGC now, with the highest price in the DVC universe, with millions of less expensive DLT points flooding the market in a year or two.

 

[RoseGold]

Of course they’ll be higher at DLT, but they’re sure to be lower than VGC. I would certainly think twice before buying VGC now, with the highest price in the DVC universe, with millions of less expensive DLT points flooding the market in a year or two.

I think assuming that DLT points will be cheaper than VGC and that the point chart will be cheaper are big assumptions. If you follow the precedent of RIV and VGF, it will scrape under the VGC chart and be priced way higher. They can also play games with the chart, like the views, to hike up total point count, like Riviera, making categories exceed VGC. I think it will look a lot like the VGF/RIV charts. Roughly the same points for a property I consider far inferior.

VGC is rock solid, compared to all other DVC properties IMO. If you are done with it, you sell. This is in contrast to Aulani or even DLT direct, which as a buy I view as more risky and complicated with exit strategy. Comparing buying these two properties makes this contrast more stark. No one has any idea what will happen to DLT resale or Aulani in the future. And heck, maybe DLT resale needs to be in this discussion as well.

 

[vacay77]

If you're going every three years, I don't see why you need to lock into a timeshare. All of these properties are bookable with cash or renting points. Renting Aulani points isn't hard at all. You can even book Aulani last minute and use distressed points, depending on how you travel. Aulani is very seasonal, and we have no idea when you are going. For visiting Aulani every three years, my pick would be renting points.

The cheaper RIV categories are already tight, and that's only half sold.



If this is how you feel, I'd just stick to VGC. I think DL Tower pricing and charts will be bananas. It's all DVC will be able to build for decades.

VGC is a rock solid "investment" because of how special and small it is. You change your mind, you sell. No big deal. Aulani is the opposite. It will never sell out at this rate, DVC keeps discounting it. When you go to sell, you're competing in a giant pool and with Disney. And you'd be owning property in Hawaii. I wouldn't do this without legal advice.

These are all valid concerns. I’m leery of renting points due to a negative experience my family had the last time we rented points. The Aulani was literally closed during our planned stay and the rental agency refused to give us our money back. I had to dispute it with my credit card company. The reason I’m considering buying points at WDW or the Aulani is because for a 1 BR, it would cost my family around $6,000 for a week’s stay. I should clarify that while my family travels to WDW usually once every 3 years, we could conceivably travel to the Aulani more frequently since we live on the west coast.