But to be fair, I was also in the market for a subsidized Aulani contract. I have an upcoming stay at a Grand Villa and I fear it will ruin me forever. But in the long term, even Aulani’s subsidized dues rate will probably surpass those of BLT and VGF in a few years since it’s only like 50 cents cheaper. It’s sad to think that my resale BLT points are my SAP.
Oh man, don’t get me started. The rail is now 1000% over budget at $10+ billion. And they haven’t even torn through the busiest section of Honolulu yet. It’ll be the same for the stadium so we can have a bunch of High School games and swap meets. Somebody’s gonna haveto pay for this mess. And it ain’t gonna be the residents if the voters can help it. I gotta get out of here!!
They're all about protecting the integrity and legacy of the kamaaina, and providing those kamaaina discounts, right up until it's time to spend (waste) that sweet, sweet kamaaina money.
It ain’t gonna work since most kamaaina spend all our money in Vegas. We spend all ours in Anaheim and Orlando.
I meant spending your tax money, haha. Growing up, we always stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. I never venture west of Pearl. LOL (just kidding)It ain’t gonna work since most kamaaina spend all our money in Vegas. We spend all ours in Anaheim and Orlando.
The state of Hawaii is doing what Disney wants to do. They want to get rid of cheap tourists who stay at cheap Air BnBs and attract more “high quality“ tourists like yourselves
Have you been to HHV lately? It’s just sad what’s happened over there. It’s barely staffed and crumbling everywhere. We used to love staycationing there. They even charge $50 for self parking now per day. $50!!
No, not since 2015. We always stayed in the Ali’i Tower and felt like royalty with the doorman, separate lobby, and sitting right on the beach. It was the one spot on Waikiki that didn’t feel like Waikiki (and the absolute widest stretch of sand). I’m sad to hear that. There is SO much history there.
The Ali’i tower is nice, with its own private pool. HHV does have history. Used to be a gathering place. But not anymore, especially without the Friday night fireworks. This pandemic changed everything.
The more options that are being sold along side it makes you think it gets more challenging. It’s already under 40 years until it expires.
That pool is the best. Up on the second floor and right on the sand, separated by maybe a 8’ walkway and just a metal railing along the front of the deck, you basically feel like you’re sitting on the beach, but with fresh water and cocktail service. Take the private stairway down to the ground and you’re in the Pacific in 30 seconds.
We lived in the Lagoon Tower in ‘74, while our house was being built. I still remember the taste of the fire grilled burgers they served at the beachside grille. We usually go every visit (just to the beach) but haven’t been back since the start of the pandemic. Sad to hear it’s getting run down. And $50 for parking?! Yikes!
Yeah, I visited a friend staying there last month. I was appalled by the conditions.
DLT in particular more enticing for West Coasters who might have chose AUL over RIV
Yep, Aulani uses Hawaii locals like Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line use cast members. Sell as many full price rooms as you can ahead of time, then introduce a general discount, then open up heavily discounted inventory two months(ish) out to fill in all available space.
I think Aulani is especially hurt by the borrowing restrictions. Not many people are going to go to Aulani every year. They might go every three years, but if you can't reliably borrow, that's sort of off the table.
The thing is, we live in LA and absolutely love Aulani. Even with higher dues, Aulani points beat rack rates long term.
Subsidized dues has to stay with those points. I think DVC doesn’t really want to deal with that issue if they buy them back then resell them.
I’m not knocking Aulani the resort. It’s beautiful and we love it. I’m just wary of owning there because of the dues being driven up by Hawaii’s political and economic pressures. There are cheaper ways to stay there without owning. But if the 11 month is important to book SV rooms, I agree ownership is important at a cost. Definitely much better than rack rates.
I'm in the same boat. We're thinking of taking the kids and their friends to Aulani for their birthdays every year for the next 10-12 years since it's easier than trying to plan parties. Kamaaina rates are never available on weekends and the staycation group doesn't offer discounts on 2BR so we have to either pay cash rates, rent points, or buy more points. Renting and buying resale are neck and neck right now, but if resale drops back down to $90-$100/point, we'll buy. I would hope that Aulani would be worth at least $80-$90/point on the resale market in 12 years, even if the dues go up substantially.
