Thoughts on AUL with subsidized dues to use at WDW?

[ProudMommyof2]

I have been reading about resale for a long time. I am now, finally, in a situation to make a purchase.

We would mostly use the points at WDW, but occasionally at AUL or HHI.
We would travel mostly the 3rd week in April (hubby is a teacher and that is Spring vacation in the northeast), mid June or occasional winter weekend.
AUL seems economical while also desirable on the rental market.

There have been a couple of AUL contracts with subsidized dues. I do have some questions.
1. Are the dues subsidized for the length of the contract?
2. We should always be able to get something in WDW at the 7 mos window with dates we are looking at?
3. Any downside I am not considering?

TIA

 

[Sandisw]

The dues are for the life of the contract. Spring break is a popular time so the rooms available at WDW are going to be varied, I think getting a full week at one place, especially if you are looking at studios will be tough, even at SSR.

Honestly, I don’t think i would buy a non WDW resort when the goal is WDW. I think you might regret it in the end.

Now, if you are flexible with room size or looking at 1 bedrooms, then your chances will be better.

 

[RyanDisneyDad]

Get a WDW contract for your WDW stays. We book using home window then change based on resort availability at 7 MO mark. Buying one as just a filler isn't a bad idea but not as main wdw.

 

[Twohsieh]

I would agree with the other members-buy at WDW if that is where you and your family will be using your points the most. Having the 11 month reservation advantage gets you the best chance of obtaining the type of room and view at that resort.

 

[gskywalker]

Check back with me in a few years. I just bought 150 Aul points to use mostly at WDW. I still think it is going to be the best choice but I won't know for sure for a few years. Getting them for $70 pp made it an easy choice for me.

 

[Imkarlawithak2005]

We waited too long to buy at VGC, so we bought at Aulani. We had no problem the first few years booking VGC, Boardwalk, AK Kidani. We travel during off time, get 2 bedrooms and are very flexible with dates. The past few years we realized if you want to stay anywhere else, you need to own there. We didn’t want to stay at AK every year. We added on at CCV. We love traveling to Aulani, but you are competing at the 7 month window with everyone else. I like the comfort of booking at 11 months knowing I will get what I want, rather than what’s left.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I would add that mid-June at HHI is hard, especially if you want a studio.

 

[RoseGold]

I thought seriously about this strategy and decided against it based on Hawaii laws.

It has some barriers to sell and inheritance FL does not have, and Hawaii has made many changes and tax updates that have not been in favor of owners. I view FL as more stable, maybe your crystal ball is different than mine.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

I thought seriously about this strategy and decided against it based on Hawaii laws.

It has some barriers to sell and inheritance FL does not have, and Hawaii has made many changes and tax updates that have not been in favor of owners. I view FL as more stable, maybe your crystal ball is different than mine.

This is something I was not aware of. Thank you!

 

[DVCanadian]

I have been reading about resale for a long time. I am now, finally, in a situation to make a purchase.

We would mostly use the points at WDW, but occasionally at AUL or HHI.
We would travel mostly the 3rd week in April (hubby is a teacher and that is Spring vacation in the northeast), mid June or occasional winter weekend.
AUL seems economical while also desirable on the rental market.

There have been a couple of AUL contracts with subsidized dues. I do have some questions.
1. Are the dues subsidized for the length of the contract?
2. We should always be able to get something in WDW at the 7 mos window with dates we are looking at?
3. Any downside I am not considering?

TIA

The low buy in at Aulani and subsidized dues could make sense.

It is all about expectations. At 7 months you will be able to book a room at a WDW deluxe resort. If that is ok then it works for you.
If you need a specific resort, with a specific view on specific dates, well that might be harder.
You would be in the same situation as anyone who can’t or doesn’t book until 7 months. This is normal and common despite the 11 month window fear merchants on the boards. You can always book something you like and waitlist that dream room.

For us 11 months is too far out to book and have always got the rooms we wanted but we don’t go at spring break, Easter or Xmas and we only book 1 bedroom and above.

 

[gskywalker]

Check back with me in a few years. I just bought 150 Aul points to use mostly at WDW. I still think it is going to be the best choice but I won't know for sure for a few years. Getting them for $70 pp made it an easy choice for me.

Someone responded to this post 2 years later, so it just popped up for me. The answer is I am still very happy buying these as SAP. Have used them at BLT, CCV, AKL value, bcv and bwv. Haven't used them at AUL yet. Only bad part was the 150 wasn't enough of an add on. Since we have added two BLT contracts(400 pts).

 

[CWTC]

We are considering buying AUL resale primarily for use at Poly bungalows or for Aulani itself. Does anyone have a good resource for HI timeshare law vs FL? One of the comments above gives me pause though in terms of more stringent timeshare laws in HI. Thanks!!

 

[TeamRiley]

We own at VGC and Aulani. We use the Aulani points when we go to WDW. If you have no will or no trust set up, then probate and inheritance in Hawaii is a bit more complicated. That being said, if you have no will or family trust properly set up, you shouldn't be buying any DVC in the first place.

Tax wise, you only pay the taxes if you use the points at Aulani. No matter where you stay in Hawaii you will get dinged with those. As far as taxes when selling, that was not part of the equation for us. They are probably more complex, but we don't really have any intention to sell.

Have never regretted making the purchase and have stayed at Aulani multiple times as well as at WDW.