What happened to Aulani?

[fatfish]

We actually got a mailer on Aulani today, and we are in Texas. Maybe DVC is working its way across the country with the mailers?????

 

[fatfish]

We actually got a mailer on Aulani today, and we are in Texas. Maybe DVC is working its way across the country with the mailers?????

 

[Peggy Sue]

We are in MA and received the advertising material from DVC on the 19th.

We received the point charts for our guide a couple of weeks ago.

Count us in as one more from the east coast who believes the flight to HI is long and not something we would want to do on an annual basis. HI is beautiful, and we have enjoyed our vacations there ..but it takes 2 + travel days ...when we retire we won't hesitate to fly long distances..but when one still needs to count every vacation day we always consider how long it's going to take us to reach our destination. The flight out to HI isn't that bad ..we're excited to be going plus the time difference is in our favor ..but that flight back to the east coast is a killer ..often crossing into a second day with the last leg of our flight being a red eye ..and we're exhausted for the next couple of days getting over the jet lag.

We are looking forward to checking out the HI DVC resort .. just hope it's not going to be too difficult to book at the 7 month window!

 

[KiminChicago]

We are in MA and received the advertising material from DVC on the 19th.

We received the point charts for our guide a couple of weeks ago.

Count us in as one more from the east coast who believes the flight to HI is long and not something we would want to do on an annual basis. HI is beautiful, and we have enjoyed our vacations there ..but it takes 2 + travel days ...when we retire we won't hesitate to fly long distances..but when one still needs to count every vacation day we always consider how long it's going to take us to reach our destination. The flight out to HI isn't that bad ..we're excited to be going plus the time difference is in our favor ..but that flight back to the east coast is a killer ..often crossing into a second day with the last leg of our flight being a red eye ..and we're exhausted for the next couple of days getting over the jet lag.

We are looking forward to checking out the HI DVC resort .. just hope it's not going to be too difficult to book at the 7 month window!

Yeah, I've heard that going west to east results in worse jet lag than going the other way. When DH and I went to Hawaii for our honeymoon, we stopped in California on our way back. We stayed in a lovely place in Laguna Beach and had dinner with my aunt and uncle who were unable to make it to Chicago for our wedding. After a couple of days there, we were ready for the flight back.

If I were going to Aulani, I'd do the stop at DL on the way back.

 

[supersuperwendy]

We got the Aulani book today too. My concern is the tax thing...how do you find out how much it would be per stay? Since we have a big family we would be booking a 2 bedroom so I guess that means a higher tax since more points per stay?

"For all stays at Aulani, the state of Hawaii imposes a daily transient accommodations tax based upon the number of vacation points required for the stay and the per vacation point annual dues for the calendar year of the stay. This tax must be paid by checkout. The amount of the tax will vary from year to year and is subject to change."

 

[Donut23]

I think it is so funny that east coasters think it is so far to fly. We fly 1 to 3 times a year to DW and to the carribean, as do many other west coasters.

Flight time from NY airports to San Juan, Puerto Rico.....3 3/4 hours if flying non-stop. Hardly the same as a flight from the East Coast to Hawaii. Heck, a non-stop flight to LAX is 6 1/2 hours!

 

[DisWitt]

Sorry to get in on this thread SO LATE in the game as I was one of the original people who followed it and lurked.

Being a West Coaster and a member of a family that has gone to Hawaii at LEAST once a year for the last 75+ years, I had been waiting for Aulani for at least 3 years. That's how long I have kept my eye on DVC membership... but the timing and home resort was never right. With Aulani, it was perfect for us. Literally, I was on a Disney Cruise 2 years ago talking with the guide at the DVC info table. He asked me where we regularly vacationed. I told him that we hit Hawaii most often. He said, "Then if and when DVC goes to Hawaii, you should buy there." More and more after that, I looked into the other timeshare companies and their properties. I said to myself, "If we could just have DVC in Hawaii, it'd be perfect... and we can trade to Orlando any time, too." Thus, I got on the Aulani interest list back in January or February when it came out. And when I got an invite to the presentation at the Disneyland Hotel, I was overjoyed. Literally, I almost showed up with a cashiers check!

That story being told, I also talked with a few Orange County, CA locals who were buying into Aulani. Hawaii is a regular vacation spot for West Coasties, just like the Carribean is for East Coasters. It's a 5.5 hr direct flight from LAX, SAN, or SNA and there are deals to be had. Plus, no customs or passport required.

For all of you East Coast doubters or bad-mouthers, let us have Aulani. You all have Orlando, HHI, Carribean and all that in your back yards. We love visiting you on a 5+ hour flight. And we love when you come to Anaheim. Nobody is insisting that you spend another 5+ hours to go to Hawaii... that's our baby. ;-) That being said, I think DVC isn't anywhere near ramping up speed for Aulani. I think they got the project underway, but the big blitz is still to come. They're not even set up at the DVC center IN Hawaii yet (and that'll be a big selling location). Also know that DVC is a quiet little secret here in the West. Sure, the kiosks are around Disneyland and DCA, but the people working there practically discourage sales. You really have to hound them and beg to buy into DVC... it's just not a good fit yet for most West Coasters. Plus, in this economy, I think DVC would be smart to hold the inventory, rent the rooms out at rack rate, and sell them for more $ in a year when the property opens and everyone wants in.

I talked to my guide here in Anaheim who is selling Aulani and he said that he has never been busier and that sales (for him) were slammed during the special presentations. Remember, he's selling to Orange County locals who probably go to Hawaii regularly. That'll be very different than selling to someone who will have to take 2+ stops and 8+ hours to fly to Hawaii...

And I can't imagine that Tokyo sales will be bad. Have you been to Hawaii? It's like Vegas for the Japanese! It's CRAZY! They LOVE Hawaii! JTB sponsors everything. There's tons of free trollys JUST FOR THE JAPANESE (you have to show your JTB card)! They buy Duty Free like it's going out of style. Every breakfast buffet has white rice, nori, and crazy-looking Japanese-centric foods. Seriously, DVC has probably focus-grouped the heck out of the Japanese who go to Hawaii. There are probably tons of Japanese waiting for DVC to get through regulatory (keep in mind it's a major pain to sell timeshares between countries) so that they can write checks to DVC and buy in. I doubt you'll see SSR overrun with Japanese translations, but I'm 99% sure you'll see Japanese as the sub-language on most things at Aulani. It's already that way everywhere on Oahu. And the sales tactic probably will mention DVC reservation capability at VGC and the Anaheim hotels... but may gloss over the resorts in Orlando. Afterall, it's at least a 15-hour flight from Tokyo to Orlando!

 

[missy2217]

Living in NY it is too far to purchase, I am a true believer that timeshares are only worth it if you can drive, atleast for us. I don't want to always be at the mercy of the airlines, that are getting more and more ridiculous. I am going to definately roll the dice on getting a unit at 7 month, I do want to bring my kids to Hawaii once.

 

[AZDisFamily]

New here, but wanted to comment, we bought VGC while at DW in June 2009 (stayed at SSR that trip). We specifically bought VGC because we live in Arizona and go to DL/DCA at least once a year for 2- 3 nights in February (depends on if we drive or fly). We did get contacted by our DVC rep about Aulani about 3 weeks ago, and they sent us a flashy brochure.

We would have been interested in adding on points; however, since we can trade out to RCI at Hawaii resorts for a one week stay, and still have points left over, we are not considering buying at this time.

We love VGC - the convenience of having your own entrance to DCA is awesome - and do not regret buying there at all.

 

[Starr W.]

Sorry to get in on this thread SO LATE in the game as I was one of the original people who followed it and lurked.

Being a West Coaster and a member of a family that has gone to Hawaii at LEAST once a year for the last 75+ years, I had been waiting for Aulani for at least 3 years. That's how long I have kept my eye on DVC membership... but the timing and home resort was never right. With Aulani, it was perfect for us. Literally, I was on a Disney Cruise 2 years ago talking with the guide at the DVC info table. He asked me where we regularly vacationed. I told him that we hit Hawaii most often. He said, "Then if and when DVC goes to Hawaii, you should buy there." More and more after that, I looked into the other timeshare companies and their properties. I said to myself, "If we could just have DVC in Hawaii, it'd be perfect... and we can trade to Orlando any time, too." Thus, I got on the Aulani interest list back in January or February when it came out. And when I got an invite to the presentation at the Disneyland Hotel, I was overjoyed. Literally, I almost showed up with a cashiers check!

That story being told, I also talked with a few Orange County, CA locals who were buying into Aulani. Hawaii is a regular vacation spot for West Coasties, just like the Carribean is for East Coasters. It's a 5.5 hr direct flight from LAX, SAN, or SNA and there are deals to be had. Plus, no customs or passport required.

For all of you East Coast doubters or bad-mouthers, let us have Aulani. You all have Orlando, HHI, Carribean and all that in your back yards. We love visiting you on a 5+ hour flight. And we love when you come to Anaheim. Nobody is insisting that you spend another 5+ hours to go to Hawaii... that's our baby. ;-) That being said, I think DVC isn't anywhere near ramping up speed for Aulani. I think they got the project underway, but the big blitz is still to come. They're not even set up at the DVC center IN Hawaii yet (and that'll be a big selling location). Also know that DVC is a quiet little secret here in the West. Sure, the kiosks are around Disneyland and DCA, but the people working there practically discourage sales. You really have to hound them and beg to buy into DVC... it's just not a good fit yet for most West Coasters. Plus, in this economy, I think DVC would be smart to hold the inventory, rent the rooms out at rack rate, and sell them for more $ in a year when the property opens and everyone wants in.

I talked to my guide here in Anaheim who is selling Aulani and he said that he has never been busier and that sales (for him) were slammed during the special presentations. Remember, he's selling to Orange County locals who probably go to Hawaii regularly. That'll be very different than selling to someone who will have to take 2+ stops and 8+ hours to fly to Hawaii...

And I can't imagine that Tokyo sales will be bad. Have you been to Hawaii? It's like Vegas for the Japanese! It's CRAZY! They LOVE Hawaii! JTB sponsors everything. There's tons of free trollys JUST FOR THE JAPANESE (you have to show your JTB card)! They buy Duty Free like it's going out of style. Every breakfast buffet has white rice, nori, and crazy-looking Japanese-centric foods. Seriously, DVC has probably focus-grouped the heck out of the Japanese who go to Hawaii. There are probably tons of Japanese waiting for DVC to get through regulatory (keep in mind it's a major pain to sell timeshares between countries) so that they can write checks to DVC and buy in. I doubt you'll see SSR overrun with Japanese translations, but I'm 99% sure you'll see Japanese as the sub-language on most things at Aulani. It's already that way everywhere on Oahu. And the sales tactic probably will mention DVC reservation capability at VGC and the Anaheim hotels... but may gloss over the resorts in Orlando. Afterall, it's at least a 15-hour flight from Tokyo to Orlando!

Totally agree with you and I'm a Midwestern who just did a 17 day stay in Hawaii this summer.

If and when we move out West, our current DVC points will probably be sold and we would probably purchase Aulani and another HI TS.

They do have a DVC sales office in the shopping center in Ko Olina, saw it reported somewhere(with pictures of the DVC vans). Small signage right now. http://www.yesterland.com/disneykoolina11.html

 

[ilovepooh]

Just got fancy brochure yesterday! It looks gorgeous, but I don't see us buying there....as PP mentioned it is a little too far for us. We plan to go there once though.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

I don't think DVC has done a very good job at ALL of marketing VGC... much less Aulani! I went to the initial public event for sales for VGC as did a friend. Neither of us were DVC owners, and as DL AP holders we had gotten a nifty brochure. The event turned out to mostly show BLT!!! So not what we were there for. A month later I ended up buying AKV... nobody had "sold" me on why I should buy VGC at all. I never got another mailer or flyer for VGC. I did get multiple mailers on BLT and SSR- Treehouses. Mind you, I live less than an hour from DLR and have been a premium AP holder for over 10 years. You'd think I'd be their market audience?

After our first stay at VGC, we were hooked and bought a small 50 point contract (since we had spent our cash on our AKV points!). To do it all over again, I should have bought all my points at VGC. Aulani being on the horizon was a big factor in our decision to choose DVC. It's one of our favorite vacation destinations. Again, you'd think I'd get a mailer on Aulani...NOPE. Not a thing. Whoever is doing DVC's marketing is not doing a good job.

Looking forward to visiting Aulani in March 2012! We'll be forgoing a WDW trip in 2011 to save our points.

 

[3happydancers]

Sorry, did not have a chance to read through this thread but, I was wondering if anyone had information about the "transient accommodations tax" attached to the Aulani DVC?

I just received a brochure with the points chart. On the bottom it states that "Hawaii imposes a daily transient tax based upon the number of vacation points required for your stay ant the per vacation point annual dues for the calendar year of the stay."

I would understand this to mean that we would be receiving a bill at the end of our vacation at check out. I wonder what the average bill would run, anyone know? Also, I am not sure I like this too much. We have already paid top dollar for the DVC so we would not be faced with "fees" attached to our lodging .

 

[Alan_BLT_2009]

We just got the brochure in the mail yesterday. It looks very nice. We do not plan on purchasing there, but will plan a vacation there hopefully within the next five years. Being an East Coaster, it just would not make sense. However, I very much appreciate the flexibility of DVC to use our BLT points at Aulani.

 

[jmatias]

Whenever we stay at any timeshare property in Hawaii we pay the tax. I don't remember the exact amount but it was a daily tax somewhere around $10 - $14 per day.

Jen

Sorry, did not have a chance to read through this thread but, I was wondering if anyone had information about the "transient accommodations tax" attached to the Aulani DVC?

I just received a brochure with the points chart. On the bottom it states that "Hawaii imposes a daily transient tax based upon the number of vacation points required for your stay ant the per vacation point annual dues for the calendar year of the stay."

I would understand this to mean that we would be receiving a bill at the end of our vacation at check out. I wonder what the average bill would run, anyone know? Also, I am not sure I like this too much. We have already paid top dollar for the DVC so we would not be faced with "fees" attached to our lodging .

 

[funatdisney]

Just found this thread and haven't read though it. But I thought this was interesting:yesterday morning there was a commercial on Disney's DVC Aulani timeshare on ABC (of course). I have never seen DVC advertise on tv before, but then again, they may have in the East Coast. I just thought that was interesting.

 

[3happydancers]

Whenever we stay at any timeshare property in Hawaii we pay the tax. I don't remember the exact amount but it was a daily tax somewhere around $10 - $14 per day.

Jen

Yes, but I don't view DVC as any timeshare type property and when we purchased our DVC, we were told we would never receive additional tax charges at the end of our stay. With this new DVC resort opening, suddenly we will be taxed according to amount of points used AND according to your yearly annual dues. Personally, I do not think this is right since this was not the terms we agreed upon.

But that is just me. I am sure others would not mind paying extra and that is ok for them.

 

[bearpele]

We bought into Aulani last week and live in MA. The main reason we bought is we are a military family who has been stationed in HI for a total of 6 years. We love the islands and plan to island hop to the other islands on our visits every 2-3 years. The plane ride is long. But we traveled every year from Hawaii to Florida while we were stationed in HI. Buy where you want to be able to stay - we want to be able to book at 11 months since we will travel at peak HI times. HINT: Japanese travel to HI in April/May during the "golden week". So, it maybe difficult to get a reservation at the 7 month mark in april/may timeframe.

 

[utahdisney]

I got a nice booklet. I was thinking about the purchasing into this new property, so I appreciate the thread of this conversion. It has given me several things to think about.

 

[Disneyaunt4]

We got a brochure yesterday, haven't opened it yet. And no we will not be buying in.