When is having Aulani points a definite must?

[Dean]

That's why I made the statement. If we knew how many fixed weeks were sold, and what weeks they were, it would give some insight into what might be the high demand times. I would guess Christmas/New Years and Golden week might be high on the list.

I doubt that week the end of April, early May will be high demand. It's traditionally a lower demand for timeshares in the island AND it's a high points time.

 

[wdrl]

I doubt that week the end of April, early May will be high demand. It's traditionally a lower demand for timeshares in the island AND it's a high points time.

I think DVC anticipates that Golden Week (the first week in May) will be a high demand week at Aulani. That is one reason why May 1-5 is in the Premier Season at Aulani but not for other DVC resorts. From what I understand, Golden Week is a big holiday period for the Japanese, and the Japanese are a large part of the Aulani clientele. Of course, if other Hawaii timeshares experience low demand during Golden Week and the same happens at Aulani, then DVC may need to adjust its point chart accordingly.

DVD has announced that it will limit fixed week sales to no more than 35% for each week. Although Hawaii's Bureau of Conveyances records the deeds for Aulani, it does not identify whether a deed represents a fixed week ownership or a regular points ownership. I don't think DVD has sold many fixed week options. I've seen only a handful of deeds in which the unusual numbers of points match the number of points required for a fixed week. However, lacking any hard data, I shouldn't speculate on the sales rate of Fixed Weeks at Aulani.

Keep in mind that even with a Fixed Week, an owner can opt out of their fixed week each Use Year and convert their ownership to regular points. Since we don't know the percentage of Fixed Weeks or the number of Fixed Week owners who opt out each UY, its premature to assess the impact of the Fixed Week Option on availability of Vacation Homes at Aulani.

 

[Dean]

I think DVC anticipates that Golden Week (the first week in May) will be a high demand week at Aulani. That is one reason why May 1-5 is in the Premier Season at Aulani but not for other DVC resorts. From what I understand, Golden Week is a big holiday period for the Japanese, and the Japanese are a large part of the Aulani clientele. Of course, if other Hawaii timeshares experience low demand during Golden Week and the same happens at Aulani, then DVC may need to adjust its point chart accordingly.

I realize the intent and simply doubt it to be accurate based on other info available. I doubt they'll change it since they historically haven't made changes to the season calendar even when it seemed needed (early Dec WDW). The relatively low difference in points from top to bottom for Aulani make it unlikely they'll need to make many changes. This too is c/w other timeshares.

 

[Rob S.]

In what situations would Aulani points be a must?

For me, Aulani points were a must because I wanted to garuntee an ocean view. I don't want to fly 4,000 miles to look at a parking lot. I plan on going to Hawaii about every three years (I've already been to Aulani this year).
I purchased my points in 2010 so I have the subsidized dues which are not that bad.

 

[luv2sleep]

For me, Aulani points were a must because I wanted to garuntee an ocean view. I don't want to fly 4,000 miles to look at a parking lot. I plan on going to Hawaii about every three years (I've already been to Aulani this year).
I purchased my points in 2010 so I have the subsidized dues which are not that bad.

Makes a lot of sense! We had a partial ocean viewing Maui last year and it was really nice.

 

[ford family]

We booked Aulanu at the seven month window for the week of October 27th in an Ocean View Studio. We own at the Boardwalk and this will be a one time only trip to Hawaii which is why we are doing the NCL cruise the following week.

ford family

 

[luv2sleep]

We booked Aulanu at the seven month window for the week of October 27th in an Ocean View Studio. We own at the Boardwalk and this will be a one time only trip to Hawaii which is why we are doing the NCL cruise the following week.

ford family

That's choice season so not bad!

 

[snackyx]

For me, Aulani points were a must because I wanted to garuntee an ocean view. I don't want to fly 4,000 miles to look at a parking lot. I plan on going to Hawaii about every three years (I've already been to Aulani this year).
I purchased my points in 2010 so I have the subsidized dues which are not that bad.

With some of the Aulani "ocean" views, you may have to settle for a nice view of the pool with the ocean waaaaay in the background. The Disney idea of an "ocean view" does not always coincide with the common expectation of the same (think BLT Park View vs. BLT Parking Lot View). It seems the only real guaranteed "ocean view" is with the grand villas, which are positioned on the ends of the towers that directly face the ocean.

 

[luv2sleep]

With some of the Aulani "ocean" views, you may have to settle for a nice view of the pool with the ocean waaaaay in the background. The Disney idea of an "ocean view" does not always coincide with the common expectation of the same (think BLT Park View vs. BLT Parking Lot View). It seems the only real guaranteed "ocean view" is with the grand villas, which are positioned on the ends of the towers that directly face the ocean.

A grand villa ocean view in the summer (when I'd be able to get a bunch more people to go) is 1113 points! I'd have to have 371 points to bank and borrow over 3 years to even do that. Great reality check, lol! That's definitely not going to happen anytime soon.

 

[G'sMaman]

Yes, I've thought about it....a lot. Howver, I decided that I would rather have more VGC points so that I can book Christmas and New Year's stays at the 11 month mark. I can still have a nice vacation at a wonderful resort without having to pay holiday airfare. It takes a lot of points at that time of year even for a studio.

The effective price per point right now at Aulani is enticing but those MFs aren't. I will try to book at 7 months and see how it goes. I am thinking about going next summer to experience it. Who knows? I might be so enamored that I will be willing to pay those MFs over the long haul.

The good thing about owning VGC points is that they seem to be in demand and easy "traders" and I have had a number of people who wanted to swap Aulani points with me so that might be an option for hard to get times of the year.

With some of the Aulani "ocean" views, you may have to settle for a nice view of the pool with the ocean waaaaay in the background. The Disney idea of an "ocean view" does not always coincide with the common expectation of the same (think BLT Park View vs. BLT Parking Lot View). It seems the only real guaranteed "ocean view" is with the grand villas, which are positioned on the ends of the towers that directly face the ocean.

When we were there in the spring we were told they're advising staff to refer to OV as partial OV so folks aren't disappointed. We actually really enjoyed our view, but I could see how some people might be upset.