WWYD? Animal Kingdom for Flower and Garden or Aulani?

[limace]

So, we just purchased DVC last year-100 points at GCV and then 25 direct at AKV just in time for the benefits. Both are August UY. We have a big trip to DL planned in June-using banked and some borrowed points for five nights in a 2 bedroom-but I have AKV points burning a hole in my pocket, and 25 are banked so have to be used by next August. We are on the West Coast, so it's a bigger deal for us to get to Orlando.

I've been thinking of a couple ideas: try to get Value rooms at AKV and go during Flower and Garden. I've never been then, and I think perhaps April or May might be a good time to go-weather not horrendously hot yet (hopefully?) and the event sounds great. If I can't get value, I can pull some of my GCV points (or, better yet, purchase some OTU points to round out this reservation as those points are like freaking gold). Pro: Disney! I haven't been to WDW in 8 years and so much new to see! I think I could get my mom to join me on this trip; she hasn't been for a long time but loves flowers and has mentioned she might be ready to do Disney again. Cons: won't be cheap, not the best location for flower and garden (but we've stayed at AKV before, loved it, and the transportation was just fine-and that was before Uber).

OR use the points at Aulani this fall. My folks have a share in a condo in Maui and have October this year-we could stay there and then end with a few days at Aulani. Pros: Easier flights for us than East coast, cheaper (no park tickets). Never been to Aulani. Cons: we've been to Hawaii routinely for years-we love it, but Oahu is probably our least favorite.

So, what would you do? Anything else I should consider?

 

[greentea]

When I read your post, you sound so much more excited about doing Flower and Garden/Disney World than Hawaii. Given that, and how often you already go to Hawaii, I would do Orlando if you can swing the cost.

I've been to Flower and Garden once (and will be back for a second time this week!) and it's nice! And that's coming from someone who avoids plants as much as possible due to allergies. It also doesn't bother me to be a bit farther away at AKL -- it was my first choice this time, but we'll be at POFQ.

 

[limace]

Ha! You are totally right, when I reread it. I think I am more excited for ME about WDW; my husband would definitely be happier about Hawaii...but then I could leave him behind when I go to WDW and then "just" do a family Maui trip like we typically do-and love .

 

[Shanti]

So, we just purchased DVC last year-100 points at GCV and then 25 direct at AKV just in time for the benefits. Both are August UY. We have a big trip to DL planned in June-using banked and some borrowed points for five nights in a 2 bedroom-but I have AKV points burning a hole in my pocket, and 25 are banked so have to be used by next August. We are on the West Coast, so it's a bigger deal for us to get to Orlando.

I've been thinking of a couple ideas: try to get Value rooms at AKV and go during Flower and Garden. I've never been then, and I think perhaps April or May might be a good time to go-weather not horrendously hot yet (hopefully?) and the event sounds great. If I can't get value, I can pull some of my GCV points (or, better yet, purchase some OTU points to round out this reservation as those points are like freaking gold). Pro: Disney! I haven't been to WDW in 8 years and so much new to see! I think I could get my mom to join me on this trip; she hasn't been for a long time but loves flowers and has mentioned she might be ready to do Disney again. Cons: won't be cheap, not the best location for flower and garden (but we've stayed at AKV before, loved it, and the transportation was just fine-and that was before Uber).

OR use the points at Aulani this fall. My folks have a share in a condo in Maui and have October this year-we could stay there and then end with a few days at Aulani. Pros: Easier flights for us than East coast, cheaper (no park tickets). Never been to Aulani. Cons: we've been to Hawaii routinely for years-we love it, but Oahu is probably our least favorite.

So, what would you do? Anything else I should consider?

I vote for F&G and AKL. We visited WDW mid-April last year and it was gorgeous & the weather was perfect. F&G is worth visiting. We stayed at AKL & loved it.

 

[BillPA]

If you want F&G, AK is much closer.

 

[Henwen88]

Don't forget OTU points are for 7 month bookings only, so maybe don't count on the value rooms as a definite...

 

[limace]

Good point! OTU points would be if I wasn’t able to get value and needed more points as I only have 75 AKV points to work with.

 

[bwvBound]

If you would enjoy Aulani's waterpark, then my vote: Book a few nights at Aulani on either end of your family's Maui visit. Plan to simply stay, all day, at and around the resort complex. Walk up and down the coastline (spanning multiple hotels) but don't move your car. Swim! Join the activities (storytelling, Menehune adventure, movie on the lawn, etc.) and simply chill.

 

[disneynutz]

IMO you need to try all resorts at least once. Just finished a week at Aulani, beautiful resort, wonderful CM's, won't be going back, just not for me. F&G/F&W, we stay at BWV.

Bill

 

[Boardwalkin]

Although Aulani is on Oahu you would never know it. My wife and I avoid Honolulu at all costs, but love Aulani. So much so we never left the resort last time we were there. That being said I would say go to Flower and Garden if you have not been to WDW in 8 years. Not only do you get to visit during the best festival you will see any new additions since your last visit. Disney Springs, Pandora, Toy Story, etc....

 

[bobbiwoz]

Just got back from F&G, we go every year, it’s that much fun for us and friends. We have decided to go on April next year, and already have our reservation.

 

[limace]

Thanks all! Bobbi, thoughts about April vs May?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thanks all! Bobbi, thoughts about April vs May?

They both are nice, May costs fewer points, and I think that May may be a little less popular. Maybe people are less likely to take students out of school due to testing. Spring breaks may more likely be in April.

This is speculation only, but we enjoy Member Cruises, and DCL has no cruises planned on May 15, 2019 on the Wonder. That day it is in San Diego, and 5 nights later, it’s in Vancouver. Some think this could mean a reposition Member Cruise. I have picked April 2019 to go to Flower and Garden strictly because IF that’s the DVC Member Cruise, I want to be on it.

So....my preference is May, the beginning. That is when I usually go, but next year I bit the bullet and am paying more points to go in April.

 

[alldiz]

Hmmm can’t believe I am saying this..... but go for WDW. As you say you haven’t been there in 8 years

I loved Aulani and when I read title I was 100 percent Aulani.... but since u have been to Hawaii multiple times and it will be easy to get there anytime for u.... flower and garden festival is a nice time of year .
Happy planning
Kerri

 

[gatordoc]

Just got back from a Kidani stay for F&G and it was a magnificent trip. April is more points, but not as hot as May can be. Visited Aulani last year, and compared to other trips we've made to Hawaii it was rather disappointing. It was a lovely resort, but I think it's just that we're not fond of Oahu. Many others really enjoy it, though.

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

Although I love Aulani (going again in November) I would probably do F&G. There's a lot to see and they seem to add more and more food booths each year so you also get a mini Food & Wine feel as well. Plus, as you mentioned, there is so much new stuff to see since your last visit.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Pretty flowers....in Epcot!