If you are the proud owner of Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points, then you have enjoyed magical return vacations to Disney World. Now you are ready for something different. So you log into your account and see…Aulani. Your mind wanders off, taking you to sun drenched beaches and swaying palm trees. You imagine yourself sitting on a white sandy beach, watching the sunset, while you sip a drink with an umbrella in it. Then you look at the points required for the trip and your mind is shot back to reality. Are you nuts? That much for a week at Aulani? And that’s a garden view, whatever that means. I can’t even see the ocean from my unit.
Yes, points for an Aulani stay can be intimidating. The question is, do you want to stay at the Aulani property and use those points? Or would you rather pay cash to stay elsewhere on Oahu? Or possibly explore a different island?
I will be honest and say I feel that Aulani is almost not worth the points. Almost. It’s on Oahu, in Kapolei, and isolated from everywhere else on the island. In order to truly enjoy your Hawaiian vacation you will want to explore the island. This means renting a car. You’ll also want a car so you can go grocery shopping. Of course you can always have a grocery delivery done to your unit. That’s another option. But there’s a delivery fee and you don’t have the flexibility to run to the market if you want to grill steaks and you haven’t pre-ordered them.
Aulani is a lovely resort. But it is big. And can be very busy. And the food options are not extensive. What food options there are come at a premium cost.
On the plus side, Aulani has a good number of activities for kids and adults alike. They offer an excellent luau, but you will need to reserve that far in advance as it’s very popular. There’s evening Hawaiian storytelling around the fire pit. And the stars on that side of the island make for pretty good viewing.
Bottom line, you have to decide whether you want to “pay” a premium to use your points for Aulani, or if those points are better used for your next adventure at Disney World. Maybe you will even book a unit at the Polynesian!