DVC at Aulani scheduled to open Aug 29th...

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

Ok.. The title is a bit of a teaser.. It's scheduled to open Aug 29, 2011! However, reservations are starting much sooner.. Disney will be accepting reservations on Aug 29, 2010!

DVC owners- start practicing your hula now! Here is a little video to get you in the mood!

[mas Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mas]

Werner Weiss has a nice article on his Yesterland website recently regarding Aulani

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

Expected to have a $271 million impact for Hawaii!

New article gives some numbers on the expectations! Wow!

Disney gives sneak peek of new Hawaii resort - CTV News

............According to an economic impact study commissioned by Disney, Aulani is expected to generate 4,800 jobs during construction. When completed, 2,400 jobs will be created, with about half working at the resort. More than $271 million annually in economic activity will be generated.........

[longtimer Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close longtimer]

Saw some info on this on the news wires. This should boost DVC sales!

[Robyn Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Robyn]

We are looking forward to vacationing here in 4 years when I take my cousins on their graduation trip. So, I have a while before I need to start practicing my hula. Or buy my grass skirt for that matter...

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

I'm hoping for a 2012 visit myself. Gotta start saving my frequent flyer points for this one though.

[glypnirsgirl Member Find all posts View Profile Close glypnirsgirl]

I do not know why this resort does not have any appeal to me. But then, I have not stayed at Hilton Head or Vero Beach either.

I love Hawaii, I just don't want to see Sport Goofy riding the waves which is what I think of every time I hear of this resort.

Am I the only one that feels that way?

elaine

[Carlos Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Carlos]

Not Too Big On Aulani Either

I do not know why this resort does not have any appeal to me. But then, I have not stayed at Hilton Head or Vero Beach either.

I love Hawaii, I just don't want to see Sport Goofy riding the waves which is what I think of every time I hear of this resort.

Am I the only one that feels that way?

elaine

I visited Aulani a few weeks ago. I saw the models and they are very, very nice. The plans are wonderful. However, I just don't envision a quiet Hawaii vacation with Disney. I own at the Marriott Ko Olina next door and I believe Ko Olina will change with Disney as there will be small kids galore. I also believe that the entrance to Ko Olina will change because now you have to go past security gates to enter. With all of the additional Disney people coming, it will force everyone to wait longer to enter the area.

I believe that many will be disappointed because there will not be any amusements rides. This is a different kind of Disney property. It really just has the Hawaii theme.

I am interested in seeing its effect on Ko Olina. In my opinion, the tranquility of the area will be lost.

[Robyn Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Robyn]

We stayed at the Marriott Ko Olina several years ago, pre-kids. We enjoyed it and loved being outside of the hustle and bustle of Honolulu/Waikiki. We are looking forward to returning there with small kids and are glad the Disney resort will most likely offer some kid-friendly activities, kids club services, etc., so we can all enjoy the trip. I'm not expecting any amusement rides, just a higher level of family-friendly service.

Something for everyone.....

[frank808 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close frank808]

Just visited the models. I must say that the hotel is coming along nicely. The 3br grand villas will have the best views of the ocean and sunsets. The timeshare will be 4 wings of the resort and the hotel 2 wings. The timeshare has the better views and the will be closer to the water than the hotel units. The rooms that were toured were very nice and furnished beautifully. Not to outlandish with the disney theme, but very subtle. Room rates are very high, they start out at $399 right now on special. I believe regular rates were going to start at $499 a nite. Will try to post pics later.