Spring offer 2020 or DVC Rental

[Gothemi]

Looking into taking our first trip to Aulani in March of 2020. We are interested in a 1BR poolside view for the 3 of us. Current rack rates through Disney are about $5200 for 5 nights! So I looked into DVC Rentals, as I had done for my previous WDW trip, and see that they have the points needed for $4500-$4750 (depending on the site). So not much of a savings. When the premium rate of $19 a point drops to $17 a point to rent at the 7 month mark, the rate drops to about $4250.

However, I see that Aulani currently has a 25% (30% if I go with a garden/island/standard view) off for the 2019 Spring Offer for the room we're looking at. So the 25% off of rate, though Disney, would be cheaper than renting points.

Does Disney usually offer a Spring rate each year? Is it usually as high as 25-30%? I understand that the rooms in that offer are limited and so booking early would be important. I'm even considering booking a room now, just to make sure I have the room I want and then asking for the offer rate should that offer become available.

What do you folks think?

 

[aulanidreamer]

There are usually plenty of ocean view and pool view rooms at the 7 month mark, it’s the lower point options that go first. Also remember if you rent points with DVC parking is included. I haven’t been since 2018 but if I remember it’s $30 or $35/ night. I think historically there have deals but it depends on when in March you go as the closer to Easter and school breaks it’s less likely.

 

[nathos]

Parking is now up to $37/night for non-DVC folks

 

[tgeorge]

I just rented points for a stay in October. We got a 1 bedroom, Oceanview for $15 per point. I went through someone selling them through the DVC rent/share forum on this board instead of through a broker (like Dave's, etc). I have done this in the past and it has worked out quite well. They have a rental agreement you can sign and I've never had an issue. I do get that sometimes people feel more comfortable going through a company, but if you are okay with renting from an individual with a rental agreement in place, then you may consider it for an even bigger savings.

I also wanted to rent points in order to not have to pay parking, as others have stated above. Although, my husband thinks we shouldn't drive in Hawaii (he's never been). I told him if we were staying in Waikiki, then we wouldn't rent a car, but where we are, it will be nice to have a car to get us to/from airport, pick up some groceries from Navy commissary, to/from Pearl Harbor, and allow us to explore North Shore or Windward side of the island. My husband is very into photography, so I think he will appreciate being able to drive around and see some different parts of the island to photograph. We are only there for 3 nights, so not a long time, and I do want to enjoy Aulani as much as possible, but still have the opportunity to go see what we want to see.

Good luck with your decision. I hope you enjoy your stay.