Originally Posted by
lkar
Checked in 12/26. We were just there for a few days then went to Maui for new years week. I can't take Aulani for too long, though we had a lot of fun. For a stay like that, around Christmas in an ocean view, you pretty much have to book at 11 months out. So we rented our points from an Aulani owner. We made our deal last January, and she booked for us the day the 11 month window opened. You probably can't get a week like that renting cheap SSR points 7 months out. But for a June week, for example, or less demand times, you can rent from non-Aulani owners. Especially if you have them book immediately when the 7 month window opens, you would be surprised what is available. Within a few weeks though, pickings get slim, so if you can't plan at least 7 months out, renting is not a good idea. I used to own BLT points and didn't seem to have too much trouble using them for Aulani at exactly 7 months out, unless for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, or Spring Break/Easter.
This is the story I've heard about DVC owners.. especially with studios. Simply, there is less point requirement to book a studio, so the demand is high. One bedroom villa is broken off the studio, as most units are setup as a two bedroom villa. A studio is booked, then a one bedroom villa becomes available. Since it requires additional points to book a one bedroom villa, then there is less demand compared to a studio.
A two bedroom suite is essentially bottle necked by a studio, so hard to book. Grand Villas are just in high demand on any DVC property. Astute high income earners who've made it in life will book these Grand Villas up, at the high season periods in a heart beat.
Thats where being an onsite Aulani owner makes sense, to get the booking period 11 months out when the supply is there. Come 7 months, it seems the sweet spot is there to book one bedroom villas, as they are the lowest demand at all DVC properties including Aulani. No data to back it up, just blog opinions.