It's certainly possible to break even or even as some of us did, profit, from selling DVC at the right time. But I suspect that profiting from Aulani would be much more difficult. There were a few original owners who were permitted to return their contract, even after they had used their initial point purchase. But I doubt that most owners would come out ahead after those high maintenance fees.

One challenge which Aulani faces, compared to most other Disney resorts, is that it isn't tied to a park. The WDW resorts can fill rooms by packaging them with admission, or so-called 'free' dining, but Aulani really doesn't have much opportunity to package room rates when they need to fill rooms.

I actually had dinner with a Japanese friend today who just returned from Oahu and Aulani. I didn't bring up the subject, but she offered up her opinion and called it dark, overcrowded, expensive and noisy. She's actually one of the target customers ie young family, decent income, Japanese, 2-3x year visitor to Hawaii, but she was very definite that they have no plans to stay there in future.

One benefit for us as owners is that the parking charges (currently around $35/night) are waived.

And one discount I believe not mentioned in this thread is for active duty military, who receive up to 25 percent off at certain times of year.

Also, in case it hasn't been mentioned, remember that when using DVC points the HI Transient Accommodation Tax will apply so that is an additional cost to consider http://advc.disney.go.com/media/dvc/...Tax_011012.pdf

And finally, Mousesavers has a new offer posted of a resort credit http://www.mousesavers.com/other-dis...ey-resort-spa/