Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii
Missy Ryan2.17.19Aloha!! If you are considering a vacation or have a bucket list you are working on, let me suggest Aulani. Before I get caught up in how wonderful, beautiful, relaxing, and amazing this resort is, let’s discuss the basics. If I start talking about how terrific your experience will be, I may never stop talking.Aulani is unlike most Disney Resorts. It is not located near a theme park. However, it is a top notch family resort destination, complete with a wide variety of amenities.
On property there are three pools, 10 food service options (including two sit-down options), the first Disney-operated spa in the world with a variety of other house activities and access to excursions that you can do (for an additional fee) on the island.The resort itself is small with everything being placed within walking distance. You can do several activities on property including snorkel, character meals, attend a Luau, spa services, tours, scavenger hunts, and more. If you are interested in exploring more of the island, Aulani offers concierge desks where you may sign up and partake in excursions off property.Aulani is not an all-inclusive resort. Hawaii protects their smaller businesses by keeping them still desirable to shop at. For this reason it is a state law that all resorts must abide to and keep from being all inclusive. Therefore when booking a vacation you will be required to pay for food and alcohol outside of the package.
Aulani is a truly amazing hotel, easily a step above other hotels. The resort alone immerses itself in celebrating Hawaii. From the moment you walk into the lobby you are taken away by the beauty and art which describes the history of Hawaii. From the wall paintings, to the etchings on the pool rocks, every corner you turn will have a story. Each detail of Aulani is made to make each guest feel the comforts of Hawaii and throughout your visit keeps you wanting to know more.Although this is a Disney resort you will notice that Aulani will be the first word in the title opposed to the word Disney. The people of Hawaii take great pride in their culture and their name being first protects their beliefs as they carry on the traditions of their ancestors.The resort itself has all of the beauty and cultural background of Hawaii with small touches of Disney flair.The service alone will scream Disney. Guests are made to feel like they are number one just as any other typical Disney Resort.
Are there characters? Well, yes, there are characters! This is one touch that makes everyone happy! The wonderful thing is that lines for meet and greets are not long and will be posted on a schedule each day. The schedule for daily activities is located at the front desk and will change each day with new activities. You are also encouraged to call 2447, which spells CHIP. That line will tell you what characters will be where and what times. Aulani has 3 face characters. Uncle, Aunty and Moana (my favoriteJ). Other characters you can meet on property will be Stich, Pluto, Goofy, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, Chip and Dale, and of course, Mickey and Minnie.You can also make reservations at Makahiki for more character experiences. Some have asked, is it worth it? Let’s just say that I have eaten at several character meals at Walt Disney World for years and Disneyland. The interaction at Makahiki is like no other. Characters visit guests more than one time and children even have a chance to interact during a fun show and conga line lead by the resorts character mascot, Aunty.Aulani resort is geared towards families and is an experience that will leave everyone with a smile. Whether you want to spend a few days at Aulani or make it one of your stops as you hop the islands of Hawaii, it is a location that will add memories that you will be happy you checked off of your bucket list.I would love to tell you more about this beautiful resort and possibly make a dream come true by helping you plan and book.Please feel free to email me for more information at missyr@wishesfamilytravel.com.Follow me on Facebook at Wishes Family Travel-Missy RyanAs they say in Hawaii, Mahalo!!