Aulani: Your Hawaiian Dream Vacation Awaits! (Disney Magic Included!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're diving headfirst into the magical (yes, I said it) world of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds – we're going real. This is a review that's less "brochure copy" and more "your auntie after a Mai Tai or two," spilling the tea (or, you know, the pineapple juice) on this place.
Let's Be Honest: Aulani – Is it Worth the Hype? (Spoiler: Mostly, but…)
First off, the name. "Your Hawaiian Dream Vacation Awaits! (Disney Magic Included!)" That's a promise. And Disney, bless their hearts, usually delivers. But let's break it down, 'cause a dream vacation shouldn't break the bank… or your sanity.
Accessibility: Aloha for All?
Okay, this is IMPORTANT. Aulani tries. They've got facilities for disabled guests, which is fantastic. Elevators are a given, and there are options for rooms designed with accessibility in mind. BUT (and there’s always a but…) This is where I'd love to see more specific details. Do the accessible rooms actually have roll-in showers? How easy is it to navigate the pools? Are there enough accessible beach chairs? This is one area where Disney could (and should!) be even better. (Accessibility rating: Solid, but room for improvement – specific details on accessibility are key!)
Rooms: Your Hawaiian Oasis?
Alright, picture this: you've just had your third Mai Tai (hey, it's vacation!), and you stumble into your Aulani room. The good news? They're generally stunning. (Available in all rooms) You get all the usual suspects, like Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. The rooms are well-appointed, usually spacious, and definitely designed with comfort in mind. The beds? Cloud-like. Seriously, I could have stayed in bed all day. But you're in Hawaii! So, get up and explore.
A few things to note, though: Interconnecting rooms are available, perfect for families. Non-smoking rooms are, of course, a given, and they’ve even got Soundproofing which is clutch when you're exhausted from a day of splashing.
Internet, Internet, Internet! (And Other Annoyances…)
Ugh, the internet. Let's get this out of the way. Free Wi-Fi is advertised, and thankfully, it's actually in all rooms! Praise the travel gods! But, like all hotel Wi-Fi, it can be spotty at times. If you HAVE to work (and let's be honest, who wants to?), you've got Internet Access - LAN as a backup. But, for the love of all that is holy, unplug and enjoy Hawaii!
Important rant: they should have a dedicated tech support line for connection issues. When the internet goes down and you have to phone around to get it fixed, that ruins the whole feel.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Aloha to My Waistline?
Okay, this is where Aulani really shines… and potentially makes your wallet weep. Dining, drinking, and snacking options abound!
- Restaurants, Restaurants, Restaurants! You've got everything from quick-service spots to fine dining. A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Bars: Bar, Poolside bar, Happy hour. These are crucial. Especially the poolside bar. Picture this: sun, cocktails, a view of the ocean… Pure bliss.
- Room Service (24-hour): Thank you, Disney. This is essential when you have kids or just want to be lazy (no judgment here!).
- Coffee Shop: Crucial.
- Snack Bar: Okay, maybe too many snacks.
My Quirky Moment of Joy: I remember, I was so tired. I just wanted salad, soup, and to watch the sunset! I was sitting in the terrace with an iced coffee, and just stared at the ocean.
My Biggest Complaint (and it’s small): The "essential condiments" were not as available as I'd like. Sometimes, you just need a packet of ketchup.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound?
Disney takes cleanliness seriously. Since the pandemic, they've doubled down with Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. You feel safe, which is a big deal. Cashless payment service makes life easier. Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit are always a plus.
Things to Do: Paradise Found (and Over-Scheduled)?
Okay, buckle up. Aulani is a playground. But a glorious, slightly overwhelming playground.
- Swimming Pools & Water Slides: HUGE. There's a pool for everyone, from the lazy river to the kids' splash zone. Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view.
- The Beach: Gorgeous! Enough said.
- Things to do is in abundance.
- Spa & Wellness: This is where you can really treat yourself. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. The spa is heavenly. Seriously.
- Fitness Center: Gotta burn off those Dole Whips somehow!
- Kids' Club: If you have kids, this is a lifesaver. Kids facilities, Babysitting service, Kids meal.
My Opinion: Disney knows how to make a special experience… but I'm not a 'schedule everything' kind of person! My advice? Plan a mix of activities and just chillin'.
- For the Kids: There are tons of activities.
- Ways to Relax: You've got this. The spa, the beach, and doing absolutely nothing!
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier (Mostly)
Aulani offers a host of services. Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The Good: Everything is designed for convenience, like the Contactless check-in/out and Daily housekeeping. The Meh: Some of the services, like the Dry cleaning and Laundry service, can get pricey.
Getting Around: How Do I Get There?!
- Airport transfer, Taxi service, Car park [free of charge], Valet parking, Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Bicycle parking. They've got you covered.
For the Kids: Pure Magic (and Maybe a Little Overstimulation)
Disney goes ALL OUT for the kids. Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, and a boatload of activities. My kids were in heaven! However, be prepared for the crowds. It's Disney, after all.
The Verdict: Is Aulani Right for YOU?
Aulani is a fantastic vacation spot, but it really depends on what you're looking for.
Pros:
- Disney magic (it’s real)
- Beautiful resort
- Great facilities
- Loads to do for kids and adults alike
- Amazing food (and drinks!)
Cons:
- It's expensive (let's not sugarcoat it
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re heading to Aulani! This isn't some perfectly curated Instagram story. This is me, surviving a week of sun, sand, and maybe a little bit of existential dread… with a hefty dose of Disney magic thrown in for good measure.
Aulani: The Chaos Begins
Day 1: Aloha, and Mayhem
6:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Or, more accurately, be woken up by a shrieking toddler who apparently believes the sun rises at the same time as his desire for a Mickey waffle. Luggage everywhere, screaming "ALOHA!" like the luggage itself is happy to be here. Jet lag? Oh, honey, it's not jet lag, it's life.
8:00 AM: Finally, successfully wrangled everyone (and their emotional baggage) onto the shuttle. Praying the driver doesn't have a death wish for driving us.
9:30 AM: ARRIVAL! Aulani is…well, it’s a lot. It’s beautiful, yes. Lush, yes. Overwhelmingly…Disney, also yes. That lobby just screams money and leis…like, actual, real-life leis. I smell the sea!
- Minor Category: The Check-In Debacle: We had a room with a "partial ocean view." Turns out, "partial" means you can maybe see a sliver of the ocean if you squint and stand on your tiptoes and the window is very clean. Grumble, grumble. This is why I should have asked for the "ocean-front-or-suffer-my-wrath" suite.
11:00 AM: Pool time! Attempted to find a lounge chair. It's basically a bloodsport. Found (a spot!) and started the sunscreen process with the kids, which involved more screaming and wriggling than a Cirque du Soleil audition. Sunscreen in the eyes? Check. Sand in everything? Check. Pure joy, in between the chaos.
12:00 PM: Lunch. Quick service. Chicken tenders for the kids (of course). I'm eyeing the Dole Whip. You know, the real reason we came. Can't wait to get my sweet, pineapple-y dose of liquid therapy.
1:00 PM: Kids' Club drop-off. Hallelujah. Just a tiny bit of sadness. But mostly Hallelujah.
1:30 PM: Pineapple Whip! Oh, glorious pineapple whip! Sweet, cold, pure bliss. This is what life is all about.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Pool time, again. Mostly just floating and trying not to drown. Watched some little kid try to jump off the side of the pool. And it's like, I didn't move an inch. As a spectator, I can be lazy.
5:00 PM: Room nap. Or try to. The kids came back from the Kids Club wired and are now running around, giggling at the tops of their lungs. Exhaustion hits me like a wave.
6:00 PM: Dinner! Ama Ama? Maybe. Or maybe quick-service, because I'm too tired to remember cutlery etiquette. We'll play it by ear. (It's quick-service, but the fish tacos were surprisingly delicious.)
7:00 PM: Sunset on the beach. Okay, this is what we came here for. Gorgeous. Magical. Even the kids are quiet for a few minutes. That is, until they start digging in the sand and throwing it at each other.
8:00 PM: Lilo & Stitch Movie on the lawn. Snuggle up and try to ignore the overexcited children around you. The stars though… breathtaking. Now, where's that bedtime?
Day 2: Adventures with Mickey (and a Side of Meltdown)
7:00 AM: Woke up. I swear, these littles are nocturnal. Or, maybe I just got too used to the time change. Coffee. NEED. COFFEE.
8:00 AM: Character breakfast! Mickey, Minnie, Goofy…the works. Kids are beyond ecstatic. I'm trying to keep up the facade of a "fun mom" while simultaneously trying to remember if I packed any anti-anxiety meds.
- Observation: Mickey is way more charming in person than I thought. Minnie doesn't speak, but she can work those bows like nobody's business. Goofy, well… he's Goofy. He’s also super tall, which is startling when he's towering over you.
9:30 am - 12:00 pm: Beach time! The ocean beckons! It's more than just sand and water, it's an entire way of life. Attempted to teach the kids how to boogie board. Much flailing. Much laughter. Mostly me getting sand in every crevice imaginable.
12:30 PM: A full-blown toddler meltdown. Because, of course. Over a dropped ice cream cone. Negotiating with a toddler is a contact sport.
1:00 PM: Quick lunch break, tried to fix the situation.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Exploring Aulani. Kids Club is the place to be. The kids were too excited.
5:00 PM: Pool time! Again. But this time with a cocktail! (Or two… It's vacation, alright?)
7:00 PM: Dinner at 'Olelo Room. This is a place to chill out. And now the kids are the best versions of themselves.
8:00 PM: Bedtime? No. They are like little energizer bunnies.
Day 3: The Do-Over
7:00 AM: Again.
8:00 AM: Quick breakfast.
9:00 AM: Pearl Market, searching for something… anything.
10:30 AM: Went to the Laniwai Spa. This is my day.
1:00 PM: More food.
2:30 PM: Back to the room.
3:00 PM: Kids club.
5:00 PM: Final swim.
6:00 PM: Dinner (I think).
7:00 PM: The kids are asleep and I'm just so grateful.
Day 4-7: Repeat, with variations. More beach. More pool. More Dole Whip (obviously). More meltdowns. More moments of pure, unadulterated joy. We learned how to make Mickey waffles at breakfast (a major victory). We saw Moana at the Starlight Hui (tears, so many tears). We made a sandcastle that survived a whole two minutes.
The Unplanned Finale:
- Departure Day: The airport is a blur of exhaustion. The kids? Wired. Me? On autopilot, operating on fumes and memories of pineapple whip.
Final Thoughts (Or, Reflections From a Sun-Kissed Brain):
Aulani isn't perfect. It’s expensive, it's crowded, and sometimes, it's just…a lot. But it's also magical. It’s a place where you can forget your worries, even if just for a little while. It’s a place where you can laugh until your stomach hurts, splash in the ocean, and feel the sun on your face.
I'll be back. Eventually. After I've recovered from all the chaos. And maybe, just maybe, next time I'll actually get that ocean-front room.
Martinsburg's BEST Hotel Deal? (Americas Best Value Inn Review!)
Aulani: So, *Actually* Worth the Hype? (Let's Dive In, Shall We?)
Okay, spill it! What's the REAL deal about Aulani? Is it just a glorified amusement park with a beach?
Alright, buckle up, 'cause I'm gonna be brutally honest. Yes, it's Disney. Yes, there's a certain level of, shall we say, *controlled* magic. But Aulani... it's more. It's not just Mickey Mouse with a lei. It's... well, it's *almost* what you dream Hawaii to be. Emphasis on *almost*.
Picture this: You're exhausted from the flight, sunburnt already because you didn't listen to that travel blogger who said "bring the highest factor sunscreen, duh!". You stumble out of your taxi and... WHOOSH. That *breeze*. That smell of plumeria! And the sheer *scale* of the place hits you – it's sprawling, gorgeous, and... intimidatingly perfect. My first thought? "Dear god, I hope my kids don't break anything expensive."
The real deal? Culture. That's what sets it apart. The Cast Members (yes, those are Disney employees, but they embody Hawaiian hospitality). The stories, the music, the history woven into *everything*. But… let's not pretend it's flawless. It's expensive. Seriously, pack your wallet thicker than your sunscreen. And sometimes, the "magic" feels a little… manufactured. But hey, embrace the chaos. That's part the charm.
The Pools - Are they as amazing as they look in the photos? (And is there a *good* adult pool?)
The pools. Oh. My. Goodness. The *pools*. Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself. YES, they're amazing. Think lazy rivers, waterslides that actually give you a thrilling stomach drop (I’m looking at you, Tubestone Curl!), splash zones for the little ones that are, frankly, adorable. And those infinity pools... swoon. You'll spend all day in them. Trust me. I pretty much lived in my swimsuit for a week.
But… the *adult* pool? The one you desperately crave after wrangling toddlers all morning? It's... good. Not mind-blowing. It's got a bar, which is essential. And it's "adults only" (mostly – I saw one tiny rogue ankle-biter sneak in, the little rascal!). The issue? Sun lounger hoggers. The early morning towel dash is a *thing*. I'm talking Olympic-level competitive. My advice? Set an alarm, snag a chair, and then hide behind your book and pretend you're at one of those exclusive European resorts. It works (sometimes).
How's the Food? Do I have to eat character-shaped waffles every single day? (Please, no.)
Okay, listen, the food can be a mixed bag. Yes, there are Mickey waffles. And yes, they are cute. But no, you don't have to eat them every single day. Thank goodness!
The quick-service options are decent. Good for grabbing a bite while you're still trying to work out where you are. The restaurant 'Makahiki,' offers a character breakfast. Which is either a dream come true or a nightmare. Depends on your kids and your tolerance for Goofy's antics. I personally found it quite… overwhelming. Not because of the food, which was actually pretty good (the fruit was amazing!), but the sheer *energy*. It's a lot. Especially early in the morning!
The *real* gems? 'Ama 'Ama is lovely. It's fancy, it has ocean views, and it’s where you go when you want to feel a) grown up and b) like you're actually *in* Hawaii. Also, the shaved ice at Papalua Shave Ice is an absolute must-do. Seriously, get it with the macadamia nut ice cream. You will not regret it. I might've eaten it every single day. No shame.
Let's talk Characters! Are they truly out and about? Is it worth it? Will I be crushed in a stampede for a photo?
The characters… yes, they’re around. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald… They're all there. And they're adorable. Even if they are covered in sweat from the Hawaiian humidity.
Is it worth it? Ah, it depends. If your kids (or you!) are Disney obsessed, then yes, absolutely. The interactions are lovely. The photographers are everywhere (and they’re surprisingly patient), so you're pretty much guaranteed some amazing photos.
Be prepared for lines. Long lines. And try to find out the character meet-and-greet schedule ahead of time. Don't be one of those people who just wanders around aimlessly, hoping to stumble upon Mickey. It rarely works. Embrace the planning, the small window of opportunity, and the happy smiles, because the memory of those pictures is worth the patience!
The Luau! Worth the money? Do I actually get to eat some decent Hawaiian food?
The Luau… okay. Let’s address the elephant in the room. It’s expensive. Like, really expensive. And the show itself is… a performance. It’s not authentic in the way you might imagine.
However… the setting is gorgeous. The drinks are plentiful (if you don't mind the price). The food is… actually, pretty good. The kalua pig? Delicious. The poi? Okay, maybe not my favorite. But you gotta try it! The show is fun. The dancers are amazing. My kids sat through the whole thing, which is a miracle in itself.
So, is it worth the money? Hrmm…. If you're looking for a deeply authentic cultural experience, maybe not. But if you want a fun evening with good food, a spectacular show, and a guaranteed memorable experience, then yes. Think of it as an investment in memories. And maybe a few Instagram-worthy photos.
Spa Treatments? Is it worth the splurge? What should I get?
The spa. Oh, the spa. Laniwai Spa. That’s how you spell heavenly relaxation. Worth the splurge? ABSOLUTELY. Treat. Yourself. Seriously. You've (probably) earned it after herding kids, waiting in lines, and navigating the crowds.
What to get? The best thing about the spa for me was the hydrotherapy garden. Get there early, before your treatment. It’s an outdoor sanctuary with plunge pools, steam rooms, saunas… It's absolute bliss. Then, get a massage. Whatever kind you like! I went for the "lomilomi" because, hey, you're in Hawaii. Let those masseuses knead your knots from all that overzealous towel-chair placement!
This is the place where you'll forget all about the small annoyances, the humidity, the expense… You'll emerge feeling like a softened, happy jelly bean, ready to face the world (or, you know, the kids wanting more Dole whip).
