Aulani - Top 10 things to know before you book

Aulani, Disney's Hawaiian Resort and Spa, is an amazing taste of paradise with the Disney service you've come to know and love. Here are ten things to know about Aulani before you book your stay.

1. What's included in the price? Access to all pools, including infinity pools, lazy river, pool slides, and adult only pool.  Access to beach area with free use of beach toys, paddle boards and chairs.  A water play area is quite large and allows kids to play and spray all they want! 

2. What's for dinner?  (and breakfast and lunch?) On site, you have several quick service food options, a sit down buffet option that includes characters at Breakfast called Makahiki, a signature dining option called Ama Ama (perfect for dinner at sunset!), soda stations if you purchase refillable mugs.  Snacks on the beach, near the pool, including Shave Ice - a Hawaiian must have! 

3. Will my kids have a good time when they are not it the pool? Aunty's Beach House is a first come, first served option for the kids and is a drop in service - games, outdoor play area, crafts, and more make this a really special place for kids.  There are some programs that can be booked in advance as well - Surf's Up with Chip and Dale, and a program with Stitch as well.  Aunty's Beach House is complimentary, but the programs with characters have additional cost.

4. What is there for the adults? Cabana rentals are available on the pool area, and semi private reserved beach chairs are also available down near the ocean.  Yoga on the beach and other exercise classes available. The spa is amazing as well.   The BEST part was the outside garden area that is accessible on the same day as your spa treatment - hot and cold plunge pools, reflexology walking paths, showers with a variety of temperatures and experiences (cool mist, hot summer shower and more), and cabanas to relax in.  

5. Anything else to do on-site? There is a entertainment room where you can check out books, games, and tablets for the Menehune scavenger hunt around the resort - this is complimentary.  They also offer Lei making and ukulele lessons.  Rainbow Reef also allows you to snorkel in a fully contained pool.  This is the only saltwater snorkel reef on land in Hawaii and has an extra cost.  

6. Any evening entertainment? There is a full luau on site for extra cost- this includes dinner and show with characters.  The VIP option gives you premium seating and adult beverages with your meal.  There's also a lounge that has a fire and live music in the evenings as well as several small bar areas.  

7. What if we want to explore the island? Car rental option on site if you wish - parking is very expensive so I suggest renting a car for the day and returning prior to needing to pay for parking.  Easy drive to Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation, Turtle farms, water falls, and more.  Diamond head volcano is a bit farther, but not unreasonable.  There are also excursions you can book with transportation provided that are a bit more structured.  

8. Anything else within walking distance? Just across the street is a shopping center with a restaurant (Monkey Pod), a pizza place that delivers to the lobby, and a convenience store that carries grocery essentials.  

9. What types of rooms are available? Aulani offers beautiful rooms with a variety of views - you will enjoy the balcony and the spacious bathrooms.  Studios and Villas are also available - 1, 2, and 3 bedroom villas are equipped with full kitchens and washer/dryer as well. 

10. I'm ready to book. What do I do first? Contact your travel planner!  I have personal experience at Aulani and I'd love to help you get the most out of your visit.  Aulani also offers seasonal promotions, and I price monitor to make sure you have the best pricing available.  

Let me know what questions you have on Aulani!