Aulani 101: The Ultimate Beginners Guide

Q: What is Aulani?
A: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, is an island paradise with a touch of magic, located on the beautiful beaches of Ko Olina on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu. 17 miles from the Honolulu International Airport, Aulani rests on 21 acres of beachfront property. It is far enough away from the crowds of Waikiki, yet close enough to enjoy all the wonders, cultural, and beauty that Hawaii has to offer.

Q: What is the average length of stay for most guests?
A: Most Guests stay between 4 and 5 nights at Aulani.

Q:What is included in a stay at Aulani?
A: So much is included in the cost of an Aulani stay, including access to the Waikolohe Valley (pools,  a lazy river, spas, slides), supervised child care at Aunty's Beach House, cultural activities, fitness classes, the fitness center, and Aulani's signature nighttime show, Starlit Hui.

Q: What is not included?
A: What's not included are meals (except where included as a part of a vacation package), some premium activities, including the Laniwai (Aulani's Resort Spa), Rainbow Reef (private snorkeling experience), and some beach activities (e.g., paddle boards), as well as some additional transportation options.

Q: Is transportation to and from the airport available?
A: Speedi Shuttle is a great, local shuttle service, that Aulani partners with to provide transportation to and from the resort at reasonable prices. Once guests arrive on-site, Aulani offers day car rentals through Alamo. This is a great option for Guests who are just looking at exploring the island only a few days during their stay.

Q: How much does snorkeling cost? In what type of location does it take place?
A: There are two snorkeling options at Aulani. Rainbow Reef is Aulani's private snorkeling aquarium (not attached to the ocean) that does require an additional fee (currently $15 for an adult for one day, $20 for length of stay; child fees are $5 less). Guests can also snorkel in the lagoon at Aulani free of charge if you bring your own equipment, or you can rent equipment on the beach.

Q: What are some of the popular, off-property excursions available?
A: One of the most popular excursions offered is the Kualoa Ranch experience. This is a full-day excursion taking Guests across the island to a scenic location where they can have a horseback riding experience.

Q: Is Golf available at Aulani?
A: There are golf opportunities right across the street at the Ko Olina Golf Club an 18-hole, Ted Robinson-designed course. It is literally steps from the front doors of Aulani.

Q: Can the premium activities be pre-paid?
A: Excursions which are offered through The Walt Disney Travel Company are able to be pre-paid. Other premium experiences, for example, Rainbow Reef Snorkel Lagoon, can only be purchased on-property upon arrival.

Q: Is there an added charge to use the pools, beach, etc. if you arrive earlier than check-in, or stay later than check-out? Are there additional costs for luggage storage, showering, etc.?
A: You can use all of the resort amenities on the days that you both check-in and check-out. Aulani has a a check-in/check-out lounge at the resort that offers lockers and showers at no additional charge. Guests can also leave their bags with bell services.

Q: Are residents of Hawaii offered special rates? If so, would military stationed there qualify?
A: Aulani offers Hawaii residents up to 35% off stays. Members of the military also receive discounted rates.

Q: What room types and sizes are available at Aulani?
A: Resort Rooms sleep up to 4 Guests, including 2 queen-size beds or 1 king-size bed with 1 queen-size sleeper sofa. In addition to the standard view, additional views available include an island gardens view, poolside gardens view, and and ocean view. Suites, available in multiple sizes, sleep either 5 or 6 guests, and can have as many as 3 bathrooms and 2 bedrooms, ranging in size up to 1910 sq. feet.

Q: Are there any 'non-suite' room options available for families of 5 or larger?
A: Aulani's villa accommodations provide a great non-suite alternative for larger families. Aulani has one, two, and three bedroom villas available and all come with a full kitchen.

Q: What is the largest number of guests that rooms at Aulani can accommodate?
A: The largest accommodation is our 3-Bedroom Grand Villa, which can accommodate up to 12 Guests.

Q: What is available for couples, looking for a romantic getaway at Aulani?
A: Aulani is a great escape for couples thanks to an 18-and-over pool, as well as an infinity edge whirlpool spa with amazing views of the ocean and Hawaiian sunset. Guests will also have a great time enjoying the evening musicians at Aulani's lounges, relaxing at the beach, and experiencing the delicious island cuisine. Premium experiences, such as private poolside cabanas are also available.

Q: Are the poolside cabanas reservable and what is the cost?
A: It is recommended that guests reserve cabanas prior to arrival at Aulani. The cost is $325 for a full day rental (9am-6pm).

Q: Are there any amenities included in the price of the cabana?
A: Cabana amenities include a 32-inch flat panel TV, ceiling fan, refrigerator, Wi-Fi access, upgraded furniture, a fruit bowl, and complimentary bottled water.

Q: Can Disney characters be avoided for a more romantic experience?
A: While there are characters vacationing at Aulani, Guests will only see them at planned activities - the Pool Parties, Meet & Greets, and the Character Breakfast. They are not roaming the resort. So, unless Guests go seeking out the characters, they will not see them. Guests may occasionally pass a Meet & Greet or an activity,  but these instances are limited. The focus at Aulani is to provide an authentic Hawaiian experience with the quality of Disney, as opposed to a theme park like experience. Aulani is a whole new way to vacation with Disney.

Q: What characters will children see while they are vacationing at Aulani?
A: A few of our Disney friends are also vacationing with Guests, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Chip & Dale.

Q: Are there any activities available that are exclusive for children?
A: Aunty's Beach House is a supervised childcare location and is complimentary with your stay at Aulani, although there are additional premium experiences available.

Q: What ages does Aunty's Beach house accommodate? Do the children have to be potty trained?
A: The ages for Aunty's are 3-12. However, Disney Junior Aloha, an additional program that takes place at Aunty's Beach House, allows infants, toddlers, and their parents to enjoy Aunty's together. Children do have to be potty-trained in order to stay at Aunty's Beach House.

Q: Is in-room childcare available at Aulani?
A: In-room babysitting is available, for young Guests, ages 6 weeks to 14 years, provided by the Kama'aina Kids Sitters.

Q: Are there any activities available exclusively for teens?
A: Aulani has a variety of teen-oriented activities such as Hawaiian craft classes, a Community Hall activity room, and a teen-oriented beach area (North Zone). There is also a teen spa, Painted Sky.

Q: Are reservations necessary for dining at Aulani?
A: Reservations for Aulani's two signature restaurants, Ama Ama (beach-side fine dining) and Makahiki (buffet dining where the Character Breakfasts are held) are not required, but are recommended, especially during peak travel times (summer and holidays). No reservations are required at any of the 3 quick-service restaurants available at Aulani.

Q: How far in advance can you make dining reservations?
A: Reservations for Aulani's two signature restaurants, Ama Ama and Makahiki, can be made 180 days in advance for those staying at the Resort.

Q: Does Aulani offer Dining Plans as part of vacation packages?
A: Aulani currently offers a breakfast-inclusive package for Guests to enjoy a Character Dining buffet experience at Makahiki, every morning of your stay.

Q: Are menus with pricing available?
A: Menus are available at: AulaniDining.ofmiceandfamily.com

Q: Are there any "value" priced eateries at Aulani?
A: Since the opening of Aulani, several quick-service dining locations have been added for Guests to enjoy, including the brand-new Ulu Cafe, the largest quick-service restaurant, which opened in October 2013. With the addition of this restaurant, Guests have the opportunity to enjoy 3 quick-service restaurants, 2 table service restaurants, and other dining opportunities. Across the street, Ko Olina Station, a convenient shopping and dining plaza, has recently introduced several family-friendly restaurants.

Q: Is there a grocery store on or near the property?
A: Aulani offers a few grocery stores on-site. Additioanlly, there is an ABC grocery store across the street, as well as several groceries just one freeway exit away, including Walmart and Target.

Q: Can all extra meals and shopping be charged to the room?
A: Any purchases made on-site at Aulani (dining, shopping, excursions, spa) can be charged back to the room.

Q: Does the resort accept Disney gift cards?
A: Aulani does accept Disney gift cards. They are also sold property!

For more information, visit our dedicated Aulani site: AulaniInfo.ofmiceandfamily.com.
For questions about pricing and to reserve your Hawaiian Vacation, let's Start Planning Your Vacation!

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