Disney has a hotel in Hawaii. Do you remember? It’s reportedly the best hotel in the Disney chain. But event the best Disney property doesn’t come out of the gate in perfect form. There’s always a period of what Imagineering calls “Test and adjustment.” Sometimes… Read More »Aulani Construction Update
It was one year ago today that Aulani Spa & Resort in Hawaii opened its doors to paying guests for the first time. Word on the street is that while it hasn’t been banner year Disney was hoping for with their first DVC/Hotel combo property,… Read More »Aulani Turns One and Reveals New Details for Expansion
I was fortunate to spend Thanksgiving day this year at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa on Oahu with family and friends. Though we were staying on the other side of the island, we couldn’t resist the chance to make the drive to Ko Olina to check out Disney’s newest resort and enjoy a Hawaiian Thanksgiving sprinkled with Disney magic. First impression of Aulani: spectacular! The food, well, that’s another story…
Aulani offered a special Thanksgiving event with entertainment and character appearances ($85 per adult and $73 per child – ouch!). Our party, a mix of adults and kids, opted instead for the buffet dinner at Makahiki, which at $40 for adults and $20 per child is reasonably priced as Hawai’i resort dining goes, and we figured it would offer something to suit everyone’s taste.
I had high hopes for the Makahiki buffet, a spacious area with subtle and soothing tropical decor that opens to a sunny patio. But truth be told, the food was predictable, not much was memorable or worth seconds, (but luckily there was plenty to try!).
I was fortunate enough to be the guest of Disney for the opening of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i. The place is fantastic.
Before the trip I wasn’t sure whether or not the magic of Hawai’i needed a touch of Disney’s, but the fit is seamless. The combined storytelling of the islands and the mouse make for an amazing adventure. Really. I’m already making plans to return with my family so that they can also enjoy all that Aulani has to offer.
We now know the amount by which Disney Vacation Club was undervaluing their Aulani contracts — 33%. That’s the amount of the raise Disney has been given permission to add to their previous fees. According to a Disney spokesperson quoted in the Orlando Sentinel, sales… Read More »Aulani Officially Opens, Receives Permission to Sell DVC Again
A few more reviews for Disney’s Hawaiian resort are trickling in. Most note how Disney has emphasized telling the story of Hawaii over traditional Disney touches, but I would argue that storytelling is the quintessential Disney touch. So I’m glad to see they chose that… Read More »Aulani Reviews Coming In
There’s an interesting question that arises with the current struggles Disney is experiencing with Aulani, one of Disney’s first attempts to see if they can build a Disney resort experience without a Disney park nearby. Will it work? A lot is riding on this project… Read More »What happens to Disney after Aulani
Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rhode moved to the Aulani project a few months into its life. Since then he’s focused on adding the sort of details that Disney’s Animal Kingdom became famous for under his leadership. With the hotel’s grand opening coming August 29th, Rhode… Read More »Imagineer Joe Rhode Video Tour of Aulani – Disney’s Hawaiian Resort