Disney Aulani review + tips
We returned from our vacation to Aulani about two weeks ago and WOW was it amazing! If you don’t know me; I am a HUGE Disney fan. We spend lots of time at Disneyland and now that we have a toddler I was able to talk Robbie into taking the trip to Aulani.
Aloha! We made it!
Menehune Statue hidden in the elevator.
We booked our trip through David’s Vacation Club Rentals and we saved a lot of money compared to booking direct through Disney. We were treated just like Disney Vacation Club members because we rented points. A few perks come with this including free parking (usually $35.00 per day) and we were able to stay in a vacation club villa which included a kitchenette. You can rent any size villa available- we chose the studio since Rad is so young and it worked perfectly for us.
After a long flight and a trip to Costco we FINALLY made it! We were greeted with a Lei, Kukui nut necklace for Robbie, and a Menehune necklace for Rad! There are over 300 Menehune statues hidden around the resort! (See photo below) Our room wasn’t ready so we dropped off our luggage and took a walk around the resort.
Our room was ready at 4:00 PM and we couldn’t wait to check it out! I booked an Island Garden view because the Ocean view villas cost more. I had been researching and was able to put in a room request that worked perfectly! We were right over the Halawai lawn so we were able to view the Luau and any special events from our balcony. The best part is we also had a view of the Ocean without paying for it! Rad was SO excited to see the view! If you are booking ask for EWA tower on the 700’s floor.
We got in our swimsuits and went to check out the pools! There are two pools for kids to swim in, an adult pool and jacuzzis, a lazy river, splash pad, and an interactive water play structure.
We spent most of our time at the two pools and lazy river.
The Waikolohe Pool is 8,200 feet and hosts the Disney character pool party. It also leads to two slides: one for single riders and one that you can go on in a double tube.
Ka Maka Grotto is an infinity edge overlooking Ko Olina Beach. The views are GORGEOUS!
Ka Maka Grotto
The resort also hosts a saltwater lagoon made for snorkeling called Rainbow Reef. I really like that they offer this option because Robbie was able to hang out with Rad while I went snorkeling. It was $20.00 to participate. Rad had fun pointing at the fish while I swam with them!
Rainbow Reef viewing area.
The beach is one of the main reasons we booked here and it did not disappoint! Aulani’s beach is located in a cove so there are no waves that can come at you and knock you down. This helped me feel incredibly safe about Rad swimming in the ocean. We joined other families in the sea, built sandcastles, and dug in the sand. The resort offers free beach toy rentals including boogie boards that you return at the end of the day.
Aulani offers a dedicated character phone line you can call to see when all of your favorite friends are available for photo ops.
Characters include: Moana, Stitch, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Chip & Dale, Donald, and Daisy.
We had a great time with Stitch!
Besties!
Photo pass Cast Members are scattered throughout the park and you are able to purchase all images at the end of your stay on a disc for $99. I loved having this option because we got better quality photos and I didn’t have to carry around my phone. We even were able to get family photos on the beach!
Perfect evening on the beach!
The food was overpriced but I already expected that going in. We ended up venturing across the street and eating at a restaurant called Monkeypod the last two nights. They have AMAZING Mai Tai’s and offer children’s noodles for free! (Mac and Cheese type or Marinara)
The one restaurant I recommend on-site is the Makahiki character breakfast. It truly was magical having our favorite characters come up to visit our table and listening to the ukulele performance by Aunty. Rad was so excited to follow her around in a line to dance to her songs throughout the restaurant. The food wasn’t bad either!
If you are interested in DVC you are able to go to a timeshare presentation on site. I have seen online they offer $50.00 gift cards to attend. We decided to go and were lucky enough to receive two vouchers to KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au at Aulani. This can be a whole post in itself! I loved that the pre-show had things for the family to do including getting a tattoo by one of the dancers, and making Lei corsages. Rad loved running across the lawn and even made a friend to play with. You are first greeted with bead necklaces, and kids get a maui hook necklace. (Love that special Disney touch!) The host offers you a drink and then takes you to your seat. We were in the far back table and we saw everything just fine. The show has two smaller stages that some of the cast dance on for certain parts of the performance so its close to any table. I wasn’t impressed with the food but the show made up for it. Mickey and Minnie came out for a quick minute to lead the kids in a hula dance. Rad was entertained until the last 30 minutes when he started getting ancy. At the end of the show you are able to take a photo with any of the cast members that you wish.
We didn’t take advantage of Aunty’s beach house because Rad was too young for drop-off but this would be a good option if you want a kidless dinner or to make a trip to the spa. Kids must be 3+ to be dropped off. You are able to take your younger child in as long as you are there to supervise for 90 minutes in the morning. Activities include arts + crafts, visits from the characters (We saw Donald Duck the morning we went), games, and a fun backyard to play in
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TIPS::
Purchase a refillable mug on the first day of your trip. There are drink stations throughout the resort and you can save a lot of money this way plus have a souvenir to take home.
Make dining reservations before you arrive.
Check the Daily ‘Iwa for activities to participate in each day.
Pack your swim suit in your carry-on. Our room wasn’t ready until 4PM.
Take advantage of Luana lounge. We loved having this option after check-out since we had a later flight. The lounge includes lockers and showers so you can have a fun day at the pools and beach while waiting for your flight.
Check out the musicians who play at the O’Lelo Room every evening.
Get a photo pass card as soon as you see a photo pass cast member. Take advantage of the unlimited photos for $99.
Take a morning walk to get coffee ALONE if possible. I really enjoyed walking through the resort while Robbie and Rad got ready one morning. It was so peaceful!
Go shopping for food beforehand. Costco was close and outdoor grills were on site to cook with. It was nice to have breakfast, and snacks in our room. We saved on food costs and only ate out about once a day.
We had an AMAZING time at Aulani! It was the perfect family vacation. When are you planning your trip?
