Aulani Disney Resort Assessment – The Fitnessista

Sharing a recap of our keep at Aulani, the Disney resort in Hawaii and if I feel it’s price it!

Hello pals! Comfortable Monday! How was the weekend? I hope you had a fantastic one! Ours was fairly busy however good. We’re positively nonetheless adjusting to being again in class and again within the routine after two epic journeys this summer season. We went to Spain, and to Hawaii, and in addition spent a while at Aulani whereas we had been there.

My story with Aulani is an fascinating one, as a result of I was supposed to visit the property for a press trip years ago. Our aircraft needed to make an emergency touchdown – it was fairly traumatizing – and our neice was born the identical day! I ended up lacking the journey, and have needed to go this complete time. Final time we had been in Waikiki, we did a luau within the neighborhood (Paradise Cove Luau – the meals was meh however the leisure was wonderful) and knew after we returned, we’d have to remain at Aulani.

Main as much as the journey, I used to be slammed with work stuff as a result of I used to be attempting to batch content material, file podcast interviews, and do consumer name check-ins so I may largely unplug. I reached out to Laura to see if she’d assist reserving our journey, and she or he made it SO straightforward. She additionally took care of our Aulani luau reservations. I extremely suggest reaching out to her if you happen to’re searching for a journey agent, and she or he focuses on household and worldwide journey.

(my dress is sold out at Anthro here // P’s is here // Liv is sporting an older Madewell gown)

Aulani Disney Resort overview

Okay, let’s head into the overview of Aulani as a result of it FAR exceeded my excessive expectations. We’re positively Disney folks, as we go to Disneyland or Disney World not less than yearly (we went 10 occasions inside the two years we lived in Valdosta…), we’ve taken multiple Disney cruises (and have one other one booked for this fall!), and luxuriate in Disney holidays as a household. Aulani provided the very best of DIsney, which was the meals, cleanliness, and repair, and the very best of Hawaii, which was the attractive views, ocean, panorama, and PEOPLE. The Aloha spirit combined with Disney customer support is an A+ throughout.

From their personal seashore, to their snorkeling reef, a number of swimming pools, eating choices, and luau, it was an unimaginable expertise.

Let’s head into the entire particulars:

Eating Choices

Aulani presents a wide range of eating experiences, catering to all tastes and preferences. From fast bites to full eating experiences, there’s one thing for everybody.

Makahiki – The Bounty of the Islands: That is Aulani’s major eating venue, providing buffet-style meals that showcase Hawaiian flavors. The character breakfast here’s a hit with households, the place youngsters can meet their favourite Disney characters whereas having fun with a hearty breakfast. Dinner at Makahiki additionally options a mixture of native and worldwide dishes, with reside leisure that brings a contact of Hawaiian tradition to your meal.

‘Ama‘Ama: If you happen to’re searching for a extra upscale eating expertise, ‘Ama‘Ama is the place to be. Overlooking the ocean, this open-air restaurant presents a tremendous eating expertise with a menu that highlights contemporary, native elements. It’s good for a romantic dinner or a particular household meal.

Fast Service Choices: For these days once you simply desire a fast chew, there are a number of fast service spots across the resort. Ulu Café presents grab-and-go choices, pizzas, and breakfast objects, whereas Mama’s Snack Cease is understood for its sizzling canine, fish and chips, and Hawaiian shave ice. The women had been pumped that they might get Dole whip and boba tea at a beachside kiosk, and went loopy for the Mickey-shaped musubi.

Swimming pools and Slides

One of many major sights at Aulani is its expansive pool space, which caters to each thrill-seekers and people trying to loosen up.

Waikolohe Valley: That is the center of Aulani’s pool space, that includes a lazy river, water slides, and a number of swimming pools for all ages. The Waikolohe Stream lazy river is a household favourite, providing a calming float by lush gardens. For these looking for extra pleasure, they’ve two water slides; the ladies cherished each of them.

Keiki Cove: Aulani is extremely family-friendly, and Keiki Cove is a testomony to that. This splash zone is ideal for youthful youngsters, with water jets, small slides, and a enjoyable interactive play space.

Infinity Pool: For adults trying to unwind, the resort’s infinity pool is a tranquil oasis. Overlooking the ocean, it’s the proper spot to loosen up with a cocktail and take within the gorgeous views.

Non-public Snorkeling Reef

Aulani presents a singular snorkeling expertise proper on the property with its Rainbow Reef. This personal snorkeling lagoon is stocked with colourful fish, offering a protected and managed surroundings for each freshmen and skilled snorkelers. It’s a good way to introduce youngsters to snorkeling with out the concern of ocean currents, and the employees is all the time readily available to offer help if wanted.

This was a household favourite and we purchased passes for the size of our keep. There have been SO many fish; you virtually needed to dodge the fish when you had been swimming. It was a enjoyable expertise.

Character Greetings

No Disney resort could be full with out character greetings, and Aulani isn’t any exception. Characters like Mickey, Minnie, Moana, and Sew will be discovered all through the resort, usually dressed of their Hawaiian apparel. The character meet-and-greets are well-organized and are usually much less crowded than at different Disney parks, giving youngsters extra one-on-one time with their favorites. The characters additionally seem at particular occasions and eating experiences, making each second at Aulani really feel magical.

Non-public Bay (with Paddleboarding and Kayaking)

Aulani’s location on Ko Olina’s stunning lagoons is one in all its largest benefits. The resort’s personal bay presents calm, clear waters good for paddleboarding, kayaking, and easily swimming within the ocean. Visitors can lease gear instantly from the resort, and the employees may be very useful in getting everybody arrange, no matter expertise stage. The bay can also be a fantastic spot for lounging on the seashore, constructing sandcastles, or having fun with a peaceable sundown.

A Assessment of the KA WA’A Luau

We’ve accomplished a number of luaus previously, and this was by far the very best one we’ve skilled. The KA WA‘A Luau at Aulani is an immersive expertise that mixes Hawaiian storytelling, music, and dance with a scrumptious buffet dinner.

images courtesy of Disney Aulani (they had been included with our picture bundle)

The performers are extremely gifted, and the manufacturing values are top-notch, making this a spotlight of the keep. The luau is family-friendly, with loads of actions to maintain youngsters entertained earlier than the present begins. We performed the ukulele, the Pilot and P received non permanent tattoos, and we floor taro root into poi.

It’s price noting that the luau is an extra value, and reservations are extremely really useful because it tends to promote out shortly. They promote out fairly far prematurely, so if you realize you’re headed to Aulani, guide the luau ASAP.

One in every of my favourite issues in regards to the luau is that it was high quality over amount. The present was on the shorter facet, however you had been captivated for each.single.second. The meals was sizzling, contemporary, and SO delicioius. The chef kindly took me across the buffet to showcase the gluten-free choices (there have been many!) and he additionally had grilled fish with ginger scallion broth and a gluten-free brownie delivered to our desk. Above and past.

(I by no means eat pork right here within the states, however I had it virtually day-after-day in Spain, so I attempted the shredded pork on the luau. It was superb)

Execs and Cons of Staying at Aulani

Execs:

Actions and Facilities: Aulani presents a variety of actions that cater to all ages, from poolside enjoyable to cultural experiences like lei-making and hula classes. The resort is designed to maintain everybody entertained, whether or not you’re touring with toddlers or youngsters.

Worker Hospitality: The employees at Aulani are recognized for his or her heat and attentiveness. From the second you arrive, you’re handled like ohana (household), and the extent of service is outstanding.

Cleanliness: The resort is meticulously maintained, with clear rooms, well-kept grounds, and spotless amenities. You’ll all the time discover a employees member tidying up or attending to visitor wants, which provides to the general luxurious expertise.

Right here’s a pic of our room:

Cons:

Value: Aulani is undoubtedly a luxurious expertise, and it comes with a price ticket to match. The price of rooms, eating, and actions can add up shortly, making it a big funding for a household trip.

Distance from the Metropolis: Whereas Aulani’s location on the Ko Olina coast is gorgeous and serene, it’s a little bit of a drive from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. If you happen to’re planning on exploring town or different elements of the island, be ready for some journey time.

Ultimate Ideas

Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa is a magical vacation spot that gives the proper mix of leisure, journey, and Disney allure. With its unimaginable facilities, gorgeous location, and top-notch service, it’s straightforward to see why households fall in love with this Hawaiian paradise. Whereas the fee could also be a consideration, the expertise of staying at Aulani is actually unforgettable. If you happen to’re searching for a family-friendly Hawaiian getaway that goes past the extraordinary, Aulani is effectively price contemplating. We will certainly be again!

What’s your favourite family-friendly or all-includsive trip spot? Please share the products within the feedback part!

xoxo