Mickey made a summer vacation stop in Ko Olina, Hawai`i, yesterday to admire his likeness, sculpted out of beach sand, and to mark an important milestone for Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.
In exactly one year, August 29, 2011, the Resort will open to hotel guests and Disney Vacation Club members.
Just for fun, click on the video to see how this wild sand sculpture of surfer Mickey was created. While the artists were at work, there were real dophins and honus (turtles) swimming just outside the lagoon.
Comments
I have a condo next door to the Aulani. I love seeing the photos and think of the many times I walk down the path along the beach. Living in NJ I wish I was out there more. Ko Olina is a beautiful place. It is like staying on the outer islands but wih all the benefits of being on Oahu. David I do not know why your parents could not find it except it may be of the beaten track for someone stay in Waikiki. Although it is only 35-40 min drive depending on traffic not too many people staying down town come out this way. When I lived in Hawaii full time there were even many locals that did not know about Ko Olina or had never been there. That is changing. Disney will add to the existing Marriott and private condos. Development is very limited in Ko Olina so over time it will keep its beauty. It is a welcome addition and has created a whole new awareness of Ko Olina.
The article talks about sea turtles and dolphins. There is a family of sea turtles that lives in the entrance to the second lagoon and we have seen them while snorkeling in the lagoon.
Truely a beuatiful place.
I already bought in cant wait to go next year ALOHA!!
This is SO on my list! 🙂 I love that sand sculpture – how fun!!
Disney and Hawaii together!!!! We are so excited. We are booking a trip for my husband’s 30th birthday celebration. Can’t wait!
Will there be character meals at this resort? If so how can I find out information about this?
My folks were celebrating their 47th anniversary in Hawaii and just returned over the weekend. The only thing I asked of them was to take a few photos of the resort for me. They said they couldn’t find it!! LOL!! Guess I have to save my pennies now and find it myself.
Aulani what dose this word mean in the native tongue on the island?
Great time lapse video John! My family and I loved all the tilt shift videos David Roark shot. We really enjoy seeing what the photographers/videographers are shooting in the parks! What camera and lenses did you use for this? We are all so excited for Aulani to open!
Maria- You would not be surprised then, to learn that David Roark did, indeed, shoot this time-lapse video- in stills. He is quite the master of this technique, and continues to raise the bar, don’t you think?
I was there!!!! It’s so cool to see this posted on here. After Mickey was done posing for shots, they let the kids destroy the sculpture. Then Mickey went closer to Aulani for pictures with everyone. It was really a cool surprise. 🙂
As a travel professional with over 20 years experience, I am looking forward to having another Disney product for folks to choose from. I think Disney and Hawaii are a perfect match. Can’t wait until the resort opens. I know it’s going to be done as only Disney can do. And the location is great. Away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and yet will all the things you love about Hawaii. And close enough that you can go see everything the island has to offer.
OMGosh! I just can’t wait! DisneyWorld is my favorite place and Hawaii is my second favorite place….Find me under the palm trees in the shade having a drink with an umbrella.
Sounds like a fun place, can’t wait for more updates…. gives another reason to go to Hawaii
How do I get a job there? I am ready to work Micky…Ahola
Ok, I am there!!!! when and how do I get a job there…Aloha
How fun! It’s a good thing they got pictures of the sculpture. It’s beautiful!
How cool is that? A business trip to Ko Olina to sculpt a sand sculpture of Mickey Mouse. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it!
how will the sculpture not get destroyed by either weather or some people accidentally bumping into it?
Authorized Disney vacation planners (that would be me!) are already booking vacations for the Aulani Resort. I had the opportunity to visit the resort about three weeks ago; I sure do wish I’d been able to see the sand art personally! I did get to see the DVC units and have an extensive write up/photos about my experience
way cool can’t wait to come and stay!
Is Aulani resort taking reservations now?
Is there a travel agent who specificly handles family packages for this resort?
Need to know cause we want to plan a family trip to stay at the Aulani Resort.
Roxanne
Yes, you can make your reservation online now.
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