With the holidays approaching, many of us are looking forward to cool wintery days, hopefully filled with family, hot cocoa and warm hearts. A little over a year ago, my family and I were blessed with the opportunity to stay at the soon-to-be-opened Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Hawai’i was everything my family imagined and more.
We literally bumped into Imagineer Joe Rohde in the lobby and he took us on a walking tour of the main floor and gave us his thoughts and vision behind the making of the resort. Wow.
Our Moms Panelist Jill Cooper fell in love with Aulani after attending the grand opening events. She is planning another vacation to the lush resort that’s nestled between the crystal blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the emerald green mountains of Oahu.
She has a few tips for making your vacation to this enchanting destination even more memorable.
- Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture. “Enjoy authentic Hawaiian music and dancing at the resort’s exclusive Starlit Hui. Take one of the free tours of Aulani’s art. The resort has one of the largest collections of contemporary Hawaiian art in the country. Learn a few words of the beautiful native tongue of Hawai’i in the Mo’ Olelo room.”
- Fun for the kids. “Take your children to explore the offerings made just for them, throughout the resort. Have older children visit Painted Sky, the teen spa, and then have them relax at Rip Swirl, the smoothie bar! Tweens will enjoy the chance to meet their new friends at pool parties in the Waikolohe Valley. Aunty’s Beach House is for kids 3 to 12. They can spend hours in the dress-up room, science lab, high tech play area, and movie room if you let them!”
- Fun for adults. “While your kids have their own fun, I highly recommend an escape to Laniwai, Aulani’s award-winning spa. I have never visited a more beautiful or welcoming place. Arrive early for your scheduled appointment so that you can take advantage of the relaxing outdoor hydrotherapy garden.”
- Explore the island. “There are many adventures and tours you can book like kayaking right at the resort. Make sure to call in advance of your vacation to reserve your experience.”
- Disney magic. “To me, Aulani is an immersive Hawaiian experience but you can also enjoy some traditional Disney fun here as well. Check the Daily ‘Iwa (a free guest newsletter) to see the times and locations when Disney characters will appear.”
Visit www.disneyworldmoms.com for more Aulani trip planning advice. Aloha!
See more of what there is to experience at Aulani in the posts below:
Comments
Hi Laura!
Imagine my joy when I saw your post today, double that when it was about Disney’s Aulani Resort, and compound that when I read Jill’s experience!
We had the pleasure of a day long visit to Disney’s Aulani Resort last July and we are determined to return as guests. Beginning with our delicious breakfast at Makahiki and marveling at the coconut shell, tiled wall to learning about the history of Hawai’i through the artistic depictions on the walls and ceiling throughout the resort. Looking for all the little Menehune’s and a perky visit with Minnie Mouse made it a most memorable day.
Thank you for sharing this informative post, you certainly brightened my day and brought back a flood of memories!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Best regards,
Jackie
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