Time to put on your sunglasses and start singing Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride
Welcome to the resort where Lilo & Stitch was (probably) filmed. Disney Aulani is a small slice of paradise that many people don’t know about, and guests usually raise an eyebrow when we tell them about Disney’s beach resort in the Aloha State. Yes, it’s true! Mickey does have a home there, in a compact but gorgeous resort with some of the best swimming pools you can find.
Aulani Resort is pretty expensive but offers great food, tons of entertainment options, and some fantastic events, including character meet-and-greets, for those looking for something new from Disney. It’s perfect for anyone who might be a little tired after visiting Disney World 208 times a week or traveling the world with Disney Cruise Line.
What we like about Disney Aulani Resort
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The Disney touch is probably the best thing about this resort. So, what do we mean by that? We’re simply confirming that the service is top-notch and the place looks gorgeous and well-maintained. Seriously, this might be one of the most beautiful beach resorts in the world. You don’t just see the typical Disney touch scattered in specific places, as it’s seamlessly blended with an elegant Hawaiian touch. In fact, Aulani is home to the largest collection of contemporary Hawaiian art in the world.
Pools are another great perk of Disney Aulani Resort. There are actually eight main pools, which is a huge number for a resort that isn’t too big. They even have a snorkeling lagoon where you can dive in, check out the fish, and discover plenty of cool Disney touches underwater. I’d say the star of the show is the lazy river, which winds through the center of the resort and offers some awesome views of Aulani. The pools are top-notch and definitely better than the main beach.
And, of course, Aulani is great for kids. They offer a bunch of activities, a ton of meet-and-greets, and even a luau with Moana that children can attend and enjoy. That’s not even considering the cool lei-making, hula lessons, movies under the stars, or the chance to cook some marshmallows.
What we don’t like about Disney Aulani Resort
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The first and major issue with Aulani is the price. It can already be expensive to plan a trip to Hawaii, and then a room starts at about $650 per night. Let’s also not forget that Aulani isn’t an All-Inclusive resort, so you have to pay for drinks and food, and restaurants aren’t cheap. If you decide to rent a car to explore Hawaii, parking at Aulani is also $40 a night. If you add all this, a vacation at Aulani can get really, really expensive, which is a bit of a bummer.
The second issue is that Hawaii is pretty far. I know, this isn’t directly related to Aulani itself, but a flight from California to Hawaii can still take about 6 hours. Not only that, there isn’t a free shuttle from the airport to Aulani, so you’ll need to drive for about 40 minutes to an hour. It’s a tiring journey that adds to the overall cost.
If you’re a big Disney fan and want to explore one of the most beautiful resorts in the world, I’d say Aulani is still worth it. It’s expensive, sure, and there are better options if you’re on a budget, but nothing can beat the amazing Disney service, the cleanliness, and how everyone always looks so happy and ready to give you a hug. If you want to take a break from Disney World and Disney Cruise Line, this could be your next stop.
