Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa

Always enjoy the lazy pool.

Really beautiful grounds, and beautiful resort with fantastic rooms. But be aware that if you book a “standard” view, there is a good chance it will be a mostly blocked view. Our standard view room is mostly just looking at the side of a building (two stories up from lobby floor) for the next two weeks. So keep this in mind when booking! On the positive side, since I now won’t spend the any of trip sitting on the porch enjoying the view, it will definitely encourage us to leave the resort a lot more and explore the rest of beautiful Oahu!

Prior to my visit, I was confident Disney’s top-notch customer service and attention to detail would be the factors that distinguished Aulani from other resorts. Though it goes without saying Aulani is a beautiful property, the amenities are worth nowhere close to the given price tag, and the Disney standard for hospitality / customer service was sorely lacking. The good things about Aulani (nice beaches, pools, and sunsets) could be found at an island resort at another destination for half the cost and significantly better customer service. I’m not joking when I say the Polynesian at WDW was more like what I expected an actual Hawaiian resort to be (and at least I got a complimentary lei there, unlike Aulani!). During my stay, I stayed in both a studio and one of the hotel rooms available to book with DVC points. The studio was cute and very similar to ones I’ve stayed in at other DVC resorts, both in the design of the room and amenities. The hotel room, however, was pretty beat and not worth the price tag at all (stained furniture, half-working shower head, dollar-store shower curtain, dust, etc.); it looked like it had been a while since attention was given to the room. It’s worth noting that, had I paid cash, both of these rooms would’ve cost $750 a night during the relative “low” season; to be blunt, the room didn’t feel like it was worth half that price. Though trivial details don’t make or break a vacation, they reflect the limited effort put into offering an experience that matches the premium price tag. In terms of resort offerings, the beach was one of the few places that had a “paradise” feel; likewise, the infinity pool overlooking the beach was an oasis. The lazy river was nice at times, though often became filled with debris and kids messing around with inner tubes as the day went on (which also made it hard to find a tube at times). Beyond the pools, room tours, and character spots, it was hard to find an activity that wasn’t a “premium experience” (i.e., extra money). The amount of adults who signed up for ukelele lessons admittedly because it was a free activity (pretty much the entire room) was hysterical and reflected the limited nature of complimentary offerings. I didn’t travel with kids, but I can’t imagine how much would’ve been spent if opting to do the various paid offerings (and before thinking you can just tell your kids “no” to all of these activities, the plenty of screaming/crying kids around the resort will tell you otherwise - the lifeguards were looking for a couple missing kids per day). Overall, I was disappointed in the staff at Aulani - the disdain for tourism was evident in quite a few, while others were friendly enough to play the game but seemed insincere. Across the course of my trip, I only had a handful of interactions with staff members that actually came off as genuine (gift shop and character attendants). The front desk staff was pretty stoic and not very welcoming or helpful. Weekend

Amazing hotel for the family - memories cherished. So many features of this hotel made the experience so unforgettable - Character breakfast - Lazy River tube ride - Beach - Lua’u (must book with hotel before 5pm) The resort has its own private beach access, this made the beach a special experience, Especially at sunset. Free body board hire for the beach. The character breakfast was so much fun. Professional photographers will snap your family and Mickey to remember the experience. Thank you will get a visit from Chef Pluto, Max and Chip n’ Dale. I recommend a Lua’u it’s catered for children with lots of activities from taro making to tattooing. Everyone is welcomed with beads and a wrist Lai. The show is incredible and the storyline is easy to follow and so enjoyable to watch. Get in early, the queue is long. The show is 3hrs (5pm-9pm) kids may fall asleep in your lap.

We had a wonderful stay at Aulani. The beds were comfortable and we had a fantastic view (garden view hotel room on top floor). All cast members we encountered were very sweet. Loved the swan and anniversary card that greeted us in the room. We enjoyed Off the Hook and Ulu Cafe. The character breakfast was delicious and fun! Also appreciated the restaurants and shops across the street. We found the lower veranda casabellas by Ama Ama quiet, relaxing with a wonderful view. We also had a great time at the Animation class.

This is not our first trip to Aulani but may be our last. Our arrival on our first trip was the absolute definition of aloha - smiles, leis, tokens for kids, and ice water. Bags grabbed from car without hesitation. Our trip prior to this one was very disappointing with all of the "magic" taken away - but it was 2021 so excuses were made. But I was hesitant to come back. Unfortunately it is my special needs kid's favorite place in the world so I was open to giving it another shot. (Besides we are Disney nuts so we want it to have been just a bad blip.) On arrival: Not one person at arrival offered to help with our numerous huge bags. No one greeted us with lei, water or even an Aloha. They expect you to do their job and use a phone key that does not work. I cannot believe that I am subjecting myself to days of fighting for a chair when there is no longer any sense of welcome. Should have just stayed in Waikiki.

Good hotel but the food, spa and other activities are ridiculously overpriced. Not worth the price for what’s there. I wont be back to stay there. A breakfast sandwich costs $17. Nasty coffee is $6-10 a cup depending. Small cheese pizza is $20. Be ready!